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HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY 41
sites proposed, and it Avas while on this tour of investigation that the
events occurred that turned the tide of sentiment in favor of the village
of Sandusky. Milan, or Abbott's Corners, was out of the question.
While at Huron, so it is said, the champions of that site showed the
commissioners the beauties and natural advantages of the town and location,
and endeavored to, and in fact did impress them favorably. The
harbor was all it Avas represented to be, .but unfortunately, while urging
their OAVII as the best location they correspondingly enlarged upon the
disadvantages of Sandusky, so that when the commissioners came here
they did so with a prejudice against it. And it is known that at least
tAvo of the three commissioners AA'ere in favor of Huron as against Sandusky.
But while viewing the attractions of Huron and vicinity a hard
wind storm, a genuine "nor' caster," suddenly arose and blew the lake
INDIANS AND PlONKERS
waters back into the channel of Huron River, thus flooding the locality,
and for a time making it impossible for the Avorthy site finders to reach
their hotel.
The trio next visited Sandusky, but as has been stated, with a prejudice
against the place. There AVIIS in fact a somewhat unfortunate condition
of affairs here regarding the lands. They were in dispute, and
while there Avas no open rupture, there were threatenings of litigation
in certain quarters, enough to make doubtful the feasibility of locating
upon them the county seat. But at Huron the commission had been
informed that the Avalers of the bay Avere shallow; too shallow to make
Sandusky a safe, sung harbor for the lake vessels, and this Avas the objection
in part raised by the Huron people. These objections Avere fixed
in the minds of the commissioners, and were of such a nature as required
evidence to remove.
But the same gale of wind that injured Huron had favored Sandusky.
During its greatest severity the brig Julia Palmer had sought
refuge in the bay of Sandusky, waters of which Avere SAVOIICU by the