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Post by David Sechrest on Jun 20, 2006 16:46:55 GMT -5
This is a general Thread "Time Capsule" to talk about what's going on in the Columbus we know today. The new brickwork at the intersection of 2nd and Washington, all the growth on 46 west, and many other things that make "Columbus present" memories for some future date!
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Post by David Sechrest on Jul 17, 2006 10:41:26 GMT -5
Did anyone read the article in this morning's paper (Monday, 7-17) about the property where the Golden Foundry used to be?
I guess there is going to be a community forum Thursday at Key Cinema (inside the Commons Mall), giving us an opportunity to talk about possibilities regarding the property.
I know this will probably sound crazy to many of you, but after reading the article, the first thing that popped into my mind was this:
This would be a wonderful place to "relocate" the old Central School building (I think I've watched too many "Modern Marvels" episodes on TV!).
Wouldn't that be something?
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Margo CHS Class of 55
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Post by Margo CHS Class of 55 on Jul 17, 2006 12:36:40 GMT -5
If I could wiggle my nose like a certain genie ( Jeanie) I think this is a great idea !!! Moving the OLD CHS building ( now Central) to this location and turn it into a bed and breakfast would be an awesome addition to Columbus !!
BTW Dave
After Church I spent the day on my couch also !! Margo
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nancs
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Post by nancs on Jul 23, 2006 8:30:02 GMT -5
Hi to all, and debated long and hard at just where I wanted to share some of 'my reflections on Columbus, July 2006.' Decided perhaps this was the most reasonable place. I moved from Columbus over fifty years ago. And have been back a few times, for class reunions, to bury my dad in Garland Brook....this is the first time that I have ever spent an entire seven days in town, on my own, to just explore. WOW!!!!! People always comment on how Columbus has changed over the years. And I have to agree, that yes, it has changed, but..............has it really? ? Maybe it is through our aging eyes that it has changed. My old neighborhood at 7th and Hawcreek has definitely changed. Cummins has taken over where I lived and played, yet I could drive both ways on Cottage and I could see the homes just the same as I saw them through younger eyes. I just had to have a photo of old Missus Tanner's house, just to keep my bearings, only to have the current resident come out the door to quiz me as to 'why' I was taking a picture. It was easy to find the 'alley way' that I walked to Donna's house, and it truly was just the same. I could recognize the homes along my walking route to Garfield, too. And a 'head-on' photo of Garfield, just as I remembered. Habig's Market was there, now a knit shop, but the steps that I recalled were right in place, and I could just picture the bushel baskets of produce sitting there. Was showing my daughter my treasured photos of this trip, and she loved that house there on the NW corner of 7th and Cottage. Looked the same to me. Driving just a little farther west on 7th Street, the Hoosier Market was there, boarded up, but there. And you could see where the RR tracks used to be. Even Reeves Pulley sitting on my left, and the little dip in the road where my dad would spin the car on the icy road in the winter. Ah, the memories. One of my treasured moments at the celebration on July 15th was meeting up with Martha Davis. She is 94 years young, and such a delight. She, too, was a neighbor, and friends of my parents. Yep, where she and Wayne lived at 7th and Cottage, still there, complete with the porch I recalled. Hawcreek, my haunt!!!! Vastly different in 2006. But cross over the 7th St. bridge, make a left at Irwin Dr., and wella, along there was the Hawcreek of my youth, and Lou Ann's house right in place. As I explored out in East Columbus, I just had to see where the Pine Knot restaurant was. Yep, it was there, and seemed to be bustling with people coming and going on a lunch break. When I turned in my rental car, it was rather amazing that I had put well over 300 miles on it, just scooting to and fro around Columbus. As I ventured here and there, in a lot of cases, it is me that has changed, not Columbus. As a kid, it seemed that it was such a long ways from 7th Street out to the Fairgrounds on 25th Street. In 2006, in a blink of an eye, I was there, as I drove out Central, oh, my, the homes I saw, and with so many I associated some story from my past. And streets that seemed like major boulevards in my youth have somehow gotten narrower