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The burgeoning coal and iron ore businesses that began in the 1880s transformed Ohio’s lakeshore towns into industrialized hubs with a need for manual workers. This demand was fulfilled by an influx of immigrants who, after entering the country through Ellis Island, traveled throughout the United States seeking jobs and economic security. Most of the immigrants who settled in Huron were from Hungary and Italy. Many of them lived on the east side of the Huron River which was conveniently located a short distance from the docks. By 1920 the East Side had become a vibrant neighborhood of approximately 200 Hungarian and Italian immigrants. (Video, Larry Macioce, 2009)

Photo for East Side
The Slyker Candy Store was on Berlin Street next to the swing bridge, which connected the east side to downtown Huron.
Photo for East Side
A photo of Berlin Street shows the Mears home across from the Wheeling home and A. Harris Store.
Photo for East Side
The swing bridge was used by dock and railroad employees who lived on the east side to go to and from work. It was dismantled in 1919 after years of controversy over its safety. It was sold to the Lake Shore Electric Company, who at one time used the bridge for its trolley cars, for $15 and sold for scrap.
Photo for East Side
Anthony J. Gustavus owned the Gustavus Fish and Ice House on Berlin Street near the swing bridge. In addition to fishing, Gustavus started an ice route in Huron in 1889 and erected a building for a planing mill in 1891. The Fish House was destroyed by fire in 1889 and was rebuilt shortly after. A member of the school board for many years, he died in 1916.

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