Mayor Sensenbrenner Photo Collection

The Columbus Historical Society is currently working on the archives of our 42nd mayor, Maynard Edward (Jack) Sensenbrenner. He served for 14 years and is well known for tripling the town’s size, paving the way into making it the metropolis it is today. Through the Ohio Historical Records Advisory Board (OHAB) Grant, the Columbus Historical Society is currently working on archiving over 600 pictures from his term.

Alfred Kelly House

Written by: Chuck Cody
Photo from: The Columbus Dispatch
Alfred Kelley (11/7/1789-12/2/1859) was a prominent early citizen of Ohio. He came to Ohio in 1810, settling in Cleveland where he became the first Mayor in 1814 and organized Cleveland's first bank in 1816. Alfred Kelley was the Cuyahoga County Prosecuting Attorney for the years 1810-1822. Kelley served in the Ohio House of Representatives 1814-1823 and 1836-1839, and was a State Senator 1844-46. Other noteworthy accomplishments include: Ohio Canal Commissioner 1823-9 and he helped to found the first railroad to come to Columbus, the Columbus and Xenia, which arrived 2/25/1850. Mary Seymour Welles (1799-1882) and Alfred Kelley were united in marriage on August 25, 1816. They moved to Columbus in 1830. In 1831 Kelley purchased a parcel of land on the far east side of Columbus just north of Broad Street. In 1836 construction began on his sandstone Greek Revival home. Known locally as “Kelleys’ folly” because it was located so far outside the city, the mansion was completed on July 1, 1838. The home was later used as the Governor's residence for Governor James E. Campbell from 1890-1892. When it was discovered that the home was to be demolished in 1961, several concerned citizens, including Grace Kelton, formed the Alfred Kelley House Committee, Inc. to raise funds to systematically dismantle the home and reconstruct it on a more suitable site. Monies were acquired and a fully documented disassembly was completed in 1961. The Christopher Inn, iconic for its circular design was built on the site of the Kelley house in 1963. The Christopher Inn was razed in 1988. The site is now home to the School Employee Retirement System. The Alfred Kelley house was never reconstructed, the dismantled stonework having been stored in several places for years before being turned over to the Western Reserve Historical Society. By then, their condition precluded any reconstruction and the stones now lie in a field near Akron.

The Triumph of Man

Photo from: Senior Times
"Postcard From Columbus" is Richard Barrett’s monthly column in the Senior Times. Richard is a board member of the Columbus Historical Society and provides unique insight on the history of the city. The current issue features The Triumph of Man.
“The Triumph of Man was a diorama exhibit constructed for the 1964-65 World’s Fair in New York and later displayed in COSI. It was sponsored by the Travelers Insurance Companies and was displayed at the World’s Fair in a unique building designed to represent Travelers symbol of insurance protection with a red umbrella-like roof. Although not a Columbus postcard, a card of the Travelers building of the World’s Fair can be found.”  Read the rest of Barrett’s Postcard From Columbus in this month's issue of Senior Times on page 4.

CHS Volunteer Profile of the Month - Caitlin Johnson

Our work-study profile of the month is about Caitlin Johnson, a Columbus State Community College student. Back in third grade, she toured her hometown’s local historical center, and was fascinated by the original buildings. “It was amazing, because history was no longer ‘just a story’, but real and connectable.” During her time at Columbus Historical Society, she hopes to meet people who love to learn as much as she does, and help others learn and grow. When you swing by the exhibit, be sure to say hello!

CHS Holiday Hours

Thursday, November 24th Closed

Friday and Saturday, November 25th and 26th 11a.m.- 5p.m.

Sunday, November 27th noon- 3p.m.

Have a Great Holiday Season!

CHS Survey