over time. ;D Got up around Donner Park, and truly it hasn't changed, the trees are perhaps bigger, and more parking lots are available, but Donner Pool is there, granted the addition of water play equipment, but it still 'bustled with activity' as it did in my youth. And yes, there were the tennis courts. In my youth, in the winter they used to flood them so that we could go ice skating. My list of places that I wanted to see would appear to be rather odd to most. A house that I remembered being decorated with lighted lanterns at Christmas. Yes, that was a challenge I met in 2006, what with the one way streets. But find it, I did, at the corner of 10th and Franklin. It is a wonder I didn't get a ticket in 2006 as I manuvered these one way streets. Will admit some of those 300 miles amounted to a lot of back-tracking. ;D Downtown Columbus!!!! For me, that was a joy. Yes, sometimes I had to look amongst the new buildings to find the ones that I remember, but ever so many were there. Dell Brothers was right where it should be. The building to the north of the Murphy dime store of my youth still had it 'shiny front.' Which incidently Ricky Berkey did explain what that is, it has been replaced over time and is a rather rare and hard to get 'item.' Ricky, I need help on that one. Very sadly, there was no trip to the Greeks in 2006. Its doors are closed. I can only hope, as I know many others do also, that something can be done by the city to preserve this historical part of Columbus. Ah, the memories for young and old to be saved for the enjoyment of others. The Court House! I simply stood there on Washington Street and gazed up at the clock, with tears in my eyes. My dad kept that clock running for many, many years. How lucky I am to have grown up in Columbus. Over time, I have read here, that the downtown is in a state of decline, and perhaps that is so. BUT, for me, it seemed to have a lot of activity, every time I was in that area, even with the numerous parking lots around, I still had trouble finding a place to park. In comparison to my CA hometown of the last fifty years, Columbus has a great deal going on downtown. Memories, memories, memories! It is my MO, when on a trip, to journal my day's activities. I must be joking here, I never had the time to do more than write scattered notes on my three page 'agenda' that I prepared before coming to Columbus. Another day, and I am sure I will have more I will just have to share. To all, thanks for the memories. Nanc
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RER
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"Democracy & Freedom"
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Post by RER on Jul 28, 2006 15:41:48 GMT -5
"Our Recent Visit To Columbus Indiana"
Well, we arrived last Sunday in the early afternoon and had a difficult time getting a motel room, because of tennis and softball tournaments. We finally got settled out at a US 46 motel; after trying at US 31 Taylorsville area.
That afternoon, we drove for 3 hours all around Columbus. We were very much impressed by the Washington Street downtown project enhancements. The red tiled sidewalks and tree planting were just beautiful. The painting and detailing the old brick buildings was wonderful. The removal of the buildings across from the old Sears and old Post office was nice, with tree and grass planted in place of the old structures.
The banks appeared similar, since our last visit. Some men's clothing stores of the past were still open. The A. Tross building still had its name embossed on the facade, and the beautiful court house was very impressive. The Mill Park enhancements were beautiful, but I miss the old railroad system and tracks.
The "Greeks" (Zaharakos) doors are now closed and locked; I suppose for good. All that imported marble counter tops and pipe organ and the like; probably will be sold and moved from Columbus. I understand that some items have already been sold.
On second street and Franklin the very old Lincoln School (restored by Tom Bigley) was well maintained by the city, and that is something they can be proud of. In general, I think the Columbus leadership has been strong from the Mayor office, and City Counsel on down to the lowest level because of the condition of the city at first glance. The city is very clean without litter from downtown and throughout the city.
We noticed the hospital buildings had expanded in various directions, including the West side of Hawcreek; which was part of the old golf course many years ago. The first stop to eat was White Castle Hamburgers for a snack. We don't have White Castle Hamburgers here in the South. So we had to try the sack full for a change. The next day we ate lunch at the Blue Building Fish House on 17th Street. We both ate Tenderloins with chips and a coke.
