Lions, Tigers, and Bears!

“I always saw potential for humor in animals. I loved them, and I was always telling stories about them…” (4).

The Book

For many, the name Jack Hanna is synonymous with the Columbus Zoo and the world of animals. Hanna’s autobiography, Jungle Jack: Into the Wild, presents a humble man who loved his family and animals.

Hanna’s family moved to a farm outside Knoxville, TN when he was five years old. This cemented his early love for animals and led to a summer job with a local veterinarian at the age of 11. Hanna was able to ride along with the vet when he cared for the animals at the Knoxville Zoo, planting seeds for the future. Despite struggling in school, Hanna did enjoy his college speech class and graduated, planning to be a zookeeper.

During the 1970s, Hanna and his wife Suzi, bounced around the south working at zoos or as exotic animal caretakers. They had three daughters, who became just as enthralled with animals as their parents. In 1978, 31-year-old Hanna was hired as the director of the Columbus Zoo, despite the board’s concern with his youth and inexperience. Hanna dived into the opportunity, focusing on energizing the employees and improving the zoo through natural habitats for the animals and creating a relationship with the community. As director, Hanna served as an ambassador, appearing on Good Morning America and the David Letterman Show. Later, he had his own TV shows – Jack Hanna’s Animal Adventures and Jack Hanna’s Into the Wild – these often included his family.

Jungle Jack: Into the Wild is a lot of fun to read, especially if you love animals. It feels like you are sitting in Hanna’s living room, listening to him reflect on his life. The animal stories made me laugh out loud, cringe, or warmed my heart. There are two sections of color photos and black and white photos sprinkled throughout; they highlight the Hanna family and numerous animal experiences. Hanna is quick to give credit to those who provided him support and encouragement and emphasizes the need to treat wild animals with respect. Hanna also editorializes, explaining how practices have changed over time. He clearly states why he feels zoos are important: they aid in conservation efforts and the animals act as ambassadors for those in the wild.

The Place

It’s hard to be bored at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, with numerous animals to see in action, exhibits to explore, and amusement rides. As you plan your trip, make sure to check out the special animal encounters or events that are happening.

I have visited twice, both in the winter. First, a friend and I visited on a chilly December day. We spent the day in the Zoo, wandering through well marked areas that grouped animals by their native lands. The Zoo has done a fantastic job mimicking the natural habitats of animals, allowing visitors to see them “in the wild”. Some of my favorites included the baby elephant, penguins, and polar bears. The manatee exhibit is unique because the goal is to rehabilitate and send the manatees back to Florida. In the evening, we had fun at Wildlights, the holiday light show. The Zoo is decked out in Christmas lights, some animals remain active, and there are musical light shows. The second time I visited, it was just in the evening, for the Wildlights. My friend and I were there on a Friday night, which is typically busy. However, the below freezing temperature kept the crowds away.

The Zoo is open every day, except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, from 9am to 5pm. Hours do vary in the winter months and on weekends. Day passes must be purchased, or you can buy a membership. There is a large parking lot, with a fee per car. The Zoo can be crowded during special events or nice weather. If you don’t mind the rain or cold, it might be a good idea to go when you can avoid crowds.

The Center of Ohio Government

“Built in an age when Americans believed that public architecture could shape beliefs, refine discourse, and instill patriotism, the Statehouse symbolizes the solidarity and permanence of Ohio’s government” (12).

The Book

Ohio Statehouse: A Building for the Ages does more than provide the history statehouse, it presents a building that has three purposes: a memorial to important Ohioans, the seat of state government, and an educational center. Authors Cheryl Straker and Chris Matheney walk readers through a “tour” of the Capitol Square, a ten-acre plot in Columbus made up of the Statehouse, Senate Building, Atrium, and grounds.

Unlike many state capitol cities, Columbus was not a pre-established town when it was chosen as the third location for Ohio’s state capitol. In 1812, four prominent men donated the ten-acre plot and a statehouse building opened in 1816. It wasn’t long until a new statehouse was needed, for safety and size needs. The legislature held a design competition and the top three designs were merged into a composite final design. Convicts began work in 1839, cutting Ohio limestone for the foundation, but it took 22 years to complete. Delays came from arguments amongst legislators, a cholera outbreak, and insufficient funds. The Ohio Statehouse went through a $10 million restoration project from 1990-1996. It is considered one of the best examples of Greek-revival architecture and, according to Frank Lloyd Wright, it is “the most honest of all American statehouses” (20).

Throughout the “tour”, readers are able to peak into the legislative chambers, hearing rooms, and offices. They also learn how the purposes of various sections have changed over the years and the meticulous detail that went into the historically accurate restoration. One totally random fact, that I can’t help but share: there once was a squirrel house served Columbus’s squirrel population. Citizens could come watch the squirrels explore the multiple rooms, porches, doors, and windows. Sadly, the squirrel house was demolished in 1917; but there are still plenty of monuments to see in Capitol Square.

Ohio Statehouse: A Building for the Ages is a thin version of a coffee table book, going a bit more in-depth than a guided tour. The images, photos, and sketches take precedent over the text and quotes from historically significant individuals are set apart. The section on the grounds and monuments was unique for its detailed descriptions, explaining why monuments were erected and including the inscriptions on the monuments. The book is thorough, even including information about the underground parking garage!

