CINCINNATI

In 1883, a downtown importer named Joseph Peebles expanded his business away from the city center by opening a grocery north of town on the corner of East McMillan and Gilbert Avenues.  One of the reasons he chose this location was the new trolley line would pass by and have a stop on this corner. 

Those early trolley cars had a conductor/driver who called out the upcoming stops for his riders.  When they neared this location, he was to yell out "McMillan and Gilbert."  Joe Peebles, ever the aggressive businessman, contacted all the trolley conductors and 'bribed' them into saying "Peebles Corner" instead of the street names.  They did it and the name stuck.  Here we are 136 years later and people still call that spot Peebles Corner even though Joe Peebles grocery is long gone. 

This area has now been designated The Peebles Corner Historic District and has been placed on the National Register.  For the price of a few Cuban cigars and a glass of beer, Joe was able to create a lasting memory for the Queen City.