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]

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)

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)

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)

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.

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

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.)

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)