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Clintonville History -  History | Park of Roses | Street Names | Arch. Styles | Oldest Churches | Schools | Ravines | Columbus Zoo | Olentangy Park 

 

The Columbus Zoo

Little is known about the Columbus Zoological Company or the Columbus Zoo. It first appeared in the 1903 City Directory as "Columbus Zoological Gardens, High 2 mile north of city limits." On May 28, 1905, the Columbus Zoo held its official grand opening.

The zoo occupied 215 acres in Beechwold, and included not only animals, but rides, picnic grounds, merry-go-rounds, billiard halls and a dance pavilion. The Columbus Zoo closed on October 7, 1905, just four short months after its official opening. All that remains of the zoo is the maintenance barn which was called the “Monkey House” over the years because the monkey cages were located near it. The maintenance barn underwent a major renovation in 1983 and again in 2007.  Rustic Bridge Road (the kissing bridge) and Elk Drive also remain.

This historical information was provided by the Clintonville Sesquicentennial Historical Committee in celebration of Clintonville's rich history. The committee believes the information to be accurate, but would welcome additional input.

 

 

“When I was younger my brother would dig in the dirt a lot and find huge bones.  We even found a snout from a sawfish.  We really never did anything with these except look at them then throw them out.  I was always told our house was located where the elephant cages were…but who knows?”

 DK – Clintonville resident from 1971-1994
(DK would like any memorabilia from Farrells Ice Cream Parlor.  Please contact info@clintonville.com)

 

 

 

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