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Post by David Sechrest on Jan 17, 2006 2:52:04 GMT -5
I know that we've discussed people and places from East Columbus in other folders, but I thought it might be interesting to set up a folder strictly for Columbus' counterpart.
I think most "old timers" here will agree that Columbus has really been made up of two towns: Columbus and East Columbus. When the city of Columbus annexed its sister half in 1949, it created quite a controversy. Quite a few of East Columbus residents didn't want to become one with Columbus.
And vice versa...
You'll not find too many architectural wonders located in East Columbus. One, however, stands out: the old Mabel McDowell School on McKinley.
Boundaries and attitudes being what they are today, there doesn't seem to be that great of a separation between both in this day and age...
East Columbus holds many memories of my early childhood. We lived on Center Street. My grandma lived on Parkway Drive. Grocery shopping was done at Jay-C, which was on the corner of State and Center (where The Yellow Brick Road is today). Then, Jay-C decided to build a nice, new store in that small shopping center across from where Irwin Union is today. This complex was built in the early 1960's. Jay-C was located closer to the frontage road of State Street, and Hook's Drugs on farther back in the same complex. I think these were the only two businesses in that shopping center. If we didn't shop at Jay-C, then it was Marsh, where Lo-Bill's is today.
On the northwest corner of State and Mapleton (this is a strange intersection, as Pence runs on south here, and Mapleton running south is a block on further east), was a mom and pop grocery. It more or less sat across the street from the old State Street School in the early part of the 1960's. Without looking up Richard's listing of grocery stores, I can't recall what the name was.
On the east side of Pence was a farm implement place of business, and next to it was Garrisons, or what we called the Fruit Market. On the west side of State Street School was a small shopping center. Carson's Flower Shop and Coffman Drugs were located here (today, a cigarette outlet place is where Coffman's was).
The Fruit Market was on the southwest corner of State and Mapleton. Across the street from it was State Street Hardware. That "hammer" sign dates back to at least the 1960's.
If today's residents could travel back in time, and were to drive east on State Street from the Hawcreek Bridge, you wouldn't recognize this area. Homes lined this corridor, especially the north side of State. Many of these were demolished, and with the demolition, weren't some of the streets also done away with? Also, State Street was just two lane.
A familiar sight for many years when crossing the Hawcreek Bridge was Piercefield's Radiator Shop (1404 State). Johnson's Sunoco (1425 State) sat approx. where Swifty is today, and just a few houses away was another gas station: Jagger's Service Center (1521 State). Palmer's Grocery was located between Hinman and Beatty, at 1625 State. Ann's Snack Shop was just past Beatty, at 1721, and Bray's Appliance at 1731 (maybe some pics of Bray's might show up one day!). Pat's Grill was located at 1732, and Minor's Auto Sales at 1751.
Another gas station was on the corner of Jones and State: Owens Oil Company at 1832.
Some will remember "A Ring Brings" Pizza, at 1871 State. This was one of the first pizza places in ALL of Columbus.
And, another service station at 1912 State: Lonnie's Standard.
Remember the Midway Barber Shop? It was where the mexican grocery is today.
Irwin Union had a branch location on the northeast corner of State and Mapleton on the same property where the Jay-C and Hooks were housed. And, another grocery across from Garrison's Fruit Market: Phillips Grocery was at 2052 (maybe Phillips was the one I mentioned earlier, at the corner and across from State Street School).
After Jay-C moved from the corner of State and Center into their new building, for many years Storm Sash was at that location.
Does anyone remember the Little Pigs Of America Restaurant at 2240 State? Sheesh--what a name for a restaurant!
If driving east, once you passed Columbus Lanes Bowling, you were more or less out of town! There was no Marr Road, no Columbus East High School, or much of anything except farm land out this way.
More to come...
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Post by Ricky_Berkey on Jan 17, 2006 21:19:36 GMT -5
We feature East Columbus on our Architecture Tours but it quite often gets bypassed depending on the timing. I love to through East Columbus and tell a little of its history. Actually there is some significant architecture in East Columbus. McDowel School (1960) by John Carl Warnecke is a National Historic Landmark, Fodrea School (1973) was designed by Paul Kennon, Columbus East High School (1972) was designed by Mitchell-Giurgola, the Salvation Army Residential Center (1959) is a Harry Weese building. Fire Station #3 (1983) was designed by William Burd. Harry Weese designed the 1962 upgrade of the Cosco building and Dan Kiley did the landscaping. Harry Weese designed the shopping center where CVS is and the original Irwin Bank in the parking lot. Paul Kennon designed the newer Irwin bank (1974) across the street. The Foundation for Youth Building (1998) was designed by Hellmuth, Obata and Kassabaum(HOK) and the Pence Place Apartments (1984) designed by Gwathmey-Siegal.
