Fuller Farm & Whetstone Park
E.A. Fuller was a prominent Clinton Township horse trader at the turn of the century. I found the Clinton Township records for the late 1800s and early 1900s, and his name was frequently mentioned as buying or selling horses. I assume that the so-called “Fuller Farm”—where Calvary Bible Church, Whetstone Park, Clintonville Women’s Club, and The Church of Christ, Scientist are today—once belonged to this man. (Photo courtesy of Calvary Bible Church)
The vacant farm has been put to many uses. During World War II, the land used for victory gardens. (There were also victory gardens near Riverside Hospital.) Children put the area to their own purposes, scrambling through the undergrowth and playing by the river. 
Many long-time residents recall a family that lived in the farm house—some have called it a log cabin, others say it was a chicken coop–of the old Fuller Farm. Some say the family was partly Native American; others say partly Romani; in any case, the family’s race added to their mystique and exoticism in the minds of the Clintonville children of the time. The family’s surname was Windsor; Mr. Windsor was a professor at OSU, and many of the people fondly recall daughter Zolithia [or Zelitha] (back row, 4th from left) and her brother Romanus (3rd rw, 2nd from right).
During or shortly after World War II, Rand Hollenback (founder of The Booster) lobbied for remaining land to be converted into a park, and the City of Columbus purchased the 161 acre farm. It became Whetstone Park. From early on the park has included a casting pond, softball diamond, tennis, picnic and playground, and archery field.
January 18th, 2009 at 12:03 am
I’m not commenting on these pictures per say. I lived in the apt. over the garage at the northeast corner of Screyer and High from 1963 until 1972. I wasn’t aware for a number of years that it had been torn down. I was heartbroken. I went to Peter Pan Playhouse which was in the big house. I would say this was probably held in the sunroom part of the big house. When my mother and I moved in, Dr. Sophie Rogers owned it. The Roger’s building around Pacemont and High was hers also. Upon her death it was left to Eleanor Luthard of Cleveland. This was a beautiful historic home. I would love to know some history of it. I remember it was a 14 room mansion and we lived in what used to be the servant’s quarters over the stable (garage). It had about an acre of land and the most beautiful flower gardens. Please I would love to know more about this home.
November 4th, 2010 at 11:35 am
Kay, I too went to Peter Pan – I remember it fondly, especially the collies that lived there. Anyone else have any memories/photos of this place?
December 2nd, 2010 at 10:30 am
Kate, I remember the collies’ names were Comrade and Bonnie. Do you remember when we played in the yard, we were not allowed past the big rock, because the dogs pooped out there. Mildred was the caretakeer of the house, I think she worked at the Columbus School for the Deaf. She stayed in that huge house by her self.