RER
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"Democracy & Freedom"
Posts: 2,462
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Post by RER on Nov 4, 2006 9:00:58 GMT -5
Artful...Ingenious.. Crafty....and Beautiful
I really like that street picture that Nanc took. I wrote two short things in the past about Columbus downtown being so beautiful. The last one I wrote I tried to express another reason it looked so good.
Well, Nanc's picture here sums up both my statements. The removal of the parking meters is one and the brick sidewalks was the other. Not only that the old buildings have been maintained well and painted for additional appeal.
The young trees planted just add a splash of additional taste of the imaginary artful minds the city has presented. What a beautiful well maintained place.
Bob
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nancs
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Post by nancs on Nov 6, 2006 22:08:52 GMT -5
As I prepare my 'post' for today-----------several thoughts go through my head. And particularly, I wonder 'why' do I have in my 'memory bank,' having truly only spent a short part of my life in Columbus, so many 'stories,' and particularly ones that seem to me now, more 'adult things.' In part, I think it has to do with being an only child, and so often 'overhearing adult gossip.' Today I am posting a photo of Jack O'Bryan's home at 11th and Cottage, address: 1041 Cottage, a 2006 photo: Uncle Jack's home was on my 'route' to and from Garfield. In looking back, I surely realize that my 'Uncle Jack' spoiled me rotten. When it came time to sell the TB Christmas Seals, I knew it was a sure guarantee that a knock at the back door, and I would be able to sell a 'handsome number' of the Christmas Seals, the same with Girl Scout cookies or calendars. Many was the time, as a little girl, that I would be 'taken/allowed' to attend adult parties at Uncle Jack's house. My folks just bundled me up, and took me. Can recall one evening when the men at the party were playing some 'card game, and I suspect, through adult eyes, of the gambling variety' and I was allowed to sit on Uncle Jack's lap at the head of the table and throw the dice. Whatever I was 'doing' generated rave shouting and cheers, and I must have been on some kind of 'winning streak' for them. Seems to me they said the game was 'Pig,' but I do wonder!!!!!!!!!!!! As my bedtime would approach, I would settle in amongst the ladies furs and coats on a bed in a room nearby, and fall asleep. I have to wonder just how many 'adult conversations' I overheard before the 'sandman' made his rounds. 'Stories' that lurk in my memory today. Some of which probably should not be 'detailed here,' yet are, indeed, a part of Columbus of the past. Know that the high windows in this photo were Uncle Jack's son's, Richard, later a local pediatrician in town, bedroom. The dining room, and the site of 'card games.' the windows to the left of that. Think the windows toward the back porch were the kitchen. And bedrooms on the other side of the house. Not that this post is of real importance, but definitely I can say the source of memories that I can recall. Nanc
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nancs
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Posts: 948
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Post by nancs on Nov 13, 2006 17:23:39 GMT -5
I just had to try something to see 'if'n I could.' Scan a 3-D object! A few months ago my cousin's wife, a thimble collector, gave me a thimble that she had. It had come via my aunt, my dad's sister, and we believe prior to that via my grandmother, my dad's mother. Thanks Jack and Jean!!! It is, as you can see, silver in color, but apparently at some point in time did have some black on it, but then again, perhaps, IF it is sterling silver, might just be tarnish. OR perhaps the 'band at the bottom' was black with the writing showing as 'silver.' I have no recollection of this kind of item being sold in the jewelry store, and am wondering if perhaps it might have been an advertising item bearing the name, 'J. W. O'Bryan, Jeweler.' If anyone has more to add to this in the way of information, or a memory, please do share, as I would love to know more about this thimble. Thanks. Nanc
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Babs
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Post by Babs on Nov 14, 2006 11:07:43 GMT -5
Nanc, You could try polishing the thimble and if it is just corrosion, it will polish off. If it is indeed black paint it will not come off. I'd use a good silver polish on the thimble. My guess is that it is some sort of black paint and also I'd bet it was a give-away for advertisement for J. W. O'Bryans.
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nancs
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Posts: 948
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Post by nancs on Jan 2, 2007 9:04:13 GMT -5
As I was attempting to be 'organized in 2007' and copying some of my posts on the boards, I found one that I had put in the 1940s thread, that really belongs here.
