Some time ago, I wrote about an auction I attended, at the company where my dad worked for over 50 years, Zollinger’s, in Piqua, Ohio.
A little history on the Zollinger Co.’s origin.
Samuel Zollinger, born Aug. 22, 1838, became a clerk in his father’s grocery store, after he completed his education in Piqua schools and continued there until 1860. He went to California, remaining until 1863.
Upon Samuel’s return to Piqua, he entered into a partnership with his father and was always identified with the leading interests of Piqua.
Mr. Zollinger remained in retail for almost three decades, until 1890, when he and his brother John formed the present company.
A Hardy Soul
Ever since that time, the business has been exclusively wholesale and conducted under the name of The S. Zollinger Company,
Samuel died at the age of 73 in 1911 and he still was active in the business, having worked a full shift one day prior to his untimely death. A member of the Zollinger family always was involved with the business until it was sold to the family holding the auction.
The Zollinger building was designed by architect William Earl Russ and completed in 1917. Mr. Russ had offices in Dayton and Indianapolis. Of his Miami Valley (Dayton area) designs, he is best known for designing Dayton’s Memorial Hall. In Indianapolis he designed the WPA apartments, which are now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Zollinger Building bears a striking resemblance to the medieval era City Hall of Florence, Italy – the Palazzo Vecchio (Italian for “Old Place”).
Early in Mr. Russ’s career, he was sent to Europe by a client to conduct research. It is believed he visited Florence and toured the Palazzo Vecchio. The Romanesque arches, the medieval shields, and the battlements of the Old Place no doubt were imprinted in his memory. Later, he produced a version of it for the Zollinger commission.
Nearly a Millenium
The Palazzo Vecchio was constructed largely between 1299 and 1302. It’s one of the outstanding city halls in the entire Tuscany region. For centuries, it was at the heart of political and social life of Florence. To this day, it is the seat of the municipal government of the City Of Florence.
It’s more than just remarkable that Piqua, Ohio, is home to a structure so closely tied to the style of a famous Renaissance palace. It’s like finding a rare gem –of brick and terra cotta. On an Ohio Historic Inventory form in 1978, one comment says “this building is probably the most solid built structure in Piqua and is in very good condition”.
In my previous article, I mentioned that, the building is for sale. At present, negotiations are taking place for the sale of the building. I am pleased to say that my previous article was quoted in the potential purchaser’s Application for a Special Use Permit.
What does the purchaser have in store for this unique building?
On the permit application, he listed loft condos and retail. Hopefully, I will be able to share more with you as this or another project develops for an outstanding building.
Mr. Hennessey may be contacted at pmhenn@sbcglobal.net
