Mancy’s Steakhouse, Toledo

Mancy's Steakhouse

953 Phillips ave

Toledo, Ohio 43612

Research by: Andrea & Jonathan Batteas, and Nicole Jankowski

Brief History and Geographics of Lucas County and Toledo:

Lucas County was established in 1835. Originally it was a part of Wood County, OH and Lenawee County, MI. Today Lucas County's borders are Wood Co., OH, (the Maumee River separates Wood Co. from Lucas Co.) Ottawa Co., OH, Fulton Co., OH, Henry Co., OH, Lenawee Co., MI and Monroe Co., MI. The County was named in honor of the 12th Ohio Governor, Robert Lucas. He served in office from 1832-1836. He died, February 7, 1853 and is buried in the Oakland Cemetery in Iowa City, Iowa.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 596 square miles, 341 square miles: land, 255 square miles:water. It is the fourth-smallest county. Prior to Lucas County’s establishment, it was a vast network of forests, wetlands, and grasslands known as the Great Black Swamp.

Referring to Wikipedia:

“The Great Black Swamp (also known simply as the Black Swamp), was a glacially fed wetland in northwest Ohio and extreme northeast Indiana, United States, that existed from the end of the Wisconsin glaciation until the late 19th century. Comprising extensive swamps and marshes, with some higher, drier ground interspersed, it occupied what was formerly the southwestern part of proglacial Lake Maumee, holocene precursor to Lake Erie. The area was about 25 miles (40 km) wide (north to south) and 100 miles (160 km) long, covering an estimated 1,500 square miles (4,000 km²).^[3] Gradually drained and settled in the second half of the 19th century, it is now highly productive farm land. During the second half of the 20th century, efforts were undertaken to preserve and restore portions of the swamp to its pre-settlement state.”

Toledo is a city in and the county seat of Lucas County. It is at the western end of Lake Erie bordering the state of Michigan. The city was founded in 1833 on the west bank of the Maumee River, and originally incorporated as part of Monroe County, Michigan Territory. It was re-founded in 1837, after conclusion of the Toledo War, when it was incorporated in Ohio.

After construction of the Miami and Erie Canal, Toledo grew quickly. The city's glass industry has earned it the nickname, "The Glass City".

Crime Statistics for Toledo:

Toledo was ranked 89 of the Top 100 Most Dangerous Cities in America in 2013. Toledo has been identified as the fourth-largest recruitment site for human trafficking in the US.

Crime Statistics for Toledo (continued)

In 2010, a combined total: 3,783 burglaries/robberies 753 aggravated assaults 25 homicides 574 motor vehicle thefts

In 2011, a combined total: 1,562 aggravated assaults 30 murders 9,518 bularies/robberies 1,465 motor vehicle theft

In 2012, combined total: 39 murders 2,015 aggravated assaults 6,739 burglaries/robberies 1,334 cases of motor vehicle theft.

THE LAND:

Parcel Number: 34924

According to land map dating 1895, the land was apart of the Phillip’s Farm, hence the street name Phillips Avenue. There was a store located where the original Mancy’s was once located prior to the 1973 fire. There is no further information on what this store was. It is possible that it was a grain and feed store.

On a 1921 land map it shows that the land is no longer farmland but is now a car dealership and repair shop. The shop is still there, but does not elaborate what type of “shop” it could be.

The Land (continued):

However, the earliest deed shows that in 1926, a widower by the name of Charles E Henry sold the store and land to Benjamin Mallette. There is not much to be known about Mr. Henry. His parent’s were of American and Irish descent, his wife Hulda passed away before him, and he passed away about a year after selling the property to Benjamin Mallett in 1927. Mr. Mallett in 1926, was a successful realtor, and lived with his wife Carrie Uphans Mallett on Mallette Street in Toledo, Ohio. Benjamin Mallett passed away in 1931, and Mrs Mallett passed away in 1963.

Charles and Hulda Henry Charles E Henry Headstone Benjamin Mallett,s headstone

Lauber Hill Cemetery Toledo Memorial Park

According to the tax and title papers, the grantor and grantee’s for combined parcels and lots are:

August, 1926:

• Charles E Henry, grantor
• Benjamin F Mallott, grantee

March, 1946:

• John Sutherland, grantor
• Ida Sutherland, grantee

No transfer of deed can be found for when or whom John Sutherland purchased the property

July 1968:

• Ida Sutherland, grantor
• Helen Sutherland, grantee

July, 1970

• Helen Sutherland, grantor
• John K Mancy, grantee

MANCY’S: est.1921

Inside of Mancy’s in 1968. Note: Tiffany Lamps

Fire Reports:

There have been one Fire and several fire reports for this property.

