Highlights of Wakeman
The first horse came to Wakeman in 1817.
The first barn was built in 1823 by Justin Sherman.
The first frame house was built in 1827 by Justin Sherman.
A freight house, 2 wooden sheds and a water tank were built in 1853.
Prior to 1878 there was a covered bridge over the Vermilion River.
The first concrete bridge was opened December 10, 1908.
The present bridge was built in 1934.
Local telephone service began in 1908.
Electricity came in 1921 from Birmingham by way of Butler Road.
Wakeman was incorporated February 9, 1922.
The first stop light in Wakeman was installed in 1948. The brick and the interior chestnut for the Congregational Church came from the Minott Pierce farm on Route 60 North.
Cover photo by James Olsen
Editorial Staff Chairman: George and Mildred Dalton Editorial Committee: Clarissa Bauer, Jack Bement, Lucille Buckley, Treva Nestor, Helen Nolan, Gussie Olsen, Louise Preslan Photography: James Olsen Picture Restoration: Robert Bement, Jack Bement, Warren Ward Early History: Louise Preslan Irish History: Helen Nolan Organizational Representatives Congregational Church: Lucille Buckley, Nelson Green Village Council: Forest Fletcher Eastern Stars and Masons: James Snyder Firemen: Harold Divers Garden Club: Clarissa Bauer Homecoming Committee: Dr. and Mrs. David Ockenga Legion and Auxiliary: Leroy and Beverly Stober Library: William and Gussie Olsen St. Mary's Church: Patrick and Helen Nolan Grange: George and Mildred Dalton, Treva Nestor Township Trustees: William Dalton Our thanks to the many families who contributed pictures, information, and encouragement. Due to limited time we surely overloaded some important sidelights of Wakeman history. Please accept our apologies for any errors or omissions committed by our group of well meaning amateurs.
Printed by Lincoln Litho, Oberlin, Ohio
Designed and Maintained by:
Shoestring Creations © 1999 All Rights Reserved