Clintonville Book, Author at Clintonville History

Chester Nicodemus

Chester Nicodemus (1901-1990) was a potter, known for his small clay birds fashioned from variously colored, high-iron-content Ohio clays. Several Clintonville residents showed me some of his birds as well as commemorative plates made for the Clintonville Women’s Club. He made teapots and pitchers, robins, eagles, and other wildlife.

Nicodemus earned a degree from Cleveland Art School in 1923 and then taught art at Dayton Art Institute and Wittenberg College. In 1932 he became dean of Columbus Art School, now known as Columbus College of Art and Design. He later taught at Ohio State University and served as president of the Columbus Art League.

Nicodemus lived and had his studio (Nicodemus Ferro-Stone Ceramics) on Clinton Heights Avenue. There he produced more than 1,000 molds in his basement workshop. He had two home-made kilns in the garage, which also housed a showroom. Nicodemus pieces are known for their translucent glaze highlighting the clay’s red tint and producing russet brown undertones. Upon Nicodemus’ death and at his request, all the molds and glazes were destroyed. (Photo courtesy of Darrell Nicodemus)

Clintonville Book2008-09-12T09:55:55+00:00September 12, 2008|Categories: 1940-present, People|9 Comments

1959 Flood

On January 21, 1959, Clintonville experienced a 24-hour deluge, with a thaw, that left scores homeless. The flood affected homes from Arcadia to Southington. Newspaper articles of the time state that evacuations were made at the west end of Rosslyn, Kanawha, Westview, from Martindale (on the west side of Olentangy opposite Marburn), and in the vicinity of American Legion Park (today’s Clinton-Como Park) and from countless homes in the path of the swollen and ice-carrying river. Gas and electricity had to be cut off for safety. Several people died. Mayor Sensenbrenner declared a state of emergency in the city of Columbus, and similar action was taken all over the state. [From North High School Polaris, 1959]

Clintonville Book2008-09-12T09:50:15+00:00September 12, 2008|Categories: 1940-present|Tags: Olentangy River|0 Comments

“Between work and play a midmorning snack is welcomed”

The Ohio State School for the Blind was built in the 1950s on land that had previously been a renown golf course, Wyandot Country Club also known as the Elks Country Club. This picture and its caption are from a brochure for the school published in the mid 1950s. (Photo courtesy of the Ohio State School for the Blind)

Clintonville Book2008-09-12T09:45:55+00:00September 12, 2008|Categories: 1940-present, Schools|3 Comments

Street Scene

This photo was probably taken along Olentangy River Road. Note the smudge pots, which were used before the advent of electrical blinking warning signs. I assume this picture was taken around 1953. (Photo courtesy of Franklin County Engineers)

Clintonville Book2008-09-12T09:45:13+00:00September 12, 2008|Categories: 1940-present, Businesses, Transportation|0 Comments

Kiwanis

I love this picture of the Kiwanis Club of Northern Columbus, the oldest service club in the area, with some members of the Jet League, a baseball team the club sponsored. Over the years Kiwanis has held pancake breakfasts, fish fries, garage sales, peanut sales newspaper sales, and hosted a concession trailer for activities at Whetstone Park. They use the funds to sponsor teams, provide scholarships, sponsor the annual Whetstone Park egg hunt, and to contribute to Easter baskets for Children’s Hospital. One of their largest projects was to raise $50,000 for the lodge at Highbanks MetroPark. (Photo courtesy of Kiwanis of North Columbus)

Clintonville Book2008-09-12T09:40:14+00:00September 12, 2008|Categories: 1940-present, Organizations|0 Comments

Kiwanis Cont’d

Here are more pictures showing a few of Kiwanis’ contributions to Clintonville–

World War II memorial to fallen soldiers at Union Cemetery;softball team sponsorship; scholarship program; Easter egg hunt at Whetstone.

Clintonville Book2008-09-12T09:39:01+00:00September 12, 2008|Categories: 1940-present, Organizations, Parks & Recreation|0 Comments

ABC Motor Court

…was located at 5050 North High Street, across from Graceland where Noodles and Company/Petmart now is. (Photo courtesy of Melissa Goodrich)

Clintonville Book2008-09-12T09:35:00+00:00September 12, 2008|Categories: 1940-present, Businesses|1 Comment

Third Church of Christ, Scientist

This is a photograph of the Church of Christ, Scientist at 3989 North High Street, just as its construction was being completed in the early 1950s. (Photo courtesy of Marge Hauer.)

Clintonville Book2008-09-12T09:30:41+00:00September 12, 2008|Categories: 1940-present, Churches|0 Comments

Adeline’s ribbon cutting ceremony

This was probably a ribbon cutting ceremony. It took place at Graceland Shopping Mall in the early 1950s. (Photo courtesy of Casto Corporation)

Clintonville Book2026-11-07T21:08:34+00:00September 12, 2008|Categories: 1940-present, Businesses|Tags: Graceland|0 Comments

Beechwold Hardware

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)

Clintonville Book2008-09-12T09:25:51+00:00September 12, 2008|Categories: 1940-present, Businesses, People|0 Comments

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