Historical Markers and War Memorials in Westerville, Ohio
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Westerville is in Delaware County
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On Africa Road, 0.2 miles south of Polaris Parkway, on the right when traveling north.
The Sharp family homes and their locations on N. State Street and Africa Road mark an important route through Westerville on the Underground Railroad. The family patriarch, Garrit Sharp, was an original settler of Sharp's Settlement, now . . . — — Map (db m171804) HM
On West Park Street at South Grove Street, on the right when traveling east on West Park Street.
This Craftsman-style house was built in 1910 by the Reverend Purley Baker and
his wife Lillie. They named it Greendale. The property included a greenhouse
(pictured) from which to sell vegetable plants, a milk house from which to run
a dairy . . . — — Map (db m247933) HM
On West Main Street at Guitner Alley, on the right when traveling west on West Main Street.
The first Westerville newspaper was printed in 1867. Published by the
Guthrie Brothers, James and John, it was named The Reveille. The brothers
found that the newspaper business was not an easy way to make a living.
They were reduced to . . . — — Map (db m247894) HM
On West College Avenue at South State Street (Ohio Route 3), on the left when traveling west on West College Avenue.
Keyes & Sammons Furniture opened here in 1924. The Public Opinion newspaper
reported a grand opening crowd of over 3,000 had passed through the doors by
the end of the day. The second floor included an undertaking business with a
display . . . — — Map (db m247937) HM
On South State Street (Ohio Route 3) at Slaughter Alley, on the right when traveling north on South State Street.
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, . . . — — Map (db m247869) HM
On East College Avenue east of North State Street (Ohio Route 3), on the left when traveling east.
After completion of this building in 1909, the US Post Office occupied two of its
three storefronts #16 and #18. A meat market occupied #14.
Residents had to collect their mail at Blendon Four Corners, the juncture of
Westerville Road and . . . — — Map (db m247945) HM
On East College Avenue at Haywood Alley, on the left when traveling east on East College Avenue.
Built in 1883, this house is an excellent example of Stick style
architecture popular during the Victorian period of the 19th
century. These designs had decorative trim called “stick work”
including such features as large brackets/braces, . . . — — Map (db m247944) HM
On North State Street (Ohio Route 3) north of East Main Street, on the right when traveling north.
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 . . . — — Map (db m247895) HM
On Westerville Rd (Ohio Route 3) at West Plum Street, on the right when traveling north on Westerville Rd.
The house at this address, 110 South State Street, was the childhood home of Agnes Meyer Driscoll (1889- 1971). Known as “the first lady of naval cryptology,” her career spanned from World War I to the Cold War. Driscoll attended Otterbein . . . — — Map (db m106127) HM WM
On South State Street (Ohio Route 3) at Library Road, on the right when traveling north on South State Street.
From 1893 to 1933, the Anti-Saloon League was a major force in American politics.
Influencing the United States through lobbying and the printed word, it turned a
moral crusade against the manufacture, sale and consumption of alcohol into . . . — — Map (db m247858) HM
On North State Street (Ohio Route 3) south of West Main Street, on the right when traveling south.
The Bank of Westerville was established in 1883. In 1911, it built a new building on
this site. The Depression hit Westerville November 1931, when the bank failed. Local
businessmen banded together to form Citizens Bank which opened in April 1932, . . . — — Map (db m247900) HM
Here, in 1829, at the corner of Dempsey and Hempstead Roads was established a cemetery in connection with Blendon Central Church. This site was selected by the Blendon Presbyterian Assembly. Being the geographic center of the township, this served . . . — — Map (db m26670) HM
On South State Street (Ohio Route 3) at Starrock Alley, on the right when traveling north on South State Street.
In 1862, the Grand Lodge of Ohio chartered Blendon Lodge
as their 339th lodge. It was one of twenty-two Ohio lodges
chartered during the Civil War years. The first Master and
many of the charter members had been members of Charity
Lodge 53 of . . . — — Map (db m247857) HM
On South Hempstead Road at Dempsey Road, on the left when traveling north on South Hempstead Road. Reported permanently removed.
On this site the Blendon Presbyterian Church held services from 1830 to 1865 on land donated by Edward Phelps to the Blendon Township Trustees for church purposes. — — Map (db m164122) HM
Dedicated to the Glory of
Almighty God in memory
of the men and women
who by their unselfish
patriotism have so
gallantly advanced the
American Ideals of
Freedom and the
Universal Brotherhood
of All Mankind
Dedicated this . . . — — Map (db m26673) HM
On South State Street (Ohio Route 3) south of East College Avenue, on the right when traveling north.
