Ohler & Holzhauer owner Dave Dubbert and employee Patrix Heschel still display vintage theater paraphernalia inside the store, which long ago housed the Clinton Theatre. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)

BY SHERI TRUSTY

In 1915, brothers-in-law Adam Ohler and Albert Holzhauer opened Ohler & Holzhauer in Port Clinton. Now, 108 years later, the business which offers plumbing, heating and air-conditioning services, is still one of the most well-respected businesses in town.

Current owner Dave Dubbert has been with the company for exactly half of its existence.

“I started in 1969, when I was 13. I put fittings away and dug holes,” Dubbert said. “The business is 108 years old this year, and I’ve been here 54 of those years.”

Ohler & Holzhauer is a proud Lennox dealer, In March, Dubbert was honored as a 40-year Lennox dealer at the Lennox Live annual HVAC conference in Las Vegas.

Ohler & Holzhauer owner, Dave Dubbert, left, was recently honored as a 40-year Lennox dealer. Patrix Heschel has been with the company for 33 years. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)

Dave Dubbert was honored with an award for being a Lennox dealer for 40 years. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)

“I’ve always really liked Lennox. It’s always been a really good product. They stand behind their stuff,” Dubbert said. “I think it’s the best furnace out there.”

The Dubbert family has long ties to Ohler & Holzhauer and to downtown Port Clinton. The business was first housed in a small wood frame building at the corner of Madison and what is now Perry Street. Employees hauled materials on bicycles until Ohler and Holzhauer purchased the first company truck, a Model T Ford.

The business eventually moved down Madison to the building now occupied by Wolfie’s Bierhaus

restaurant. In 1970, Dave’s father, Franklin, became a co-owner of the business and in 1972 he became sole owner. In 1987, the business moved to its current location in the former Clinton Theatre building at 216 Madison St. The purchase preserved an historic piece of Port Clinton history.

“When we came to look at the theatre the first time, you could see out the roof. It had 1,100 seats in there, and all the seats were still there when we bought it,” Dubbert said.

Before the sale was final, the building was nearly demolished.

Ohler & Holzhauer has been in business for 108 years. Current owner Dave Dubbert has been a part of the company for 54 years. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)

“It was down between us and the county making a parking lot, so we saved the building,” Dubbert said.

“I’m proud to be here. I’m proud to be a member of the community,” Dubbert said. “I’ve been working in downtown Port Clinton for 54 years. I’ve seen it come, and I’ve seen it go, and I’m glad to see it back. It’s fun to come downtown now.”

Dubbert says Ohler & Holzhauer lasted over 100 years because it takes care of its customers.

“We’ve had a focus on service from the beginning,” he said. “We try to serve the community the best we can.”

For more information, visit www.oandh1915.com or call 419-732-2121.