We visited many friends of the past, during our two days. We went to my old neighborhood on 15th Street and talked to three families from the past and then some county friends. And yes we visited with Richard and Hetty, that we have mentioned on the boards a few times.
I took pictures of many old buildings, but can't seem to get them to call up on my computer, but will keep trying to restore. One building I took a shot of was the place I got my GI haircut in the 1940s. the building is still standing near the Golden Foundry. Also, took pictures of the old warehouses of canning factory.
Donner Park hasn't changed all that much and is still a great family and kids place to go during the summer months. Had a Root Beer at Becker's on 25th and notice the old Dairy Queen name changed to something else. Bob Franke had opened a Dairy Queen on 3rd Street near the old ice plant.
The Columbus North High School trees have really taken off in growth, and the new parking lot in front of the gym was a good idea to help solve parking problems. At the old Central High School we took pictures of the old school and new school being built, plus the Pearl Street Gym. We went in the Columbus Reception Center on 5th Street (which is the old Boy's Club) and bought a couple books about Columbus. Asked if Ricky Berkey was around and he wasn't there that day.
Stopped in the parking lot of the Old 25th Street Barracks School area and thought out how it was arranged then, compared to today. Noticed they removed all the railroad tracks that paralleled the old fair grounds and across Central.
After driving over the new Flatrock bridge I noticed on the top of the overpass the double railroad tracks are still there. I baled hay in those fields next to those tracks as a kid for Larry Whipker. We continued driving on US 31 past the old Denny's Restaurant (going toward Taylorsville) which is still the original building from the early 1950s or 1940s.
Went through Edinburg and visited several places and drove to Mount Auburn East of Edinburg over I-65 up into a hill area where my great, great, great grandfather is buried with his sons and family and others. The church at Mt. Auburn was co-founded by my great, great grandfather in his log house in about 1835, and the land for the cemetery donated by him. The Church has a small amount of the original foundation and the colored glass inside the names of he and his wife are inscribed in stained glass.
We had dinner the second evening with a local friend at a Italian Restaurant out near Walmart, close to the Clifty Creek area off US 31. Clifty Creek brings back many memories for me because of my many fishing and hunting adventures along Clifty Creek. That is when that whole area down US 31 was woods and corn fields.
We wanted to bring back Indiana tomatoes but they weren't ripe yet. But, we did bring back 10 dozen of sweet yellow corn from a farmer down State Street and US 7. Richard suggested this place and it was a great choice because the corn is fantastic and sweet.
In summary,Columbus has changed for the betterment for the community compared to the 1950s and early 1960s. The local leadership has done a great service to the community by redevelopment, quality schools, buildings, parks, recreation, programs, and cleanliness of the whole town and streets and common areas. This has surely increased the quality of life for all residents of Columbus. It was a pleasure to tour Columbus for a short two days, and be able to say with pride, "Wow I was raised in this beautiful and great City of Columbus Indiana."
Bob
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mfaure
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Post by mfaure on Jul 30, 2006 13:57:07 GMT -5
Just a thought. With all that is going on downtown, why not incorporate some of the places that should not be forgotten into some sort of museum. Maybe sink more into it and make the Crump home to some of the Greeks show pieces as well as keeping the stage and seating area for community playhouse productions as well as the teen bands of today. The upstairs is, at the present, not being used. Surely one of our great building renavators. could come up with a plan to utilize the whole building.
With a hotel coming as well as other new additions, we need to have a place for showing some of out history.
Just a thought Margie
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Post by David Sechrest on Jul 31, 2006 0:15:27 GMT -5
To Nanc and Bob:
It was interesting reading your opinions of the Columbus of Today, and to be quite honest, you two have opened my eyes when it comes to our downtown area.
I can't help but look at Washington Street and remember all those wonderful places of my youth. But, after reading your posts, I explored it from a "newcomer" point of view, and have come to the realization that Columbus, indeed, has a very pretty downtown. Clean, too (for the most part).
And nanc, you're right: There still remains an awful lot of weekday activity in the heart of our downtown. We still have some very nice specialty stores and some good places to eat (and as a bonus, a couple of both even date back to an earlier time!).
