Thank you, Mr. & Mrs. Libbey

I had a chance encounter at a downtown Toledo brew pub with the guests on this edition of Your Community Matters, Sue Terrill and Tonda Koszycki. Instantly, we discovered we had something in common: we were all fan girls of Edward Drummond Libbey and his wife, Florence. What’s more, I learned that Sue and Tonda were involved with multiple events honoring the two during Toledo’s 419 Week celebrations, April 13-19, which coincidentally happen to include Mr. Libbey’s birthday on April 17 — so it seemed natural to invite them to share their favorite Libbey family stories on this podcast. Here are the two of them, photographed as we wrapped up a lively discussion about why these two people still mean so much to the people of Toledo 100 years after Mr. Libbey’s death.There are so many 419 Week events to include in the show notes this week that I will refrain from my usual commentary and simply say that if Jessup Scott hadn’t persuaded Edward Libbey to move his glass manufacturing enterprise to Toledo, it is doubtful the city would ever have been known as the Glass Capitol of the World. Today, the glass industry is no longer central to the economics of the region — but the Libbey legend lives on in the many lives they still touch today through their groundbreaking contributions to the city. Your Community Matters is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.——————————————419 Week Events419 Week is Toledo Week! Full of fun and diverse events brought to you by local organizations and small businesses to celebrate Toledo and its history.Edward Drummond Libbey’s Birthday Celebration & Crystal AwardsLibbey House Foundation FREE Open HouseSunday, April 1311 AM - 3 PM2008 Scottwood AvenueCelebrate the late Edward Drummond Libbey’s birthday with a FREE open house tour of all three floors of the historic Old West End mansion, and announcement of this year’s Edward Drummond Libbey Crystal Award recipients. Birthday cake and punch will be provided by the Libbey House Foundation.Holy Toledo Polka DaysApril 10-13Holiday Inn & Suites (and other locations)27355 Carronade DriveThis Polka Festival will feature the some of the top polka bands in the industry. Earnest Talk & Libbey TriviaTuesday, April 155-9 PMEarnest Brew Works Downtown25 S. St. Clair StreetThis edition of the Earnest Talks features a lively presentation from Sue Terrill and Tonda Koszycki about the Libbey's legacy in Toledo and Toledo Trivia with Jo Mo on the Mic. Doors open at 5:00 PM, Talk & Trivia begins at 6:00 PMEarnest Brew Works 419 Bike RideWednesday, April 166-9 pmEarnest Brew Works South Toledo 4342 S. Detroit AvenueBike from the brewery’s Detroit Avenue location to Side Cut Metro Park and back. Enjoy friends, hand-crafted Earnest brews, and the scheduled Big O’s Food Truck.Florence Scott Libbey 419 Day 5K Early Packet PickupThursday, April 175-8 PMJust Toledo909 Jefferson AvenueStop by Just Toledo to register for the race or to pick up your race bib and shirt. Enjoy an artist reception for Jeff Schofield (6-8 PM) and browse Just Toledo.The Florence Scott Libbey 419 Day 5K and Ryders Free Kids RaceSaturday, April 198-11 AMOttawa Park2205 Kenwood BlvdCelebrate 419 history and the woman who helped make the Glass City great with a 5K through the beautiful grounds of Ottawa Park, the City of Toledo's first and largest park. “Mrs. Libbey” will be on hand to start the events and present you with a special 2025 finisher medal designed by Ryder, inspired by Toledo. Register now!Ode to the Zip CodeSaturday, April 192-4 PMToledo School for the Arts Portal1401 Adams StWhat does your ZIP Code say about you? Ode to the Zip Code celebrates the stories that shape our neighborhoods. Poetry contest winners will be announced!Downtown Toledo Best Bites on 419 Day — SOLD OUTSaturday, April 1912- 4 PMTicket holders will do a self-guided tour of 12+ different restaurants to savor amazing cuisine from the 419. Must be 21+ years of age to participate. 419 Day at Culture Clash & The SwitchboardSaturday, April 19912 Monroe StreetCelebrate 419 Day at Toledo’s iconic Culture Clash & The Switchboard with multiple opportunities, and entertainers, including live music from Keepitcasual, The Essentials, and Live Roots. Shop records at Culture Clash, score local 419 art/clothing vendors, and savor delicious, authentic Döner Kebap from Naam Stop Kebap.419 Day Toledo Night MarketSaturday, April 195-9 PMGlass City Center401 Jefferson AvenueThis year's Night Market offers FREE ADMISSION and a chance to enjoy all things 419, including more than 100 local artisans & sellers, live music, and a scavenger hunt.Thanks for reading Your Community Matters! This post is public so feel free to share it.Libbey photo credit: http://www.utoledo.edu/library/canaday/exhibits/oi/OIExhibit/ACityBuiltofGlass.htm, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=6863909 Get full access to Your Community Matters at yourcommunitymatters.substack.com/subscribe