Nanc Hi to all, and in a recent e-mail from CHS 1948 fellow, I was asked, "Did I remember when J. W. O'Bryan's jewelry store gave away a watch to a boy and a girl graduate?" And yes, I do! The way it worked went thusly. Using an 8 day clock movement, a huge wheel, divided into many, many pie shaped sections, was affixed to the clock. Graduates came into the store and signed their name on the wheel. The clock was then wound up, and the contest began!!! When the clock stopped, the hands would indicate the winners. Congrats to the boy winner in 1948. Altho' I can find no photo of the clock used in Columbus, I do have a picture of what my dad did here in Fullerton back in the 50s. Note that there were two sections on the clock, one for boys, and one for girls, thus determining the winners, by the minute hand and the hour hand. Nanc
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nancs
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Posts: 948
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Post by nancs on Jan 2, 2007 10:00:07 GMT -5
A memory, that perhaps is best posted here!!!!! I am dating this memory in 1952, only because I know my dad flew to CA in May of this year, to look at a jewelry store he was considering to buy, and had to be home in time to do this 'task.' Apparently Cummins purchased watches from O'Bryan's, in sufficient numbers that one would be given to each driver in the Memorial Day Indy 500 Race. Once the actual participating drivers in the race were determined, it was my dad's job to hand engrave the driver's name on each watch. I know my dad burned a lot of midnight oil in our basement rumpus room to have these watches ready to be presented at the race. Check out this site for drivers in the 1952 Indy 500. www.geocities.com/johnsonindy500/indy500/500boxscores/500box52.html Nanc
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nancs
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Posts: 948
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Post by nancs on Feb 17, 2007 9:32:08 GMT -5
With good help and suggestions from Richard, the computer wizard that always helps me, I am also including the ad from the 57 Log that Richard shared. And thanks, Bob, for your addition. Noted a couple of things in both of these ads-------my Uncle Jack's ever present smile, and I honestly do not ever recall seeing him dressed in anything less than a 3 piece suit. Not even when we went to the horses races with him in Louisville at Churchhill Downs. He was always dressed to the nines. NO, I take that back-----Uncle Jack had a keen sense of humor, and there is one photo of him in a hula skirt when he was clowning around on some vacation or other. ;D Nanc
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RER
HCI Forum Board Member
"Democracy & Freedom"
Posts: 2,462
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Post by RER on Feb 17, 2007 10:31:06 GMT -5
J. W. O’Bryan, Jeweler In the 1958 & 1960 Logs.. 1958 Log .. 1960 LogNotice: The phone number changed from 4 digits to 7 in the two year span, but the smiles kept on going.Bob
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nancs
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Posts: 948
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Post by nancs on May 17, 2007 17:10:00 GMT -5
It has taken me, what seems like forever, to get my act together and post some of the 'research' that daughter Paige and I did when we were in Columbus in April 2007, for the Historic Columbus event. What a wonderful time we had. There were some 'loose ends for Jack O'Bryan' that I wanted to pull together from the Evening Republican/Republic archives that are available at the library. Wonderful source to verify 'stories you have heard, etc.' As a little girl, frequenting 'Uncle Jack' O'Bryan's jewelry store, I knew he wasn't married, until he married Helena Marr when I was much older, but had been, widower not a word in my young vocabulary, and that his first wife had passed away, and perhaps under rather sad circumstances. According to an account in the December 29, 1934, Columbus newspaper, the headline reads----- Sudden Death Halts Dance in City Building. It seems that 'Uncle Jack' and his wife, Mary Richard O'Bryan had gone to a holiday sorority dance at the Chamber of Commerce, which I believe was in the old City Hall building. While at this dance, she complained that she felt ill, and asked to be taken home. She died some 30 minutes later of a heart attack at their home on Cottage Avenue. Might add here, that she and 'Uncle Jack' were married in 1917. Another bit of research indicates that Jack O'Bryan retired in 1962, after nearly 44 years in the jewelry trade. (I have to add that my dad spent 28 years working for Uncle Jack, and almost 30 years self employed in the trade in California, for a total of about 58 years.) Uncle Jack sold his jewelry story to Malcolm Ross. Included in that clipping was this comment which is rather humorous-----------according to Uncle Jack, in years gone by, most men carried pocket watches. Only 'sissy' men wore wrist watches in the early 1900s. Newspaper of July 9, 1973, had Jack O'Bryan's obit in it. He was born Oct. 30, 1890, (And I was right that he was 20 years older than my dad) in Louisville, KY. He was a member of St. Bartholomew church, a charter member of the Columbus Kiwanis Club, and a 50 year member of both Knights of Columbus and the Elks Lodge. He was also a veteran of the first World War. This goes on to relate that he started his own jewelry firm in Columbus in 1919 at the 4th Street location, moving later to 425 Washington St. Helena Marr, his second wife, preceded him in death in February 1956. He was survived by son, Richard, sisters, and grandchildren. Additionally, mention was made that he had a twin brother, Harry O'Bryan, who passed in March 1973. This thread has sort of been my tribute to a special guy in Columbus, my Uncle Jack. Nanc