The city has spent a lot on buildings in East Columbus but has has been real lax on upgrading streets and adding sidewalks in the neighborhoods, they shouldn't let the city get away with it. Columbus has a vague vision to enhance the State Street corridor whenever the State of Indiana gets around to upgrading State Rd 46 through that section of town. They hope more commercial development will follow. I like State Street as there are some interesting Mom and Pop business and independent restaurants seem to pop up and then quickly disappear. East Columbus has lots of nice people and still affordable housing. It deserves more respect in the community.
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Post by richard on Jan 20, 2006 16:54:36 GMT -5
From June 24, 1961 paper.
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Post by David Sechrest on Jan 23, 2006 11:20:10 GMT -5
Richard, thanks for posting that clip regarding the building of the old Irwin Union branch. That would have been the one where the flower business is today, correct? I remember when they opened the Jay-C and Hooks Drugs (where CVS is), and that meant it have to have occured before 1965, as that's the year we moved from East Columbus. The Irwin Union bank building came after Jay-C and Hooks, didn't it? Back when I used to hang out at Cummins Bookstore, someone came in and told me the old Wagon Wheel bar sign was stored in back of one of those businesses along State Street. By the way he described it, it sounded like it was located between Center and Cherry. I drove back there on several occasions, but never saw it. Back around 1990 or 1991, I came "home" for Thanksgiving (I was living in Indy at the time). I borrowed my brother-in-law's camcorder, and starting at mom and dad's house on Washington street, recorded some scenes though the downtown area, turned left at 2nd and Washington, and made the drive through my old neighborhood in East Columbus. I wish I would have done something like that 20 years prior to the time I did it. I'll have to see if I can find that tape, and pull off some pics from it. And I sit here wondering if things have changed all that much since I shot that video. If you drive through Center Street today, it looks nothing like it did. Most of the homes have been replaced with businesses.
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Post by pignacious on Jan 26, 2006 0:39:53 GMT -5
Hi, This is my first post on this board. I grew up in East Columbus and until today I didn't know it was once separate from Columbus. Maybe someone remembers my parents restaurant on the corner of Oak and McKinley, Milnes Grill
Morris W. Milnes
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Post by David Sechrest on Jan 27, 2006 0:49:51 GMT -5
A big hearty welcome to pignacious and marksix! Thanks for joining in!
I do remember Milnes Grill, but the remembrances are faint.
marksix--am curious what years you attended State Street School. Orris Manley was indeed principal there. There was a big write up about Orris in one of the Republics many years ago. I think mom kept it. I'll have to dig it out. I know after he left State Street, he was principal somewhere else, but I can't recall where right now.
Marvel Comics--Fantastic 4 was my favorite. I picked them up at Cummins Bookstore. The comic rack sat in the very back of the store, on the right side. I also loved those 80 page Giants, and picked them up when I had a quarter in my pocket... As you can tell by my avatar (the little picture), I also bought Mad magazines there on occasion. Dave Berg's Lighter Side Of was always my favorite, and still is!
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nancs
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Post by nancs on Jan 27, 2006 10:41:47 GMT -5
And I add my welcome to the newcomers. This site is just fantastic, and a lot of fun. I sort of recall hearing it said the East Columbus was the 'largest unincorporated town' as well. And something about Columbus being the center of the population, or some such thing, in the US. And David, I suppose you managed to save all those early MAD magazines--------I didn't!!!!!!!!!!!!! Drat!!! Nanc
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marksix
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Post by marksix on Jan 27, 2006 19:05:26 GMT -5
Best as I can figure,I attended State St School for the 1958-59 school year and then the first semester up till Christmas in late 59. Dont remember any teachers but I do remember in 3rd grade we had our third grade class plus a fourth grade class both in the same big room.Thinking back,I cant see how that worked. I used to go to to Cummins bookstore often,but to be honest when I was downtown I usually bought my magazines at Nagel's.For some reason they got the comics onto the racks earlier on Thursday morning when they arrived at the store.
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Post by richard on Jan 28, 2006 10:23:18 GMT -5
These East Columbus Methodist Church pictures are from 1931 and 1947-picnic at Brown County State Park. The church was located at 2162 Ohio Avenue. The 2162 address is between Mapleton on the west and North Cherry to the east.
