Comments on: Chester Nicodemus

By: Joe Motil

Joe Motil — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 23:53:03 +0000

I lived at 360 Clinton Hts. from 1957 – 78 and Mr. Nicodemus resided at 447 Clinton Hts. Myself and other kids in the neighborhood would visit him on occasion while he was tinkering around in his garage. He was a very kind man and seemed to enjoy talking to kids. He had a kiln in the garage and his ceramic pieces that were for sale were placed on wood shelves in the garage. He gave me a tour of his basement where he kept many of his molds. They were everywhere. I recall he also created a bust of Emerson Burkhart (whom he was friends with while attending OSU) which was in his garage at some point. He also told me he had been commissioned to do the bust of surgeon or prominent doctor. He bragged about this special Italian clay that he used when making a bust. I remember him telling me the clay had a shelf life of 50 years. He had a studio for working on these bust’s at the east side of the house. I purchased many of his ceramic pieces when I was younger and as gifts for my family. I have a price list of his pieces from 1978 that I will submit to this site for viewing.

By: Judy Devine

Judy Devine — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 03:46:43 +0000

I visited with Chester Nicodemus in his shop many times because it was near our Clintonville Business. One of my most amusing memories was a lady shopper buying Christmas ornaments. Excuse my description, but she seemed a bit of a snob when she bluntly asked him “How old are you?” Chester responded with his own question; “How old are you?” And that was it. End of conversation. I’m still laughing.

By: K. Flood

K. Flood — Sun, 26 Sep 2010 19:49:20 +0000

I met Mr. Nicodemus once when I lived in Columbus…what a artist and a kind, quiet man. Do you know if he made any ceramic birdhouses? Thanks!

By: Steve Nash

Steve Nash — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 08:02:58 +0000

My artist mother, Mary Nash, knew Mr. Nicodemus. I remember as a child visiting his home and basement studio with my mother. Besides his Nativity set, I think the yearly Christmas ornaments he made and sent out were some of his most interesting works.