Description: Photograph showing the former Physics Building on the campus of the Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio, built by Elford, Inc. Located at 125 South Oval Drive, this building is officially named the Mendenhall Laboratory. Elford, Inc. was founded in 1910 in Columbus, Ohio, by Edward "Pop" Elford. Edward's son Harold joined the firm in 1923 and the company began to expand. Under Harold's leadership, the company built twelve facilities at Ohio State University, and completed over thirty construction projects for Battelle Memorial Institute. The company went onto build a wide variety of buildings including banks, churches, hospitals, hotels/motels, offices and rental buildings. Significant examples of their work include the Harding Memorial, St. Stephen's Church, and the Dublin (Ohio) Bridge. View on Ohio Memory.
Image ID: P390B03F01_001_01
Subjects: Ohio State University--History; College buildings; Construction industry--Ohio; Architecture--Ohio;
Places: Columbus (Ohio); Franklin County (Ohio)
 

Description: Photograph showing the Power House at the Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio, built by Elford, Inc. Elford, Inc. was founded in 1910 in Columbus, Ohio, by Edward "Pop" Elford. Edward's son Harold joined the firm in 1923 and the company began to expand. Under Harold's leadership, the company built twelve facilities at Ohio State University, and completed over thirty construction projects for Battelle Memorial Institute. The company went onto build a wide variety of buildings including banks, churches, hospitals, hotels/motels, offices and rental buildings. Significant examples of their work include the Harding Memorial, St. Stephen's Church, and the Dublin (Ohio) Bridge. View on Ohio Memory.
Image ID: P390B03F02_001_01
Subjects: Ohio State University--History; College buildings; Construction industry--Ohio; Architecture--Ohio;
Places: Columbus (Ohio); Franklin County (Ohio)
 

Description: On August 15, 1977, the "Big Ear" radio telescope at the Ohio State University Radio Observatory located in Delaware County detected a highly unusual signal whose source has never been identified, raising the possibility that the signal may be the first record of contact with extraterrestrial intelligence. The so-called "Wow!" signal received its name from the note Dr. Jerry Ehman wrote in the margin of this computer printout. This strange signal, unique in radio astronomy history, has never been recorded again. NAAPO, the North American Astrophysical Observatory, was chartered in 1983 as a non-profit organization originally formed to save, maintain and operate the Ohio State University Radio Observatory's (OSURO) 110-meter "Big Ear" radio telescope, Ohio's only world class radio telescope. A consortium of local colleges and a group of volunteers worked together under the NAAPO charter. Ohio Wesleyan University owned the land on which the "Big Ear" stood and sold it to land developers in 1982. OSU constructed the "Big Ear" beginning in 1956 on OWU land. They operated the radio telescope research for nearly 40 years. The developers leased the land to NAAPO from 1983 through 1997 so they could continue to operate the telescope. In 1998 the "Big Ear" radio telescope was destroyed by the developers and some of the equipment and most of the records were moved to the West Campus of the Ohio State University, in Columbus, Ohio. View on Ohio Memory.
Image ID: AL07146
Subjects: Astronomical observatories; Life on other planets; Science and Technology; Ohio State University--History; Telescopes
Places: Columbus (Ohio); Franklin County (Ohio); Delaware County (Ohio)
 

