South Columbus in Franklin County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
The Brothers' House
Photographed by Joel Seewald, October 13, 2019
1. The Brothers' House Marker
As the legend of 316-318 E. Beck St. has it, two brothers began building side-by-side houses but got into a dispute during construction. Although assembly continued, each brother picked his own roof shape, window type and trim to be distinct from the other. When the brothers went off to the Civil War, their wives knocked a hole between the two halves—which was promptly bricked up again when the brothers returned. Whether or not the legend is true remains a mystery, but we are left to wonder at the very unique home.
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Historic German Village
Image caption: Few homes in the district command a 'double take' more than the unusual Brothers' House.
Erected by German Village Society.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings.
Location. 39° 57.036′ N, 82° 59.377′ W. Marker is in Columbus, Ohio, in Franklin County. It is in South Columbus. It is on East Beck Street west of South Grant Avenue, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 316-318
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Regionally, this marker is in Ohio’s Scioto Valley. It is also in the American Midwest and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Dispatch Newspaper Depot (a few steps from this marker); Hurryville (within shouting distance of this marker); Historic German Village (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Historic German Village (about 400 feet away); a different marker also named Historic German Village (about 500 feet away); Frank Fetch (about 700 feet away); Frank Fetch Park (about 700 feet away); a different marker also named Historic German Village (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Columbus.
Photographed by Joel Seewald, October 13, 2019
2. The Brothers' House
Marker on the fence, but is out of view of the image on the right side.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 3, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 28, 2019, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 1,105 times since then and 51 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 28, 2019, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.
