Jefferson, once a highly industrial neighborhood, is now home to many family-owned businesses and is the city’s most ethnically diverse
Deeply ingrained in the history of Hamilton lays the Jefferson neighborhood. Stretching north to High Street, east to South Erie Blvd, west to the railroad tracks, and tapering off into Lindenwald and the East End at the south, the Jefferson neighborhood is home to 4588 people living in approximately 0.55 square miles.
This particular area of Hamilton has history dating back almost 200 years. In fact, in 1826, the area where High Street and Maple Avenue connect to Route 4 used to be platted as a separate town entirely. At that time, there was talk of bringing the Miami-Erie Canal through the Hamilton area, more specifically through the property of William Murray. To avoid this, Mr. Murray platted this portion of the property as its own town, Debbysville, after his wife. He even added streets that lined up to the ones already existing. Over the next 12 years, Debbysville acquired houses, a canal tollhouse, taverns, a coffee house, a bowling alley, blacksmith shop, and a garden. Debbysville can be seen on the 1836 plat of Butler County, but just two short years later in 1838, the town was absorbed into the city of Hamilton.
The establishment of Debbysville thwarted construction plans for the Miami-Erie Canal, and the result was the Hamilton Basin, which was completed in 1829. This piece of the canal was a dead-end side-section that was 148 feet wide, and was used to include Hamilton in trade opportunities afforded by the proximity to the canal. However, as construction of the railroad continued, the need for and use of the canal diminished. In 1850, the basin was shortened for railroad construction, and by 1877, the entire Hamilton Basin was filled in. In 1935, a road was built over top of the old canal, later becoming known as Route 4. The completion of the road offered a bypass to downtown Hamilton, and diverted a large amount of traffic off East Avenue. As a result, many businesses relocated to this area.
Since East Avenue used to be a primary roadway in town, many businesses called the Jefferson neighborhood home. For example, Estate Stove Company was located on East Avenue from its opening in 1884 to 1961 when it closed. JN Linrose is now located on that same site. Also located on East Avenue was Wehr Dairy, which delivered to over 3,000 homes.
Although many aren’t aware, the corner of Belle Avenue and Dixie Highway used to belong to Fairfield Township. As proof, a small brick building sits on that corner with the original date of 1868 still visible to passers-by.
Since the Jefferson neighborhood is known as the city’s most ethnically diverse neighborhood, it should come as no surprise that it also has a rich history when it comes to food. In 1955, Felix and Jo Isgro fulfilled their dream of opening their own restaurant, Isgro’s Ristorante Italiano. May big-name figures dined at their tables, including Frank Sinatra, until the Isgro’s retired and closed the restaurant in 1984.
The Dixie Hamburger Shop was famous for its “Belly Bomber”, which was a thin hamburger patty grilled with onions and a single slice of pickle, all tucked inside a grilled bun. These burgers can still be found at Sweden Crème in Lindenwald.
Between 1946 and 1986, there was a restaurant located on Dixie Highway called the Eaton Manor Restaurant. This was the city’s most prestigious dinner club and also one of the first restaurants in the state to offer a buffet style dining experience. Prior to the building becoming the Eaton Manor Restaurant, it was a club named Club Dardenella. Johnny Black, a local musician and songwriter known for his song “Paper Doll”, operated the establishment until he died there in a scuffle with a bar patron over a quarter in 1936.
While many are unaware of the hidden gems that the Jefferson neighborhood has to offer, neighborhood champions like Carol Combs have been working endlessly to help share these secrets with the rest of the community.
“Over the last few years, I have been lucky enough to connect with other residents who are passionate about making the neighborhood a safer, cleaner, more engaged neighborhood,” said Combs, a 20-year Jefferson resident.
Combs is a very active member of the Jefferson Alliance, a resident-organized group of people who volunteer their time for neighborhood improvements and community engagement. The Jefferson Alliance works hand-in-hand with 17Strong and the city of Hamilton’s Department of Neighborhoods in their efforts.
“The Jefferson Alliance is a passionate, committed group of resident volunteers working to make a difference in their neighborhood,” said Brooke Wells, the Neighborhoods Coordinator at the Department of Neighborhoods. “Jefferson Alliance has applied for several 17Strong microgrants that have helped beautify streets, connect neighbors, and celebrate Jefferson’s diversity.”
The microgrants offered by 17Strong give neighborhood volunteers, like Ms. Combs, the opportunity to complete important neighborhood projects that would otherwise be out of range financially.
Prior to 2019, the Jefferson neighborhood was the only one without a park in its boundaries. That all changed when Frank and Joanne Pfirman donated 1.2 acres of vacant land at the corner of Hensley and East Avenues, and Jefferson Park was constructed.
“With the support of 17Strong microgrants, Jefferson Park has become a hub of goodness within the neighborhood and home to several events like Art in the Park, Movie Night in the Park, and Dia de los Muertos,” said Combs.
While the restaurants, businesses, and history of Jefferson speak for themselves, nothing speaks louder than the residents themselves.
“My favorite part about the Jefferson neighborhood would have to be the residents, we have some amazing folks that live, work, and play here,” Combs said. “As neighborhood leaders push forward with making our neighborhood the best it can be, it is the residents who make our efforts truly worthwhile.”