Spengler's celebrates 125 years - Napoleon, OH - News Article Locations on Waymarking.com

News article text:
"NAPOLEON — A long-time Napoleon eatery will be celebrating its 125th anniversary.

“It’s definitely something to celebrate,” said Chery Weideman, owner of Spengler’s. “Not many businesses around the county can say that (they are 125 years old). It’s fun celebrating and giving back to the community.”

Spengler’s will have its anniversary celebration from noon-11 p.m. Aug. 19. Not only will the business at 713 Perry St. be open, but North Perry Street between Clinton and Washington streets will be closed for the anniversary celebration as well.

Outside, there will be live music, a cornhole tournament, silent auction, 50/50 drawings, food and other activities. Proceeds from outside events will benefit two organizations in the community — the Together We Can Make a Difference Initiatives and PiLLars of Success.

The Together We Can Make A Difference Initiatives helps people with basic needs and resources that are not available with any government assistance programs. PiLLars of Success provides short-term housing and refers supportive services to homeless people.

“What I like about these organizations is that they help people learn,” said Weideman. “It’s like that old proverb — ‘give a man a fish, he’ll eat for a day. Teach a man to fish and he’ll eat for a lifetime.’ They give people help but also teach them how to get on their feet.”

Kelli Burkhardt, executive director of the Together We Can Make a Difference Initiatives and board member for PiLLars of Success, said that Spengler’s using its anniversary celebration to help the community really talks about its dedication to the region.

“Spengler’s is a gathering place,” she said. “The community supports Spengler’s and Spengler’s supports the community.”

There is even a historic example of that from the mid-1970s. Community Bank purchased the Spengler building in 1975 and planned to demolish it. However, the community rallied together and gathered more than 3,500 signatures to save the long-time pub and grocery. Several depositors also withdrew their money from the bank to persuade it to reconsider tearing down the building.

Weideman said that the community has made Spengler’s what it is today.

“And that’s just not Napoleon, but all of northwest Ohio,” she said.

Weidenman said admission to the 125th anniversary celebration is free, but individuals may give a free-will donation at the door to the two organizations.

Live entertainment will run from noon-11 p.m. Music will be provided by Marv Mt. Castle & Tony Godsey, The Young Guns, Beg to Differ and Chris Shutters Quartet. There will be 50/50 drawings four times throughout the day — 3, 6, 8 and 11 p.m. People need not be present to win.

Registration for the cornhole tournament will be at noon, with the event starting at 1 p.m. Entry fee is $30 per team with 100 percent payout.

There also will be a raffle for a week’s stay at Hilton Head. Anyone age 21 or older who enters Spengler’s on Aug. 19 will receive a free entry into the drawing for the stay. The winner will be announced on Sunday.

There also will be a silent auction that will include several items such as a big-screen TV, Weber grill, Red Wing work boots, four Detroit Tigers tickets, a VIP experience at Rhinegeist Brewery in Cincinnati and more.

Food available outside includes burgers, brats and Spengler’s famous two on rye (two casing hot dogs served on two slices of rye bread). Inside, Spengler’s patrons can order their favorite dishes on the menu.

Both Weideman and Burkhardt hope to see some old and new faces at the celebration.

Spengler’s was opened in 1892 by William Spengler. Spengler and a partner, Gustave Kohler had owned Spengler & Kohler Grocery prior to that. Spengler sold his interest in that business in 1882, before opening the grocery store and pub in its current location on North Perry Street in Napoleon.

“There was always a pub in the back,” Weideman said. “The grocery kept them going in the Prohibition days.”

William Spengler retired in 1894, selling the business to his brothers, Ernest and Herman, as well as an interest to Charles Walters. The Spengler brothers bought out Walters. The brothers’ partnership dissolved in 1902 with Herman still running the business. Herman eventually sold the business back back to William Spengler, who then sold it back to Ernest.

Upon Ernest Spengler’s death in 1949, Fred Freppel and Bill Schuldt, who had been clerks in the store, took over the business. A decade later, Freppel was the sole owner.

Freppel passed in 1978, with his wife, Rozella, and daughter, Renee, continuing to operate the business until John and Connie Wulff purchased it in 1985. In 2002, Weideman took over the business.

Weideman said while the anniversary celebration is Aug. 19, the actual anniversary is Sept. 8.

“We’ll do something special that day too,” she said.

Type of publication: Newspaper When was the article reported?: 08/11/2017 Publication: The Crescent News Article Url: [Web Link] Is Registration Required?: no How widespread was the article reported?: local News Category: Business/Finance

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