Sylvania OKs money to aid Lathrop move

Sylvania City Council last night authorized a contribution of $50,000 for the relocation of the Lathrop House on Main Street.

Mayor Craig Stough said that for historical purposes many people would prefer that the building, which is said to have been a stop on the Underground Railroad, stay on its current site, but acknowledged that the structure and its surrounding four acres is owned by the Catholic Diocese of Toledo and the church has a right to demand that it be moved.

The property was purchased last year for the expansion of St. Joseph Church directly across Main Street. The parish obtained a demolition permit, but has agreed not to raze the building while efforts are ongoing to move it.

A group known as The Friends of the Lathrop House has raised about $27,000 toward an initial goal of about $115,000 to move the building.

The city of Sylvania has also pledged its intent to find a new location for the structure.

In its resolution, council called on the Sylvania Township trustees to match their contribution and noted that the board of the Olander Park System is considering using the house for its headquarters. Though the city pledged the money, the resolution stated that the funds would not be released until the citizens’ group accumulated the financial commitment needed to move the house.