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Stunning Vintage Photos of Columbus, Ohio in the 1960s

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The 1960s were a time of great change and progress in Columbus, Ohio. The city experienced significant growth during this time, and its culture and society were shaped by various events and movements. It was a decade marked by the struggle for civil rights, the reevaluation of urban spaces, and a quest for identity amidst rapid societal shifts.

Economic Growth Meets Innovation

Throughout the ’60s, Columbus rode the wave of post-war economic expansion, diversifying its economic base beyond manufacturing into services, education, and government sectors. The city’s prosperity was bolstered by the presence of The Ohio State University and state government operations, fostering a climate ripe for innovation and development. This financial uplift supported ambitious urban development projects, fueling optimism about Columbus’s prospects.

The Suburban Surge

The allure of suburban life continued to pull residents towards the city’s outskirts, driven by desires for more space, better education, and a different lifestyle. This suburbanization wave led to expansive development, including new homes, shopping centers, and highways, contributing to economic growth but also sparking debates over urban sprawl, traffic woes, and the decline of downtown vibrancy.

#1 Central Presbyterian Church’s stain glass window given by Ludwig Von Gerichten, displayed at the Chicago World’s Fair, 1961.

Central Presbyterian Church's stain glass window given by Ludwig Von Gerichten, displayed at the Chicago World's Fair, 1961.

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#2 Columbus Metropolitan Library’s original Main (Carnegie) Library, 1960

Columbus Metropolitan Library's original Main (Carnegie) Library, 1960

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#3 The Deshler Hotel in its final summer, opened in 1916 and closed in 1968

The Deshler Hotel in its final summer, opened in 1916 and closed in 1968

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#4 Fourth Street Elementary School, opened in 1870 and auctioned off in 1955, Circa 1961.

Fourth Street Elementary School, opened in 1870 and auctioned off in 1955, Circa 1961.

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#5 Aerial view of the Wightman farm, used by Anheuser Busch, Inc., 1968.

Aerial view of the Wightman farm, used by Anheuser Busch, Inc., 1968.

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#6 Board of Trade Building, black and white image featuring the building’s exterior, 1969.

Board of Trade Building, black and white image featuring the building's exterior, 1969.

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#7 Chakeres Ohio Food Fixture Company, covering the block from 532-546 North High Street, 1960s

Chakeres Ohio Food Fixture Company, covering the block from 532-546 North High Street, 1960s

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#8 Christmas Seals banner near Ohio Statehouse during 1965 Christmas Seal campaign, activities of the Breathing Association, 1965.

Christmas Seals banner near Ohio Statehouse during 1965 Christmas Seal campaign, activities of the Breathing Association, 1965.

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#9 Civic Center looking south from Lafayette Street, showing afternoon traffic and the Federal Building, 1964.

Civic Center looking south from Lafayette Street, showing afternoon traffic and the Federal Building, 1964.

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#11 Rear view of the original Main (Carnegie) Library of the Columbus Metropolitan Library, 1960s

Rear view of the original Main (Carnegie) Library of the Columbus Metropolitan Library, 1960s

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#12 East Broad Street featuring Park Federal Savings and Loan and Marzetti’s Restaurant, Columbus, 1969.

East Broad Street featuring Park Federal Savings and Loan and Marzetti's Restaurant, Columbus, 1969.

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#13 Looking east on East Town Street from South Third Street, 1961.

Looking east on East Town Street from South Third Street, 1961.

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#14 F. & R. Lazarus Company building at Town and South High Streets, 1960s

F. & R. Lazarus Company building at Town and South High Streets, 1960s

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#15 Aerial view of downtown Columbus looking west, 1965.

Aerial view of downtown Columbus looking west, 1965.

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#16 Columbus Society for the Prevention and Control of Tuberculosis activities, featuring Chairman Will Partridge, 1968.

Columbus Society for the Prevention and Control of Tuberculosis activities, featuring Chairman Will Partridge, 1968.

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#17 Aerial photograph of downtown Columbus looking southeast, 1965.

Aerial photograph of downtown Columbus looking southeast, 1965.

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#18 Aerial view of Capital Square, featuring construction of the underground parking garage, 1964.

Aerial view of Capital Square, featuring construction of the underground parking garage, 1964.

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#19 Aerial view of downtown Columbus looking east along Broad Street from the Scioto River, 1965.

Aerial view of downtown Columbus looking east along Broad Street from the Scioto River, 1965.

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#20 Aerial view of Columbus looking southeast with Ohio Penitentiary and downtown, 1969.

Aerial view of Columbus looking southeast with Ohio Penitentiary and downtown, 1969.

