1900s Columbus, Ohio Rare Historical Photos Unveiled

Grace Freeman from the Columbus Metropolitan Library shares rare, historical photos donated by the Central Ohio Fire Museum. These images, captured during the early 1900s, document various public works projects around Columbus, including storm drains and paving developments. Through these photos, we get an extraordinary snapshot of life in Columbus over 100 years ago.

Highlights include:

Street scenes of West Broad Street around 1906, showing businesses like moving companies, barber shops, and restaurants.

- Rare views of the James Palace Saloon, captured around 1909, along with historic landmarks like the Hardesty Brothers flour mill and the O’Brien foundry.

- Photographic evidence of Columbus before major developments, with horse-drawn carriages, streetcars and brick-paved streets.

Join us on this journey through time as we explore how Columbus has evolved, and get a unique look at parts of the city that have since vanished or transformed.

Ohio Snapshots In Time digs into Ohio history one image at a time. The series is produced by WOSU Public Media in partnership with the staff of the @ColumbusLibrary.

[jaybuckeye]

Note the signs on the corner of the saloon for Hoster and Schlee beers.

[mfeist]

I don't think you can see the tower of the train station as was described here. You might be able to see a little bit of its porch, but you might be looking at the Macklin Hotel just west? A large commercial building to the east blocks most of the view of the station.

[RomanDiaries]

Will these be on display at the library?

[SpinningbacKFisT]

Don’t get why this doesn’t have many more views than it does. I’m both surprised & saddened by the lack of interest and attention given to Columbus’ rich history.