Description: Dated October 20, 1936, this photograph shows Bundy Hall at Wilberforce University near Xenia, Ohio. Wilberforce University is located on US 42, three miles from Xenia, Ohio on land that at one time occupied the Tawawa Springs summer resort. In 1856, the Methodist Episcopal Church established Wilberforce University near Xenia, Ohio, to provide African Americans access to a college education. The university was the first private black college in the United States. Its founders named the institution after William Wilberforce, a prominent eighteenth-century abolitionist. A number of African-American Ohioans attended the school during its early years. During the American Civil War, attendance declined as many students enlisted in the Union army. Wilberforce University closed in 1862. In 1863, the African Methodist Episcopal Church acquired ownership of the university. Under the direction of Daniel Payne, a bishop in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, John Mitchell, the principal of a school in Cincinnati, and James Shorter, an African Methodist Episcopal pastor from Zanesville, Ohio, Wilberforce reopened its doors. The institution operated as a private university serving the African-American community for the next twenty-four years. In 1887, the State of Ohio began to provide Wilberforce with funds to help finance the institution, brought to an end the university's exclusively private status. The state also helped the university create a Normal and Industrial Department that eventually evolved into Central State University. This photograph is one of the many visual materials collected for use in the Ohio Guide. In 1935, President Franklin D. Roosevelt established the Works Progress Administration by executive order to create jobs for the large numbers of unemployed laborers, as well as artists, musicians, actors, and writers. The Federal Arts Program, a sector of the Works Progress Administration, included the Federal Writers’ Project, one of the primary goals of which was to complete the America Guide series, a series of guidebooks for each state which included state history, art, architecture, music, literature, and points of interest to the major cities and tours throughout the state. Work on the Ohio Guide began in 1935 with the publication of several pamphlets and brochures. The Reorganization Act of 1939 consolidated the Works Progress Administration and other agencies into the Federal Works Administration, and the Federal Writers’ Project became the Federal Writers’ Project in Ohio. The final product was published in 1940 and went through several editions. The Ohio Guide Collection consists of 4,769 photographs collected for use in Ohio Guide and other publications of the Federal Writers’ Project in Ohio from 1935-1939. View on Ohio Memory.
Image ID: SA1039AV_B05F02_027_1
Subjects: Architecture; Education; Universities and colleges; Wilberforce University, Wilberforce, Ohio; Central State University (Wilberforce, Ohio)
Places: Wilberforce (Ohio); Greene County (Ohio)
 

Description: The Ohio State University Marching Band performing inside Ohio Stadium in Columbus. "The Best Damn Band in the Land" was formed in 1878 and is known for their Script Ohio. View on Ohio Memory.
Image ID: AL06879
Subjects: Ohio State University; Marching bands; Columbus (Ohio)
Places: Columbus (Ohio); Franklin County (Ohio)
 

Description: This image shows Elliott Hall on the campus of Wesleyan University in Delaware, Ohio. Ohio Wesleyan University located in Delaware Ohio received its charter from the state of Ohio in 1842. The first college classes were offered in 1844. Since the founding of the university, the school is associated with the Methodist Church. Originally, only men attended Ohio Wesleyan. Ohio Wesleyan Female College began to offer classes in 1853. It was not until 1877 that the Female College became part of Ohio Wesleyan University. Three women who had been instructors at the female college became the first female faculty members at the university. During the 1960s and 1970s, campus unrest led to the students having more of a say in campus decision-making. As a result of student protests, the university modified requirements that students attend religious services and placed less of a focus on religion in education. View on Ohio Memory.
Image ID: AL06505
Subjects: Ohio Wesleyan University; College buildings; Education
Places: Delaware (Ohio); Delaware County (Ohio)
 

Description: Photo depicts a man reading a book while sitting at the top of a ladder which is leaning against a bookcase in the OSU Main Library. The William Oxley Thompson Memorial Library, anchoring the western end of The Oval, is the Ohio State University’s main branch and single largest repository. Also called the Main Library, it was named after the university’s fifth president. The Thompson Library, designed by the Boston firm of Allen and Collens in the Italianate Renaissance Revival style was opened January 6, 1913. Its placement on the Oval was suggested by the Olmsted brothers who had designed New York City's Central Park. The library has been renovated or expanded three times since its original date of construction. The first addition, a massive extension of the original three-floor structure, the addition of a 10-story tower, as well as single story extensions to the north and south ends of the east entrance. This first renovation was completed on June 2, 1951. The second expansion added an unadorned modern extension to the west wing, finished on January 5, 1977. In July 2006, the library closed to begin the $108 million dollar renovation of the building started on January 10, 2007. The 2007-09 renovation included hazardous materials abatement, replacement and expansion of the 1977 addition, and restoration of the building's original east facade. The library reopened on August 3, 2009, and it was officially dedicated on September 24, 2009. View on Ohio Memory.
Image ID: SA1039AV_B05F02_045
Subjects: Education; Universities & colleges--United States--1890-1940; Ohio State University. Library; Ohio State University. William Oxley Thompson Memorial Library; William Oxley Thompson Memorial Library; Ohio State University; Thompson, W. O. (William Oxley), 1855-1933
Places: Columbus (Ohio); Franklin County (Ohio)
 

