Breck’s Businesses

Years before Grove City came into existence in 1852, the area had three manufacturing operations, all created by the town’s founder, William Foster Breck. Southwest Franklin County Historical Society archives state Breck established a brick plant in 1850 east of present-day St. John’s Lutheran church. He wanted Grove City to have modern brick or lumber constructed houses, no log cabins. About the same time, Breck opened a steam powered, double blade sawmill and a grist mill in the general area of the Grove City Library parking lot. There are also indications Breck was responsible for building the tavern, known today as Planks on Broadway. Before relocating to Jackson Township, Breck owned a large hotel, grain warehouse and general store all on the Ohio Erie Canal in Carroll, Ohio. He was also Carroll’s postmaster. Breck was killed at age 59 in a freak accident on his farm. The Lancaster Eagle Gazette reported Aug. 25, 1864 that his team of horses were startled and ran with him when he fell between the wagon and horses. One of the wheels passed over his neck, causing death almost instantly, the heart not ceasing to palpitate for 30 to 40 minutes. He did not speak, nor give any evidence of consciousness.