Final Countdown!

Christmas in Over the Rhine Walking Tour

Did you know that the building on the NW corner of 12th & Jackson was once the Doscher Candy Company and Below Zero Lounge was a warehouse for a chocolate company? Come see them in person and learn a little history on Christmas drinks and candies.

The "Christmas in Over the Rhine" Walking Tour, part of "Christkindlmarkt on Main", is at 2:00 pm on Saturday, December 1 and leaves from Kaldi’s on Main Street.

Raise the Rutherford!

Part I: Overview

A six-part, slightly humorous series to erect a statue of Rutherford B. Hayes in Cincinnati.

I’ve decided Cincinnati needs a statue of President Rutherford B. Hayes. Born in October 4, 1822, in Delaware, Ohio, he graduated from Harvard in 1845. Eventually, he moved to Cincinnati in 1849 to practiced law and was elected City Solicitor in 1858. While in Cincinnati, he helped found the Ohio Republican Party (which I won’t hold against him.) Hayes served in the Civil War and while fighting, Cincinnatians elected him to Congress in 1864. We re-elected to Congress in 1866. He then served as Governor of Ohio for three terms beginning in 1867, 1869, and 1875. I have found references to him and his family living in a few places, the last in Walnut Hills, where he located as he was running for Governor in 1867. Finally, in Cincinnati at the Republican National Convention held in 1876 at Exhibition Hall, he was nominated for President of the United States. He won. (How he won will be discussed in Part II.)

So where’s the Rutherford love?


Downtown has three Presidential statues: Abraham Lincoln, James Garfield and William Henry Harrison. In addition there is a statue of William Howard Taft at UC. Abraham Lincoln’s likeness is in Lytle Park. William Henry Harrison and James A. Garfield of course have statues is in Piatt Park. (Heck, Garfield even gets the street named after him.) I have no issue with a statue of Lincoln, and Harrison at least lived nearby and was a U.S. Representative (1816-1819), an Ohio State Representative (1819-1821) before he was a Senator and President. But I ask, when did Garfield, unlike Hayes, ever live in Cincinnati? Maybe when he was a canal boat operator? Maybe for a time during the Civil War? Certainly he stopped here at least a few times while he was Governor. But Rutherford B. Hayes has real ties here to Cincinnati. Oh, and don’t even get me started on the fact that both Harrison and Garfield have the two shortest terms in the White House of all U.S. Presidents. So why do they merit statues and not Hayes?

Both the Garfield and the Harrison statues in Piatt Park were erected with public subscriptions. So today I am calling for a public subscription to raise funds to "Raise the Rutherford!"

I estimate a design and construction cost of between $200,000 and $300,000 for a bronze statue and granite base. Cost will be a factor of the final design, most notably the size of statue and base. I imagine the design to be similar to the 1884 portrait by Daniel Huntington above . . . but I am willing to entertain additional ideas. The cost also does not include additional site work associated with the location chosen. Three site options will be presented in Parts III, IV and V.

Tomorrow: Part II - Hayes, Garfield and the Election of 1876

Research for this piece came mostly from here.

Blog Alert: Around and About

Just stumbled upon Around and About. It appears to be a relatively new Cincinnati blog but some really good stuff. I think I got there from 5chw4r7z.

It looks like two people maybe and they have some great musings about the local food and shopping scene as well as some great photos on Flickr. And they appear to be big bikers, like Dhani Jones. I've added the site to my Cincinnati blog roll.

So here are some photos:

Final Countdown!

Christmas in Over the Rhine Walking Tour

Did you know the buildings at 1121 – 1127 Broadway were once Civil War barracks? Come see them in person and learn how the Civil War was important in making Christmas a Federal holiday.

The "Christmas in Over the Rhine" Walking Tour, part of "Christkindlmarkt on Main", is at 2:00 pm on Saturday, December 1 and leaves from Kaldi’s on Main Street.

Restaurant Review: Cactus Pear

A friend and I wanted to try something new before a Tuesday night movie at Esquire. We decided to go to Cactus Pear at 3215 Jefferson Ave. I thought I had heard it was good but that was about all I knew of the place.

