BUCYRUS, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—Downtown Bucyrus is rich with history, and two buildings on South Sandusky Avenue—131–133 and 127—stand as enduring symbols of the city’s evolution. From bustling banks and bakeries to hardware stores and financial offices, these addresses have witnessed more than a century of change.

131–133 S. Sandusky Avenue: From Banking Roots to Modern Services

The story of 131–133 begins in 1859, when John A. Gormley organized Peoples Deposit Bank, marking the start of formal banking in Bucyrus. In 1864, the institution became the First National Bank of Bucyrus, officially chartered under the National Banking Act. For decades, the building was a cornerstone of local finance, even sharing space with Miller & Robinson Jewelers in its early years before expanding into the jewelry shop for offices.

In 1961, the bank adopted a new name—Crawford County National Bank—and continued to grow with the community. On January 1, 1982, it merged with Bucyrus City Bank to form United Bank N.A., which operated at this location well into the late 20th century.

By the early 2000s, the building transitioned from banking to retail. In 2003, it became home to The Amish Vault and Graceful Gifts, offering handcrafted furniture and décor. The property was listed for sale in 2006, and later housed Home Care Matters Home Health. Today, the building serves as the home of Old Crawford Land Title, continuing its legacy as a place of service to Bucyrus residents.

127 S. Sandusky Avenue: From Groceries to Edward Jones

Just a few doors down, 127 S. Sandusky Avenue has its own remarkable history. In the late 1800s, it was home to John Jones’ Bakery and Grocery, a popular spot for fresh bread and provisions. By the 1930s, the building housed Merit Shoe Co., and in 1944, it became a Kroger Self-Serve Store, introducing modern grocery shopping to Bucyrus.

The mid-20th century brought another transformation: Bianchi’s True Value Hardware operated here for decades, becoming a trusted name for tools and home goods. In the early 2000s, the building shifted to electronics retail as Mike’s TV & Appliance Center, serving Crawford County with appliances and home entertainment products.

After Mike’s closed, the space welcomed MB Subculture, a specialty store for theater and costume supplies. In 2014, the building sold for $85,000, marking another chapter in its evolution. Today, after a major renovation investment of nearly $150,000, Edward Jones Financial occupies the space, blending modern professional services with historic charm.

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A Shared Legacy

Both buildings reflect the resilience and adaptability of Bucyrus’ downtown. From 19th-century commerce to 21st-century services, 131–133 and 127 S. Sandusky Avenue have evolved with the times while remaining vital parts of the community. Their stories remind us that history isn’t just in the past—it lives on in the places we walk by every day.

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Disclaimer: The dates and historical details in this article are based on the best available records, advertisements, and newspaper archives. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, some dates and uses may be approximate due to limited documentation.