Possible Underground Railroad Stop in Jeopardy

The Vogt House, located on North Main Street in Sylvania, is in imminent danger of demolition.  St. Joseph Catholic Church has announced its intention to demolish the 1835 frame house, which oral tradition confirms served as a stop on the active Underground Railroad line through Northwest Ohio. Reports indicate that the parish intends to proceed with this action, even through church officials acknowledge that final plans for the 12 acres - which include the house site - have yet to be completed.  On November 5, Sylvania City Council passed a non-binding resolution in favor of the house's preservation.  This was followed on November 13 by an editorial in the Toledo Blade calling on parishioners to reconsider their plans.