Glen Echo (Columbus, Ohio) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Glen Echo Historic District
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The Gilbert H. Hamilton House
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| Location | Roughly bounded by Glen Echo Ravine, Big Four RR tracks, Indianola Ave., and Hudson St., Columbus, Ohio |
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| Built | 1910 |
| Architect | Columbus Real Estate & Improvement C; Gregg, Romeo |
| Architectural style | Bungalow/Craftsman, Shingle Style, Tudor Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 97001241 |
| Added to NRHP | October 24, 1997 |
Glen Echo is a neighborhood in Columbus, Ohio. It is located in the northern part of the University District. The neighborhood is named after the beautiful Glen Echo Ravine, which runs along its northern edge.
In 1997, Glen Echo was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is recognized as an important historical area in the United States.
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A Look Back: How Glen Echo Began
The Glen Echo area started to be developed in 1909. A company called the Columbus Real Estate and Improvement Company planned a new neighborhood. They called it "Indianola Park View."
They set aside 47 acres of land for homes. A part of the Glen Echo Ravine was also set aside as a park. This was the first time a real estate company gave land for a park to the city of Columbus.
The Ravine's Influence
The wooded Glen Echo Ravine played a big role in how the neighborhood was designed. Its natural beauty shaped the streets and overall feel of the area. The company that developed Glen Echo also worked on other nearby areas like Walhalla Ravine.
Before it became a neighborhood, the land was considered for a large hospital. However, those plans were changed.
Glen Echo Park's Early Days
In 1909, a publication from Ohio State University described the new park. It was a lovely place with big oak and elm trees. There was a wading pond and five small lakes connected by a stream.
The park had rustic benches and foot bridges. People enjoyed picnics, horseback riding, and car rides in this green space. In 1910, Glen Echo became part of the City of Columbus. The park was officially given to the city in 1912.
Homes and Architecture in Glen Echo
Most of the houses in Glen Echo were built between 1909 and 1943. They show different styles popular at the time.
Popular House Styles
You can find homes in the American Craftsman style, which often have wide porches. There are also houses in the Shingle Style and Tudor Revival styles. Many homes have front porches or sleeping porches, which were popular for sleeping outdoors in warm weather.
Most houses are not fancy "high style" buildings. Instead, they are often traditional American Foursquare or American Vernacular homes. This means they are practical and common designs.
Neighborhood Features
The homes are a mix of single-family houses and duplexes (two units). Many people who live in Glen Echo own their homes.
Glenmawr Avenue and North Fourth Street have grassy areas in the middle, called boulevards. These are considered parks by the city. You can also see stone pillars and unique street furniture on Glenmawr Avenue.
The neighborhood was added to the National Register of Historic Places because of its overall look and feel. It was recognized as a good example of a middle-class development, not just for its fancy buildings.
Community Life in Glen Echo
The homes in Glen Echo are well-maintained by their residents. The community is working to create an active group called the Glen Echo Neighbors Civic Association (GENCA).
Community Meetings
GENCA holds public meetings every month. These meetings happen at 4 PM on the second Saturday of each month. They are held at the Glen Echo Presbyterian Church on Cliffside Drive.
Exploring the Park
If you walk through Glen Echo Park, you will find three special signs. These signs are along the old Parkview Drive. They share interesting facts about the park's history.
Each year, the Glen Echo neighborhood is also featured on a walking tour by the Columbus Landmarks Foundation. This allows more people to learn about its unique history and charm.
