Veterans home razing pair of stone cottages

9/29/2003

SANDUSKY — The Ohio Veterans Home is demolishing two 19th century stone cottages that used to house residents of the nursing and assisted-living facility in Perkins Township.

The limestone buildings, built in 1888, are among 11 cottages used as residences by military veterans until 1992, said Gary Chetwood, a spokesman for the veterans home. Mr. Chetwood said the Ohio Veterans Home is taking down the two structures because they have deteriorated inside and are no longer needed.

“No one likes to see history like that go,” he said. “It's a piece of Erie County history.”

Refurbishing each cottage would cost an estimated $500,000, he said. The veterans home is paying $48,500 for the demolition, which began Wednesday. Workers are saving and storing the stones from the cottage exteriors for future use, Mr. Chetwood said.