Over-The-Rhine in Cincinnati in Hamilton County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

122 West Elder

— Findlay Market Building History Project —

Photographed by Craig Doda, March 21, 2026

1. 122 West Elder Marker

Inscription. Built in 1861, 122 W. Elder first housed Henry Vancliff's dry goods shop in 1861-1863. Other early commercial tenants included dry goods merchants, a millinery shop, a shoe shop and a notions store. The longest standing occupant was Kathryn Bentz Ludwig who maintained a men's furnishings shop from 1913 until 1959. Her son, Ralph, continued the family business until the 1990s. In 2009, Churchill's Fine Teas moved into the building.

Erected 2025 by America 250-Ohio Commission.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the America 250: Ohio Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1861.

Location. 39° 6.928′ N, 84° 31.162′ W. Marker is in Cincinnati, Ohio, in Hamilton County. It is in Over-The-Rhine. It is at the intersection of West Elder Street and Elm Street, on the right when traveling west on West Elder Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 122 W Elder St, Cincinnati OH 45202, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American Midwest

and

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in the Ohio River Valley.

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: 124 West Elder (here, next to this marker); 126 West Elder (a few steps from this marker); Anti-German Hysteria (a few steps from this marker); 118-120 West Elder (a few steps from this marker); 128 West Elder (a few steps from this marker); 112 West Elder (within shouting distance of this marker); Findlay Market Opening Day Parade (within shouting distance of this marker); 130-134 West Elder (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Cincinnati.

Photographed by Craig Doda, March 21, 2026

2. 122 West Elder Marker

America 250-Ohio Commission image. Click for full size.

Photographed by America 250-Ohio Commission

3. America 250-Ohio Commission

Credits. This page was last revised on May 1, 2026. It was originally submitted on April 30, 2026, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 9 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 30, 2026, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.