FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA CONTACT:
Becky West
Columbus Landmarks Foundation
bwest@columbuslandmarks.org
614-221-0227
Columbus Landmarks Foundation Announces Fall Walking & Ghost Tours
COLUMBUS, Ohio (September 27, 2010) – Columbus Landmarks Foundation announces fall walking tours featuring historic neighborhoods and ghost tours that marry Columbus architecture and authentic ghost stories. Led by experts in architecture and Columbus history, we are looking for people who cry at the sight of a scarlet maple, lonely spirits who look to connect with other lonely spirits or frosty asters, and walkers who like architecture and historical gossip tours.
Walking Tours
Join us for a pleasant walk on a lovely autumn day through some of the oldest and most historic sites in Columbus. Each tour is two hours long and approximately 1.5 to 2 miles. Reservations are strongly advised because the tours are popular and if there are too many criers, lonely spirits, or walkers, we might have to reserve our right to limit the number of people we can take. Tickets are $7 for members/$15 for non-members and can be purchased online at www.columbuslandmarks.org or by calling 614-221-4508.
October 10, Sunday, 2 – 4 p.m.
Rush Creek was a 20-acre wooded lot with a stream, located eastward from South Street, and originally belong to St. John’s Episcopal Church in Old Worthington. The area was not suited for farming, but it was ideally suited to showcase Martha and Richard Wakefield’s desire to interpret Frank Lloyd Wright’s organic architectural concepts in Central Ohio, starting with their own home. Wright’s architecture, demonstrated in his Usonian houses, was the inspiration for the village’s construction which began in 1956. The Wakefields contributed to the building of the village; however, the designer, Theodore van Fossen, kept the architectural unity of the area by mandating the original owners could receive their deeds only after their plans were approved by van Fossen. Prepare to be amazed. Meet at the Colonial Hills Elementary School, 5800 Greenwich Street, Worthington.
October 30, Saturday, 10 a.m. – noon
Fort Hayes was once part of Robert Neil’s woods, but when Neil sold the land to the United States government for use during the Civil War, its fate was changed forever. Remarkably the history of this former military base can still be traced through its buildings, stories, folklore and memories as it evolved from the 19th century Civil War and the Spanish American War to the 20th century World War I, World War II, the Vietnam War, and even into the present-day Mideast conflicts. It has been revitalized and repurposed as a unique learning environment, the Fort Hayes Metropolitan Education Center, part of Columbus City Schools. Enter through the main entrance near the corner of Jack Gibbs Blvd and Cleveland Avenue and meet at the front of the Shot Tower, the large structure immediately before you. Parking is in the large lot in front of the building.
October 31, Sunday, 2 – 4 p.m.
The Ohio State University is the backdrop for amazing architecture on any autumn day—from the Richardson Romanesque Hayes Hall and the “fossil-tecture” of Orton Hall to the “outside the box” Wexner Center and the former Page Hall. The Long Walk across campus was designed to lead into the neighborhood of professors and Greek houses, and many of the original homes and commercial structures of early 20th century remain on High Street and into the surrounding neighborhoods. However, when the quiet afternoon tour is also on Halloween Eve, be prepared to walk where the bodies are buried (literally) and hear true stories of the darker side of the University District. Meet in front of the William Oxley Thompson statue in front of the Main Library.
Ghost Tours
Tours with Spirit(s): Haunted Historic Taverns
A seasonal twist on our classic Historic Tavern Tours. Authentic stories of disembodied vapors told in historic, quaint, and architecturally interesting spaces where glasses of spirits are sold and the patron at the bar next to you might not really be there! Limited seats.
Oct. 7 & Oct. 28
6-9 p.m.
Tickets: $25
Tour begins at The Jury Room, 22 East Mound St.
Gables, Gargoyles and Ghosts … oh my!
Architecturally significant Columbus sites – from historic homes and museums to hotels and former funeral homes – all have stories to tell! Locations vary each night on this eerie bus tour.
Oct. 22, 23, 25
6:30-9:30 p.m.
Tickets: $25
Tour departs from and returns to Columbus Landmarks Foundation, 61 Jefferson Ave.
Halloween Lantern Walking Tours
Remember being a child, walking through the leaves on an autumn night, and scaring your friends with stories of that old house down the street? Come walk with us, see the beauty of one of Columbus's most architecturally-significant neighborhoods through the leaves and the streetlights, and learn why the street enjoys the reputation of being the most haunted neighborhood in Columbus.
Oct. 26, 27, 29
6:30-9 p.m.
Tickets: $10 members, $20 non-members
Tour begins at Topiary Park, 480 E. Town St
About Columbus Landmarks Foundation
Established in 1977, Columbus Landmarks Foundation is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to preserving and celebrating Columbus' architectural legacy. Columbus Landmarks encourages community action in historic preservation and quality design of the built environment throughout central Ohio. Our members are individuals who both cherish the past and embrace the future, and include a dynamic array of residents living in historic neighborhoods, architects, developers, land-use planners, leaders in the government and business sectors, and investors. For more information please visit www.columbuslandmarks.org.
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