Franklinton

I thought I had seen a spark of life in this forum..... where did it go? The Franklinton area (Bottoms) is a very significant and historic place but now lies in shambles. Many programs are available for the resurrection of this once proud neighborhood but very few seem to take advantage of them.

I do believe the neighborhood can be revitalised and very well should be. Franklinton, with its location to the downtown area, is a prime location. Lots of things need to happen.... the time is now!! Get involved and bring this neighborhood to the status it richly deserves!!

Marc

I feel the same way. As I said on my post back in May, I grew up in Franklinton in the 40's and 50's. My parents also grew up there and went to the same schools I did in the 20's. My ancestors were in the Columbus area as early as 1812, near Lockbourne. I last visited there about eight years ago and it broke my heart to see how the area has changed. Once well maintained homes and yards are now an eyesore. The B&T Metals building on Town Street was an active and functioning business in the 50's as was the Water Fountain manufacturer on Lucas and a shoe factory on Chapel. The Columbus Paper box company on Town and Starling was also operational, jobs all over the place. My grand father was a night watchman at B&T Metals, his home was right next door. As a kid, I made the "rounds" for him around the building at night and weekends and was never scared. My friends and I played right next to the building. Now I don't suppose it's safe for kids to be around there at night. As I said, I left there in '57 and have only been back maybe a half dozen times since then. I do think about the area and still have some relatives in the Columbus area, but I don't think I'll ever come back.

Hi Shoafie,

You were in the area way before I was but perhaps you ran across some of my relatives....Coakley's. From your recollections you must have been close to my former home on Dakota Avenue. I plan on becoming active in local issues for the area if time and resources allow me to do so.

Having trouble putting in a link, but if you go to Joseph W. Testa (might have to google the name) and do an address search once you get to the Franklin County auditor's page you can keep up with current owners and view pics of the properties.... some are not pleasant. I have some pics that I have taken but do not have a subscription to a photo sharing site. Should I acquire a way to post pics, I will keep this forum advised as how to view those pics.

Stay in touch,

Marc

Hi Marc, I believe I went to Starling Jr. High with a boy named Coakley, don't remember his first name but I still can picture him as a blond headed kid and a little on the "chubby" side. I used to walk past Dakota Ave every day on the way to school from McDowell St. No school buses in those days. I do go to the Auditor's site periodically and look at the old houses and the photo's and history many of the ones I knew are no longer there.  B&T Metals looks like it is ready to fall down, my grandpa lived next door and was a nightwatchman there in the 40's and 50's.  Take Care