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Post by David Sechrest on Jan 28, 2006 11:33:26 GMT -5
I'm still perusing this picture, trying to figure out why I can't remember things being the way they look. I thought the firehouse, which would have sat right on the corner of Pence and State (and directly across the street from State Street School) had double doors. This was an open bay type design, where the firetrucks drove in through the back and out the front. The farm implement dealer was to the east of the fire department. I have a feeling that the farm implement place used the stairstep design topped buildings, and the fruit market, which was not very big, sat on the corner by its lonesome. The Fruit Market was a small, separate, concrete block structure with a low roof. Inside, the ceiling was 8 feet high, at the very best. It was a flat roof design. And I don't remember the Fruit Market having that "stairway" type design at the top of the building. Mr. Garrison, who owned the Fruit Market, spends his winters in Florida and comes back up here for spring and summer. When he returns, I'm going to make it a point to meet with him. Regarding Nagel's: I don't remember going into Nagel's as a child. I always shopped at Cummins. Glenn Salkeld, the owner, would probably have been thrilled to hear this. Regarding Mad Magazines: Many years ago, I guy I worked with cleaned out his attic and gave me a 5' stack of old Mad magazines. All were from the late 50's/early 60's, and had been sitting up there for better than 25 years. Once I got them, I remembered how much I enjoyed reading them as a child (and now, moreso as an adult and here, meaning those early issues), I began collecting them again. Heck, nanc, I really don't have much in the way of childhood possessions, as MY MOM "THRU ALL THAT JUNK OUT!" (I'll never forgive her for throwing out all my valuable junk!)
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Post by richard on Mar 8, 2006 11:09:31 GMT -5
1938 - 1939 EAST COLUMBUS CARDINALS Row 1 Donald S. Bray, John Carter Harrison, Charles Bertrum “Bert” Harrison (Manager), Fred L. Eddy, Maurice E. “Gus” Franke Row 2 Floyd Ault, Donald O’Neal, Clarence Trimmell Photo Courtesy of Evelyond Barker Harrison
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nancs
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Post by nancs on Jul 5, 2006 10:45:42 GMT -5
Photo from the Indianapolis STAR Magazine, Jan. 14, 1951 Nanc
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Post by jerry1951 on Dec 5, 2007 19:22:34 GMT -5
I grew up for the first 11 years of mu life at the east end of McKinnley Street. Went to McDowell the first year they opened as a fourth grader. Was also there in the fifth and part of the sixth when we then moved to Waymansville and went to Jackson Township school. My Grandparents lived on the west side of Hinman street near the corner of Hinman and State Street. I remember spending many hours in Palmer's grocery and also at Ott Gatten's Texaco station on the corner of State and Hinman. To Morris Milnes: My Grandma, Elsie Cochran used to work at your parents restaraunt. Remember them as nice people. Also remember you and your sister.
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Margo CHS Class of 55
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Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind; it doesn't matter.
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Post by Margo CHS Class of 55 on Jun 30, 2008 1:49:03 GMT -5
The Center is located at 421 McClure Road, formerly known as Lover's Lane .McDowell School and Garland Brook Cemetery are located across the street. Priscilla Scalf is the Director. She was also elected to the City Council this year. HOPEFULLY, we will get some action on the State Street Corridor with her on the Council. It is a very active place currently, as we are preparing and delivering dinners Mon. - Sat to most of the Flood Survivors. Our First Day we delivered 60 meals. From there it has jumped to as high as 650 !! We are currently still delivering over 400 meals daily !! [/color] We are always looking for Volunteers to help box the meals each day, or deliver them. PLEASE call the center anytime after 9:00am M-F to speak with Lenore, if you can help us in this ongoing Community Effort.
My grateful THANKS to all of my friends who have given so generously of thier time, energy, and dedication to keep this Program open. Any monetary donations, or meat, canned goods, or fresh garden produce, are very much appreciated,as we have a very small budget. We are also a collection center for any items, exept clothing, to help the Flood Survivors. Some activities of the Center are..a Wood Carving Group which meets on the second Monday of each month. This is free,and they are always looking for more carvers to join them. The other Mondays are reserved for our Euchre group. Doors open at 6:00 and play begins at 6:30 pm until around 9:00pm. We are a very congenial group, and you do not need a partner to play. This is FREE, cards are furnished, and we are very social, as we do not play for money. There is much laughter,and great treats at our 7:30 break. Would love to have you try us out on a Monday evening !! Every Wednesday evening we serve a FREE hot meal. This is in addition to all the meals we deliver to the Flood Survivors. This is available to ANYONE in the Columbus Community. Doors open at 4:30 and the meal is served from 5:00 til 6:00 or until the food is gone. We also have a quilting group that meets on Tuesday nights.
A computer tech center is available FREE of charge, to anyone who may need one while theirs are down, or for a newbie,that wishes to learn about them. CHECK US OUT any day from 8:30 to 5:00. THE CENTER is closed on Sat,and Sunday, but is available to rent. I am usually there to Volunteer most afternoons after 3:30 pm. With much gratitude to all who have Volunteered to help the Center, in any way. Blessings as always, Margo
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Post by David Sechrest on Sept 15, 2009 23:47:55 GMT -5
This is possibly one of the earliest layouts of East Columbus on record. It comes from the 1879 Historical Atlas (can you tell I'm on this kick at the moment ). I've only provided a thumbnail here, as I wanted to keep the picture as large as possible for better viewing, so click on the thumbnail for a much better look. Note the Slaughter House on the west side of the Hawcreek, slightly north of Stadler's and on the other side of Burnsville Pike (State Street). There's also another designation of a Slaughter House toward the top about where Oak Street intersects with the Columbus and Hope Turnpike (McKinley, right?) Check out the fairgrounds location. Quite a few of those street names are different today, huh? One question: does it seem to you that Brownstown Road would be Gladstone? It would have to be, wouldn't it?