Description: Photo depicts a man reading a book while sitting at the top of a ladder which is leaning against a bookcase in the OSU Main Library. The William Oxley Thompson Memorial Library, anchoring the western end of The Oval, is the Ohio State University’s main branch and single largest repository. Also called the Main Library, it was named after the university’s fifth president. The Thompson Library, designed by the Boston firm of Allen and Collens in the Italianate Renaissance Revival style was opened January 6, 1913. Its placement on the Oval was suggested by the Olmsted brothers who had designed New York City's Central Park. The library has been renovated or expanded three times since its original date of construction. The first addition, a massive extension of the original three-floor structure, the addition of a 10-story tower, as well as single story extensions to the north and south ends of the east entrance. This first renovation was completed on June 2, 1951. The second expansion added an unadorned modern extension to the west wing, finished on January 5, 1977. In July 2006, the library closed to begin the $108 million dollar renovation of the building started on January 10, 2007. The 2007-09 renovation included hazardous materials abatement, replacement and expansion of the 1977 addition, and restoration of the building's original east facade. The library reopened on August 3, 2009, and it was officially dedicated on September 24, 2009. View on Ohio Memory.
Image ID: SA1039AV_B05F02_045_1
Subjects: Education; Universities & colleges--United States--1890-1940; Ohio State University. Library; Ohio State University. William Oxley Thompson Memorial Library; William Oxley Thompson Memorial Library; Ohio State University; Thompson, W. O. (William Oxley), 1855-1933
Places: Columbus (Ohio); Franklin County (Ohio)
 

Description: Photo depicts a student standing on a chair, reaching for a book on the top shelf of a bookshelf in the stacks at the OSU Main Library. The William Oxley Thompson Memorial Library, anchoring the western end of The Oval, is the Ohio State University’s main branch and single largest repository. Also called the Main Library, it was named after the university’s fifth president. The Thompson Library, designed by the Boston firm of Allen and Collens in the Italianate Renaissance Revival style was opened January 6, 1913. Its placement on the Oval was suggested by the Olmsted brothers who had designed New York City's Central Park. The library has been renovated or expanded three times since its original date of construction. The first addition, a massive extension of the original three-floor structure, the addition of a 10-story tower, as well as single story extensions to the north and south ends of the east entrance. This first renovation was completed on June 2, 1951. The second expansion added an unadorned modern extension to the west wing, finished on January 5, 1977. In July 2006, the library closed to begin the $108 million dollar renovation of the building started on January 10, 2007. The 2007-09 renovation included hazardous materials abatement, replacement and expansion of the 1977 addition, and restoration of the building's original east facade. The library reopened on August 3, 2009, and it was officially dedicated on September 24, 2009. View on Ohio Memory.
Image ID: SA1039AV_B05F03_020_1
Subjects: Education; Universities & colleges--United States--1890-1940; Ohio State University. Library; Ohio State University. William Oxley Thompson Memorial Library; William Oxley Thompson Memorial Library; Ohio State University; Thompson, W. O. (William Oxley), 1855-1933
Places: Columbus (Ohio); Franklin County (Ohio)
 