First, I thought the food was very good. My friend and I both had the Enchiladas. I though they were flavorful, full of chicken (I had chicken) and just really good. However, we were both surprised I guess by the more upscale atmosphere and prices. When I got home I read a few reviews and some said they thought it was overpriced for what you get. I might agree . . . but only slightly considering the quality. Service was excellent and thought there was even a nice crowd.

Bowled Over?

A lot of talk around town on the University of Cincinnati Bearcats bowl invitation from the PapaJohn’s.com Bowl in Birmingham, Alabama and the lack of an invitation from the Meineke Car Care Bowl in Charlotte, North Carolina or the Brut Sun Bowl in El Paso, Texas. UC has accepted the PapaJohn’s.com Bowl invitation but the Cincinnati.com UC Bearcat Blog is full of comments about the lack of "respect". There is also a lot of good information on that blog. This includes what seems to be the deciding factor for the bowl committees: How many tickets will a school sell to and for the respective bowl. (Click here for a summary of the Big East's Bowl Partnerships.) Apparently others schools in the Big East – Connecticut, South Florida, Rutgers, Louisville, and West Virginia – have a better history of selling tickets to bowls in which they appear or a perceived better traveling fan base.

I am a UC Season Ticket holder. I am pretty sure I have already paid $50 toward a bowl ticket. And while I guess I should go to PapaJohn’s.com Bowl to improve our perception as having a great traveling fan base, Birmingham just does not hold that much appeal. My gut says I’d rather go to the International Bowl just so I could hang out in Toronto for a weekend. To be honest, I am not sure Charlotte or El Paso sound all that interesting to me either. So does anyone have any information on Birmingham? Anyone been there?

To get a clue I checked out their Visitor's Bureau and the City's website:

• They have a new nickname: The DiverseCity
• It is smaller in population than Cincinnati at 242,820 residents.
• Vulcan Park is a 10 acre park that contains the world's largest cast iron statue.
• There is $1 billion in redevelopment downtown including an entertainment area near the Convention Center
• Condoleezza Rice is from there.

Ok, I'm sure it will be fun for a weekend. And I realize I am there for the game. Maybe we just need to make the best of it, finish No. 1 in the Big East next year and make it to a BCS Bowl. Take those bowl committees out of the process. I think we can do it.

Final Countdown!

Christmas in Over the Rhine Walking Tour

Did you know that the Hanke Department Store on Main Street was the first department store in Cincinnati to have a year-round toy department? Come see it and learn a little history on the commercialism of the Christmas holiday.

The "Christmas in Over the Rhine" Walking Tour, part of "Christkindlmarkt on Main", is at 2:00 pm on Saturday, December 1 and leaves from Kaldi’s on Main Street.

Historic photo of the 1895 Mabley & Carew Show from the Library’s Cincinnati Memory Project.

Final Countdown!

Christmas in Over the Rhine Walking Tour

Did you know that 1342 Broadway is the oldest house in the downtown & Over the Rhine in continuous use as a home? Come see it and learn a little history on the Christmas holiday in the German household.

The "Christmas in Over the Rhine" Walking Tour, part of "Christkindlmarkt on Main", is at 2:00 pm on Saturday, December 1 and leaves from Kaldi’s on Main Street.

Fruit of the Vine

The Enquirer had two articles today on 3CDC's plans for Vine Street. The first was a summary of the plans presented to the City's Finance Committee. The second was a report that the Finance Committee approved the $5.3 million today and will send the request on to Council.

I applaud the vote and the effort. Vine Street truly has some fantastic buildings . . .

Bengals Win! Bengals Win!

You know, they actually looked good on all sides of the ball. Where is that display every week?

Final Countdown!

Christmas in Over the Rhine Walking Tour

Did you know that the church now used by Salem United Church of Christ once traced its roots to the Puritans . . . who had outlawed Christmas in Massachusetts for decades? Come see it in person and learn a little history on Protestant Christmas traditions.
The "Christmas in Over the Rhine" Walking Tour, part of "Christkindlmarkt on Main", is at 2:00 pm on Saturday, December 1 and leaves from Kaldi’s on Main Street.


Historic photo of the Salem United Church of Christ from the Library’s Cincinnati Memory Project.

Survey Says . . .

Worst (as defined by me) parking garages downtown

Top 6 answers on the board . . .

