Near East Side in Columbus in Franklin County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Ohio Institution for Education of the Blind
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., March 15, 2009
1. Ohio Institution for Education of the Blind Marker
This nine acres of land was purchased by the citizens of Columbus in 1837, and deeded to the state for use as the Ohio School for the Blind. The first building, designed by N. B. Kelly and occupied in October 1839, was replaced by the current building designed by William Tinsley. Occupied on May 21, 1874, the massive four story sandstone structure, with a mansard roof, once had a tower rising three additional stories above the current height and had pointed spires on the north and south ends. Among those educated here are jazz notables “Rahsaan Roland” Kirk and Art Tatum. Directly across the street was the birth place of writer James Thurber.Erected 1992 by Arts Foundation of Olde Towne and Community Quest '92 Fund.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Education. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1961.
Location. 39° 57.564′ N, 82° 58.911′ W. Marker is in Columbus, Ohio, in Franklin County. It is in the Near East Side. Marker is on Parsons Avenue, on the right when traveling north
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Bryden Road Historic District (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Hannah Neil Mission And Home For The Friendless (approx. 0.2 miles away); Kelton House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Snowden- Gray House (approx. ¼ mile away); Elaine Hastings Mason (approx. 0.3 miles away); Deaf School Park Topiary Garden: 'A Sunday Afternoon on the Ile de la Grande Jatte' (approx. 0.3 miles away); Deaf School Park (approx. 0.3 miles away); Topiary Garden (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Columbus.
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., March 15, 2009
2. 240 Parsons Avenue Marker
Built 1874 has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places by the United States Department of the Interior. Placed December 2008 by Columbus Public Health.
Photographed By E.C.Kropp, circa 1910
3. State School for the Blind, Columbus, Ohio
The tower and north and south spires, now missing, are visible here.
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., March 15, 2009
4. Ohio Institution for Education of the Blind Marker
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., March 15, 2009
5. 240 Parsons Avenue
Credits. This page was last revised on February 3, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 18, 2009, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 1,014 times since then and 76 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 18, 2009, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. 3. submitted on November 29, 2014. 4, 5. submitted on March 18, 2009, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
