During the late 19th century, dentistry was becoming
a distinct profession. Rather than serving apprenticeships, future dentists
were attending actual schools where they learned from educators, chemists, and
physicians. Sandusky Countian William Van Bergen Ames was one of those, graduating
with honors in 1880 from the Ohio Dental College in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Dr. William V. B. Ames
It wasn’t long before Dr. Ames headed to Chicago
where he researched, lectured, and patented new techniques at a time when
dentistry was rapidly turning from extracting to saving decaying teeth.
Eliminating the decay and filling the remaining cavity posed numerous problems.
Dentists needed a substance that was at once both hard (to withstand chewing)
yet pliable enough to be molded.
Dentists used resin, molten metal, mercury, zinc,
and gold, but each had its drawbacks.
Through his research Dr. Ames developed a cement or composite that was hard, easily molded, and long lasting. Most importantly, it had no side effects for the patient. Dr. Ames lectured on numerous topics to young dentists and then helped found the school of dentistry at Northwestern University.
A short time later, he opened his own laboratory to
produce what became known as Ames Dental Cement. His success with the new
composite led to other products, including the development of gold inlays.
Dentists throughout the United States used his cement and other products with
great success. Eventually, dental supply houses from around the world purchased
Ames Dental Products.
Storefront Displaying Ames Dental Products
Dr. Ames benefitted greatly and soon became a
millionaire. With his new found wealth, he purchased Briar Ridge, a dairy farm
near Libertyville, Illinois, that he and his wife dearly loved. Always
generous, Dr. Ames also helped friends and family gain an education.
By 1906, his laboratory had outgrown the Chicago
facility. It was then that Ames’ thoughts turned, once again, to Fremont and
his two sisters, Jane and Nell. Still living in the family home on High Street,
they helped their brother produce the composite on a small scale. Dr. Ames proposed
converting the barn behind the residence into a modern laboratory. He placed
his sisters in charge. The number of
employees grew and other Ames products were manufactured at the laboratory. Eventually,
the company found a new site at 137 Adams St. (see nearby photo) where it
existed until as late as 1965!
137 Adams Street Fremont, Ohio
Dr. Ames and his wife began to look for a warmer
place to spend their retirement years. South of Phoenix, they purchased land
from the state of Arizona and began construction of what was described as one
of the “oddest and most unique homes ever built in the west.” In reality,
“Ahwatukee,” as it became known, was truly modern, convenient, and finely constructed.
Still in existence, the house originally featured 17 rooms, seven bathrooms,
and four fireplaces. The exterior utilized both Spanish and Hopi styles of
architecture. There were quarters for servants and guests. The couple moved in
during Thanksgiving of 1921. But there was little time for Dr. Ames to enjoyhis retirement home. In poor health, he passed away only three months later. .
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