COLUMBUS – Time has marched on in a place where it has stood still for nearly three decades.
After years of portraying life in Ohio as it was in the 1860’s, the Ohio History Connection’s Ohio Village, near the Ohio Expositions Center on 17th Avenue, has change its focus this summer to a period rife with technological change, political drama and rapid changes in everyday life.
Welcome to the Gay ‘90s
For several seasons, Ohio Village brought to life the 1860’s and told the story of the home front in Ohio during the Civil War. After celebrating the 150th anniversary of the war last year, officials decided it was time for a change.
When the village opens on May 28, visitors can experience what life was like in a typical Ohio town as the 19th Century came to a close.
They can visit a bicycle shop where they can discover the latest craze or the photographer’s shop where they can take “selifies” in period costumes.
The Ohio Village Muffins vintage “base ball” team are still a part of the site’s attractions.
Visitors can also watch cooking demonstrations and play traditional games like croquet – a favorite of the era – on the village green, hear a barbershop quartet and experience the Grand Master Band Organ.
They can also experience:
Horse and wagon rides
High-wheel bicycle demonstrations
Mead and wine tastings
Blacksmithing demonstrations
An Ohio heirloom plant sale
1890s barbering demonstrations and a fashion show
Ohio Village, 800 E. 17th Avenue, open Memorial Day Weekend–Labor Day Weekend — Wednesday–Saturday (10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.) Sunday (Noon–5:00 p.m.)