D.H. Budd was an enterprising businessman who operated a buggy
“infirmary” at this location in the 1880s. Equivalent to a used car dealer
of today, Budd would find broken buggies and wagons, bring them to
his shop, and repair them for resale. He . . . — — Map (db m247870) HM
On Center Street near West Main Street, on the left when traveling north.
In 1856, Benjamin Hanby published his first song, Darling Nellie Gray, a tale of fugitive slave Joe Selby, who was en route to Canada. Selby died in the Hanby’s Rushville house in 1842. Selby had hoped to buy the freedom of his love, Nelly, who had . . . — — Map (db m107210) HM
the son of Timothy Phelps,
the son of Cornelius Phelps,
the son of Timothy Phelps,
the son of William Phelps,
who came from Tewksbury
England in 1630 and
setteled at Dorchester, Mass.
In 1635, setteled Widsor, Conn.
[illegible]
He . . . — — Map (db m26674) HM
On this site in 1829 the Presbyterians of Blendon Township built their first church. The land was donated by Timothy Lee for “church and burial” purposes. The Reverend Ebenezer Washburn, buried here, was the first minister. The church was destroyed . . . — — Map (db m9567) HM
On North State Street (Ohio Route 3) at East College Avenue, on the right when traveling north on North State Street.
Constructed in 1905, this significant uptown corner building opened
as two storefronts housing First National Bank and W.C. Bale
Hardware.
After a merger in 1929, the bank moved to the block across the
street at which time the entire floor . . . — — Map (db m247874) HM
On West College Avenue at South Knox Street, on the right when traveling east on West College Avenue.
The first sermon preached for Presbyterians in this area was held in 1812 in
a log cabin where City Hall stands today. Eventually a building to serve the
village of Westerville was desired, and the edifice pictured above was
constructed here in . . . — — Map (db m247936) HM
On East Home Street east of Haywood Alley, on the right when traveling east.
Lutherans in this area first began meeting at St. Paul's Lutheran Church
in Blendon Township four miles east of town. As attendance by
Westerville residents grew, Sunday worship shifted in 1904 to the
local town hall on State Street. By 1909, a . . . — — Map (db m247909) HM
On North State Street (Ohio Route 3) at West Main Street, on the right when traveling south on North State Street.
One of the oldest remaining commercial buildings in Westerville,
this 1870s Italianate style structure was built by Peter Guitner to
house his dry goods business. Guitner, a prominent citizen, was
elected as one of the first trustees after . . . — — Map (db m247896) HM
On Center Street near West Main Street, on the left when traveling north.
While many American families defended slavery in the early nineteenth century, Benjamin Hanby’s family did not. Benjamin Hanby was born in July 1833 in Rushville, Ohio to Bishop William Hanby and Ann Miller Hanby. Ben’s father grew up in poverty . . . — — Map (db m107209) HM
On State Street (Ohio Route 3) 0 miles north of Winter Street, on the right when traveling south.
Built by and for the people of Westerville and dedicated in the spirit of the observance of the bicentennial of our nation's independence.
July 3, 1976 — — Map (db m13129) HM
On North State Street (Ohio Route 3) at West Main Street, on the right when traveling south on North State Street.
Thomas Holmes built this fine three-story hotel in 1889-90.
Designed by the renowned Columbus architectural firm
of Yost & Packard, it included thirty guest rooms, two
storefronts facing State Street with an extensive livery stable
and . . . — — Map (db m247899) HM
On South Grove Street south of West College Avenue, on the left when traveling south.
In memory of Benjamin R. Hanby (Otterbein College Class of 1858) whose Christmas song, “Up on the House Top” was first given to the world December, 1864. — — Map (db m9120) HM
On North State Street (Ohio Route 3) at East Main Street, on the right when traveling north on North State Street.
From 1941 to 1967, Isaly's Dairy Store occupied this structure which
had an Art Deco influenced design. Isaly's was one of the first chain
businesses to come to Uptown.
The Isaly family, Swiss immigrants who settled in Monroe County,
Ohio, . . . — — Map (db m247891) HM
On West College Avenue west of North State Street (Ohio Route 3), on the right when traveling west.
This building was the site of the first soda fountain in Westerville.
Local businessman J.R. Williams began a bakery and confectionary
here in 1887, and it quickly became a hangout for Otterbein students
and a favored spot for locals hungry for . . . — — Map (db m247946) HM
On North State Street (Ohio Route 3) north of East Home Street, on the right when traveling north.
In the 1900 census the assessor counted 136 horses. By 1916, there were 94
motorized vehicles in the village of Westerville. Car dealerships, repair shops
and gas stations sprang up to keep pace with the demand for automobile
related services. . . . — — Map (db m247893) HM
On North State Street (Ohio Route 3) at West College Avenue, on the right when traveling south on North State Street.
