Electricity in Minster, OH

History of Minster

Founded in 1832 as Stallostown (for its founder Francis J. Stallo), the village changed its name to Minster in 1836 (after the heavily Roman Catholic region of Münster in Westphalia, from which many of the settlers came). Minster was founded as part of Mercer County, but it was given to Auglaize County when it was created in 1848. It was mostly comprised from the beginning by German settlers coming from Cincinnati by way of the Miami-Erie Canal bringing their farming skills and Catholic faith with them.One of the early benefits of locating in Minster was the Miami-Erie Canal, which was expected to decrease transportation costs for agricultural produce and finished goods. Located between Cleveland Street and Frankfort Street, the canal and footpaths on either side are still visible reminders. Located southeast of Minster, the Loramie Creek was expanded for use by the canal system as Lake Loramie reservoir about 1847. In 1949 its management was transferred to the Ohio DNR. Lake Loramie State Park offers fishing, boating, camping and cabins.The canals of Ohio were overshadowed by the efficiency of railroads. A branch line was completed through Minster around 1878, connecting to the north with St. Marys and the Lake Erie and Western Railroad mainline. In 1922 the Nickel Plate Road gained control. The branch line served as a freight and passenger route until its decline, with final passenger service in the 1930s when automobiles became preferred.

Minster by the Numbers

Population

5,415

Median Age

38.9 yrs

Median Household Income

$92,016/yr

Median Home Value

$265,700

Homeownership Rate

88%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2023)