Historic Worthington Bus Tours – Back By Popular Demand
Following the success of last year’s inaugural Historic Bus Tours, the Worthington Historical Society and the Griswold Center are excited to announce an expanded lineup for 2015. “We were so pleased with the response we received last year,” said Kate LaLonde, director of the Worthington Historical Society. "Since most of the tours sold out quickly, we’re excited to offer more opportunities this year.”
The expanded lineup for 2015 includes five different tours that run from April to August. The one- to two-hour tours will depart from the Griswold Center on a 23-passenger, air-conditioned bus (no restrooms on board). Although the tours are geared primarily for adults, children who are interested in history might also enjoy them.
Reservations are available by calling the Griswold Center at 614-842-6320. Registration is open to Griswold Center members beginning March 25 and will open to the public on March 28. Each tour costs $14, with a $5 discount when you purchase three tours and a $10 discount with the purchase of all five.
Here's a look at this year's tours:
Worthington Area Neighborhoods
This tour travels through seven distinct neighborhoods that played a key role in the development of Worthington from village to city, including Medick Estates, Plesenton, the Village of Elmwood Station, Riverlea, Chaseland, Colonial Hills and Rush Creek Village.
When: Saturday, April 25 at 2 p.m. and Tuesday, April 28at 1 p.m. (Entire tour on bus.)
Worthington’s Historic Districts
This tour will work its way through Worthington’s four historic quadrants, focusing primarily on the history of the city’s earliest homes, businesses, schools and churches, including Worthington’s first cemetery and a War of 1812 encampment.
When: Wednesday, May 27 at 1 p.m. and Saturday, May 30 at 2 p.m. (Patrons will exit the bus twice, at the cemetery and at the encampment.)
Worthington Manufacturing Company and Factory Street (Fox Lane)
Once home to the Worthington Manufacturing Company, a Civil War training ground and the city’s trash dump, Factory Square has evolved significantly throughout the years. Guests will experience the area’s rich history and see examples of 19th and 20th century “trash,” which were collected locally from the river when it served as the town dump.
When: Wednesday, June 24 at 1 p.m. and Sunday, June 28 at 2 p.m. (This tour involves 20 to 25 minutes of gentle walking.)
Worthington and Flint’s Underground Railroad Connections
Another favorite from last year, this fascinating tour will focus on the history of Flint, its schools and the role of both Flint and the village of Worthington during the Underground Railroad. You will hear about the founders of the AME church, including the Morris Addition, and also visit Flintridge Terrace and Flint Cemetery.
When: Wednesday, July 22 at 1 p.m. and Saturday, July 25 at 2 p.m. (This tour involves some walking in the cemetery.)
Walnut Grove Cemetery
One of three main cemeteries explored during this year’s tours, Walnut Grove serves as a final resting place for many people closely connected to Worthington’s history, including some with local streets named after them.
When: Wednesday, August 26 at 1 p.m. and Saturday, August 29 at 2 p.m. (This entire one-hour tour is on foot.)
Convention & Visitors Bureau of Worthington
Worthington, Ohio, offers a variety of activities, attractions, specialty shops and dining options for visitors of all ages and interests, and the Convention & Visitors Bureau of Worthington is your resource for all the latest information, including the event calendar at VisitWorthingtonOhio.com. You can also follow us on Facebook at Visit Worthington Ohio.