J.W. Markley operated a grocery store at this location for over 30 years.
Beginning in a small frame building with limited stock, his business
grew allowing him to erect this fine two-story building in 1886. With
additional space, he turned his . . . — — Map (db m247901) HM
On North State Street (Ohio Route 3) south of West Home Street, on the right when traveling south.
Methodism in Westerville dates to 1815 when a log meeting house was built
near Alum Creek. Outgrown, a new brick structure was built in 1838 near the
corner of what today is North State and West Home Streets.
In that same year, Methodists . . . — — Map (db m247911) HM
On West Main Street just west of Center Street, on the right when traveling west.
In commemoration of
Old Westerville Society
Founders Charter Group 1973
Warren and Pat Ernsberger, Co-President •
Ted Chaney •
Elliot and Ruth Hodgden •
Mary Lou Prouty •
Robert and Norma Webster — — Map (db m200906) HM
On West Main Street west of Grove Street, on the left when traveling west.
This historic college opened in1847 as Oterbein University of Ohio, named for Philip William Otterbein (1726–1813), a founder of the Church of the Brethren in Christ. The church later merged with the Evangelical Church to become the United . . . — — Map (db m9122) HM
On South State Street (Ohio Route 3) at East College Avenue, on the right when traveling north on South State Street.
The Robinson Block is one of the oldest structures in Uptown Westerville.
It was home to drugstore businesses from its construction in the early 1870s
until Brinkman's Rexall Pharmacy closed in 1994.
Original building owner, George W. . . . — — Map (db m247873) HM
On South Vine Street at Winter Street, on the right when traveling south on South Vine Street.
In 1876, Reverend Emanuel Wengerd and a small group of parishioners
began meeting in a school on South State Street which was outside the
village of Westerville at the time. The next year Salem Evangelical Church
was built on this lot donated by . . . — — Map (db m247867) HM
On North State Street (Ohio Route 3) north of East College Avenue, on the right when traveling north.
This theatre-restaurant-store complex was constructed on the former site of
a saloon operated by Henry Corbin which was dynamited during the battle
against liquor sales in the 1870s. Opened in 1927 by A.D. Cariman Sr. the
State Theatre was the . . . — — Map (db m247875) HM
On South State Street (Ohio Route 3) south of Plum Street, on the right when traveling south.
The Stoner House, built circa 1862 on a natural spring thought to have medicinal properties, served as an inn, tavern, and spa, and as a hiding place for runaway slaves. George Stoner, owner and operator, drove the stagecoach from Columbus to . . . — — Map (db m9114) HM
On East Main Street east of North State Street (Ohio Route 3), on the left when traveling east.
Built in 1922 as three storefronts, this building housed a variety of small retail
businesses including one that drew widespread attention – Taylor's Pool Hall.
Prior to the December 1933 repeal of the Prohibition Amendment, the . . . — — Map (db m247940) HM
On South Grove near West Park Street, on the right when traveling south.
Here lived the reformers of the Anti-Saloon League of America who led the movement that turned the United States "dry" in 1920 with the 18th Amendment prohibiting the manufacture, sale or transportation of intoxicating liquor. Moving its . . . — — Map (db m94137) HM
On North State Street (Ohio Route 3) at Old County Line Road, on the right when traveling south on North State Street.
Two Fifty Nine North State Street was built in pre-Civil war days by Garrit Sharp. To lay out the floor plan in a true direction, the North star was sighted one night in 1849 and construction was started the next day The Sharp family lived in a log . . . — — Map (db m107149) HM
On North State Street (Ohio Route 3) north of East College Avenue, on the right when traveling north.
This Italianate building was constructed in 1883 to house the
Bank of Westerville which relocated across the street in 1913.
The porch on the south end was later enclosed in brick.
Generations of Otterbein students shopped at the . . . — — Map (db m247876) HM
On Collegeview Road north of West Main Street, on the right when traveling south.
You are now part of a site that will stand as a beacon of peace and protection, and a symbol that true heroism lives forever.
We thank you for your vision and your support.
Westerville's First Responders Park was first dedicated . . . — — Map (db m200907) HM
The University's main building, pictured here, was destroyed by fire on a
January night in 1870. Towers Hall replaced it in the same year and was
positioned to be the focal point of College Avenue entering campus from
the Uptown.
Towers Hall . . . — — Map (db m247929) HM
On South State Street (Ohio Route 3) at Winter Street, on the right when traveling north on South State Street.
