Exceptional Homes and Downtown's South Main Street: A Bowling Green Tour

Embark on an intriguing journey through Bowling Green's vibrant past as we uncover the tales of the oil barons and entrepreneurs who shaped this city long before the arrival of its state university. Join me, Tedd Long, on this fascinating walking tour through the southern part of downtown BG, where classic landmarks come to life with intriguing stories waiting to be discovered. I’m an award-winning history author and lover of Northwest Ohio antiquity. By the end of this tour, I guarantee you'll be shaking your head in amazement, thinking to yourself, Wow, I never knew that!

Our adventure begins outside the historic Dunn Funeral Home, once the residence of the illustrious J.R. Hankey. This multifaceted figure left an indelible mark on Bowling Green's landscape as a banker, builder, state senator, and founder of Hankey Lumber Co. From there, we'll head south on Wooster Street, passing by Wooster Green and beyond. At the same time, I regale you with captivating tales of the city's storied past.

During our tour, you can look forward to:

• Gazing upon the grandeur of the Milliken Hotel, where luminaries such as Ernest Hemingway, H.J. Heinz, Warren G. Harding, and Clark Gable once stayed.
• Admiring the exquisite beauty of Bowling Green's First Presbyterian Church, adorned with 24 stunning stained-glass windows.
• Delving into the daring escapades of bank robber Pretty Boy Floyd, who made a dramatic escape after a deadly encounter with Bowling Green police.
• Marveling at the whimsical facade of the Commercial Bank building, adorned with two charming heads of cattle.
• Learning about the progressive ideals of J.R. Hankey and his groundbreaking approach to employee relations.
• Passing by the historic Four Corners, a pivotal intersection forming part of the iconic Dixie Highway—a route conceived in 1914 to unite the Midwest with the South.

Allow yourself at least an hour to fully immerse yourself in the tour's rich tapestry of history. As we wander, you'll encounter many inviting bars and restaurants—perfect for a leisurely pause to savor the local flavors.

Don't miss this opportunity to journey through Bowling Green's captivating past and uncover the hidden gems within its historic streets.