Description: Photo depicts a man reading a book while sitting at the top of a ladder which is leaning against a bookcase in the OSU Main Library. The William Oxley Thompson Memorial Library, anchoring the western end of The Oval, is the Ohio State University’s main branch and single largest repository. Also called the Main Library, it was named after the university’s fifth president. The Thompson Library, designed by the Boston firm of Allen and Collens in the Italianate Renaissance Revival style was opened January 6, 1913. Its placement on the Oval was suggested by the Olmsted brothers who had designed New York City's Central Park. The library has been renovated or expanded three times since its original date of construction. The first addition, a massive extension of the original three-floor structure, the addition of a 10-story tower, as well as single story extensions to the north and south ends of the east entrance. This first renovation was completed on June 2, 1951. The second expansion added an unadorned modern extension to the west wing, finished on January 5, 1977. In July 2006, the library closed to begin the $108 million dollar renovation of the building started on January 10, 2007. The 2007-09 renovation included hazardous materials abatement, replacement and expansion of the 1977 addition, and restoration of the building's original east facade. The library reopened on August 3, 2009, and it was officially dedicated on September 24, 2009. View on Ohio Memory.
Image ID: SA1039AV_B05F04_004_1
Subjects: Education; Universities & colleges--United States--1890-1940; Ohio State University. Library; Ohio State University. William Oxley Thompson Memorial Library; William Oxley Thompson Memorial Library; Ohio State University; Thompson, W. O. (William Oxley), 1855-1933
Places: Columbus (Ohio); Franklin County (Ohio)
 

Description: This photograph shows two levels in the stacks at OSU Main Library, each with a student looking for books. The William Oxley Thompson Memorial Library, anchoring the western end of The Oval, is the Ohio State University’s main branch and single largest repository. Also called the Main Library, it was named after the university’s fifth president. The Thompson Library, designed by the Boston firm of Allen and Collens in the Italianate Renaissance Revival style was opened January 6, 1913. Its placement on the Oval was suggested by the Olmsted brothers who had designed New York City's Central Park. The library has been renovated or expanded three times since its original date of construction. The first addition, a massive extension of the original three-floor structure, the addition of a 10-story tower, as well as single story extensions to the north and south ends of the east entrance. This first renovation was completed on June 2, 1951. The second expansion added an unadorned modern extension to the west wing, finished on January 5, 1977. In July 2006, the library closed to begin the $108 million dollar renovation of the building started on January 10, 2007. The 2007-09 renovation included hazardous materials abatement, replacement and expansion of the 1977 addition, and restoration of the building's original east facade. The library reopened on August 3, 2009, and it was officially dedicated on September 24, 2009. View on Ohio Memory.
Image ID: SA1039AV_B05F04_011_1
Subjects: Education; Universities & colleges--United States--1890-1940; Ohio State University. Library; Ohio State University. William Oxley Thompson Memorial Library; William Oxley Thompson Memorial Library; Ohio State University; Thompson, W. O. (William Oxley), 1855-1933
Places: Columbus (Ohio); Franklin County (Ohio)
 

Description: Photo depicts a man reading a book while sitting at the top of a ladder which is leaning against a bookcase in the OSU Main Library. The William Oxley Thompson Memorial Library, anchoring the western end of The Oval, is the Ohio State University’s main branch and single largest repository. Also called the Main Library, it was named after the university’s fifth president. The Thompson Library, designed by the Boston firm of Allen and Collens in the Italianate Renaissance Revival style was opened January 6, 1913. Its placement on the Oval was suggested by the Olmsted brothers who had designed New York City's Central Park. The library has been renovated or expanded three times since its original date of construction. The first addition, a massive extension of the original three-floor structure, the addition of a 10-story tower, as well as single story extensions to the north and south ends of the east entrance. This first renovation was completed on June 2, 1951. The second expansion added an unadorned modern extension to the west wing, finished on January 5, 1977. In July 2006, the library closed to begin the $108 million dollar renovation of the building started on January 10, 2007. The 2007-09 renovation included hazardous materials abatement, replacement and expansion of the 1977 addition, and restoration of the building's original east facade. The library reopened on August 3, 2009, and it was officially dedicated on September 24, 2009. View on Ohio Memory.
Image ID: SA1039AV_B08F13_006_1
Subjects: Education; Universities & colleges--United States--1890-1940; Ohio State University. Library; Ohio State University. William Oxley Thompson Memorial Library; William Oxley Thompson Memorial Library; Ohio State University; Thompson, W. O. (William Oxley), 1855-1933
Places: Columbus (Ohio); Franklin County (Ohio)