Bet you didn’t know April 11 was a Columbus holiday.
Once upon a time (in 1914, when these ads ran in The Columbus Dispatch), April 11 was “bock day” — “bock” being a type of ale. Learn more about it in the Dispatch’s “Look Back” blog!
This picture, likely taken in the 1940s, shows what used to be at the site of the Wexner Medical Center at Ohio State University, which currently is in the midst of a major expansion project.
Look at Ohio Stadium over there, all by its lonesome.
Read more about this picture at the Dispatch’s “Look Back” blog.
Anyone traveling on Rt. 315 in Columbus can see the giant, ever-growing cluster of medical centers near where Olentangy River Road meets North Broadway.
In 1955, not only was there no 315, but this house was all that stood where you would now find the colossal Riverside Methodist Hospital.
On this day (Oct. 9) in 1965, an Ohio State University tradition was born when the “Best Damn Band in the Land” played Hang On Sloopy for the first time.
Now Ohio’s official rock song, the tune was played in a halftime show that included Tchaikovsky’s Waltz of the Flowers and a tribute to George Gershwin.
From the Dispatch “Look Back” blog…
Johnny Cash was in town 42 years ago this month to perform at the Ohio State Fair. The singer and his wife were so popular that they overcame the American antipathy to monarchy in being named the royal family of the fair. The original caption read:
Country-western star Johnny Cash and wife June Carter, were officially proclaimed the royal family of the 1970 Ohio State Fair Friday as Governor Rhodes, right, presented them with a plaque bearing the Great Seal of Ohio. Fair Manager Jerry Kaltenbach congratulates Mr. Cash.
On this date (Sept. 17) in 1873, Ohio State University opened its doors.
At the time, we wrote, “The Agricultural College opened with twenty-five students. They say a small beginning makes a good ending.”
Read more about the university’s humble beginnings at Dispatch.com.
(Source: dispatch.com)
A Columbus Bicentennial celebration paid tribute to German Village yesterday, in particular showcasing the historical significance of Schiller Park, which once held the city zoo, hosted visiting royalty, and was a stone’s throw from the Columbus Capitals’ baseball field.
Photo: Keith Elflein, 9, takes a pretzel break after an afternoon of bicycling around Schiller Park, May 5, 1983. See more historical photos of Schiller Park here.
At the turn of the 20th century, Columbus had not just one, but three amusement parks.
Minerva Park, Indianola Park and Olentangy Park were popular spots for swimming, dancing, seeing exotic animals and riding rollercoasters. Check out our photo slide show of Columbus’ long-gone amusement parks, and click here to learn more about their history.
(Source: www)
From the Dispatch archives…
The cycloratio, latest development in pedal transportation, as demonstrated by a British lassie to the amusement of a London bobbie. The cycle made its appearance at the fourth annual Lightweight Cycle Show in London.
The photo, taken in 1935, is part of the Acme photo collection, which The Columbus Dispatch acquired in 1989. Our librarians regularly post their favorite Acme finds on their “Look Back” blog at Dispatch.com.
