South Columbus in Franklin County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Brick Protest and Taking Action
1984
Photographed By Joel Seewald, October 13, 2019
1. Brick Protest and Taking Action Markers
1984 Brick Protest
German Village's brick streets are an unquestionable part of its distinctive historic character, and in a special way they document a long history of civic activism that continues to this day. When the city failed to maintain the brick streets, the German Village Society swung into action. On Memorial Day in 1984, Villagers planted a tree in a large pothole at the corner of Beck and Mohawk streets. One city official responded with, "Those people—they can eat bricks." That comment and the media attention that followed galvanized residents to respond.
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• • • Historic German Village • • •
Image caption: This article appeared in the Columbus Citizen-Journal on June 1, 1984.
1984 Taking Action
Typical of a German Village motto, "Do Good, but Have Fun," residents, politicians and future politicians turned out to repair the neglected bricks on a section of Mohawk Street, while wearing T-shirts printed with "Let Them Eat Bricks." Within a few months, the city had changed its policy. Ever since then, it has repaired and maintained the brick streets in all the city's designated historic districts.
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• • • Historic German Village • • •
Image caption: Volunteers
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Erected by German Village Society.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Government & Politics • Roads & Vehicles. A significant historical date for this entry is June 1, 1984.
Location. 39° 57.044′ N, 82° 59.609′ W. Marker is in Columbus, Ohio, in Franklin County. It is in South Columbus. Marker is at the intersection of East Beck Streeet and Mohawk Street, on the right when traveling east on East Beck Streeet. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 177 East Beck Street, Columbus OH 43206, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Circa 1872 (a few steps from this marker); Lindey's (within shouting distance of this marker); Circa 1875 (within shouting distance of this marker); Frank Fetch Park (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Frank Fetch (about 400 feet away); Bricks with Names (about 400 feet away); Former Site of St. Mary's School and Convent (about 700 feet away); Year of Construction Early 1900s (about 800 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Columbus.
Photographed By Joel Seewald, October 13, 2019
2. Brick Protest and Taking Action Marker
Photographed By Joel Seewald, October 13, 2019
3. Brick Protest and Taking Action Markers
Photographed By Joel Seewald, October 13, 2019
4. Brick Protest and Taking Action Markers
View looking east along East Beck Street through the intersection where the protest took place.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 3, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 27, 2019, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 357 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 27, 2019, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.