Columbus is, indeed, a nice place to live!
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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 Aug 1, 2006 14:05:04 GMT -5
Thanks to Bob and Nanc for sharing their thoughts on their recent trip back to Columbus.My husband ..Bill and I were married in Columbus in 1957. After a 1 yr residence in Chicago - - - ( BIIIIG MISTAKE ! ) we moved to Fl . Then one day when I was mowing our lawn on the day before Christmas I finally decided....... Florida was nice for a while - - 12 years -- but not home.Can you believe I really missed the snow and ICE ?? So we moved back to Columbus in 1969 and I have never regretted it. We settled into a farmhouse on 450S in Walesboro and MOM did a lot of chauffering 4 daughters in three different schools ! Bill and I put our daughters through the school system here. We " Warriored" through Wayne - - - - " Charged" through Southside too.. and then became Olympians - - Brown and Orange for activities too !! Of course I still visit Fl as my sister lives in Orlando. I have a daughter in Warrensburg Mo who wants me to come live with the family there. However..Columbus is my home and my roots are planted deep. I enjoy my First Baptist Church family and all their wonderful activities ... Euchre nights at the Senior Center..Saturdays with our CHS Class' Lunch Bunch...Eastside Community Center..Love Chapel..and fun times with my local family. I was born at home on 8th and Cottage and now have settled into an apartment on 17th and Cottage so have come full circle. Columbus is a GREAT Place for anyone and offers a lot of activities other communities it's size cannot. Who else can brag about Popfest... Salute ! ..and the great musical talent we have living here ?? Wishing some one would write on the new Hospice Center !! Have not visited it yet.. but have had wonderful Compliments on the facility and it's staff. Anyone
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Babs
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Post by Babs on Aug 1, 2006 14:36:08 GMT -5
Hi Margo, Just read your post on living in Columbus and the comment you made about not having been to the new Hospice facility prompted me to post this.
I have a dear friend (since we were both about 10 or 11) who is in Hospice (not the facility, but you get my drift). One day a few weeks ago, she took a really bad spell and had to be taken to the new facility, so I visited her there. I have to say you have never seen such a lovely place. It is wonderful, friendly and cheerful and I don't just mean towards the patients. The ladies at the desk give you a warm welcome and a big smile and actually one of them walked me to my friend's room. One day a nurse came in to give my friend a breathing treatment and I said "I would get out of her hair" and do you know what she told me with a big smile? "No, you stay, it is much more important for her to share this time with you than for me to give her the treatment. I will come back later. You stay as long as you like." Well you could've knocked me over with a feather. Did you ever have a nurse tell you something like that? I sure haven't. This was just one instance of how they treat everyone. I'm not wishing you'd have anyone need to go into the Hospice facility but if and when you do, you can rest assured they will be well cared for and also the visitors are treated just as well.
Hope you are feeling stronger each day. Take care and stay in out of this "heat"! Also I agree 100% with your comments about the turnout at our "event". I think with the weather and the humidity, we did very well indeed and no one needs to hang their head at all over the turnout. A lot of people who might've wanted to come, didn't because of the weather, but I still think we had a great showing and I am proud to have been even a small part of this group. Babs :-)
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Post by richard on Aug 2, 2006 12:22:36 GMT -5
Below is a typical Columbus Indiana garden. The second picture is of the tomato plants. I hope they taste as wonderful as the tomatoes did in the 40's and 50's!
