In 1898, Edward Ford purchased 173 acres along the Maumee River to build the Edward Ford Plate Glass Company. When naming the settlement, Mr. Ford combined the last name of his second wife, Caroline Ross, with his own name to create the identity of their city: Rossford.

In the years that followed, hundreds of European immigrants came to Rossford to work at the glass company. At least 18 different ethnic groups have been identified in Rossford, including Belgium, Poland, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Hungary, Germany, Italy and the Ukraine.

By 1900, the company was producing six million feet of glass per year, thereby eclipsing Pittsburgh Plate Glass Company as the largest manufacturer of flat glass in the nation.

Now, more than 100 years later, the City of Rossford has planned a host of fun activities to celebrate the city’s 125th anniversary. These include trolley tours of the historic homes in Eagle Point Colony, tours of the former iconic Libbey Owens Ford Company, a historical re-enactment of Rossford’s founder, Edward Ford, by Rossford resident Alex Chiarelott and a special downtown celebration together with Rossford’s weekly summer event, “Stroll the Street.”

The festivities will culminate in a two-day anniversary celebration on Friday and Saturday, July 28-29, in conjunction with the 2023 Rossford Riverfest. festivities include a follow-me parade, food, music, children’s games and a firework display at Veteran’s Memorial Park along the Maumee River.

Also planned is a 125th anniversary magazine celebrating Rossford. Current and former residents are invited to share their favorite memories of growing up in Rossford.

Beth Genson said, “Special memories can be anything from attending a movie at the old Rossford Theatre, walking to a church festival, playing in Cranes Woods, watching the basketball team in a state tournament or playing little league baseball at Beech Street Park.” As executive director of the Rossford Convention and Visitors Bureau and member of the 125th anniversary committee, Ms. Genson encouraged locals to share “anything that made you smile growing up in Rossford.” Excerpts will be shared in the commemorative magazine, on the anniversary website and Rossford Facebook page.

Visit the official anniversary website at rossford125 .com to share a special memory of the city and view a full schedule of planned events.