PARK/DEAF SCHOOL HISTORY

 The Deaf School was a multi-complex campus (which included a hospital) with three major constructions on 9.5 acres.

 The first building was erected in 1834, the second in 1869, and the third (now existing west of the Park as a renovation of offices) finished construction in 1908.

 George Bellows, Sr., father of the artist, was the architect for the main building built in 1869. The existing building housed two pools and a gym. James Thurber and Walter Mithoff often played ball on the grounds, leading to Thurber's idea for the Walter Mitty character!

 The iron fence was moved from the Statehouse in 1873. Originally created from recycled rails carrying building supplies into the new Statehouse construction, it was declared too high, and so found a new home here at our Park.

 The school closed in 1953 and declined during its use by the state's departments of highways and welfare. Lying vacant by 1981, it was destroyed by a 4-alarm fire on October 2, 1981. Of the remaining two buildings, one was razed and one was made available commercially, while the land was ceded to the city. The Town-Franklin Neighborhood Assoc., thanks to Kitty Morton-Epler, rescued the last structure from razing and it was renovated to offices.

 For seven years the rubble encrusted vacant land lay idle, but due to the artistic vision of local artist/sculptor James Mason, Park development began in 1988 by leveling the rubble and laying down topsoil. If only money had been available to remove the rubble, many drainage, pond and irrigation headaches could have been saved!

 With support from Columbus Recreation and Parks, Motorists Mutual (to the North) and the Town-Franklin Neighborhood Assoc., James Mason and his wife, Elaine (Arts Administrator for Parks and Rec.) studied topiary, created and executed the Garden. Friends of the Topiary Park volunteers organized in 1991. Dedication was held in 1992, and improvements continue as money becomes available through grants and gifts. Fencing, lighting, benches, tables and a Gatehouse with gift shop, meeting rooms and restrooms have been or soon will be added with you, the public, in mind, and its all free, a truly astounding accomplishment for a city park!