Seneca County’s Seasons & Stories – Monthly Blog | March 2025
Each month, we bring you stories and inspiration shaped by what makes that time of year special in Seneca County. From seasonal events and local traditions to unique places and hidden gems, our themes highlight what’s most relevant to the month.
Luck, Legacy, and the Irish Spirit of Seneca County
How lucky are we to be in Seneca County! From the early 19th century, Irish immigrants left their homeland in search of new opportunities in America. Many found a new home right here in Seneca County, where they built churches, businesses, and communities that still echo their legacy today.
Faith and Foundations
For the Irish of Seneca County, faith was a cornerstone of their community. The first Catholic church in Tiffin, St. Mary’s, was established in the 1830s, quickly becoming known as the “Irish church.” As German Catholic immigrants arrived, they formed their own congregation, leading to the creation of St. Joseph’s Church in the 1840s. Yet, St. Mary’s remained the heart of Tiffin’s Irish community for generations.
One of the most remarkable figures in the early years of St. Mary’s was Father Michael O’Sullivan, an Irish-born priest from County Kerry. Arriving in Tiffin in 1852, he courageously served during the 1853 cholera epidemic, even rescuing an infant from the bed of his deceased mother. His leadership left a lasting impression, and he was instrumental in building the second St. Mary’s Church before his transfer to Urbana in 1859.
Meanwhile, in Bascom, Ohio, Irish and German settlers sought a place of worship closer to home. In 1863, they founded St. Patrick’s Church on Bullfrog Road. Though it was destroyed by fire in 1913, the resilient parishioners rebuilt it in Bascom, where it remained in use until 2018. In October 2023, the church was demolished as part of the Ohio Demolition and Site Revitalization Program. The site will soon be home to Tiell Financial Group headquarters, continuing the community’s legacy of growth and reinvestment.
Irish Influence in Business and Leadership
Beyond their churches, Irish immigrants shaped Tiffin’s neighborhoods, businesses, and civic life. William Sullivan, a prominent businessman, arrived in Tiffin around 1825 and established a successful hardware store. His Irish heritage ran deep—he was even elected as a senator in the Fenian Brotherhood, advocating for Irish independence. Another entrepreneur, Ed Sullivan, opened “The Irish Store” in 1851. After his passing, his wife, Sarah, successfully ran the business for years, showcasing the resilience of Seneca County’s Irish families.
Irish-born clergy also played a key role in shaping the local community. Father Thomas Conlon, born to Irish parents, became the pastor of St. Mary’s in 1904, overseeing the construction of the magnificent church on Sandusky Street that still stands today.
Irish Sons on the National Stage
Not all of Seneca County’s Irish descendants stayed close to home. Paul Maloy, a Bascom native, made it to the Boston Red Sox in 1913, proudly carrying his Irish heritage onto the national stage. Meanwhile, Thomas O’Conner, originally from County Kerry, grew up in Tiffin before becoming a successful businessman and senator in Missouri. His estate funded charitable projects in both Missouri and Ohio, including contributions to St. Mary’s Church and various Tiffin institutions.
Irish Craftsmanship: Hawkes Crystal
The tradition of brilliant cut crystal has deep Irish roots, a legacy proudly continued by Hawkes Crystal in Tiffin. Thomas Gibbons Hawkes, born in County Cork, Ireland, established T.G. Hawkes & Company in New York in 1890, earning international acclaim. Today, Master Brilliant Cutter Aidan J. Scully, also a native of County Cork, carries on the tradition at Hawkes Crystal Workshop and Gallery in downtown Tiffin. Visitors can witness the intricate process of crystal cutting firsthand, appreciating this timeless craft.
A Place of Gratitude, Accomplishment, and Luck
While much has changed in Seneca County, the Irish influence remains woven into the fabric of the community. The Irish are known for their belief in luck, and in Seneca County, that luck is found in unexpected places. At Tiffin University, stepping on the dragon in the weight room brings bad luck and results in the stepper having to do push-ups. Across the river at Heidelberg University, new students take part in the T-Bridge tradition, where they either toss their lucky penny into Rock Creek or keep it forever as a symbol of either love or money. Whichever path they choose, good fortune follows for them at the university by participating in the tradition.
The stained-glass window of St. Patrick in St. Mary’s Church stands as a reminder of faith and perseverance, while Hawkes Crystal continues a legacy of craftsmanship, and establishments like the Clover Club pay homage to the community’s strong Irish roots. Whether in churches, businesses, sports, or the arts, the Irish have left an indelible mark on Seneca County. The community leans into the luck of the irish and the fun of the season with events and promotions such as the Downtown Tiffin St. Paddy’s Day 5k, the St. Mary’s Irish Reverse Raffle, the Tiffin Elks St. Patrick’s Day Beer & Food Truck Festival, special t-shirts, themed accessories, green beer offerings across the county, and so much more!
Even if you’re not of Irish heritage, you can’t help but feel lucky in Seneca County. We are thankful for the roots that built a strong community, one that instills a sense of gratitude, accomplishment, and, yes—a little luck—in all who live, learn, visit, and play here.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day to all who celebrate, and if you’re seeking some luck, Seek Seneca County!
