In the early 1900s, this stretch was a hub of retail, banking, and streetcar traffic.

Postcards from the era show horse-drawn carriages, pedestrians in full Edwardian dress, and street arches casting shadows on the busy sidewalks. The iconic Citizens Bank building held down the southeast corner, and just down the block, storefronts sold shoes, wigs, and just about everything in between.

Things weren’t always charming.

In 1977, a four-alarm fire ripped through the area, starting in the basement of a bar called K’s Down Under and spreading to nearby shops in the middle of a freezing February night. The fire destroyed a quarter of the block and left $2 million in damage in its wake. Even in the decades that followed, the district saw waves of demolition, parking lots, and some heartbreakingly close calls with preservation.

Still, enough of the original fabric survived to earn the High and Gay Streets Historic District a spot on the National Register of Historic Places in 2014. Its 15 contributing buildings represent more than a century of Columbus architecture, with styles ranging from Italianate and Classical Revival to early 20th-century commercial and Art Moderne. Some buildings — like the White Haines and the former Madison’s department store — are still standing but waiting for their next chapter.

Fast forward to now

Today, the intersection of High and Gay is as much a creative hub as it is a historic gem. Events like the UnderCurrent series have transformed the corner into a vibrant community space, blending art, music, food, and culture beneath Janet Echelman’s iconic “Current” sculpture. Curated by local creatives and hosted by Downtown Columbus, Inc., these open street festivals bring new energy to one of downtown’s oldest intersections.

Gay and High has always been a crossroads. These days, it’s where Columbus history meets what’s next.

Want to see more historic photos? Keep scrolling! If you’re curious about this area of downtown Columbus and it’s history, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter. We’re going to be taking some deep dives into several of the buildings in this area, including the Citizens Building, the White–Haines Building, and William J. Lhota Building!

The post The Past (and Present) Life of Gay & High Streets In Photos appeared first on Columbus Navigator.

Long before it became home to Mansion Day School, the 24-room estate was a testament to ambition and industry. Built in 1904 for William A. Miller, then president of the H.C. Godman Shoe Company, the mansion was a symbol of the city’s rising prosperity. Designed by David Riebel, a prominent Columbus architect, the house featured 15 fireplaces, hand-laid Italian tile, and mahogany finishes that still whisper of another era.

Miller’s company was one of the largest shoe manufacturers in Ohio, employing thousands across eight factories. When he died in 1921, Columbus lost one of its most influential industrialists.

But the mansion lived on and quietly transformed.

After Miller’s death, his wife Anna opened the third floor of the home to care for homeless children, setting a tone of service and shelter that would echo through the decades. In 1934, the mansion changed hands again and became the Glenmont Home for Christian Scientists, a nursing home that continued the building’s legacy of care and community.

By the early 2000s, the house had taken on yet another life. Now operating as Mansion Day School, the building serves students from neighborhoods across central Ohio. The structure remains largely intact, retaining its historic character while hosting classrooms instead of parlors and study halls instead of salons.

Though the original owners are long gone, their presence lingers. The fireplaces, the woodwork, the details built to last—they are reminders of the lives once lived here and the generations that have since passed through its doors.

There is something compelling about a building that has shifted so fully in purpose without losing its sense of place. In a city constantly changing, it’s wonderful to see a historic building find a new life, instead of being torn down.

The post Historic Columbus: From Gilded-Era Mansion to Modern Schoolhouse appeared first on Columbus Navigator.

A House With a Mission

Built in 1846, the Hanby House was home to William and Ann Hanby and their family from 1853 to 1870. William Hanby wasn’t just any Westerville resident—he was an abolitionist, a co-founder of Otterbein University, and the 15th Bishop of the Church of the United Brethren in Christ. Hanby didn’t just talk about his beliefs; he put them into action, turning his home into a stop on the Underground Railroad.

More Than Just a Historic Home

The Hanby House isn’t just a relic of the past. It now serves as a fully functioning museum managed by the Westerville Historical Society. Step inside, and you’ll get a glimpse of what life was like for a middle-class family in the 1850s.

You can check out period furnishings, artifacts from the Hanby family, and exhibits that highlight their abolitionist work.

Plan Your Visit

If you’re ready to take a deep dive into history, here’s what you need to know:

Location: 160 W. Main St., Westerville, OH 43081
Hours: June through September, Saturdays from 1-4 PM (or by appointment)
Schedule a tour: Email WHSpres@westervillehistory.org or call 614-891-6289 at least a week in advance.

Whether you’re a history buff, a music lover, or just someone who enjoys exploring Ohio’s hidden gems, the Hanby House is definitely worth a visit. To learn more, head over to westervillehistory.org.