1. Tower Place (Pogues) Parking Garage – 118 W. 4th (1967)This parking garage gets top (or bottom?) billing for being the worst as it is ugly and horribly detracts from 4th Street. The ramps . . . the strange sidewalk . . It's just bad. Maybe the only redeeming quality would be if the first floor store was actually leased.

2. Lazarus (Macy’s/Federated) Parking Garage – 222 W. 7th (1946)
Ugly and no first floor retail. It does hold the sidewalk but bullies its neighbors - Plum Street Temple and Covenant First Presbyterian - which ranks it No. 2.

3. NE Corner 7th & Sycamore Parking Garage - 700 Sycamore Street (1957)
Similar in style to No. 4 but in this prominent site it detracts more from its surroundings than No. 4.

4. Convention Center Garage – 605 Plum Street
Not sure on the date on this one. My guess is late '60 with the Convention Center?

5. Western Southern Garages – 3rd Street
One of these may possibly come down with a new office tower. When it does . . . I'll take it off the list. 3rd Street is littered with some bad garages (see below) but these are big and ugly and make more of an impact.

6. 9th Street Parking Garage – 11 W. 9th (1983)
While not as ugly as the rest, it would have benefited from some first floor retail especially given its central location. And its location I guess pushed it ahead of P&G's Executive Parking Garage below.

3 Bar Night

Last night I did a little bar hopping and went to three bars I had never been to before.

First off, we went to Mac's Pizza Pub at 205 W. McMillan Street to watch the UC football game and grab some dinner - pizza, of course. It actually was pretty good. And the Bearcats won the game. After food and a number of beers we drove to Northside for our next stop, The Comet. Located at 4570 Hamilton Avenue it was actually smaller than I expected. The talk around the bar though was a larger than expected crowd. My friend and some people at the bar said they had never seen it this crowded before. I thought the mix of people was interesting. The band playing was Lions Rampant. (I think we missed Cincinnati Suds.) It wasn't my type of music but the twentysomethings there seemed to enjoy it.

Next was our final stop of the night, The Gypsy Hut. Located at Spring Grove Avenue and Dale Avenue this eclectic bar is a cool, hip little place that I do not know if I was really hip enough to be in. A series of small rooms on the first floor link to a nice, large outdoor patio. There is also a sparse second floor room with a second floor patio. It all felt like some secret club with barren walls where the sole purpose was drinking. Another interesting mix of people filled the rooms. I think there was a basement but didn't go down the steps. At some point we were drinking beers, talking, and freezing our butts off on the roof looking out over Northside. What a strange evening.

Architreks Walking Tour: Over the Rhine West

So next year, beginning in May, Architreks will begin a new walking tour in Over the Rhine. This one will take in sites generally west of Walnut Street and south of Liberty. This tour will compliment the two existing Over the Rhine tours - Findlay Market & Over the Rhine East. (Over the Rhine East generally takes in sites east of Walnut with a number of sites in the Pendleton area.)

Did a little "preview" this morning. Here are some of the sites you will see . . .


The Architreks website is not yet updated for next year but it is anticipated that the new tour will be offered at 11:00 am on the 2nd & 4th Saturdays during the summer in tandum with Over the Rhine East and will depart from Coffee Emporium. I'll keep you updated.

A Look Back

Part V: Riverfest

A five-part series revisiting five 2007 Cincinnati Festivals: MidPoint Music Festival, Taste of Cincinnati, Oktoberfest, Fringe Festival, and Riverfest.

Ok, I didn’t go. I was out of town. How was it?

Light Up the Square

I went to Light Up the Square sponsored by P&G last night. It got started a little late and it was a little cold but glad I stayed for the fireworks. A big thumbs up for fireworks anytime on Fountain Square. They had some ice skaters and music by Ed Moss and the Society Jazz Orchestra. There was a singer or two in there too. Santa arrived. Santa and the Mayor (finally) lit the tree. And then the fireworks started.!

Here are some bad photos:

Program Alert!

