The Little Island

We wrote a few weeks ago about Missionary Island as the “Big Island” in the Maumee River at Waterville. Most of us are aware of the complex of smaller islands on the upriver end of our big island, separated by narrow channels. These were probably all part of one island long ago, but have been separated by erosion over many years. Our subject is Butler Island, the smaller island closest to the northwestern shore along old route 24. This island has a unique modern history.

A small group of Toledo W.W. I. veterans in 1920 formed an American Legion Post which they uniquely named The Toledo Post 335. This post grew rapidly and became perhaps the most active and popular Toledo Legion group. They sponsored a Boy Scout troop and ball teams, held dances, stag parties and many social events, with membership in the hundreds. Early in 1922 this group decided to buy Butler Island, just 225 yards off shore near Waterville, and build an island retreat as a center for social activities. The island cost them $3500 and they soon built a two story clubhouse, tennis courts, ball diamonds, horseshoe pits, shuffle board court and children’s playgrounds. Work started on their recreational paradise in the summer of 1922 about the same time Chauncy Parker was doing the same on his “big island” as a commercial enterprise. Access to the island was by cable ferry although we have a photo that appears to show a short bridge over the channel between Parker’s big island and the Legion’s island in the 1920s. Unlike Mr. Parker, however the Toledo Post 335 persisted through the Great Depression by hosting a number of fund-raising activities and the facility continued to provide much needed recreation for Post 335 families through the difficult time. The island was mostly closed during the WW II years, but became popular again in the late 1940s as the post 335 ranks were increased with returning WW II veterans. The Island facility was aging however, requiring much work and money. The Post decided they would rent it out to company groups for picnics or social activities. In 1948 a cable ferry load of Textileather Company picnickers overturned and three persons were drowned. The old clubhouse was abandoned in 1953 when a new one was built on the shore, and finally razed in 1960. In 1969 the island was sold to the State of Ohio for $45,000 and nature again took over.

The island had been re-named Galbraith Island by the Legionnaires in 1923, in honor of Frederick W. Galbraith, a Legion Commander who had been recently killed in an auto accident, but was referred to by many of the members simply as “The Island” and often by the Waterville locals as “Legion Island”. The state seems to use the original Butler Island on their maps.

Ed. Note: the Archives has little information on the “Legion Island.” If any of our readers have photos, brochures, fliers or news clippings about activities on the island to share we would be most appreciative. Where on the mainland did they built their new clubhouse? Information is from “Old Soldiers Never Die…” by the Toledo Post 335 The American Legion, A Brief History 1920-2013 by Post Historian, Jack K. Paquette, Post Historian