Featured image by John G. Weinhardt, CC BY-SA 4.0 (via Wikimedia Commons)

The post This Underground Railroad Home In Westerville Is A Must-Visit For History Buffs appeared first on Columbus Navigator.

Built during the Gilded Age, the Great Southern Hotel was designed by architect Frank Packard in a striking French Renaissance style. Its detailed stone carvings and elegant interiors made it one of the most remarkable buildings in Columbus. Beyond its opulent rooms and grand ballroom, the hotel featured the Great Southern Theatre, an adjoining venue that quickly became a cultural hub.

The Great Southern Theatre

Over the years, the Great Southern Hotel has hosted presidents, Hollywood stars, and influential figures. President William McKinley was among its esteemed guests, solidifying its reputation as a premier destination in Columbus.

Changes and Challenges

By the mid-20th century, the rise of suburban hotels posed challenges for downtown landmarks. But the Great Southern adapted. A major renovation in the 1980s brought it new life as the Westin Great Southern Hotel, preserving its historic charm while updating its amenities for modern guests.

Architectural Highlights

A Modern-Day Treasure

The hotel is located at 310 S High St, Columbus, OH 43215.

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The program kicked off in September 1975, when 32 hopefuls gathered at City Council Chambers to have their names drawn from a fishbowl.

The city required applicants to meet certain eligibility criteria, including having the financial means to cover the cost of repairs.

Among the winners were Dr. Richard Williams, the chair of the Arts and Sciences Division at Franklin University, and his wife, Norma, a sculptor. The couple won the home at 955 S. Champion Avenue, just a short walk from Richard’s job. For them, this house was more than just a place to live—it was a creative project. They envisioned filling the space with country-style antiques, creating a gourmet kitchen for their shared love of cooking, and building a studio for Norma’s artwork.

The Williamses estimated that it would take around $3,000 to rehabilitate the house—a sum that would be equivalent to roughly $16,232 today. They planned to handle the renovations without taking out a loan, demonstrating their commitment to transforming the property into a dream home.

The Urban Homesteading Program wasn’t just a way for families to acquire homes cheaply; it was also a way to breathe new life into neglected areas and restore community pride. The program aimed to tackle the issue of vacant homes, with the hopes that new owners would invest in the neighborhoods for the long term.

Richard and Norma Williams owned 955 S. Champion Avenue for about 14 years, selling it in 1989.

The Urban Homesteading Lottery demonstrates how creative urban policies can foster community reinvestment and neighborhood revitalization. Through this innovative program, Columbus gave residents the opportunity to transform both their homes and their communities, one $1 house at a time.

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This historic Georgian-style home, now over 100 years old, has an intriguing story that ties together Columbus’ architectural heritage, the state’s political history, and a glimpse into the lives of those who lived in Columbus during its early 20th-century boom.

Before Ohio had an official Governor’s Mansion, governors struggled to find a place to live in Columbus while in office.

It was this type of housing chaos that finally pushed the Ohio General Assembly to search for an official residence.

The mansion, located at 1234 E. Broad Street, is a showstopper.

After the state purchased the mansion from the Lindenberg family in 1919, they set about making it ready for the governor’s family. This included some remodeling, adding a garden, and even furnishing the place with pieces made by prisoners at the Mansfield Reformatory. By February 1920, Governor Cox and his family were finally able to move in. Talk about a long wait! However, the mansion wasn’t destined to serve Ohio’s governors forever.

By the 1950s, the property had become dilapidated and needed extensive repairs and renovations. When it was discovered these repairs were not covered in the budget, the state decided it would be cheaper to find a new residence altogether.

By 1957, the state was gifted the Malcom Jeffrey home in Bexley, which became the new official Governor’s Mansion.

The post How This Broad Street Mansion Became The Most Important Home In Ohio appeared first on Columbus Navigator.

A Vision for Greatness

University officials, including athletic director Lynn W. St. John, envisioned a larger stadium that would reflect the ambitions of the team and the school. After a successful fundraising campaign, Ohio Stadium’s construction began in August 1921. The project was no small feat, costing around $1.34 million—a staggering sum at the time.

Designed by architect Howard Dwight Smith, Ohio Stadium was revolutionary for its double-deck horseshoe shape, which helped increase seating capacity while ensuring good sightlines from nearly every seat. Smith’s design also incorporated reinforced concrete, a relatively new building material for stadiums.

Opening Day and Record-Breaking Crowds

On October 7, 1922, Ohio Stadium opened its doors to a crowd of 72,000 for its first game against Ohio Wesleyan University. Though it would take time for fans to fill the massive 66,210-seat capacity, the new stadium became a point of pride for the university and the city of Columbus.

