Gangloff House

Cranberry Township, Crawford County, Ohio

This house isn't notable for its age, but for its lack of age. Upon seeing a cruddy aerial photograph, I assumed it was a mid-19th century structure, possibly log, and probably one of the earliest homes in the township. I was surprised when I actually visited the site.

The yellow brick chimneys and balloon frame construction are indicative of late 19th century construction, though the home's overall appearance seems earlier. I can't quite explain why — the answer lies in its proportions, perhaps — but it just feels old.

The rather featureless front facade. It's difficult to discern, but the porch posts' upper portions curve in an interesting manner. I like the birds perched atop the chimney; they add eeriness to an otherwise boring picture.

The balloon frame construction is plainly visible. Note the original wood shingle roof, mostly covered by standing seam metal.

Not surprisingly, the 1850s and 1873 atlases show nothing at this location. P.J. Gangloff owned the 60-acre farm in the 1850s. By 1873, ownership had passed to Henry Gangloff. The house remained inhabited until at least 1970, as a county directory from that year lists John Kreim as its inhabitant.

Jacob Kline House

Cranberry Township, Crawford County, Ohio

The State Route 4 corridor between Bucyrus and Sandusky contains many wonderful examples of the Italianate architectural style. This house, with its dentils and wide frieze, seems to be transitional between Greek Revival and Italianate and probably dates from the 1860s or 1870s.

In 1873, this property was owned by Jacob Kline. The presence of a house on that year's atlas supports a mid-19th century construction date.

This is what every abandoned building enthusiast loves to see! Most Italianate homes in northern Crawford County have truncated roofs. A cupola may have sat atop the roof, but the likelihood of this is low.

Obviously, the house is well beyond any hope of restoration. The entire second floor surface has either collapsed or is missing entirely.

In black and white. This property is a great example of picturesque decay.

A rather lonely location. I imagine that barns and other outbuildings once surrounded the farmhouse, but have succumbed to the cruel hand of time.