A. A. Bungart’s Impressions of Avon in the Old Days

It is very fortunate that back in the 1950s and 60s the Lorain Journal was committed to preserving the history of Lorain County.

As noted on this blog, many of the stories that the paper published back then contain historical information and first-hand recollections and reminisces that otherwise would be unavailable today.

Here’s a good example by Journal Staff Writer Bill Wilgren that ran in the Journal on May 15, 1967.

It’s an interview with Professor Aloysius A. Bungart, who moved to Avon in 1908 and served as Mayor in the late 1930s. The article includes Professor Bungart's impressions of Avon in the ‘old days,’ as well as his opinions on the problems facing the country back then (which contain one term that is considered offensive today).

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A. A. Bungart View Avon in Retrospect
by BILL WILGREN
Staff Writer

AVON – How does a man view modern life who has lived in the community for 59 years? What are some of his lasting impressions of the past?

PROF. ALOYSIUS A. Bungart, 38960 Detroit Road, who taught English literature at John Carroll University for 40 years, and has served as Avon councilman and mayor, said, “Progress has an ominous ring.

“I think modern society with its rat race, makes people more neurotic and dissatisfied. Other than advances in medical science, I believe my grandparents lived a richer, fuller, freer life.”

Speaking with a wry smile and a twinkle in his eye, Bungart said, “I’m a moss back, a dodo, a reactionary, but, I’m proud of it.”

HE BELIEVES improvements are inevitable for Avon. “The city has 20 square miles, almost the area of Lorain. When you consider sewer improvements, you have to look at the many acres of undeveloped land which is not even accessible by road.”

What are his impressions of the past?

“My sister, Dora, was born in a log house in Sheffield Village when Detroit Road was a dirt path. There was an old grist mill south of Detroit Road near French Creek.

“Most of the truck farmers traveled to Cleveland market by horse and wagon.

"The town water pump was located in front of what today is the library. People came from miles around to get water.

“FRENCH CREEK Tavern was open when I moved here in 1908. You could go in there with five cents, have a glass of beer and have all the lunch you could eat.

“City hall was located in the present library building on SR 611 at Detroit Road. There were about 1,500 residents mostly farmers – when I moved here.

“I went to work in the old days by taking the Avon Beach Park trolley to Cleveland Electric Illuminating Co., in Avon Lake then I’d transfer to the Lake Shore Electric to get to Public Square in Cleveland.

THE VOLUNTEER Fire Department was started in the 1930’s. I was mayor from 1938 to 1940 and was on council 10 years before that.

“The cemetery on Center Road and SR 254 was probably an old Indian mound. Many Indian artifacts have been found in Avon.”

On the modern scene:

“It’s futile to talk about universal peace. I vehemently deny that poverty is the principle motive for crime.

“I’m afraid the colored situation will get worse before it gets better,” Bungart said.

HE SUPPORTS the war effort. “I’m a hawk as far as Vietnam is concerned.”

Professor Bungart likes Avon.

“The Bungarts are Roman Catholic of German ancestry and for almost 60 years our family has lived in a predominantly Protestant neighborhood. I cannot recall a single instance of prejudice, intolerance or bigotry.

“May such an atmosphere of living togetherness permeate Avon, the nation and the world,” he said.