San Toy, Ohio facts for kids
San Toy is a fascinating ghost town located in southeastern Perry County, Ohio, United States. A ghost town is a place where most people have moved away, leaving behind empty buildings and memories. San Toy was once a busy and growing community in the early 1900s. It was known as a coal town, meaning it was built because of a nearby coal mine. The Sunday Creek Coal Company created this town for its workers.
Why San Toy Became a Ghost Town
San Toy was a thriving place, but its population quickly dropped. The 1930 census showed a huge change. In 1920, about 976 people lived there. Just ten years later, in 1930, only 128 people remained. This was one of the biggest population drops in the entire United States at that time.
The Decision to Leave
Because so many people had left, the remaining residents had to make a tough choice. In 1931, the town held a vote. Out of 19 registered voters, 17 decided it was time to abandon San Toy. This meant they officially agreed to close down the town.
What Remains Today
Even though most people moved away, San Toy is not completely empty. Today, about 50 people still live in the area that was once the busy town. If you visit, you can still see many old building foundations and roads. These are like clues from the past, showing where homes and businesses once stood. There's even a local road named after San Toy, keeping its memory alive.
