Ohio Finds: Carved Eagle from Lake Erie Steamboat

Warmer weather has us all heading for the water, but that is nothing new. Boating, wineries and tourism have been a part of Lake Erie’s history for more than 150 years. German immigrant Andrew Wehrle settled on Middle Bass Island in the 1850s, where he discovered a hospitable vineyard climate. By 1862, he had produced his first bottle of wine, and within three years had greatly expanded the business, dubbed Golden Eagle Wine Cellars.

By 1872, Wehrle was producing more than 200,000 gallons of wine annually. At the same time, the Industrial Revolution was increasing ease of travel, making it something more leisurely and enjoyable. 

Alert to opportunity, Wehrle converted his winery to a tourist destination, complete with dance hall, billiard room and bowling alley, and with a steamer already available for transporting wine, he also offered a ferry service between Sandusky and the Lake Erie islands. This carved eagle is said to have been perched atop the pilothouse of one of his steamers, possibly the first, known as the Golden Eagle, which was in service from 1872 to 1880.  

Sold: $12,500

Hollie Davis is a co-owner of Meander Auctions in Whipple, Ohio. meanderauctions.com

For more Ohio history, sign up for our Ohio Magazine newsletters.

Ohio Magazine is available in a beautifully designed print issue that is published 7 times a year, along with Spring-Summer and Fall-Winter editions of LongWeekends magazine. Subscribe to Ohio Magazine and stay connected to beauty, adventure and fun across our state.