Sandusky County is offering one final history and flashlight tour of the former jail on Fremont’s Croghan Street before the series pauses for the winter. The tour, scheduled for Nov. 11, gives residents a chance to walk through the historic building that now serves as the county commissioners’ and coroner’s offices.
Historic background
John Havens, superintendent of buildings and grounds for the Hayes Presidential Center, explained that the jail opened around 1892 and operated for roughly a century. The structure originally contained 22 individual cells spread over three floors – two floors for men and one floor for women – designed so each inmate had a separate space while still allowing limited interaction.
Havens noted that a large door could be closed to isolate a prisoner, effectively creating solitary confinement by the standards of the time. The basement of the building holds an even older piece of history. In 1840, Sandusky County had only one jail for all crimes, and the current north wing occupies part of that original facility.
Stories from the past
During the tours, guides share colorful anecdotes, including the tale of Samuel Tannyhill, a local figure whose violent crime and daring escape have become part of Fremont folklore. According to Havens, Tannyhill allegedly saved up salt and pepper to throw at a deputy, overpowered the officer, and fled the jail, only to be recaptured later and sentenced to death row.
Visitors also hear about a 1868 letter documenting the jail’s practice of locking a 10‑year‑old boy with adult male prisoners – a reminder of how correctional standards have evolved.
Visitor experience
The tours are conducted in the dark, with participants using flashlights to navigate the corridors. Havens recalled a recent reaction from a young woman on a tour who said, “I would never come back here. This is awful,” prompting him to ask if the staff had done something wrong. She replied, “No, there are people in there. And you shouldn’t just be dragging us into where they’re at.” The comment underscores the emotional impact of stepping into a space that once held real lives and stories.
Tickets are available online, and walk‑ins are welcome. After Nov. 11, the county plans to pause the tours until the spring, when the program will resume for another season of local history.
Why the tours matter
Beyond entertainment, the tours serve as a living history lesson for Fremont residents and visitors alike. By preserving and sharing the jail’s story, Sandusky County helps the community understand its past, honor the experiences of those who lived through it, and appreciate the evolution of local justice facilities.
For anyone interested in Ohio’s heritage, the flashlight tour offers a unique glimpse into a building that has transitioned from a place of confinement to a hub of county governance, all while retaining the echoes of its storied past.
Original reporting: 13abc WTVG Toledo (news) — read the source article.
