John S.

Ink, maybe you are running low on gritty subject matter? This place kind of reminds me of Santa Cruz, CA where the local liberal, tree-huggin', Green party voting, pot smokin hippies, live in tiny houses that sell for well over 1 million apiece. Saw the Barber "Shoppe" sign-those extra 2 letters tacked on the end of shop will likely cost you another $5 for a haircut. Also any business that uses the word old spelled "olde" is usually gonna' cost ya' some extra bucks as well. Still, I prefer the pseudo-"old towne look" to the characterless typical commerical strip centers found from sea to shining sea. I see one of the companies now marketing these pseudo historic style commercial structures is called "Stonehenge" How appropriate. Much better than "Retro". Isn't it ironic that new buildings are being constructed in historic styles to replace the old historic buildings that were torn down? Maybe this is a good trend and those communities that have lost their historic buildings can now have replicas built. Do Dubliners kiss the frog for good luck?

This is a very nice set of multiple occupancy housing photos covering several decades from the late 1800's to the 1940's. It is interesting to note the early structures were more ornate and prestigious-looking. In the late 1800's there was a certain perceived social stigma in apartment dwelling. (as most repectable individuals usually lived in private detached homes) To overcome this perception, apartment builders went to extra lengths to create luxurious dwellings suitable for the well-to-do. However, to this day, apartment dwellers are sometimes considered more transient than homeowners and, as a result, somehow less dependable or trustworthy. As for the "Don't ask me" log house, it appears real and original. The concrete porch is newer, of course, but ghost marks above the doorways indicate an earlier porch was once attached. It would be interesting to learn if the house is on its original site or was moved here at some point in the past. If original to Hamilton, it could be one of the earliest structures there still standing. Sawmills in the area were turning out finished lumber by the early 1800's so a log structure may pre-date this era. If on the original site, it could have been an early farmhouse hand-built by the family which much later was surrounded by the City of Hamilton. If a later replica, it looks to be a perfect copy. Wonder if old maps or accounts mention it? Oh, sorry, you did say "don't ask"-my bad...

A very genteel looking place, Ink. You know it's upscale when you see fine jewelry stores instead of pawn shops and payday loan joints. Hard as well to determine if anything here is old or has just been constructed to look "olde". Not my kind of neighborhood, but seems ideal for the well-monied Yuppie set. Thanks!

These are great photos of several communities visible from that perspective. I've looked at a lot of Cincinnati urban images but none seems to be taken from this unique perspective. From this lofty perch, you can see why so many people consider Cincinnati to be one of the most picturesque cities in the U.S. (Brutalism architecture aside) Thanks!

Great photos. I can almost smell the baked goods and Italian food. Looks like Italian culture and cuisine still survive in this great neighborhood. I bet the neighborhood restaurants do a good business with the locals.

Great set of photos, Ink. It is unusual to see so many intact buildings from the early 1800's as well as the more common post-Civil War era Victorian style structures. In my last visit, I did get to see most of the towns on the Ohio River from East Liverpool down to Marietta. Wish I could have had more time to continue going along the River. My must see list is getting longer! Thanks!

Last night I had a conversation with Craig Bobby, a longtime friend in Lakewood and self-appointed champion of Ohio's Victorian architectural treasures. I mentioned the new UO photo thread featuring Ohio City and he said he had "seen them all". When I visited Lakewood a few years back, Craig had wanted me to take a tour of Ohio City but my travel schedule was too hectic to make that possible. I now regret not re-shuffling my priorities to take in this beautiful neighborhood. As nice as Ohio City is, Cleveland has lost so much of it's historic architecture-I have a book gifted to me a few years back about Cleveland's lengendary Euclid Avenue corridor. At one time, it was one of the most prestigious addresses in America and home to such figures as John D. Rockefeller. While Euclid Avenue has been almost totally lost to progress, Ohio City seems to still retain its historic character. I will make it a priority to see it the next time I'm in the area. Thanks for sharing!

Thanks, Ink! This one of the most unpretentious yet charming Ohio villages I've seen in photos and compares favorably with the unique character of Shawnee. I especially liked the book store which is housed in an early 1800's Federal Style house that appears to have been "Queen-Anne'd" with Neo-classical embelishments and interior remodeling around 1900. Nice to know it is but a short distance from Hamilton. It's now on my "must see" list.

Intriguing place, Ink. Hard to imagine it was once a private estate. Are there any archival photos of Robert Bowler's long demolished home? Judging by the Temple of Love edifice, the Bowler home must have been truly palatial. I find it incredible that it was demolished way back in 1917, before the end of World War I. Imagine what a tourist draw it would have been if it had been saved as a museum house. I guess a nice public park is a suitable substitute. The scenic views from the old mansion must have been breathtaking. (Gaslight) Clifton is a beautiful area as well-looks like a traditional "old money" neighborhood and well kept.

"Just the right amount of grit." I agree, Ink. While "gritty", the area does not look dangerous or derelict. Didn't see many vacant storefronts either, which is a good sign. Architecturally, Cheviot seems to have an interesting mix beginning with late Victorian era and then expanding greatly into the 1920's and 1930's. Nice set of photos.

