A feature of Columbus' principal thoroughfare, High street, which excites admiration of all strangers is the fine electric display at night. In addition to the illumination effects of business houses, the street for over half a mile is spanned by arches of incandescent lights, the whole producing a beautiful and fete-like appearance. This novel idea is original with Columbus, having been in use here for several years, but is now being adopted by other cities. The expense of maintaining the arches is met by private subscriptions from merchants. The same plan of illumination is being extended to other streets, and Columbus will maintain her reputation of being the most brilliantly illuminated city in the country." This is a scene of the Lazarus Department Store at night. " This fine structure, located at the corner of High and Main streets, was erected by the enterprising business men of the South side, The hotel contains 250 guest rooms and assembly hall seating 1,000 persons, The building is fireproof throughout. In the summer season the Great Southern Roof Garden, with its music and cooling breezes, is a delightful resort, which is frequented by the best people of the city. "One of the handsomest buildings in Columbus is the new Franklin County Court House , erected some ten years ago at a cost of about a half-million dollars. The exterior is of gray sandstone, handsomely ornamented, with polished granite Columbus at entrances, and is surmounted by a clock tower. The interior finish and furnishings are beautiful and costly. The building fronts on High and Mound streets. In the rear of the Court House and facing on Fulton street, is a modern stone FIRE-PROOF Jail. In arrangement, sanitation and safetyness this is regarded as a modern building, and its plans have been extensively copied." (page 74)

• "Looking North from High and Long "

• "Looking North from Opera Block "

• "Looking South from Opera Block "

• "Looking South from Broad and High "

"One of the best-known institutions of Columbus is the Central Market House , located on Forth street and running from Town to Rich Streets. During three mornings of the week and on Saturday night it presents a very busy scene. Despite much talked of enlargement and improvement and the urgent need for the same, the market space remains much like it appears in the picture, which is by no means a late one .The view is from the corner of Rich and Fourth streets looking north . It gives only a small section of the great market center. A number of blocks lined with stands do not come within the scope of the camera. The market house was erected about 1850." (page 56).

Text and pictures taken from: The Story of Columbus: Past, Presentand Future of the Metropolis of Central Ohio, Practical Demonstration of its Development by the Reproduction of Rare Historical Photographs (2nd ed.; Columbus, Ohio: np, 1900)

This page created by Patrick J. Hall.