Backing up that conclusion is this listing (above) from the 1903 Lorain City Directory. (Click on it for a larger view.) It lists both "Mrs. Kitty Ferguson" as well as "David Ferguson" as living on Globeville Road. (You might remember from "Auntie" Ferguson's obituary that her son David lived with her.)
I was unable to find any other listing of "Auntie" Ferguson in the two available pre-1900 city directories. I did find a David Ferguson listed as a teamster in the 1912 directory, then living at 217 Florida Avenue. But after that, I could find no other possible listings of any of "Auntie's" children. So I'm afraid I hit a dead end in that regard.
"Auntie" Ferguson lived "beyond the gas works" according to one of her obituaries. The brick building for the former gas works is still there on E. 21st Street, next to the Access Road for the Henderson Bridge. (However, I'm not sure if the building dates back to "Auntie's" time or not – it might be a newer one.)
Here is what the building looks like today.
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| Looking east on E. 21st Street |
 2012 Map
And here is the full view looking east down E. 21st Street where it trails onto the grounds of Republic Steel. It's hard to believe that more than a hundred years ago, this was Globeville Road, leading to "Auntie" Ferguson's cabin.
 And here's an aerial view, showing how this area relates to the whole steel mill complex. (Click on this and all of the graphics for a larger view.)  As time goes on, I'll keep my eyes open for any other information on "Auntie" Ferguson. (Thanks again to Dennis and Drew for their help!) |
7 comments:
Is that near East Ave? Please do follow up. Notice how many Feldkamps in the directory?
Yup, East Avenue dead-ends right there at E. 21st, just a tiny bit west of the old gas company; it's on the old maps I posted yesterday too, but it's unmarked.
I notice the directory also lists an L.R. Ferguson who was a teamster. One of the obituaries said her two sons who lived in Lorain were David and C.R. Ferguson. You and I have previously discussed how initials were often mixed up in the old directories and other listings. Have you tried to follow up on L.R./C.R. Ferguson?
And I'm grateful that I'm able to contribute in some way, Dan. You've been a big help to me.
Hey, that's a good idea, Drew! I'll check it out--thanks!
Dan, thank you so much for this series on Auntie Ferguson. Very interesting and informative!
Hi Lisa,
I'm glad you find this interesting! I've been digging around the library, but it's not going to be easy finding out more about "Auntie." I'm hoping my usual dumb luck prevails and I find something while looking for something else! I also plan to dig around at the BRHS.
do you have any information on Arvays potato chip co. Started by the Arvay family in their garage some where in lorain. It was quit a popular product when I was a kid in the early 50s
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