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

42-44 North State Street

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, May 25, 2024

1. 42-44 North State Street Marker

Inscription. A shared stairway to the upper rooms separates these two circa 1870 structures. They were constructed on land previously occupied by the residence of William Westervelt.

42 North State was built by Malachi Wheatcraft, an insurance agent. The second floor was used as a residence though the middle door and overhanging porch have since been removed. First floor occupants have included a jewelry store, restaurant, dry cleaners, and barbershop.

44 North State was built by Reverend William Hanby. The harness business he relocated here was previously housed in his barn which served as a stop on the Underground Railroad. Hanby was a founding trustee and staunch supporter of Otterbein University. A drug store later operated in this space for almost forty years. Louis F. Ritter, pictured here, was the proprietor for many of these years. When electric storefront signs came into use, Miller & Ritter Druggists was the first business in Uptown to install one.

Erected by Uptown Westerville Inc.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1870.

Location. 40° 7.624′ N,

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82° 55.913′ W. Marker is in Westerville, Ohio, in Franklin County. It is on North State Street (Ohio Route 3) north of East Main Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 42 N 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: Guitner's Dry Goods (within shouting distance of this marker); Isaly's Dairy Store (within shouting distance of this marker); Methodism in Westerville (within shouting distance of this marker); Weyant Block (within shouting distance of this marker); Taylor's Pool Hall (within shouting distance of this marker);

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, May 25, 2024

2. 42-44 North State Street Marker

Marker is in the foyer of the taller building.

Hotel Holmes (within shouting distance of this marker); Winter Garden (within shouting distance of this marker); Bank of Westerville (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 235 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 2, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.