Director Donna Owens presented a pair of steam pumps to Providence Metropark earlier today on behalf of the Ohio Department of Commerce.

"I welcome any opportunity for our department to enhance such a wonderful park system," said Director Owens. "These steam pumps will be used as an educational tool for the thousands of school children and adults who visit the Isaac Ludwig Mill each year."

Director Owens presented two vintage steam pumps to Director of Toledo Metroparks Jean Ward and Providence Metropark Manager Steve Dey. The pumps will serve as a static display in the Isaac Ludwig Mill, which has been restored as a water power interpretive center displaying and demonstrating the various applications of water power.

These pumps were last used in early 1996 by Steam Engineers in the department's Division of Industrial Compliance. They were used during the practical portion of the Engineers Examination. Because these pumps are no longer commonplace or used by the industry, they were discontinued as part of the examination process. Before their use in testing, they were used by the division's field staff to pump water, oil and other liquids during demonstrations.

"We're thrilled to accept this donation, and we're particularly proud to receive it from such a notable Toledo native as Donna Owens," Metropark Director Jean Ward said. "Hundreds of waterpowered mills once operated along the Miami and Erie Canal, and our Isaac Ludwig Mill is the last still in operation. Steam power represents a fascinating chapter in our history, but it's difficult to adequately illustrate. With this gift, we have the tools to clearly demonstrate how a steam engine works to the countless school children and adults who visit the mill."

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The Department of Commerce is responsible for numerous regulatory functions carried out by it divisions of Financial Institutions, Liquor Control, Real Estate, Securities, Unclaimed Funds, Industrial Compliance and State Fire Marshal. It enforces regulations regarding fire codes, industrial compliance, financial institutions, liquor, real estate, auctioneers, unclaimed funds, and private investigators, among others.