Westerville in Franklin County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

14-16 South State Street

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, May 25, 2024

1. 14-16 South State Street Marker

Inscription. This circa 1875 structure was originally built for commercial use on the north side and residential use on the south side. It has housed a variety of businesses with the longest use as a floral shop.

Among floral shop tenants was Mary E. Lee, a colorful figure well-known in Ohio Republican circles. Close friend President Warren Harding appointed her as Westerville postmaster in 1922. When rumors circulated that liquor was being served at her home parties during Prohibition, Lee incurred the wrath of the Anti-Saloon League which then shifted to mailing its literature from Columbus. Postal receipts plummeted as a result. Lee also ran her flower shop business out of the post office cash registers. These are among several contributing factors that led to her dismissal as postmaster in 1929.

Pictured is the building as it appeared at the time tracks were being laid for the electric interurban. It began operating from downtown Columbus to Westerville in 1895.

Erected by Uptown Westerville Inc.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Communications • Industry & Commerce •

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Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical year for this entry is 1875.

Location. 40° 7.533′ N, 82° 55.88′ W. Marker is in Westerville, Ohio, in Franklin County. It is at the intersection of South State Street (Ohio Route 3) and Slaughter Alley, on the right when traveling north on South State Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 16 S State St, Westerville OH 43081, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Scioto Valley

and in the Columbus Metropolitan Area.

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: Heritage Green Park (within shouting distance of this marker); D.H. Budd Buggies (within shouting distance of this marker); Robinson Block (within shouting distance of this marker); U.S. Post Office

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, May 25, 2024

2. 14-16 South State Street Marker

(within shouting distance of this marker); First National Bank / W.C. Bale Hardware (within shouting distance of this marker); Markley Block (within shouting distance of this marker); 14-16-18 East College Avenue (within shouting distance of this marker); 11 West College Avenue (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Westerville.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 2, 2024. It was originally submitted on June 2, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 302 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 2, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.