A ride on the streetcar in 1939 in Columbus, Ohio


It's 1939, and we're in Columbus Ohio, on High Street, riding a streetcar. I found this photo at the Duke University site ROAD (Resource of Outdoor Advertising Descriptions), and it seemed like it would make a fun little time-traveling adventure. Have you got your nickel? Let's go!

I'm trying to decide where we should go, to O.S.U. (Ohio State University) or Olentangy Park? I'm really not all that interested in book learnin' and I'd much rather go to an amusement park, but I'm too embarrassed to ask the conductor if we're going the right way, because I can't pronounce "Olentangy". Can you?


Well then let's just sightsee as we ride.


I just love the classic cars! I don't know the make and models, but I think that's a Rolls K'nardly there where the lady is walking. Hey! The maybe the next time we're in Columbus we should take a cab.



Let's see, the number is Main 1313. Call me a cab! Very funny. And now a word from our sponsor:


The old engine's working fine! Let's see, if that happy-looking man is the same age I am right now (I'm 63), then he would have been born in 1876. I'll bet he's seen a lot of changes in his life! Glad he's doing well, and I wonder if he uses Sunoco Oil in his motor - it's Mercury made!


Thank you for visiting Columbus, Ohio in 1939 with me!

Update: Due some amazing detective work on the part of my top history adventurer (who prefers to remain anonymous), the exact location of this is High Street at Norwich looking south.




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