Toledo is a city in Ohio. Founded in 1883 on the west bank of the Maumee River. Toledo was very slow to expand during its first two decades of settlement. Industrial development began in the 1830s with the arrival of the railroads and the discovery of local deposits of petroleum and natural gas in 1844. Several industries began to emerge in the city, including furniture, carriage maker, railroad manufacturing and glass production. These industries attracted many immigrants by the end of the 19th century.

Toledo continued to expand in population and industry into the early 20th century. However, Toledo was hit hard with high unemployment rates during the Great Depression. As World War II started, the industries shifted their focus on wartime production, and unemployment concerns disappeared. Toledo has a genuine world-class art museum, best metro parks in the country, libraries, restaurants, and symphony.

Here below are some historical photos that give a glimpse of old Toledo at the beginning of the 20th century.