During the Great Depression, numerous public works projects turned the country's
unemployed into wage earners. The construction of this post office by the Works
Progress Administration (WPA) in 1935 is an example of one of those projects.
One . . . — — Map (db m247868) HM
On North Grove Street at West Main Street, on the left when traveling north on North Grove Street.
Founded in 1851, the United Brethren Church first held services in buildings on the Otterbein University campus. Early on, it was listed in U.S. Denomination records as “Otterbein Station.”
In 1890, the ladies of the church organized the . . . — — Map (db m247924) HM
Near State Street (Ohio Route 3) 0 miles north of Bishop Drive, on the right when traveling north.
In honor and memory of those citizens who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States of America. Their courage and dedication have preserved the peace and freedom of this great nation.
“History does not long entrust . . . — — Map (db m13126) HM
On North Vine Street at Phelps Alley, on the right when traveling north on North Vine Street.
Vine Street School, designed by the renowned Columbus architectural
firm of Yost and Packard, housed students first grade through high
school. It opened to the public on March 19, 1896. The very rainy day
featured a ceremony led by Ohio Governor . . . — — Map (db m247904) HM
On South State Street (Ohio Route 3) at Plum Street, on the right when traveling north on South State Street.
This building and grounds were the national headquarters of the Anti-Saloon League of America after September 14 1909. The American Issue Publishing Co. and the Temperance Education Foundation were also headquartered here. The work of these . . . — — Map (db m9098) HM
On South State Street (Ohio Route 3) north of Bishop Drive, on the right when traveling north.
In 1921, the Ohio National Guard organized Company “D” of the 112th Medical
Regiment in Westerville and also relocated a veterinary regiment to Westerville.
Initially these two units drilled at the town hall located on East Main Street.
Company . . . — — Map (db m247852) HM
On South State Street (Ohio Route 3) at East Park Street, on the right when traveling north on South State Street.
Due to overcrowding and outdated facilities, Westerville's only
school (Vine Street) lost its accreditation in 1921. Voters were
inspired to action and approved a levy to build this new school
to house grades 7-12. The Westerville High School was . . . — — Map (db m247862) HM
On Library Road at South State Street (Ohio Route 3), on the left when traveling east on Library Road.
Constructed in 1959 to house medical offices, this post World
War II architecture became known as “mid-20th century
modern.” The style featured a low wide footprint with clean
lines, minimal ornamentation, floor-to-ceiling windows, and
an . . . — — Map (db m247860) HM
On North State Street (Ohio Route 3) at East Main Street, on the right when traveling north on North State Street.
Constructed by M. R. Weyant in 1881, this building is an excellent
example of Italianate architecture.
Initially the first floor housed two store fronts. The University
Bookstore, operated by J. L. Morrison, who is pictured here,
occupied . . . — — Map (db m247890) HM
Bishop William Hanby, (1807-1880) courageous and of strong convictions, publicly voiced his scorn at a law that made it a felony to give food to a hungry slave, or shelter to a friendless man. From pulpit, platform, and workbench he condemned the . . . — — Map (db m13118) HM
On East Main Street east of North State Street (Ohio Route 3), on the left when traveling east.
Westerville's first permanent movie theatre, the Winter Garden,
operated in this building from 1913 until the late 1920's.
Seating 180 moviegoers, the Winter Garden offered serials like
the “Perils of Pauline” which would run weekly for . . . — — Map (db m247943) HM
Near South Sunbury Road, on the right when traveling south. Reported missing.
This bell came from the Blendon Presbyterian Church (1830-1865) according to William C. Phelps (1881-1967), a great-great-grandson of Edward Phelps Sr. (1759-1840), first settler of Blendon Twp. and donor of the church land at the southwest corner . . . — — Map (db m164096) HM
Near South Sunbury Road at Whitney Lane, on the right when traveling south.
This “Erected 1842” cornerstone was originally part of
Main Hall. The three-story brick structure, once
located northwest of the present Sanctuary, was built to
serve the Central College of Ohio – a Presbyterian
college of higher learning . . . — — Map (db m247845) HM
On Sunbury Road, on the right when traveling south.
This church was organized April 22, 1843, in conjunction with The Central College of Ohio on land donated by Squire Timothy Lee. The college, chartered in March, 1842, continued until 1892.
This brick chapel was erected in 1870 under the . . . — — Map (db m18062) HM
On Sunbury Road, on the right when traveling south.
Dedicated with love and gratitude
December 19, 1993
to
the Reverend Richard D. Ellsworth
by the congregation of
Central College Presbyterian Church
for more than thirty-five years
of faithful service to the church
and community. — — Map (db m18060) HM
Near Lindimore Way north of West Main Street, on the left when traveling north.