The Place

The Ohio Statehouse is not a tall building, but it commands attention in the heart of Columbus. Situated in the Capitol Square complex, the Statehouse is surrounded by a public park and monuments. Ohio has done a great job of using the Statehouse to both govern and educate, using every level of the building:

• The interactive exhibits of the Museum Education Center allow visitors the opportunity to learn about state government and hear from former legislators.
• The Map Room displays a 20’ x 20’ map of the state where visitors can walk across the counties.
• The artwork in the Rotunda highlights significant moments in Ohio history and influential Ohioans.
• The legislative chambers and offices provide inspiring settings for the work of governing.

My favorite part of the tour was the Rotunda and Cupola, because of the history depicted and the architectural features. Our tour guide explained that the legislature wanted both a cupola and a dome, so the architects gave them both. From the outside, you see a cupola, and from the rotunda, you see a dome.

When visiting the Ohio Statehouse, you have two options: free guided or self-guided tours. Guided tours are available seven days a week, with the exception of state holidays. Tours begin in the Map Room and are offered on the hour (times differ between weekdays and weekends). Reservations are not required for groups of 9 or less. If you choose a self-guided tour on the weekend, know that the House and Senate Chambers are locked. Our guided tour only included the House Chamber. Once your tour is complete, you are free to roam the halls, gaze up in the rotunda, visit the museum, and stop by the Ladies Gallery.

Willkommen!

“Even though we don’t hear much German spoken in the village, we walk the same streets and live in the same houses as those early German settlers, and we respect their history and contributions to the present. And we absolutely appreciate the German in German Village” (33).

The Book

Remembering German Village: Columbus, Ohio’s Historic Treasure is a collection of columns originally published in This Week (a community newspaper) and written by Jody H. Graichen (former director of the German Village Society). The book is broken into three sections: Historic Preservation, Residents, and Structures.

The first section introduces the reader to the history of German Village and the unique architecture, which reflects the area’s humble beginnings and eventual growth. In the mid-1800s early German immigrants built two unique styles of homes: a story and a half home and a Dutch Double (allowing for two families to co-own). The early settlers took more care with the side of the house facing the street in order to impress others. This could be considered an early version of curb appeal.

The second section builds upon the history by looking closer at the residents of German Village. They chose to leave Germany due to war and famine. They chose Columbus because of the ease of access through the National Road and canal system; in addition, the immigrants wanted to leave their mark. Graichen provides specific stories about early residents, showing the audience the mix of residential and commercial in German Village. The third section focuses more on the concept of reusing buildings. As a member of the National Register of Historic Places, German Villages is protected from the teardown mentality. Instead, residents renovate and develop new ways to use the historic buildings.

Remembering German Village is a quick and easy read. The columns are brief and provide snapshots of history. The original audience was probably more familiar with the subject, but the book is still interesting. In fact, the reader can imagine German Village in the past and present-almost like their own walking tour.

The Place

A visit to German Village is a bit like stepping back in time. The streets are brick paved and the buildings appear to be plucked from Germany. Visitors can stroll down main and residential streets: admiring the architecture, exploring Schiller Park, or stopping in locally owned businesses. The residents of German Village have done a great job preserving their community and welcoming visitors.

 Of course, if you are visiting German Village, the one place you cannot miss is Schmidt’s, which serves authentic (and delicious) German food. This family-owned restaurant began as a packing house in 1886. Today, they are not just known for bratwurst but also for their giant cream puffs. Eating here is definitely worth the wait. 

O-H-I-O

“The Buckeyes were more than just a local team. They were the prism through which Columbus viewed itself” (17).

The Book

War as They Knew It: Woody Hayes, Bo Schembechler, and America in a Time of Unrest is an interesting look at two football coaches, a historic football rivalry, and the changing of the culture in the 1960s and 1970s. Author Michael Rosenberg weaves together the stories, styles, and differences of The Ohio State University and University of Michigan football coaches.

Woody Hayes coached The Ohio State University for twenty-seven years. In those years he invested in the education of his players, saw the culture go through drastic changes, and tried to promote the connection between football plays and military strategies. Bo Schembechler coached the University of Michigan for twenty years. He came to Ann Arbor to find a struggling football program and a campus heavily invested in the anti-war movement. These two coaches elevated the rivalry between the two schools and Rosenberg details each of their meetings in the last game of the season.

War as They Knew It is a great book for any football fan, but especially Buckeye and Wolverine fans. As a life-long Buckeye fan, I knew the names of Woody Hayes and Bo Schembechler, but Rosenberg’s accounts helped me understand the men behind the legends. One aspect of the book, that I found particularly interesting, was the inclusion of Ralph Waldo Emerson quotes. Woody Hayes admired Emerson and Rosenberg found Emerson quotes that related to decisions or beliefs of Woody Hayes.

The Place

The Ohio State University is not your typical tourist destination because it is a school; however it is a place with history and tradition. Although most tours will be geared towards prospective students, The Ohio State University does provide a self-guided walking tour. The campus is a great place to walk around, even if it is not a football Saturday.

I have had the opportunity to attend two football games in “the Horseshoe” stadium. The stadium is referred to as “the Horseshoe” because the original structure had an opening on one end. The open end was filled in to accommodate more seating, but the name remains.

Attending a Buckeyes football games is truly an incredibly experience. The Ohio State University Marching Band performs in St. John’s Arena, the old basketball arena, prior to the game. The main streets throughout campus are closed to car traffic and you mingle with students and Buckeyes fans. Outside the stadium a visitor can smell the various tailgate foods and visit stores full of Buckeye apparel, gadgets, and souvenirs. Inside the stadium the game is interspersed with roars from the crowd and the excitement of each first down. Of course, every college football team has a similar atmosphere at their home games. The atmosphere is most significant for the fans of each team.