🏡 This Home In Westerville Was An Underground Railroad Stop

Plus: 🎥 POV: It's 1999 And You're At Old COSI

Author

Chelsea Wiley
February 17, 2025

In partnership with

Sponsored by Greater Columbus Arts Council 🎨
Looking for your next night out? Discover captivating art, performances, and more in Columbus this month! Explore the Greater Columbus Arts Council's event calendar to find local arts experiences that move you. For more info, head over to columbusmakesart.com/events.

Hello, Monday! Chelsea here.

You may know Ben Hanby from his famous Christmas tune, “Up on the Housetop,” but did you know his family home in Westerville is a must-visit? The Hanby House played a key role in Ohio’s abolitionist movement and was a stop on the Underground Railroad. Today, it’s a museum that showcases the Hanby family’s legacy through artifacts and exhibits. Whether you're into history, music, or just exploring local gems, this spot is one you won’t want to miss.

🎥 This Century-Old Ohio Footage Is The First Time A President Was Caught On Film
These days, we’re very used to seeing presidents on our screens. But over a century ago, seeing the president moving around on film was a rare occurrence. The first time it ever happened, it was filmed right here in the Buckeye State, featuring Ohio’s own William McKinley.

😎 This 1999 Video Shows Old COSI in All Its Glory
This video of old COSI hits me right in the feels. As a 1990s kid growing up in Columbus, there was nowhere quite like COSI. I spent many birthdays at the OG spot, including my 11th birthday which just so happens to be the same year as this video was filmed. Don’t mind me, I’ll just be over in the corner silently wondering how that could possibly be 26 years ago.

Headlines 📰 

🎵 Barbershop harmony may be over a century old, but Ohio’s top quartets are keeping it alive with fierce competition, emotional performances, and a little help from past champions. (WOSU)

🏀 Cleveland is on the verge of reclaiming its place in the WNBA with a record-breaking $250 million bid, signaling a major expansion push that could bring up to three new teams into the league. (Sports Business Journal)

✈️ Columbus is among the many U.S. cities facing critical air traffic controller shortages, with John Glenn International operating at nearly 22% below its staffing goal—part of a nationwide crisis drawing fresh scrutiny after January’s deadly midair collision. (Axios Columbus)

🌤️ Weather: 22 and partly sunny, with scattered flurries in the morning

Sponsored by Columbus Children’s Theatre 🎭
The Spotlight Series is bringing young talent to center stage! [working title] is a unique, devised production led by CCT alum Ellie Levine, giving young artists the chance to create, perform, and shine. Catch the magic at CCT Studios from February 27 – March 9. Grab your tickets now at columbuschildrenstheatre.org!

Coming Up 📆

🏐 2/17: Columbus Fury vs. Vegas Thrill
🎵 2/17: Father John Misty
🏀 2/17: OSU Women’s Basketball vs. Iowa
🎭 2/18-2/23: & Juliet
🤸‍♀️ 2/19: The Peking Acrobats
🏡 2/19-2/23: Central Ohio Home & Garden Show
🎭 2/20: Backstage at the Lincoln: All-Star Staff Performance
🌍 2/20: An Evening with Rick Steves
🏀 2/20: OSU Men’s Basketball vs. Northwestern
🎵 2/20: A Tribute to Quincy Jones
🖼️ 2/20: CMA After Hours
🧑‍🍳 2/21: Dining in Oz | A Wicked Inspired Participatory Dinner Party
🏒 2/22: Blue Jackets vs. Chicago Blackhawks
🎵 2/22: Columbus Folk Music Society presents Ordinary Elephant
😂 2/22: Howie Mandel
⚽️ 2/22: Columbus Crew vs. Chicago Fire FC
🛍️ 2/22-2/23: Scott Antique Markets
🥾 2/23: Winter Hike Celebration at Blacklick Woods
🏐 2/23: Columbus Fury vs. Atlanta Vibe
🏀 2/23: OSU Women’s Basketball vs. Purdue

Today's Photo 🤳

🏭 The Weisheimer Brothers Flour Mill has been holding it down on King Avenue since 1901. Built near the former Sells Brothers Circus winter quarters, the mill cranked out Jewel brand flour for decades.

Want your photo to be featured? Use #columbusnavigator or tag us!

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- Chelsea