Ohio House (Philadelphia) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ohio House |
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| Location | 1700 Belmont Ave, Philadelphia |
| Built | 1876 |
| Architectural style(s) | Gothic Revival |
| Governing body | Philadelphia Parks & Recreation |
| Owner | City of Philadelphia |
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Philadelphia Register of Historic Places
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| Official name: Ohio State Building | |
| Designated | unspecified |
| Official name: Ohio House | |
| Designated | February 7, 1972 |
| Reference no. | 72001151 |
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The Ohio House, also known as the Ohio State Building, is a historic building in west Fairmount Park in Philadelphia. It was built in 1876 using different types of sandstone from Ohio. This special building was Ohio's exhibit for the Centennial Exposition of 1876.
It is very unique because it is the only state exhibit building still standing from that huge fair! Most other buildings from the fair are gone. Only Memorial Hall and two small rest stops remain. The Ohio House was fixed up for America's 200th birthday in 1976. In 2006, a group called Ohio House Partners leased it. After a lot of work, it opened to the public in November 2007. Today, it is a cafe, a place for events, and offices.
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What is the Ohio House?
The Ohio House is a beautiful building in Philadelphia. It was designed in the Gothic Revival style. This means it looks a bit like old castles or churches. It has tall windows and pointed arches.
Built for a Big Fair
The building was made for the Centennial Exposition in 1876. This was a huge world's fair held in Philadelphia. It celebrated 100 years since the United States declared its independence. Many states built special displays. Ohio wanted to show off its natural resources.
Ohio's Special Sandstone
The Ohio House was built using different kinds of sandstone from Ohio. This showed how rich Ohio was in natural materials. Each type of stone was carefully chosen. It made the building a unique example of Ohio's geology.
A Special Survivor
Many buildings at the Centennial Exposition were temporary. They were meant to be taken down after the fair. But the Ohio House was built to last. It is the only state exhibit building that is still standing today.
Restored for the Bicentennial
In 1976, the United States celebrated its 200th birthday. This was called the Bicentennial Celebration. The Ohio House was restored for this big event. This helped save the building for future generations.
New Life for a Historic Place
In 2006, a group called Ohio House Partners took over the building. They worked hard to restore it. They wanted to make sure it could be used again. In 2007, it reopened to the public. Now, people can visit it as a cafe. It also hosts special events and has offices inside.
Protecting History
The Ohio House is very important. It is listed on the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places. This means the city recognizes it as a special historic site. It is also part of the National Register of Historic Places. This is a list of places important to the history of the entire country.
