This was probably a ribbon cutting ceremony. It took place at Graceland Shopping Mall in the early 1950s. (Photo courtesy of Casto Corporation)
For additional pictures of Graceland’s early days, check out George Campbell’s online collection of vintage pictures.
Forrest Smith began Beechwold Hardware in 1944 and 9 years later his son Jack joined him in the business. This photograph shows Forrest Smith and his son Jack around 1960. Jack’s son-in-law now owns the business, but Jack works at the store regularly when he’s not out playing golf. Beechwold Hardware may be the longest-running family-owned business in Clintonville. (Photo courtesy of Jack Smith)
I’m enthralled by pictures of the Maiden of the Roses pageant, held at the Park of Roses each Father’s Day from about 1954 until 1974. The pageants were sponsored by North Columbus Civitan. They evoke an era which is now gone. The celebration included floats, a dance, and the beauty competition, with the award given to the Franklin County girl who “made the greatest contribution to the community and who has worked most in her school.” The 1964 Maiden was Lynn Wilson, from Upper Arlington High School. (Photo courtesy of Glenn Williams)
From 1954 or 1955 until 1974, North Columbus Civitan (along with Columbus Parks & Recreation) sponsored a Maiden of Roses Festival at the Rose Garden. While rummaging through Civitan’s archive for the festival, I came across a written composition of music, clearly intended to be played at the festival and perhaps at the award event. I don’t know who composed it (does the sheet say, “Al Waslon”?). My musician friend and technical advisor Mark Bendig played and recorded the tune for me and now you, too, can listen to it. Click the play button below to stop/play the music. (Access to Civitan’s archive courtesy of Glenn Williams, music courtesy of Mark Bendig.)
During the course of my book, I tried valiantly to get a picture of the Capital City Lumber Company, which used to exist on Indianola where Marzetti’s now stands. Does anyone out there have one?
Clintonville residents have always actively gardened. Two views of Boulevard Gardens on Olentangy River Road (or at least I assume this photograph of the Garden Centre on Olentangy Road in 1963 is Boulevard Gardens
(Left photo courtesy of the Franklin County Engineers; right photo courtesy of the Koch family)
Boulevard Gardens closed down, during the winter of 2008/09. Click on the image to the right for the history of the business from the Columbus Dispatch.
He was the second bishop of Columbus, occupying the episcopacy from 1880-1899. He was born in 1844 in Blairsville, PA and was ordained in 1868. He was president of Mt. St. Mary’s College, Emmitsburg, Maryland when he was selected to become Bishop of Columbus. His special interest was development of parochial schools. (Photo courtesy of Bishop Watterson High School)
Riverside Methodist Hospital is today a fixture in Clintonville residents’ lives. Prior to 1961, however, it was known as the White Cross Hospital and was located near Goodale Park in Victorian Village. And before that, it was known as Protestant Hospital. Riverside’s first patients were transferred from White Cross Hospital on April 10, 1961. An addition was added in 1970 and an additional expansion began in December, 1990. (Photo courtesy of Melissa Goodrich)
North High School was a top ranked high school; alumni are rightfully proud of their alma mater. Here is a string ensemble from 1957-58: Tom Lange, first violin; Carol Lowry, second violin; Dorothy Neban, viola; and Mary Anne Brown, cello. (Photo courtesy of Leeann Faust)
In 1962, Walt Stein leased the Sohio filling station at the Northeast corner of Dunedin and North High Street and named his business Clintonville Sohio (shown here). In 1968 the name was changed to Clintonville Servicenter. The business grew, and in 1970 Stein moved the business to 585 Oakland Park Avenue and changed the name to Clintonville Automotive Repair Service (CARS). In 1982 the adjacent ARCO gas station at 3378 Indianola Ave. was purchased as an annex. (Photo courtesy of Ron Stein)