Harroun barn now historical landmark

SYLVANIA, Ohio - A historical marker was unveiled in Sylvania on Sunday at an important place on the Underground Railroad.

The Harroun Family barn, located right in front of Flower Hospital, was dedicated as an historical landmark during a special ceremony.

According to Robert Smith, former president of the Sylvania Area Historical Society, David Harroun helped Civil War-era slaves make it to the North to freedom.

"Actually, he had a couple of wagons that had false bottoms," Smith said. "They'd come up the Old Road to Maumee, which is now Holland-Sylvania Road. It was more than a day's trip, so they would bring them here."

From Sylvania, Smith would then take the slaves to Michigan, or over to the Lathrop House family. The Lathrop House is located inside the Toledo Metroparks.