At the beginning of the twentieth century Put-in-Bay, the heart of the Lake Erie 'Wine Islands', was rich with vineyards, orchards and dozens of wineries. Tens of thousands of tourists cruised via steamships to Put-in-Bay every summer. The glorious steamships would dwarf today's island ferries in size, as these steamers averaged 400 feet in length. Also at the century's beginning, Put-in-Bay boasted one of the largest resort hotels in the midwest - the Hotel Victory. Several other elaborate wooden hotels, a trolley, giant water toboggan, two school houses (one for East Point children), taverns, restaurants and an opera house were also on the island. more... See more text