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nancs
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Post by nancs on May 17, 2007 17:55:10 GMT -5
One more loose end to pull together from my Columbus visit and the Historic Columbus event in April 2007. There were ever so many fine exhibits there that rainy day. What a treat it was. John Rondot had an exhibit of many Columbus related items. I was busy, probably at the welcome table, when daughter Paige comes dashing up and grabs me by the arm and hauls me off to 'explore' John's exhibit. Paige did 'tickle my funny bone, since she is a CA native' and only gets her 'Columbus addiction and interest' via me!!!! Ms. Eagle Eye/Paige had found something special!!! John had a matchbook for J. W. O'Bryan's advertising the jewelry store. I have to thank John, over and over, for giving me this matchbook to add to my own personal collection of 'memories' for the store. Thanks, John. Thanks to Paige for seeing this item, and to John for adding it to my 'collection.' Nanc
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nancs
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Post by nancs on Aug 17, 2007 17:41:55 GMT -5
Even when one tackles a big task, there are little surprises along the way, definite 'day brighteners.' Was working with a friend today going through my dad's watch bench. Now that was a dismal task, a jillion small tools to go through, bag, and identify. In one drawer, hark, and the fellow, here from Texas, that was helping me has visited the Historic Columbus website because he knew my folks here in California, and has been just fascinated with all of our posted memories, and immediately recognized what was in his hand as he searched this drawer. Yes, tattered and torn, and very well worn------------our delightful 'find for today.' A part of the lid from a J. W. O'Bryan gift box. Since I know there was a more sophisticated design, one for me yet to scan and post, I suspect that this box was used to deliver costume jewelry items---------------lo, those many years ago. It is the little things in life that bring a smile in one's day. Nanc
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nancs
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Posts: 948
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Post by nancs on Jun 12, 2010 11:53:48 GMT -5
I never cease to be totally amazed at how ‘Columbus puzzle pieces’ just seem to come out of nowhere---------and just scream to be investigated…………and put into place in the ‘history jigsaw puzzle.’ My family is small, with the cousins on my dad’s side literally scattered all around the western states, nowhere near Columbus in years and years, unless it might be to visit Indiana on a vacation. Thankfully, in this day of the internet and emails, we all do keep in touch. In comes, this week, an email from one of my older than me, ‘boy’ cousins. He’s the one that keeps track of, and researches the family genealogy, AND also collects stamps. Now, forgive me, if I use the wrong terminology here, but a stamp collector, I am NOT, but will admit my education in that area has been extended in the past couple of days. Seems that my cuz, in sorting through some of his first day issue covers, has found one that he thinks I might know more about---------and wondered if perhaps it was addressed to the jeweler in town that my dad/his uncle worked for-----------J. W. O’Bryan. He was a tad off, thinking the J was perhaps a G, and additionally quizzed the addresss. Well, it took only one quick glance on my part---------indeed this first day issue cover was addressed to J. W. O’Bryan, with the address being his home on Cottage. Frankly, that was a no-brainer. See what I mean! (Thanks mucho to RER for getting this cover ready for me to insert.) And I almost think that it was likely addressed by Jack O’Bryan himself, as, without searching to verify, looked to me like his signature. Then I questioned my cousin, asking, “How in the world did you ever end up with this in your possession?” I wanted to know more! The puzzle just yelled to be completed. Seems that some 30 + years ago he had received as a gift, via the purchase by his wife, from his older brother who no longer was ‘collecting stamps,’ an assortment of these first day issues. I ‘insisted,’ a God given right of mine as the first girl in my generation, that we ask his older brother about the source of his original collection. Pretty much as we expected, his answer was, “Surely, you jest.” ;D For the record, there is nothing on the back of this cover, and nothing inside either. I suppose that it is not really important that we know more about this, but if anyone has something to add, please contribute. I just find it totally amazing that this collectible ended up in the hands of someone who ‘had a remote connect’ to the source, AND that we could put as much together as we have so far………………. Nanc
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