As the years passed, Ohio Stadium became synonymous with college football greatness, especially as the Buckeyes became one of the premier teams in the nation. One of the most notable moments in early Ohio Stadium history came on November 24, 1928, when the Buckeyes played Michigan in front of 90,411 fans—one of the largest crowds ever at that time.

The Horseshoe Evolves

As college football grew in popularity, so did Ohio Stadium. Renovations and expansions were made over the decades to accommodate more fans and modernize the facility. By the 1940s, Ohio Stadium could seat over 80,000 fans, and further expansions in the 1950s and 1960s pushed capacity beyond 90,000.

In the 1990s, the stadium underwent a major renovation to bring it up to modern standards. The playing surface was lowered to increase seating capacity, bringing it to over 100,000. Luxury suites and club seating were added, reflecting the increasing demand for premium experiences. Despite these changes, the iconic horseshoe shape was preserved, ensuring that Ohio Stadium remained one of the most recognizable venues in college sports.

Game-Day Traditions and Memories

Beyond its size and structure, Ohio Stadium is revered for its atmosphere and traditions. From the “Script Ohio” performed by The Ohio State University Marching Band to the deafening cheers of over 100,000 fans, game days at “The Shoe” are electric. The stadium has witnessed countless unforgettable moments, from national championship games to epic rivalries with Michigan.

One of the stadium’s most famous traditions is the “Dotting of the I,” where a sousaphone player from the band ceremoniously dots the “i” in the Script Ohio formation, a revered honor in Buckeye lore.

More Than Football

A Lasting Legacy

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The Anti-Saloon League: Westerville’s Powerhouse

Our story begins in Westerville. You might not know this, but Westerville was the headquarters of the Anti-Saloon League (ASL), the most powerful organization fighting for Prohibition. Founded in 1893, the ASL was dedicated to the cause of temperance, believing that alcohol was the root of many social problems.

Westerville was the perfect spot for the ASL’s base of operations. The town had already been dry since the 1850s, with local laws banning the sale of alcohol. The ASL’s influence in Westerville was so strong that the town earned the nickname “The Dry Capital of the World.”

The League’s presence there wasn’t just symbolic; it was strategic. Westerville became the epicenter for Prohibition advocacy, with its residents and leaders pouring their efforts into lobbying for nationwide alcohol bans. The American Issue Publishing Company even ran a printing business that ran 24 hours a day, producing pro-prohibition propaganda.

Columbus: The Battleground

However, not everyone in Columbus was on board with the idea of banning booze. Many local businesses thrived on the sale of alcohol, from bustling saloons to high-end hotels. The tension between the dry advocates and the wet supporters was palpable. This divide wasn’t just about alcohol; it was a clash of cultures and lifestyles.

The Impact on Ohioans: Not All Rosy

When the 18th Amendment went into effect in 1920, Ohioans had mixed reactions. On one hand, there were celebrations among the temperance advocates. On the other hand, a significant portion of the population was unhappy, to say the least.

One of the most immediate and negative impacts of Prohibition was the rise of illegal activities. Speakeasies—hidden bars where alcohol was illegally sold—sprang up all over Columbus. Law enforcement struggled to keep up with the rampant bootlegging. The black market for alcohol flourished, and organized crime found a foothold in many communities. On average, 1000 Americans died every year during the Prohibition from the effects of drinking tainted liquor.

Moreover, Prohibition had a severe economic impact. Many breweries, distilleries, and bars in Ohio were forced to shut down, leading to significant job losses. Workers who depended on these industries suddenly found themselves unemployed. The ripple effect was felt throughout the state, affecting suppliers, farmers, and even those in the hospitality industry.

Westerville’s Legacy

Despite the chaos that Prohibition brought, Westerville remained a symbol of the temperance movement’s success. The town’s legacy is preserved at the Anti-Saloon League Museum, which houses a vast collection of memorabilia from the Prohibition era. It’s a testament to the town’s crucial role in one of America’s most controversial policies.

The End of an Era

Prohibition eventually came to an end in 1933 with the ratification of the 21st Amendment. The experiment, which lasted 13 years, left a lasting impact on Ohio and the entire nation. It highlighted the complexities of legislating morality and the unintended consequences of such policies.

Today, Columbus and Westerville stand as reminders of a time when the nation grappled with the idea of a booze-free society. The remnants of that era can still be seen in historical landmarks and museums, offering a glimpse into a fascinating chapter of American history.

The post The Push For Prohibition Found A Home In Ohio: Here’s How The Anti-Saloon League Became A Powerhouse appeared first on Columbus Navigator.