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#21 Aerial view of downtown Columbus looking southeast, featuring Hartman Office Building and Old Post Office, 1968.

Aerial view of downtown Columbus looking southeast, featuring Hartman Office Building and Old Post Office, 1968.

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#22 Aerial view of Ohio Stadium, Ohio State University, 1960s

Aerial view of Ohio Stadium, Ohio State University, 1960s

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#23 Aerial view of Alum Creek Road, looking west on Columbus’ southeast side, June 29, 1967.

Aerial view of Alum Creek Road, looking west on Columbus' southeast side, June 29, 1967.

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#24 Civic Center looking east across Scioto River with Broad St Bridge in center, featuring Veterans Administration building and Veterans Memorial Auditorium, October 27, 1965.

Civic Center looking east across Scioto River with Broad St Bridge in center, featuring Veterans Administration building and Veterans Memorial Auditorium, October 27, 1965.

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#25 Columbus Board of Trade and Chamber of Commerce building, completed July 1889, demolished in 1969, now site of James A. Rhodes State Office Tower, 1969.

Columbus Board of Trade and Chamber of Commerce building, completed July 1889, demolished in 1969, now site of James A. Rhodes State Office Tower, 1969.

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#26 Columbus Metropolitan Library Franklinton Branch, first location on Sullivant Avenue, 1943-1976, photographs from 1960.

Columbus Metropolitan Library Franklinton Branch, first location on Sullivant Avenue, 1943-1976, photographs from 1960.

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#28 Downtown Columbus view looking east from above Central High School, 1969.

Downtown Columbus view looking east from above Central High School, 1969.

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#29 Downtown Columbus view looking northeast from above Central High School, 1965.

Downtown Columbus view looking northeast from above Central High School, 1965.

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#30 Downtown Columbus view looking southwest across East Broad Street, 1965.

Downtown Columbus view looking southwest across East Broad Street, 1965.

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#31 Broad and High Streets with Roy’s Jewelers and Marzetti’s Restaurant at 16 East Broad Street, 1962.

Broad and High Streets with Roy's Jewelers and Marzetti's Restaurant at 16 East Broad Street, 1962.

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#32 East Long Street with Sheraton Plaza Hotel, 1960s

East Long Street with Sheraton Plaza Hotel, 1960s

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#33 Construction views of the Fifth Avenue Dam over the Olentangy River, 1964.

Construction views of the Fifth Avenue Dam over the Olentangy River, 1964.

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#34 Fourth Street Elementary School demolition, originally opened in 1863, Circa 1967.

Fourth Street Elementary School demolition, originally opened in 1863, Circa 1967.

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#35 Friends Rescue Home on North Harris Avenue for at-risk youth, 1960s

Friends Rescue Home on North Harris Avenue for at-risk youth, 1960s

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#36 Girl Scouts volunteering during 1965 Christmas Seal Campaign, part of tuberculosis prevention efforts, 1965.

Girl Scouts volunteering during 1965 Christmas Seal Campaign, part of tuberculosis prevention efforts, 1965.

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#37 Goodale Expressway near High Street, with Goodale Park visible, July 20, 1960.

Goodale Expressway near High Street, with Goodale Park visible, July 20, 1960.

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#38 Aerial view of Grace Central Presbyterian Church and Central Market, November 24, 1965.

Aerial view of Grace Central Presbyterian Church and Central Market, November 24, 1965.

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#39 Harris Jewelers at 61 East State Street, owned and managed by Ben Harris, 1960s

Harris Jewelers at 61 East State Street, owned and managed by Ben Harris, 1960s

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#40 Hartman Theater, Columbus, Ohio, photograph, 1968.

Hartman Theater, Columbus, Ohio, photograph, 1968.

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#41 Hildegarde’s appearance at downtown Lazarus, known for her song “Darling, Je Vous Aime Beaucoup.”, 1960s

Hildegarde's appearance at downtown Lazarus, known for her song "Darling, Je Vous Aime Beaucoup.", 1960s

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#42 Horse Exhibit Building, Ohio State Fair Grounds, Columbus, 1960s

Horse Exhibit Building, Ohio State Fair Grounds, Columbus, 1960s

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#43 Hospital and Medical Group, Ohio State University, Columbus, 1960s

Hospital and Medical Group, Ohio State University, Columbus, 1960s

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#44 Imperial 400 Motel, later Economy Inn, demolished post-1990, 1960s

Imperial 400 Motel, later Economy Inn, demolished post-1990, 1960s

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Written by Kevin Clark

Kevin Clark is a historian and writer who is passionate about sharing the stories and significance behind historical photos. He loves to explore hidden histories and cultural contexts behind the images, providing a unique insight into the past.

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