Author: retrotoledometro

Dr. Shock

Dr. Shock, host of Dr. Shock’s X-Ray Chiller Theatre on WUPW-TV Channel 36 in Toledo, OH. The show was put on by a local pair, Lance Otto Smith and Doug Agosti. The show ran from July 1989 to September 1992 until it was forced off the air and replaced by infomercials, which nobody watched. After being replaced by infomercials, Agosti and Lance Otto Smith partnered to form After Shock Productions. Dr. Shock’s X-ray Chiller Theater website is a must for fans. https://ghoulardi.tripod.com/shock.html

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Renee’s, 1532 S. Byrne Road.

Late 70s/early 80s nightclub. Later became Henry J’s nightclub.

“Advertised as a place to move together, Renee’s, 1532 S. Byrne Rd., is just that. Originally a disco, the jocks at Renee’s now spin both rock and disco records. Renee’s spacious three-level dance floor, possibly the best In Toledo, is usually filled to the maximum on Thursday, which is college ID night. Renee’s also has two well-stocked bars. Renee’s does have a dress code (no tennis shoes or faded jeans). On college ID night beer is $1.75 a pitcher, but there is not much emphasis on drinking, because dancing is the main attraction. The décor is Impressive with thick, plush carpeting under low, lounge-type furniture surrounding the dance floor. There is also an elevated area isolated by lattice work away from the chaos of the main floor.” – BG News, November 29, 1979

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Touch of Joy, 6048 W. Central Ave.

Touch of Joy, 6048 W. Central Ave., at Marsrow Ave. Opened in 1980. Became Tiffany’s Gentle Touch in 1982 and owned by Joseph Garry. Garry co-owned the well known Jolly Trolly Restaurant in Toledo in the late 1970s. Tiffany’s Gentle Touch later became Tiffany’s Escort & Massage. Closed in February 2009. Demolished.

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Bob’s Market, 6625 W. Sylvania Ave.

Bob’s Market was owned and operated by Robert and Eleanor Hoover (of 4036 McCord Rd). Opened late 50’s/early ’60s. Operated 40+years. Now the Daniel Overmeyer Veterinary Center. I’m told Bob’s Market was a great old-timey kind of place for the local kids to trade their allowance for candy.

Former Bob’s Market.

Hing Mee, 6256 W. Central Ave.

Formerly the Swinger Night Club. Hing Mee opened in 1979 and was owned and operated by Yuk (Hank) Hing Lee. The building was demolished to make way for Taylor Kia.

Hank, 26, emigrated to the U.S. from China via Trinidad where he was the proprietor of a dry goods shop. He made is home in Toledo, while working at various Chinese restaurants before opening the Hing Mee Restaurant with his sister Mee. The restaurant ran for 11 years before Hank closed the business to work with his Uncle Kim and Aunt Garling Wong at Kim’s Gardens of Novi, Michigan. Hank retired at the age of 65 and spent his remaining years dividing his time between Toledo and Akron with his family. He was an active member of the Asian Senior center of Toledo and spent his free time gardening, observing nature and daytripping. – from obituary. 

2-2-1979

Rusty’s Jazz Cafe, 2202 Tedrow Dr.

Rusty’s Jazz Cafe, 2202 Tedrow Drive (designated Jazz Avenue in 1997). Margaret “Rusty” Monroe opened Rusty’s in 1963 at 3310 Secord Road, then relocated the club to 2202 Tedrow Drive in 1979. Rusty’s Jazz Cafe was sold in 2001. Rusty passed away in 2008.

“Jazz places flourished in Toledo and at hotels including the Park Lane Hotel, the Secor Hotel, the Hillcrest Hotel, and the Commodore Perry Hotel. But it is Rusty’s Jazz Cafe, Murphy’s Place, Ragtime Rick’s, the Waiters and Bellman’s Club, and the Aku-Aku Club that are the notable places — now all gone.” – Barbara Hendel, The Blade, February 28, 2021

Rusty’s

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