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Front Text: 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. Back Text: Blank
Address: 30 S. Grove Street, Westerville
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Front Text: On July 7, 1929, the site of this prehistoric Indian Mound was dedicated in memory of Governor James E. Campbell. The park was donated to The Ohio Historical Society by his daughter, Jessie Campbell Coons. It received the name Shrum Mound from the family who owned the land for many generations. It was built by the prehistoric Adena people sometime between 1000 B.C. and 700 A.D. Back Text: Same
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Front Text: 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 leadership of the Reverend Levi P. Sabin, and was remodeled during the pastorate of the Reverend Robert B. Wilson, 1943-1953. Back Text: Same
Address: 975 S. Sunbury Road, Westerville
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Front Text: 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. This marker contributed by Helen Phelps Arn and Eleanor Arn Wagner, descendants of Edward Phelps and erected by the Blendon Township Trustees. Back Text: Blank
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Front Text: The Ohio Agricultural and Mechanical College grew out of the Cannon Act of March 22, 1870. "But let it be started," Governor Rutherford B. Hayes told the Legislature in 1873, "with the intention of making it a great State University." The little college opened September 17, 1873 with a faculty of seven and twenty-four students. One academic building at first housed everything. The campus, remote from the city, was surrounded by some of the original forest. In May, 1878 the name was changed to The Ohio State University. It was after 1900 before it really began to realize its educational potential, and its major growth occurred after World War II. By 1970, the Centennial Year, the university had more then met the hopes of its founders. A leading university with great manpower and physical resources, it had earned high standing in many fields covering a wide range of educational and research activities. Back Text: Blank
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Front Text: 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, the first minister, was buried in this cemetery. The church was destroyed one week after its dedication by an apparent act of arson. Back Text: Same
Address: Dempsey Road and S. Hempstead Road, Westerville
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Front Text: This brick home was built in 1856 by John McDannald, son of Samuel and Bell (Craig) McDannald who came from Virginia in 1813. The McDannalds were prominent in the development of Blendon Township, The Central College of Ohio, and The Central College Presbyterian Church. This house served as one station on the Ohio Underground Railroad. Back Text: Same NOTE: The pioneer homestead was torn down in 1994. The marker is still standing although the surrounding land is being developed.
Address: 5847 Sunbury Road, Westerville
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Front Text: Worthington was the center of Masonry for the central Ohio area in the early years of the nineteenth century. New England Lodge, with its original charter from the Grand Lodge of Connecticut dated 1803, is the oldest lodge in continuous existence in Ohio. This building, erected in 1820, is the oldest Masonic Temple west of the Allegheny Mountains. [Masonic Emblem] Back Text: Blank
Address: 634 High Street, Worthington
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Front Text: 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." Hanby House in Westerville is maintained as a memorial honoring Benjamin and his father, Bishop William Hanby. Back Text: Same
Address: Otterbein Cemetery, Westerville
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Front Text: 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 of Dempsey and Hempstead roads, and great-grandson of Gideon Hart (1795-1859) who furnished timber for the church. The Hart Homestead (1820-1922), 7328 Hempstead Road, was acquired by Emmett Fickell, who located the bell in the barn. In 1941 he gave it to Mr. and Mrs. M.R. McVay, who repaired and preserved it. The bell was presented to the Central College United Presbyterian Church by the McVays at ceremonies sponsored by the Amalthea Historical Society on May 14, 1981. Back Text: Same
Address: 975 S. Sunbury Road, Westerville
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Front Text: Built on Main Street, circa 1815, this two story log residence was later sided. In 1974 during new post office site preparation, the log structure was discovered and moved to present location along Ohio-Erie Canal route. In adjoining Groveport Cemetery a monument honors local resident, John S. Rarey (1828-1866), internationally known horse trainer and owner of famous horse, Cruiser. Back Text: Same
Address: 551 Wirt Road, Groveport
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Front Text: Founded by Hannah (Mrs. William) Neil, the Mission, located at this site for 109 years, helped children and families with difficulties as they journeyed westward on the Old National Trail. The second oldest Columbus charity, the Mission, now known as the Hannah Neil Center for Children, provides specialized counseling services to young people. It is located in south Columbus as a program of The Starr Commonwealth Schools. Back Text: Same
Address: 727 E. Main Street, Columbus