To the Editor:
The events of the last few months have helped us realize that we are, first,
keepers of this fragile earth and one human race, and, secondly, proud
Americans ever ready to demonstrate our belief in freedom for all.
During the last month, our family and many other individuals have found a
related, local cause to fight for ­ the preservation of the historic Lathrop
(Vogt) House on South Main Street in Sylvania, Ohio.
The Lathrop House is one of the oldest remaining Greek Revival style,
timber-framed homes in Sylvania. That significance alone would be reason
enough to save it, however, the Lathrop House represents much more to our
local history. It is one of few regional places associated with the quest
for freedom that many African-American slaves sought in the mid-1800¹s by
following trails that led north to Canada. Known as the "Underground
Railroad," it was laid out by those who understood that, though considered
property by their owners, slaves were human beings and children of God. Many
"safe houses" were set up by those who illegally wanted to help slaves
escape to freedom in Canada. One such safe house was the Lathrop home in
Sylvania, which was reached via the ravine behind the property.
For these reasons, it is imperative that we not only preserve this structure
and the ravine on which it sets, but also educate our citizens as to the
many, but all equally important, struggles for freedom that our great
country has fostered.

Patricia Ligibel
Sylvania
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To the Editor:
With all the recent acts of heroism in New York and at the Pentagon, the
preponderance of patriotism and sincere love of country, why are we not
exhibiting a more forthright and clear concern about our past? After all,
isn't our history part of who we are today? So therefore, let's take good
care of a small but historical house in Sylvania. It may not seem like much,
but the house, a station on the Underground Railroad, is an example of how
the need for freedom can win over great opposition. Knowing full well that
this 1835 house must be saved, let's think carefully and clearly how to best
preserve this historical treasure. My plea is to slow down, remember our
past, think carefully, and let our children see, with their own eyes, how much
we value our freedom. That's why we must fight to preserve this house today!
May God Bless America.

Martha Houston
Fairway Lane
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To the Editor:
As a resident of northwest Ohio, I feel obligated to make it known that the
events in Sylvania concerning the Lathrop House pour over into a greater
history than mere local legend. The Lathrop House is a monument of American
history, and although there is no written documentation to verify its place
as a stop on the Underground Railroad, there is verbal tradition. And as a
friend of mine points out in a recent essay I read, it seems hypocritical of
both St. Joseph Church and the Toledo Diocese to denounce the credibility of
oral history.
If stories passed from generation to generation are regarded as meaningless,
then we lose a magical part of humanity. Without it where would Homer's
epics "The Odyssey" and "The Iliad" piece into our culture, or Santa Claus
and fairy tales, or even, dare I say, the Bible? All of these are based on
verbal legends, and if the Catholic Church wishes to slander the credibility
of traditions like these, then in doing so, haven't they damned the
integrity of their faith as well?
Just a thought.

Robert Norlander
Perrysburg