August 1973 -- 937 Phillips burnt to the ground. Two hundred customers, thirty employees were evacuated. Eighty firefighters fought the blaze which sent billowing smoke throughout the West Toledo neighborhood.

February 15th, 1987 -- A report of a Fire was filed for this property

January 16th, 1990 -- A report of a Fire was filed for this property

October 30th, 1990 -- A report of a Fire was filed for this property

April 13, 2003 -- A fire destroyed Mancy's commissary building, a former post office on Martha Street. It took 38 firefighters to douse the fire.

Article from The Toledo Blade, March 10, 2013:

3rd generation of Mancys runs its 4 local restaurants

Family cites harmony; Packos rattled by discord

By Mark Zaborney | BLADE STAFF WRITER

Toledo has had many restaurants that pop up, last a few years, and then fade away, but it has only a few restaurants that have endured over the decades, some run by the same families like the Mancys and some not, like the Packos.

Article from The Toledo Blade, March 10, 2013 (continued):

At 7:30 on Friday night, Gus Mancy was at work.So were his brothers and cousins.The success of his family’s flagship Mancy’s Steaks and their Mancy’s Italian Grill, the Bluewater Grille, and Shorty’s True American Roadhouse rests on that attention, Gus Mancy believes.

“We’re here. We’re not out having fun. We’re working our business,” said Mr. Mancy, who manages Mancy’s Steaks with his cousin Mike. “We all work six-plus days a week. It’s our business, and we need to make sure our guests are being well taken care of and leave our restaurants happy.

“We do not believe in absentee ownership.”

The foundation of the Mancy restaurant chain is the steakhouse on Phillips Avenue, opened in 1921 by their grandfather Gus Mancy, an immigrant from the island of Crete.

“We take huge pride in being around for so long, carrying on our father’s and grandfather’s legacy,” said Mike Mancy, son of the late George Mancy. “My grandfather, he came over with pretty much nothing. He didn’t even speak English. For him to do what he did, it would be a shame for us not to carry it on, if nothing else to honor him.

“It’s important. And it’s important to Toledo too. We’ve been part of Toledo.”

The elder Gus Mancy and his cousin Nicholas Graham in 1918 opened the Commercial, and around-the-clock diner downtown. The Splendid Lunch on 14th Street followed the next year.

Tony Packo’s, including the East Toledo flagship, is no longer family-owned. Bob Bennett bought the chain after a family feud put the company in receivership.

On Phillips, at the end of the streetcar line, the cousins founded the Ideal. Under a pressed-tin ceiling, diners at the long counter could order a blue-plate special, maybe a 35-cent full-course chicken dinner, and the doors were open 24 hours.

In the 1940s, the Ideal was a prime lunch spot for Willys-Overland workers. Later it was known as part-neighborhood bar, part-family eatery. In the early 1960s, college-age patrons adopted the Ideal as a spot to hang out, to play cards, to hear folk singers — or to belt out tunes in late-night weekend singalongs.

The elder Mr. Mancy’s twin sons, George and John, took over management around 1964 and added their own stamp — in decor and cuisine. Mr. Mancy’s sons hung large gaslights out front and a new sign announcing “Mancy’s Ideal Restaurant and Oldtyme Saloon.” Inside were antiques and relics to evoke another era — Tiffany-style lamps, a pot-bellied stove, circus posters on the wall.

“It wasn’t planned, but the restaurant is coming to be a steakhouse,” Mary Alice Powell, The Blade food editor, wrote in 1968. Patrons soon associated Mancy’s with high-quality steak dinners complete with extra-large baked potatoes.

That setting was destroyed by a fire in 1973. George and John Mancy rebuilt within a year and reopened as Mancy’s Steaks. Business soared, and Mancy’s developed a national reputation for fine dining in a sophisticated, warm atmosphere.

The elder Mr. Mancy continued to work a double shift six days a week until the day he died, Sept. 16, 1988. He was 90. His sons stepped away as their sons became involved.

“Often people come in looking for my father and not realizing he’s been retired since 1993,” said Gus Mancy, who is John Mancy’s son. Mike Mancy’s father, George, died Nov. 28, 1996. He was 59.

Four-fifths of the third generation went to work at corporate restaurants — Stouffer’s for Gus; Mountain Jack for Mike. George Mancy, John’s son, who runs Mancy’s Italian, worked at Bravo Italian restaurants. John, who is John’s son and runs the Bluewater Grille, was at Morton’s steakhouse. George’s son Nick, who runs Shorty’s, became a lawyer and specialized in labor law, and the family has called on that expertise, Gus Mancy said.