Christkindlemart on Main

Merchants of Main are gearing up for their 2007 holiday event. Mark your calendar for "Christkindlemart on Main" on December 1st beginning at noon. Shops will be open, many with extended hours and additional wears will be sold on the street and in various Main Street storefronts. Luminaria will begin around 6:00 pm and Main Street will be aglow for the evening. Organizers are planning a holiday lighting contest for residences and business on Main. And I hear a new Christian Moerlein "Christkindle Ale" will be available in a few bars. Also included will be a special walking tour entitled "Christmas in Over the Rhine" highlighting not only the architecture of Over the Rhine, but also the Christmas traditions of the neighborhood and the United States. Presented by Architreks, this 2:00 pm tour will be a preview of their 2008’s "Christmas in Cincinnati" event. Tickets are $5 and tour will leave from Kaldi's. No need to reserve tickets; just show up!

A Look Back . . .

Part IV: Oktoberfest

A five-part series revisiting five 2007 Cincinnati Festivals: MidPoint Music Festival, Fringe Festival, Taste of Cincinnati, Oktoberfest, and Riverfest.

This past September 22nd and 23rd, Cincinnati hosted the 32nd annual Oktoberfest Zinzinnati. A program of Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber, for two days visitors enjoyed a little bit of German music, food, and of course beer. Ok, so maybe it wasn't totally German. But I honestly thought it was more German this year than in years past. There were the traditional dancers and musicians but also Alpenhorns and a German import food tent giving away samples. And this year the late Joe Nuxhall lead the Chicken Dance. Festivities were even kicked off during the week prior with the Gemuetlichkeit Games on Fountain Square.

There isn't much to say other than I had a great time each day. And there is something about men in lederhosen and alpine hats that is just fantastic. Prost!

Photos from Matt at Die Fladermaus.

A Look Back . . .

Part III: Taste of Cincinnati

A five-part series revisiting five 2007 Cincinnati Festivals: MidPoint Music Festival, Fringe Festival, Taste of Cincinnati, Oktoberfest, and Riverfest.

Other than family, Thanksgiving for me is all about the food. And no summer festival is more about food than Taste of Cincinnati. A program of the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber, the festival is held each Memorial Day Weekend and this year was no exception. From Saturday May 26 to Monday May 28, an estimated 500,000 festival goers gathered for food, music and fun. This year however, there was a difference. Taste was moved from its location, since 1988, on Central Parkway to 5th Street, highlighting an almost completed Fountain Square.

I went every day, each day with a different agenda. Day one was "family day" as I spent time with my sister, her husband and their one-year old twin boys. Let’s just say you don’t get vary far, very fast. Day two was by myself to just leisurely stroll now . . . without a stroller! Day three was with a friend to grab some dinner and catch the Emerson Drive concert on the B-105 Stage.

Photo by Jason at Cincy Images

The move to 5th Street I thought was overall successful. I’ve heard some comments that it made the event feel too spread out. If it did I didn’t mind that. I though the pluses of having Taste surround Fountain Square and the added benefit of places to sit in shaded areas far outweighed the negatives. My one friend didn’t like that now Taste and Oktoberfest were both be downtown, on the very same street, in nearly the same footprint. His comment was to, "spread them around." I can see his point, but it doesn’t bother me. I see no issue with Fountain Square as the epicenter for two, large community festivals. Though I actually think that once Central Riverfront Park is complete, I could see Taste moving down there. But we have a while to wait for that . . .

Photo by Jason at Cincy Images

My one complaint every year with Taste of Cincinnati is the food choices. While this year was better, it sort of feels like "Taste of Anywhere" with the a few chain restaurants participating. I certainly appreciate all the effort these restaurants make to participate. I am sure it is not easy and there has to be cost considerations. But I would like to see more Cincinnati-based or uniquely Cincinnati restaurants participate. How about instead of, or in addition to, Carrabba’s, what about Via Vite participating next year? What about Jeff Ruby’s steak empire participating next to Outback Steak House? And yes, I know Carrabba’s won Best of Taste.

Anyway, you know I'll be back next year regardless of the location or the selection of restaurants. To check out all of Jason's photos of Taste of Cincinnati at Cincy Images, click here.

The Queen Speaks

Quotes from and about Cincinnati

"Assuming this goes out right before Thanksgiving, I'm thankful that construction is done on Fountain Square and the 'rolling opening' is done." - Bill Donabedian, managing director of Fountain Square, 3CDC

Excerpted from the Downtowner's "35 Reasons to be Thanksful" article.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Save some turkey for me.