Rob, I looked at a bird's-eye view map on MSN and found the historic frame church on Elm Street is a rare survivor completely surrounded by modern construction and parking lots. As far as it's chances for long term survival, I'm afraid the church doesn't have a prayer in its current location. Just for clarity, my previous posting about downtown living potential was made with the future in mind. I'm aware that with the current "restructuring" (sounds better than "Depression" doesn't it?) going on in the national economy, efforts to bring people back to downtown will be slow and deliberate. However, the exodus from suburbia back to downtown is a national trend and will only gain momentum in the coming years.

CG79, Thanks for the link to the Warren photo collection on City-Data. Seems like there is a lot of history in the town and some interesting architectural survivors from its past. Nice to see many of Warren's historic homes have been preserved for future generations to enjoy as well. When I visit Warren, I'll make sure I have my camera handy.

Great set of photos, Rob, showing the diversity in a great American city. As the captions show, some of the nation's leading architects designed structures in the City in the past and apparently, the trend is not yet dead as the internationally known Michael Graves' museum design proves. George Segal is also an art world heavyweight. In the back-to-the-cities movement, Youngstown has a lot going for it. If enough critical mass is created, Youngstown seems to have a lot of room for downtown living. Vacant and underutilized buildings could be converted for condos and lofts with commercial mixed-use on the ground floors. These grand buildings were built to last a century or longer and will, with proper care. Is the 19th century wood frame church in the black and white images still standing? It too is a rare survivor and should be saved (from demolition) if possible. Nice to see the large towered Queen Anne style house shown in another thread is still around too. Thanks for a nice set!

Nice set of photos. Great to see everything in good condition and no large demolition gaps between historic buildings. Some of Warren's once-grand buildings look under-utilized, but still maintained. I might add that the "Onion Dome" feature asked about was a characteristic detail found in the Queen Anne style of architecture which was popular in the U.S. between 1880 and 1910. Both houses and commericial structures in the Queen Anne style sprouted towers, turrets, oriels, and bartizans (a small structure such as a turret which projects from the building) with onion dome, or witch's hat (conical) roofs. Survivors of this popular but short-lived Victorian style can still be found from coast to coast. Often the characteristic domed or pointed roofs have been removed and flat-topped as a cost-saving measure in the past. Nice to see this one is still there.

Nice set of photos, Ink. New Richmond looks to be a picturesque River town for the most part with its old commercial buildings (some pre-Civil War) nicely maintained and occupied. The blocky, modernist "brutalism" style inspired River Hills Bank building does little to enhance it's quaint surroundings. Contrast that with the 1880's Higginsport School building, a classic building that tells the observer it is a building specifically made for institutional or public use just by looking at it. HGTV has featured a number of historic school buildings which individuals and couples have bought and converted into unique open-loft type residences with great success. Not a single school building on the TV show looked quite as impressive as the Higginsport example. The numerous broken upstairs windows tell me the local populace has little respect for this rare 1880's survivor. Wonder how much longer it will survive? One can tell it was very well-built and with proper maintenance and repair could easily survive another century or two. I'll have to put both New Richmond and Higginsport on my list of places to visit. Thanks!

What a nice and well-kept neighborhood. These early 20th century homes had far more character and picturesque details than houses built in later decades. The interiors of these early 1900's homes are typically full of built-ins with Craftsman-Mission Style woodwork and tiles which makes them very livable. Great to see that they are being well cared for.

Looking at this eclectic style house from an architectural standpoint, it is primarily a Dutch Colonial Revival with a typical Dutch Gambrel (barn type) roof. However, it also has details from the late Victorian Queen Anne style with the rounded "tower" being the most prominent feature. What is very unusual is the size/scale of the tower. It may have had a different material covering the domed roof originally, perhaps patterned shingles. A look at the side shows various windows with neoclassical details. The back porch gable even has stylized half-timbering, reminiscent of Tudor-Elizabethan style. The front facing dormer has a "Roman" window which was popular at the end of the 19th century. Most unusual is the "Chinese Chippendale" style fretwork arch over the front porch. All-in-all this is a highly individualistic designed house which represents the confusion architects were feeling in the first years of the 20th century when all things Victorian were starting to lose their appeal yet, what was to come (Prairie Style, Bungalows, Foursquares, various Colonial Revivals) had no yet gained widespread acceptance. To be on the "safe" side design-wise, some architects dug deep into their bag of architectural designs and created a synthesis or hybrid of many past styles combined in ways never seen before-this house is a great example from that short period in time. By 1910 such eclecticism had disappeared and the new styles and designs of the 20th century were firmly entrenched. I'd love to see what the interior looks like if it has not been extensively remodeled. Otherwise, Coshocton does not seem to have a lot of impressive historic commercial architecture. I'd pay the town a visit just to see the last house, though.