Article from The Toledo Blade, March 10, 2013 (continued):

“After all of us achieved some kind of success with these companies, then and only then did we come back to Toledo,” Gus Mancy said. “The second generation did a great job of not pushing us, but allowing us to grow on our own. They saw the seeds growing and then offered us a heck of a lot of guidance and advice.”

Mike Mancy said: “A huge reason we’ve been able to be successful in the third generation where others fail is we all get along.

“We have arguments, yes. We disagree, yes. But at the end of the day, they turn out to be constructive arguments. We get along. We hang out together. Our families hang out together.”

That lack of family camaraderie did in the Packo family’s ability to hold onto the Hungarian restaurants that Tony Packo and his wife, Rose, started in 1932 in a storefront on Consaul Street. The Hungarian immigrants built a nationally known restaurant chain in Toledo based on a secret-recipe hot dog sauce and other classic foods such as chicken paprikas and stuffed cabbage.

Last year, a Lucas County Common Pleas Court judge ordered the chain sold to Bob Bennett, the owner of a local fast-food franchise, after a multiyear squabble among family members resulted in the business being forced into receivership.

Tony Packo, Jr., and Tony Packo III are still involved in operations for the Tony Packo’s chain, which now operates as TP Foods LLC.

Contact Mark Zaborney at: mzaborney@theblade.com or 419-724-6182.

Obituaries:

Sarah Mancy: July 15, 2014

Sarah Ann Mancy, 75, of Toledo, died Tuesday morning after a courageous year and a half battle with cancer. Sarah was born in Toledo on May 22, 1939, to Michael and Ruth Rahal. She graduated with honors from DeVilbiss High School in 1957. Shortly thereafter she met George K. Mancy, whom she married in 1962. Together they raised three children. She truly enjoyed her job at Elder-Beerman where she worked for 26 years. In recent months she made it her goal to get back to work to see her customers and co-workers. Sarah enjoyed golfing, relaxing in her pool, and socializing with friends and family. She loved nothing more than spending time with her grandchildren and having pizza parties with them. Her favorite thing to do was to go out to dinner to her favorite restaurants.

Sarah is survived by her children, Michael G. Mancy, Dena M. Harding (John) and Nicholas G. Mancy (Monica); grandchildren, Danielle and Michael Mancy, Carly and Ellie Harding, and George, Claudia and

Obituaries (continued):

Margi Mancy; brothers, Ronald Rahal (Kathy) and Richard Rahal (Donna). She was also survived by countless relatives and close friends. Sarah was married to George K. Mancy for 23 years and he preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her first-born son who died shortly after birth.

Visitation will be on Thursday from 4-8 p.m. at the Walker Funeral Home, 5155 Sylvania Ave., where a funeral ceremony will take place on Friday at 11 a.m. Interment will follow at Toledo Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Victory Center, 5532 W. Central Ave, Toledo 43615 or The Anne Grady Center, 1525 Eber Rd., Holland, OH 43528.

Michael George Mancy: May 13, 1964

Birth: May 13, 1964 Delaware County Muncie,Indiana	Death: May 13, 1964 Delaware County Muncie,Indiana
Family: George and Sarah Mancy	Burial: Woodland Cemetery, Toledo, Ohio

Obituaries (continued):

George Mancy: November 28, 1996

Obituaries (continued):

Sandra Hall: May 24, 2007

Sandra S. Harrell, age 67, of Toledo, Ohio, died peacefully Thursday, May 24, 2007, at Flower Hospital. She was born on January 5, 1940, in Greensburg, Indiana to James and Irene Padis. Sandra was employed with Lott Industry on Telegraph Rd for several years and Mancy's Restaurant. She enjoyed her work and going to the Senior Centers where she made many friends. Sandra was preceded in death by her parents. Longtime neighbors, Katie and Kathy as well as the Coombs family helped with her needs. Visitation will be held in H. H. Birkenkamp Funeral Home, 3219 Tremainsville Rd. (at Alexis Rd) 419-473-1301 on Tuesday, May 29 from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., with funeral service to follow at 11:00 a.m. Interment Toledo Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be given to Sunshine Children's Home or to Special Olympics

Vyda Adams: July 8, 2014

Vyda Louise Adams, 88, passed away peacefully, July 8, 2014, surrounded by her family.