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Babs
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Post by Babs on Aug 31, 2006 9:11:02 GMT -5
Yesterday while reading through our most recent Home & Away (AAA) magazine I noticed some comments about Columbus and thought perhaps others might be interested. Did you know that Nick Jr. Family Magazine lists Columbus as "one of the ten most playful towns in America"? Columbus is also ranked number SIX in the nation for architecture. On September 16, the Edinburgh Premium Outlets is having a AAA appreciation day and the first 100 AAA members who go to the Information Center will receive a complimentary nylon tote filled with goodies and savings from a variety of the shops in the Outlet. This event is being hosted by Columbus Area Visitors Center and Kidscommons. If you register at the Information Center, you also have the chance to win a three-piece set of luggage from Samsonite Company Store. One day special discounts are also available on the 16th, samples will be given away at Harry and David and Le Gourmet Chef and Simmons Winery. For additional information log on to www.premiumoutlets.com/edinburgh
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Post by Ricky_Berkey on Sept 2, 2006 23:01:24 GMT -5
At the Hospice concert tonite, the headliner, Chubby Checker, had some really nice things to say about Columbus. He said in his constant touring he has passed exit 68 on I65 literally hundreds of times and never had a clue of what a neat little community we have. He loved our second street bridge and thought he was entering into fantasyland as he discovered our downtown area. He remarked that it must be really great to live here.
As a relative newcomer here (over six years now) I would have to agree. I fell in love with Columbus the first time I drove into the downtown area via Indianapolis Road. I loved this unique blend of historic buildings and modern architecture as well as the incredible landscaping and park system. I also loved the incredible volunteer spirit that I found here...so many ways for a person to get involved and really feel they could make a difference. I had never gotten involved with anything in the places I had lived before. We have a lot to be proud of here! That's one reason I enjoy giving the Visitors Center Tours so much...to encounter folks now and then who are really blown away by our uniquely beautiful and friendly community is so great.
BTW, the Visitors Center will be offering a tour guide training class starting in January. We only have a class like this every couple of years. The last one was in 2004...(my class!). You may learn a lot about the community that you didn't already know as well as develop a general purpose knowlede of architecture. Its fun.
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Post by Ricky_Berkey on Sept 2, 2006 23:22:00 GMT -5
Yesterday while reading through our most recent Home & Away (AAA) magazine I noticed some comments about Columbus and thought perhaps others might be interested. Did you know that Nick Jr. Family Magazine lists Columbus as "one of the ten most playful towns in America"? Columbus is also ranked number SIX in the nation for architecture. Columbus gets lots of national press...we should be very proud indeed: Columbus, Indiana, has been chosen by the National Trust for Historic Preservation as one of a Dozen Distinctive Destinations for 2005. Dozen Distinctive Destinations is an annual list of unique and lovingly preserved communities in the United States. After six months of nationwide research, the editors of Nick Jr. Family Magazine selected Columbus, Indiana, for inclusion on its 2004 list for “The Ten Most Playful Towns in America.”Columbus is recognized as an architectural mecca. This city of 39,000 has been ranked sixth in the United States by the American Institute of Architects for innovation and design of architecture. The top five cities are: Chicago, New York, San Francisco, Boston, and Washington, DC. Paul Goldberger, The New York Times architecture critic wrote, “As groups of buildings by distinguished architects go, there is no place in the United States like Columbus, Indiana.” Rand McNally has selected the Columbus Architecture Tour for one of its 2003 Best of the Road ™ awards. Only twenty-seven places across the US and Canada were selected. Six buildings in Columbus, Indiana, are designated as National Historic Landmarks. They are First Christian Church (1942), Irwin Union Bank (1954), Mabel McDowell Adult Education Center (1960), North Christian Church (1964), First Baptist Church (1965), and the Miller residence (1957). The National Historic Landmark designation, a program within the National Register, has been awarded to approximately 2,300 sites, 28 of which are in Indiana. “These landmarks serve as a guide in comprehending important trends and patterns in American history, allowing us to better understand the conditions which helped shape our country,” said National Park Service Director Robert Stanton.
