1979 Annual Home Show
The 1979 Spring Home Show at the Sandusky Mall stood as one of the association's most ambitious undertakings to that point. Chaired by Ray Thom and directed by Lester G. Peyton, the four-day event featured 76 trade exhibitors — a 70 percent increase over prior years — anchored by a custom-designed 52' x 25' model home. The show also honored longtime members Eugene Harkelroad, Ray Thom, Robert Tracht, and David Whyde with Lifetime Membership Awards, recognizing their years of dedication to the association and the trade.
Parade of Homes
In what marked a significant moment for the association, the Erie County Home Builders announced a new Parade of Homes in Huron's Wexford subdivision along Westport Boulevard. Five builders — including Shenigo Construction, Thom Builders, and Franklin Builders — broke ground on homes priced between $150,000 and $180,000. The event revived a proud tradition last held in 1978, when a previous Parade had drawn crowds of 8,000 visitors to a single site.
Gala Christmas Party
& Officer Installation
Erie County Home Builders Association marked the close of the year with its annual Gala Christmas Dinner at the Showboat in Huron — a tradition that drew some 140 members and guests. The evening served double duty as a celebration of the season and a formal installation of incoming officers. At one such gathering, Raymond Thom was installed as President, Thomas Byington as Vice President, Robert Fisher as Secretary, Les Payton as Treasurer, and Howard Busdicker as Executive Officer.
1986 Officers & Board
In 1986, the Erie County Home Builders Association was led by President Larry Franklin of Franklin Contractors, alongside Vice President Bill Lee of Lee Brothers, Secretary/Treasurer Deanna Allensworth of Lawyers Title, and Executive Officer Larry Riedy of Westend Enterprises. The board drew from a broad cross-section of the local industry, uniting engineers, contractors, and suppliers in service to Erie County's growing home building community.
1989 Officers & Directors
1989 Officers & Directors Body: By 1989, James Poling of Ohio Edison had risen to the Presidency, with James Bertsch serving as Vice President, Deanna Allensworth continuing as Secretary/Treasurer, and Lester G. Peyton of Lawyers Title assuming the role of Executive Officer. The association's expanded directory reflected its deepening roots across the region, with member businesses stretching from Sandusky to Port Clinton, Milan, Monroeville, and beyond.
1992 Member Newsletter
1992 Member Newsletter Body: The 1992 edition of Home Builder Happenings captured the association at an active and spirited moment in its history. Under President Robert Lepley, members gathered for a summer boat trip to Kelley's Island, looked ahead to a July Golf Outing, and planned a Family Picnic for August. The newsletter reflected a close-knit organization deeply invested in both its industry and its community.