Vyda was born on April 9, 1926, in Moscow, Kentucky, from the union of Prince and Mildred Alexander. Vyda had five siblings that preceded her in death.

Vyda met and fell in love with and married Milleage Adams, (who preceded her in death). To this union, five children were born, Vivian, Kay Francis (deceased), Ronald, Donald and Milleage, Jr.

Vyda worked for a period of time for Tri-State Pattern and Mancy's Restaurant. She became a member of Harmony Baptist Church.

Vyda enjoyed life. She enjoyed having friends and relatives over to her home for entertaining. She loved giving advice and she believed in speaking her mind. Whatever Vyda had to do, you could be sure it would get done.

She leaves to cherish her 4 children, Vivian Adams, Ronald Adams, Donald Adams and Milleage Adams, Jr.; 13 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren, 11 great great grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 15, 2014, from 4:00-6:00 pm at the House of Day Funeral Service.Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, July 16, 2014, at 11:00 am, preceded by a 10:00 am Wake, at the House of Day Funeral Services, Forest Cemetery.

Obituaries (continue):

Betty Zane McAtee: July 10, 2012

Betty Zane McAtee, 90, of Sylvania, passed away peacefully Wednesday, July 10, 2013 at Lake Park Comfort Care. She was born January 10, 1923 to John and Janette (Williams) Baggs in Lakeview, Ohio. Betty was employed with Kroger Co. for 27 years before retiring and also was a waitress at Mancy's Restaurant. Betty attended Alliance Church for many years, enjoyed gardening, baking, playing bingo at the Senior Center and was an avid Detroit Tigers fan. She also spent endless hours putting together puzzles and playing games with her grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Clarence; son, Clarence "Butch"; brother, Donald Baggs, and a grandson, Robert Rice. Left to cherish her memory are her children, Janice (Eric) Chang, Diane Rice, Michael (Bonnie), Randy (Diane), Lori Aiello; sisters, Joane Vogel, Christine Herring; 14 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be Friday from 4-7 p.m. at the Dowling Funeral Home, 7509 New West Road at King Road, (King Rd. between Central and Sylvania Ave.) Toledo, 419-841-8111, with funeral services Saturday at 10 a.m. at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Ottawa Hills Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to Promedica Hospice.

Vito William “Billy Jack” Giacalone: February 19, 2012

Vito Giacalone, a reputed mob enforcer in Detroit and suspect in the disappearance and presumed death of Jimmy Hoffa, has died at 88.

Giacalone, nicknamed "Billy Jack," was the younger brother of Anthony "Tony Jack" Giacalone, who died in 2001, The Detroit News reported Wednesday. The elder Giacalone was to have met with Hoffa on the day the former Teamsters president vanished in 1975.

Giacalone died Sunday. A funeral mass was held Tuesday at St. Thecla Church in Clinton, Mich., where he lived.

With an arrest record that began in the 1940s, Giacalone was one of the last survivors from the glory days of the Detroit Mafia. He was also one of the last people who may have known what happened to Hoffa.

"He might have known what happened and may have taken that to the grave with him, but I never expected to get anything out of him," said Keith Corbett, former head of the federal Organized Crime Strike Force in Detroit. "He wasn't going to talk."

Dan Moldea, author of "The Hoffa Wars," said Billy Jack tended to "operate under the radar," while his brother was flamboyant and glamorous. While Tony Jack owned hundreds of custom-made suits, Billy Jack wore jeans.

Obituaries (continued):

Vito William “Billy Jack” Giacalone (contiued)

Excerpt from:

THE DETROIT MAFIA & THE BUCKEYE STATE: TOLEDO, OTHER OHIO TOWNS LONG FELL UNDER MICHIGAN MOB’S THUMB By: Scott Burnstein

“Zerilli, Tocco, their cousins and enforcers Dominic (Fats) Corrado and Anthony (Tony the Bull) Corrado and of course, the Detroit LCN faction’s “Lord of the Buckeye State,” Billy Giacalone, were staples of the city’s fast, late-night crowd and underworld gambling scene, observed by authorities at Toledo hot spots like Slick Shapiro’s Grenada Gardens and the popular Aku-Aku Club in the Town House Motel he owned and oversaw, Mancy’s Steakhouse (still open today) and the Roman Garden’s Bath House owned by Shapiro’s and Besase’s lieutenant, local bookie Bill Pompilli. A team of FBI agents got stuck in a snow storm in the winter 1978 shadowing Zerilli and Giacalone to a rendezvous with underlings followed by dates with their lady friends.”

Fatal Accidents:

Nearby Cemeteries: