Our History

Beginnings

The Village of Ostrander was founded in 1852 as a direct result of the CCC & I Railroad (Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, and Indianapolis). The new town was laid out by I.C. Buck into 104 lots and named Ostrander. There has been controversy over the years for whom the village is named. According to folklore, many residents assumed it to be Jacob Ostrander, a local carpenter and member of the Woodmen of the World. A tree-shaped tombstone marks his grave in Fairview Cemetery. However, research points to Shelemiah Ostrander, the civil engineer who surveyed the township for the railroad. With his connection to the railroad, it seems more logical that he is the namesake. Oddly, there is no known familial connection between the men.

Old view of Ostrander, a dirt road lined with old buildings and power lines, people and horse carriages stand on the sides of the street
View of Main Street Ostrander
A few of North Street in Ostrander, Ohio A dirt road lined by trees on the right side, and old buildings and residents on the left side

The village was incorporated on May 18, 1875. The first Council met April 5, 1876, and included the following officials: Mayor; D.B. Cratty, Treasurer; W.C. Winget, Clerk; D.C. Fay. Council Members: T. Maugans, J.H. Fields, Samuel Strickling, G.S. Carr, F.W. Brown, and J.B. Roberts. The Mayoral-Council form of government is in operation today.

Railroads

The railroad began to exert its influence on the community and was central to its way of life. Ostrander was destined to flourish. A number of businesses developed in the village, peaking around 1900. The railroad ceased operations in 1971. The trestle over Blues Creek remains as a historic reminder of the once essential connection. 

Old train depot. Ostrander's famous train was called "The Jerk"
Vintage train trestle over creek, a figure of a man appears on the trestle
Railroad culvert, from a 1911 postcard

A great fire

In 1925, a fire started in a small restaurant on Main Street in the town square. The fire quickly spread, leveling the entire business district. The only building left standing was the livery stable. The block was partially rebuilt in subsequent years and looked much like it does today. The landscape changed again in 1948 when the Ostrander Farmers Exchange erected the towering concrete silo for grain storage. The landmark, which can be seen from miles away, still remains.

Ostrander grain elevator, an old, tall, beige building with a green roof
Ostrander grain elevator, built in 1948

Modern day

Today, Ostrander is a growing community. The population at the 2020 census was 1,094 residents. With several local businesses, churches, organizations, and activities, our quiet village is a growing community and a great place to live.

If you are interested in learning more about the history of our community, we recommend visiting the following links. By searching “Ostrander”, you can find archives with old photos, news articles, and more!

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