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Post by David Sechrest on Jan 13, 2010 1:38:16 GMT -5
The annexation of East Columbus is a subject that interests me very much. If you can imagine, it caused quite a ruckus in its time.
Here's some info that Richard sent:
Annexation order set up 3-year legal battle
Source: Republic July 30, 2001
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Annexation order set up 3-year legal battle
Staff Reports
The community of East Columbus was ordered annexed by Columbus City Council in 1946, setting off a three-year legal battle that went all the way to the Indiana Supreme Court.
The surprise move, which many felt was done in an underhanded manner, drew sharp opposition from East Columbus residents.
"People were seeing higher taxes and asking, ‘What are we going to get out of it?'" said Bernice Krieg, who grew up in East Columbus. "I think it was just a feeling of being taken over and did they have any say in it."
It was 1949 before East Columbus officially became part of the city.
Following are the highlights of the annexation battle, as reported in the March 5, 1986, Republic.
After World War II, residents in Columbus and East Columbus began considering their communities' futures. Columbus city leaders looked at expansion, while many in East Columbus thought about incorporating as a separate community.
At the May, 20, 1946, Columbus City Council meeting, the council members surprised almost everyone in the city and in East Columbus by ordering East Columbus annexed.
The council unanimously agreed to add an annexation ordinance to the agenda, without any warning, and then suspended its rules to allow the ordinance to receive final approval on first reading.
Many East Columbus residents were less than thrilled. Some called the council's action "un-American" -- a very serious charge in 1946.
About 500 East Columbus residents attended an open-air meeting and denounced the annexation. They said Columbus utilities were inadequate to meet the city's current needs and could not handle the added burden of East Columbus.
They also cited the newly created East Columbus Fire Department as evidence that residents there could meet their needs.
Many also worried annexation would bring taverns to East Columbus.
East Columbus residents immediately began circulating a petition opposing annexation and planned to file a remonstrance in Bartholomew Circuit Court. Annexation opponents also tried to force through City Council an ordinance reversing the annexation, but failed.
Within a couple of weeks, petitioners collected signatures from 1,420 East Columbus property owners, about 91 percent of the landowners, and far more than the 75 percent needed for the remonstrance. They filed the necessary papers in court on June 14, 1946.
City Attorney John E. Summa asked Judge George Long to dismiss the case, claiming the remonstrance was not filed in time. The debate centered on whether opponents had 18 or 24 days to file their petition, and Indiana law was ambiguous. City officials had said petitioners had 24 days to file, but then claimed in court the actual deadline was 18 days.
In July 1946, Judge Long ruled in favor of the city, dismissing the remonstrance. East Columbus residents took their case to the Indiana Court of Appeals, which upheld the city's cause.
In 1949, the Indiana Supreme Court refused to hear the case and East Columbus officially became part of the city.
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Post by johngarland on Aug 4, 2010 12:29:57 GMT -5
I grew up in East Columbus and went to McDowell School in the 5th & 6th grades. We lived on Morningside Drive across the street from Abe Thompson. The neighborhood was so bad that I've always told people that we got our new bikes on December 26th. John Garland (CHS 1970)
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Post by richard on Jan 18, 2011 14:22:14 GMT -5
The following information, from 1961, is from today’s edition of the local newspaper, The Republic. A business man from Anderson, Indiana announced that a $500,000.00 bowling center would be built on the Orville Thompson property east of the Meadowbrook Addition on the north side of State Road #7.
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larry
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Post by larry on Oct 5, 2012 7:39:55 GMT -5
I lived in East Columbus through high school graduation. Went off to IU and never returned. In my area, lots of homes had outside bathrooms, coal stoves and well water. I never felt poor, never missed a meal and had what I needed for school. My mom was upset when the streets were renamed...Maple became Mapleton, etc Does anyone remember "Hollywood ?" It was a shanty area in East Columbus. Along Haw Creek on one side.
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Post by David Sechrest on Oct 5, 2012 8:39:25 GMT -5
Welcome, Larry!
I, too, grew up in East Columbus, but a little later than you. We lived on Center Street from 1956 through December, 1964.
I'm not positive about this, but I think some of the streets in East Columbus were renamed when East Columbus was annexed into the city in 1949, or maybe just after the annexation.
Nice to have you aboard!
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