Bretz Collection

In July, 2003, Jim Bretz made his personal photo collection available to us for publishing. Jim was a descendant of the Middle Bass Island family that founded the Bretz Winery in 1867 and had spent his entire life on the island except for the last three years. Located at a quiet spot near the end of Muller Road, the Bretz Winery produced very popular wines and champagnes for many years, and also supplied grapes to the Lonz Winery. Until 2004 when he moved into a nursing care facility, Jim lived on Middle Bass Island and operated the Ile de Fleurs House and Cottages. The winery has been closed since 1983, but the buildings are still in good condition.

From the August, 2008 News Page

Jim Bretz Obituary - James L. Bretz, 81, of Middle Bass Island, died Thursday August 14, 2008 at Edgewood Manor Nursing Center in Port Clinton. He was born December 17, 1926 on Middle Bass, the son of Leslie J. and Florence B. (Potts) Bretz who operated the Bretz Winery on the island. Graveside services will be 11 am Monday at the cemetery on Middle Bass Island. Port Clinton News Herald. August 16, 2008

We have separated the photos into several categories for easier browsing, and wish to give special thanks to Jim for sharing so much wonderful Middle Bass Island history.

The Bretz Family

The Bretz Winery

The Bechsteins

The Hanck/Tappe Home

Pictures at the Middle Bass Dock

The Ford Tri-Motor at Middle Bass

East Shore Cottages in the 1930s

Other Middle Bass Island Images

A Few Put-in-Bay Images

Reproduction without written permission is forbidden for any purposes other than personal use.

Revised: 18 Aug 2008 12:44:21.

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