Awesome set of photos! Some of the old, some new, all interesting. One of the best sets of photos I've seen on Urban Ohio with a lot of photographic variety and architectural diversity. I like the historic row/town homes especially. The OTR images are gems and glad you included the often over-looked Dayton St.-West End as well. Put all of the images together with commentary and you would have a very nice coffee table book. I hope progress in preserving the amazing local historic housing stock continues despite current tough times. This collection gives a non-local (myself) a good idea of what one can find in the area. Cincinnati lives up to its reputation as a "classic" American city in these images but sometimes the odd angles of the buildings and streets suggest some old world European city rooted in the middle ages. It would be interesting to see what has changed since 2005 in the years to come.

There have been some changes in firehouse styles and construction over the years. The 19th century versions were carefully constructed out of brick and stone to last a century or longer while newer versions will be demo'ed and replaced after a few decades. Hard to image any future condo-conversions for the 1979 sheet metal building Middletown #3 station. They sure don't build them like they used to...

What a sad story about a landmark neighborhood church. The figural windows were bought by individual families and donated to the church-the donating family name is usually at the bottom (as seen in one window the name "Schuermane") Sometimes the name of deceased relatives were also memorialized with donated windows as well. No doubt, the contributors of those windows would be appalled by what they would find today. VICTORIAN HOMES magazine recently showed a former church in Ventura, CA, remarkably similar to this one, that was converted into a popular bed and breakfast. Surely some adaptive re-use as a community center, office, or public use could be found. If used for community or public purposes, often HUD community block grant funds can be obtained and used for the project. Far too many historic churches are lost each year to neglect as congregations relocated to the suburbs and consolidation occurs. This is one they will surely wish they had saved once it's gone.

This is the real deal-a beautifully intact historic school building. The fountain appears to have (now) rare Rookwood tiles. Of concern are the wet floors in image #5-would this be from a leaking roof? Also worrisome is the large structural crack running diagonally through the brick courses in photo number 4, both issues need immediate attention to avoid major damages. Glad to read CPS is willing to invest in bringing this jewel back to use, hopefully, any rehab will be sympathetic to the original design. In it's heyday, this must have been THE school to attend. Very nice photos!

Far from being a "basket case", Dresden seems prosperous and well maintained. Didn't see any vinyl-clad or metal mesh junk covered historic buildings, which is a pretty good sign. Only one photo of Frazeysburg? It also seems like a picturesque and well-preserved little town...

Nice photos of one of the most picturesque "ghost" streets in America. Few places can boast having this kind of streetscape anymore-I hope Cincinnati recognizes and saves the unique artchitectural treasures it possess. In time, these historic works of art in stone, brick, and wood may help lead a full urban renaissance for the Queen City.

"here is a panoramic of OTR from the Kroger Building" Nothing personally against Kroger, but their shiny International style building looms over and over-shadows much of the OTR. Almost every "quaint" photo I've ever seen of the OTR has been spoiled by the intrusion of this huge modernist structure into the otherwise picturesque historic streetscape. It is totally out of scale and style with neighboring historic buildings. Maybe Kroger thought when it was designed that the old OTR would soon disappear in clouds of demolition dust to be replaced by other such large corporate edifices. In any event, it seems to be a permanent reminder that the old has to constantly justify it's continued usefulness to keep the unrelenting forces of "progress" at bay. People with short-sighted visions should not forget that someday even the Kroger building will be considered "old", that is, if it too doesn't get the wrecking ball for something replacing it. That is the difference between modern and 19th century building philosophies-back then, they built structures to last for the ages, while today everything has a very finite existence based on amortization and depreciation schedules. Forty years or less is considered a modern building's "lifetime". One would think Kroger would be proud of the OTR and could have designed a corporate structure in harmony with its surroundings. In any event, it looks like its here to stay but will always visually detract rather than enhance the beautiful old OTR view.

"Finally, nothing screams collective failure like the complete lack of a national energy policy. I find it inexcusable that it has been more than 30 years since the first energy crisis, but no administration – Democrat or Republican – attempted to plan for our nation's energy future. Nothing is more critical to our nation's very economic or political survival than energy independence. We have known that for a century, but yet done little." Of all the things mentioned, this paragraph seems to stand out. You know it's a sad day when an old, tired-looking, Texas oil billionaire (T. Boone Pickens) has to buy TV time to privately tell us how to solve our energy problems. All of the terrorist threats to our national security and safety pale against the threat of an energy meltdown. Either by accident or by design, the federal government has done nothing to reduce the impact of skyrocketing oil/gas prices. Even the strategic petroleum reserves sit by unused-I guess they are are strictly for government/military use during a national emergency. We are currently witnessing the extinction of native U.S. automakers as they too were apparently caught completely off guard by the current spike in energy prices. And if you think that is bad, just wait until we or Israel tries to stop Iran's ambitious nuclear program-the Iranians will block the Persian Gulf to all tankers causing a global economic crisis and a spike in oil prices even the Saudi's never imagined. Our energy situation is a huge vulnerability and if not fixed very soon, our foes will surely exploit it.