GALION, OH (MARION COUNTY NOW)—The Galion History Center (GHC) has cooked up a delightful surprise for the community. On Friday, February 23rd, GHC unveiled its newest exhibit, “Tony’s Pastry Shop,” in honor of renowned Galion baker, Tony Weibl.
The exhibit, revealed to Weibl and his family at the Galion History Museum, showcases artifacts from Tony’s Pastry Shop and pays tribute to the remarkable life of master baker Tony Weibl and the significant impact his bakery had on Galion.
Born in Yugoslavia, Weibl’s family fled to Germany in 1943 due to the Russian advance. The family, once affluent, was devastated by the effects of World War II. At the tender age of 13, Weibl became an apprentice to a German baker, often bringing home baked goods to his family. The family immigrated to America in 1951, where Weibl joined the U.S. Army, put his baking skills to good use, and quickly learned English.
In 1959, Weibl moved to Galion and purchased the Malloy Bakery at 244 Harding Way E. The grand opening of Tony’s Pastry Shop took place in early February of 1960. The shop, which served a variety of breads, rolls, pastries, cakes, cookies, pies, doughnuts, and delicacies, was a beloved business in uptown Galion for 29 years. Weibl retired and closed his shop in 1988. Now at age 91, Weibl continues to bake at Andrew’s Pastries in Marion, keeping his recipes alive and well.
The GHC will hold a public unveiling of its new exhibit in the Galion History Museum and Gift Shop (located in the Brownella Cottage Carriage House – 132 S. Union St.) on Saturday, March 16th from 2:00-4:00 p.m. Attendees can enjoy Tony’s famous sugar brownies, provided by Andrew’s Pastries, while supplies last. Admission is by donation only.
The GHC looks forward to welcoming the community to celebrate the legacy of Tony Weibl and his contribution to Galion’s history.