You don’t need to open the doors of these homes to reveal their stories.
Instead, a “100” yard sign will tell you everything you need to know about the approximately 370 century-old homes in Upper Arlington. The neighborhood’s annual Homes of History event brings residents and visitors on a self-guided tour to explore architectural legacy.
The Upper Arlington Historical Society began the monthlong showcase Aug. 1 for the fifth time. This year, hundreds of homes built in 1925 or earlier are being recognized, each of the houses retaining much of their original facades, now marked with temporary or permanent “Homes of History” signs.
With over 250 signs on display and about 270 homeowners participating, signs stretch across south of Lane Avenue and parts north of Lane. These are the areas that were once part of Perry Township before annexation.
Reaching a century
What started out as a small local initiative during the pandemic has become a neighborhood staple event. Some homeowners proudly keep their “Homes of History” signs all year-round. New participants receive a historical profile of their home — including the construction year and original owner name — which is researched by the historical society.
Farmhouses built as early as 1830 and one stone home — built on the farm of Amaziah Hutchinson in 1821 — predate the city’s 1918 founding. With a strong commitment to preserving this history as development progresses, this celebration also offers insight into pre-suburban rural life and the city’s growth since.
Maps show participating homes, which stretches from Asbury and Arlington to Tremont and Coventry roads, are available online and at libraries in Upper Arlington. The event will run until Aug. 31.
Residents who own a home built in 1925 or earlier can participate by signing up through uahistory.org to receive a temporary or permanent yard sign marking their home’s historical status.
Trending features reporter Amani Bayo can be reached at abayo@dispatch.com.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Homes of History celebrates Upper Arlington’s century-old homes
Reporting by Amani Bayo, Columbus Dispatch / The Columbus Dispatch
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
