Picture Worthington: History Walk

 
 

This spring you can take a walk through Worthington’s history! A new series of mini-murals will feature historic photographs throughout Old Worthington.

Beginning in April, the Worthington Partnership, Worthington Historical Society and Worthington Libraries will display throughout Worthington an outdoor gallery of historic photographs titled Picture Worthington: History Walk.

The limited engagement installation will explore Worthington’s history through 15 posters of enlarged photographs displayed on buildings along High Street in the historic district. The photo posters depict Worthington’s streetscapes and buildings, highlighting bygone businesses, historic structures, and important points in the city’s history.

Each of the 15 posters is positioned near the current or former structures depicted in the photographs, so you can get a sense of exactly where business or buildings stood (or still stand). Each image includes a brief but informative description of the buildings and their inhabitants, as well as scannable QR codes allowing you to learn more about the project and download the free Pocketsights app. You can use the app to following a complete walking tour of all 15 murals - for free!

 

Highlights from the tour include the New England Masonic Lodge, Snouffer Brothers’ Garage and Filling Station, and Sharon Township Fire Department, as well as the Worthington Feed & Transfer Company and an advertisement for Barber William “Bev” Scott – two prominent African American-owned businesses. Photographs are drawn from the Worthington Libraries’ Worthington Memory website, many of which are held in the Historical Society collections.

As you walk through town, you’ll be able to read about the history of each site and experience how Worthington has grown from a small village to a vibrant city over more than 200 years.

You’re welcome to a public unveiling of the project on Thursday, Apr. 7 at 9 a.m. on the south patio of the Griswold Center (777 High St.). The installation will remain in place through June. 

 
 
 
 
Beth Dekker