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Much of what gives Marietta its ambiance today is credited to the burst of development in industry, businesses, infrastructure, and homes in the late 1880s through the early 1900s. The 1890s was a transitional decade from the receding stiffness of the Victorian Era to a spirit of progressiveness with new technologies and inventions.
A major reason Marietta's economy thrived was due to the development of local oil and natural gas finds in southeastern Ohio. As stated in the Century Review of Marietta, local historian and scientist Dr. Hildreth predicted in 1826 that oil and natural gas "will be used soon for lighting the streets of Ohio cities." By the 1860s, the value of oil and natural gas was realized in sufficient quantities in Duck Creek, Cow Creek, and Macksburg. By 1900, Marietta would become the hub of the industry with more than 20 companies directly related to the oil and natural gas industry.
Big business expanded the commercial district with large brick and stone buildings that replaced some of the smaller framed structures. Otto Brothers Department Store and the Strecker Brothers Company, both uniquely significant, opened huge stores in the relatively new business area of Putnam Street. Entrepreneurs found enough confidence in the economy to add two new financial institutions in 1889: Citizens National Bank and the German National Bank. The Marietta Chair Company, the Nye Stove Foundry, the Knox Boatyard and others employed tremendous work forces. Increased industries allowed for wholesale grocers, such as Penrose & Simpson on Front Street and Worrall Grocery on Second Street, to establish businesses that could reach outside of the city. Washington County farmers, particularly the Thornily Brothers, enjoyed increased demand and with horse-drawn wagons ladened with fruits and vegetables used the Second Street depot to ship the goods by railroad to other cities. Marietta boasted ten downtown hotels. The St. Cloud Hotel, rebuilt in brick by Elizabeth Cisler Gross, was known as one of the finest in southeastern Ohio. Traveling businessmen and visitors lodged in the modern accommodations with a first-rate dining room for only a dollar per day. The impressive, modern Bellevue Hotel (present site of the Lafayette Hotel), known for having one of the first elevators in the area, overlooked the scenic Ohio River and drew lodgers arriving daily by steamboats. With material comforts in demand and cash flowing, Marietta's growth was at a prospering peak.
Downtown Marietta flourished with retail businesses of all kinds. Florists, clothiers, bakers, bookbinders, milliners, jewelers, dressmakers, and tailors of gentlemen's fine suits were all in demand. Merchants no longer just provided staples. Stores marketed services and provisions for a fine cultural life. For example, Miss M. Eno Brown advertised her Modern Hair Dressing and Manicuring Parlor, where hair could be properly dressed for receptions, balls, parties, and the theater. A portrait could be made at the Ideal Art Studio, a Turkish bath could be enjoyed at the Marietta Sanitarium, and clothing could be taken to the Chinese laundry. The India Spice and Drug Company provided seasonings for refined culinary tastes, and Styer's Sarsaparilla store served beverages and a blood purifier for good health. Marietta catered the finer accouterments to the ladies and gentlemen of the community in ways accustomed for people in larger cities.
Note: this is an adaptation from the book, "Behind the Doors of Historic Marietta" by Jann K. Adams.
To learn more about the Washington County Historical Society services and membership, call 740-373-1788 or visit wchshistory.org