June 2, 1999
Baby Ginter's grave might stand in way of new drug store
By Sara Eaton
Staff Writer
The house at 528 W. Market St. soon will be torn down to make way for a new Rite Aid drugstore.
The location will be one of great convenience. Mercy Hospital of Tiffin is across the street. Also, two of the city's main streets, West Perry and West Market, converge there, along with Hopewell Avenue. Customers will be able to reach the building from three directions.
One problem: Baby Ginter.
On April 24, 1932, Baby Ginter was buried in the back yard of 528 W. Market, in his favorite resting spot under a tree. Then on July 8, 1947, Frank S. Callahan passed away, leaving care instructions for Baby Ginter's grave in his will.
Callahan was a noted horseman who moved to Tiffin from Youngstown. He had a great love of animals, especially Baby Ginter, his black Pomeranian dog of 11 years.
After spending a generous amount on the burial and funeral, Callahan left behind funds for the upkeep of the grave. Esther Meyers was given the property as well as $2,000 for the upkeep.
Callahan said anyone who contested the will would not receive what they had been bequeathed.
Callahan's will stated: "It is my request that the grave of my pet dog 'Baby Ginter' remain on said premise, but she may have the grave removed elsewhere if she so desires."
Meyers did not move the grave. She sold the property Jan. 22, 1949, to James A. Dunn. After his death, he left the estate to his wife, Eleanor Dunn. Paul Dunn, their son, took over the property as Eleanor grew older.
Paul Dunn, reached by telephone, said he was not at liberty to discuss the property and refused to comment.
Now, with the sale of the property to Rite Aid, the future of Baby Ginter is in question.
Although concerns have been expressed about deed restrictions, Alison Castello, Rite Aid public relations, said there restrictions were never recorded on a title or a deed. She said the will of Callahan was the only noted mention.
"We will get together with interested parties in the community to discuss options," she said.
"We will do everything possible to minimize the damage done to the grave. We will be sympathetic to the community," she said, explaining that the company is looking at its options.
While Costello said Rite Aid does have a few ideas about the grave, she could not discuss them because no decisions have been made.
The existing location of Rite Aid is 131 S. Washington St. The corporation also has purchased the San-Mar Pharmacy at 11 Jackson St.
Castello said the company hopes to break ground for the new store early next year and open next summer. She said the downtown location would be closed.