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nancs
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Post by nancs on Sept 3, 2006 8:57:08 GMT -5
Yes, Columbus does get recognition in many sources. Just to note, "The Smithsonian," December 2005, also had a nice article. Still and yet, perhaps one of the very best sources of information about Columbus, is right at our fingertips via this Historic Columbus Indiana website. The homepage contains a vast amount of information. AND THE MESSAGE BOARDS, what a collection of memories, further 'on going investigations, and discussions.' I truly believe that there probably does not exist, a more comprehensive collection of information, about any other other town, city, or metropolis that is so easily accessible to so many. Many thanks to David Sechrest for having the vision to create this site, and thanks to the many contributors to the message boards. EC and I have talked that 'information' that we all are posting here can serve as an 'ongoing collection of now and then' that can be saved and shared with so many. As each of us sorts through our memory banks and our saved treasures, we are putting together a valuable recognition of the 'Columbus that we love,' each and every day we add information as an ongoing history/update of Columbus with many 'authors.' To all, members and guests, enjoy this site. Add your memories and thoughts. And most sincere welcomes to newcomers to this site. Stick around, come 'in' often, add your two cents worth. I almost envision these message boards as the ' 21st century pot-belly stove in the general store,' where people gather to just chat and talk about Columbus. Love to all, Nanc
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Rhonda
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Post by Rhonda on Sept 3, 2006 10:24:15 GMT -5
Ditto to everything Ricky just said! I think Ricky and I came to Columbus at about the same time. Those of you who have lived here all your lives really do need to sometimes be reminded what a great city this is!! I am from the tour guide class of 2002. I took the class to learn more about my new "home town", and to meet people, since I only knew TWO people in this town when my husband and I moved here! Little did I know that I would also get the chance to meet and talk with so many interesting folks who VISIT Columbus! If you would like that same opportunity, and can volunteer a few hours a month, call the Visitor's Center and tell them you'd like to sign up to take the tour guide training. It will start at the beginning of 2007 and usually has about 13 weeks of sessions. I guarantee you will learn lots about your home town!!
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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 Sept 3, 2006 19:46:07 GMT -5
WHAT A GREAT CONCERT !! They just keep getting bigger and better for such a GREAT CAUSE !! I'm not sure how many of you recognized the gentleman featured on the front page of Sunday's paper . This was my friend Terry Galbraith [ son of " Bud" Galbraith the photographer] who took such wonderful pictures and developed them on postcards especially the ones from " The Greek's" or Zaharakos. Terry' s brother Gregg has made some notes in the site and I am hoping I can get a picture of Terry to send to him as Gregg lives out of state. Anyone take pictures Sat nite that could post them on this folder or share with me? My sister Lea in Fl could not believe that the " REAL " Chubby Checkers was performing in " Our Town " !!!
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Babs
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Post by Babs on Sept 7, 2006 10:33:03 GMT -5
Columbus made the spot light again today but this time it was not such a good news report. According to The Republic this morning our city leads the U.S. in home-value loss! An article written by Brenda Showalter states : "Of 275 cities across the U.S., Columbus, Indiana is ranked at the bottom of the list for this year's second quarter in home appreciation values." The Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight in Washington stated that "Columbus homes decreased 3.55% in value from the first to the second quarter."
WOW, not good at all for homeowners. Might be good for anyone wanting to purchase a home in Columbus but not a good sign for the real estate market in this area.
We like to make the "news" but think we prefer to be somewhere other than the bottom of any list.
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Babs
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Post by Babs on Sept 8, 2006 15:17:39 GMT -5
Did anyone else notice the new sign that has now been put in place as you enter town from the West? Harry McCawley had an article in today's Republic, complete with picture about the new sign, honoring "The Four Freshmen", original members, Bob and Ross Barbour. It was a great article showing how just a few everyday people can make a big difference.
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Babs
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Post by Babs on Sept 10, 2006 10:29:44 GMT -5
Today's Republic, sports section. Tony Stewart is "out of the running". He crashed his main Chevrolet just minutes into the first practice and then ended up only finishing 18th in Saturday night's race. So our own Tony is out of it for the NASCAR's Chase for the championship this year. He will not be eligible for the Nextel Cup title when the postseason starts next week.
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Babs
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Post by Babs on Sept 14, 2006 9:24:14 GMT -5
Columbus in the news again! :-) According to The Republic this morning The Louisville Magazine lists Columbus (and also Brown County) as a favorite weekend destination for many folks from Kentucky. There is a two page article in this magazine so if you get the chance to look at this please do so.
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