This National Register of Historic Places
structure is set into the hillside of a
“bank” thus giving it the name Bank Barn.
Cattle and horses were kept in the lowest
level, which was unfloored at the time.
The second level or main level . . . — — Map (db m248044) HM
Near Lindimore Way north of West Main Street, on the left when traveling north.
The Carriage House was constructed into
the side of a hill for grade-level access and was
used to provide covered space for coaches and
carriages. The Carriage House also included
space for accessories and maintenance
equipment related to the . . . — — Map (db m248040) HM
Near Lindimore Way north of West Main Street, on the left when traveling north.
This National Register of Historic Places
farmhouse is a brick two story structure with
a basement. This quaint house was home to
several families that enjoyed hosting gatherings
for family and neighbors.
The farm was named “Rosedale . . . — — Map (db m248035) HM
The Hen House contained three
bays on each side to contain living
space for the families' chickens.
The door was used by the family to enter
and exit while gathering the eggs.
Chickens provided several sources of
food while this building was . . . — — Map (db m248046) HM
Near Lindimore Way north of West Main Street, on the left when traveling north.
The purpose of the Milk House was to
isolate fresh milk from the smells and dust
of the barn. Milk houses provided a place to
store and cool milk; to store milk cans
not in use; and to wash and dry containers.
The Milk House was built close to . . . — — Map (db m248042) HM
Near Lindimore Way north of West Main Street, on the left when traveling north.
The Outhouse, as we know it,
originated in Europe more than 500 years
ago, in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries.
Usually they were 3 to 4 feet square by
7 feet high with no window, heat, or electric light.
Most were built between 50 . . . — — Map (db m248043) HM
Near Lindimore Way north of West Main Street, on the left when traveling north.
Once the meat was cut down in the
butcher room, the family would bring
it into the Smoke House.
The Smoke House was used as an area to
smoke and preserve meats for family
consumption. Preservation was achieved by
salt curing and prolonged . . . — — Map (db m248038) HM
On Sunbury Road, on the right when traveling north.
Clarence Boal Hoover
First employed by city
September 1, 1904
Appointed Chief Engineer
May 1, 1920
Appointed Superintendent of Water
December 1, 1921
Deceased
November 5, 1949
Charles Potter Hoover
First employed by . . . — — Map (db m18327) HM
On West Main Street just west of Collegeview Road, on the right when traveling west.
On February 5, 1998, the Westerville Fire Division experienced the loss of 29 year old career firefighter David Theisen, who was killed in his hometown of Crooksville, Ohio while fighting a house fire during volunteer duty. Theisen was beloved by . . . — — Map (db m200909) HM
Near West Main Street west of Collegeview Road, on the right when traveling west.
7:59 A.M. American Airlines Flight 11, a Boeing 767 with 92 people on board, departs Boston's Logan International Airport bound for Los Angeles International Airport.
8:40 A.M. The FAA notifies NORAD's Northeastern Air Defense Sector . . . — — Map (db m200914) HM
Near West Main Street west of Collegeview Road, on the right when traveling west.
This piece of steel, known as C-40, was obtained from the New York - New Jersey Port Authority from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) where it was studied as part of the federal investigation into the collapse of the . . . — — Map (db m200910) HM WM
On South Grove Street at West Walnut Street, on the right when traveling south on South Grove Street.
Song writer and minister of the United
Brethren Church, Hanby was an Otterbein College
graduate, class of 1858, known throughout the
world for the inspiring songs, "Darling Nellie
Gray," "Up on the Housetop," and "Who is He
in Yonder Stall." . . . — — Map (db m225380) HM
On South Hempstead Road near Dempsey Road, on the right when traveling south.
The first Blendon Presbyterian Church was located at the intersection of Dempsey and Hempstead Roads on what is part of Blendon Central Cemetery. Timothy Lee (1785-1862) donated land at the northeast corner for a church and cemetery. The church . . . — — Map (db m107156) HM
On South Hempstead Road near Dempsey Road, on the right when traveling south.
Phelps Acre Park
Dedicated October 24, 2015
We want to express our deep
gratitude to the Central College
Presbyterian Church for loaning us
this historic church bell from one of
Blendon Township’s first Presbyterian
churches and placing it . . . — — Map (db m107161) HM
On South State Street (Ohio Route 3) at Electric Avenue, on the right when traveling north on South State Street.
This marker honors the generosity of Columbus Outdoor Pursuits
and their partners in support of The Ohio to Erie Trail.
Columbus Outdoor Pursuits is a nonprofit organization that brings
together people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds . . . — — Map (db m98768) HM
