1921 Season

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1921 Season

Leadership	The Olentangy Park Company Joseph W. Dusenbury, president William J. Dusenbury Joseph F. Luft, manager
Pre-season	April 24, 1921 - May 22, 1921
Season	Began May 22, 1921
New Attractions	Amphitheater Children's Playground
Band(s)	"Saxy" Strahl's Orchestra Frank Carbone's Band
Park Size	90 acres
Tagline	"The Big Park" "The People's Pleasure Park" "The People's Playground"

Olentangy Park opened its 1921 season on Sunday, April 24, 1921, after being postponed for two weeks due to bad weather, the first week and icy weather the second week. After a year-long battle, the management of the park returned to Joseph W. and William J. Dusenbury. The park was only open on Sundays for its pre-season until May 22, 1921, when it opened for daily operation. The park closed on ...

The park was reportedly the largest in the country, spanning 90 acres.

Park Improvements

A terrace was constructed along the entire front of the Dancing Pavilion, featuring a brick walkway. Crushed stone and gravel were added to the walks and drives. The parking space was made mud-proof. New stands were added, while others were relocated to better locations, and additional lighting was installed. The Dusenburys purchased an iron fence from the Stewart Iron Works of Cincinnati that ran along the park for almost a third of a mile. It featured posts with lights on top and elaborate gates, including separate entrance and exit gates for automobiles. A bus line was added by O. W. Bus Co. on July 23 that ran from Olentangy Park to the Seagraves' Plant near the South High Street viaduct. Originally, four buses were assigned to the line and maintained a 15-minute schedule, charging 5 cents90 cents in 2025 dollars per ride. The number of busses was quickly changed to 12.

Plans for Future Improvements

For the next season, the Dusenbury Brothers planned to add a new ornamental iron fence along the High Street frontage for one-third of a mile. They planned to tear down the Colonnade and restaurant building and build a brick-and-steel building in its place. The parking space near the High Street entrance was to be improved. They planned to construct a new concrete bridge across the ravine where the Photo Gallery was located.

For ride and attraction changes, see the Rides and Attractions section.

Lawsuits

Judge Rogers of Franklin County courts formally turned the park back over to the Dusenbury Brothers after a year-long fight, after canceling their lease with Will D. Harris and W. N. Ferguson over permitting gambling in the park. The receivers of the park reported receipts of $43,000$696,548 in 2025 dollars during the summer of 1920 and a balance after paying some debts of $27,000$437,368 in 2025 dollars.

In May, Columbus Railway Power & Light Co. sued J. W. Dusenbury and the Olentangy Park Co. for $15,968$289,008 in 2025 dollars for the land the railway company leased from Henry T. Chittenden to Dusenbury and the park company. The agreement for the ground rent was $200$3,620 in 2025 dollars per month. The railway company claimed that the park did not pay between 1908 and 1916 and sought reimbursement.

Deaths

Edward Quinn, a baritone of the New Bostonians, the stock company at the Theater this season, died from pneumonia after a week of illness on Aug. 20. This was after he and the company ended their engagement at the park.

Other Notable Events

Grocers' Carnival

From June 22 through 25, the Retail Grocers' Association held a carnival at the park. A 300-foot-long tent was constructed in the northern part of the park as part of a food show. Music and other entertainment events were held in the tent. The visiting Marimba Band, vaudeville, and "Dare Devil Wilson" offered free performances. As special events, the park management set up swimming and diving exhibitions and a canoe regatta. Each day had a theme: Wednesday, June 22 - Columbus Grocers' Day, Thursday, June 23 - Neighboring Towns Grocers' Day, Friday, June 24 - Social Organization Day, and Saturday, June 25 - Jobbers' and Manufacturers' Day. Mrs. C. W. Foulk, formerly of the Ohio State University domestic science department, directed the cutting and preparing of a whole beef carcass as part of Friday's events. Lieut. Governor Clarence Brown also gave a speech that day. On Saturday, a number was given to each visitor at the gate of the park. The visitors then participated in a gift hunt, where they had to find the gift that matched their number. The gifts ranged from whole hams to tea kettles. Oscar Avery, president of the Columbus Manufacturers' Association, was the chief speaker.

June Championship Swimming Meet

The Olentangy Park Swimming Club held a championship swim meet at the Swimming Pool on Saturday, June 25. The west end of the pool was roped off for the competition.

Events:

• 50-yard freestyle for girls - first place: Ethel Pullman, 41.5 seconds; second place: Mildred Julian; third place: Hilda Pfahl; others: Nelda Hagy, and Helen Daum
• 50-yard freestyle for men (novice) - first place: Jack Greely; second place: Ed Reynolds; third place: Alpheus Saum; others: Jack Reall, Paul Gayman, Wendell Cole, James Summers, and George Renick
• 25-yard freestyle for school boys under 14 years old - first place: Merl Valentine, 18 seconds; second place: William Bresnahan; third place: James Greiss; others: Blaine McGaughty [or McGaughy], John Thomas, Seldon Scott, Dolva Roney, Sanford Kaufman, Robert Rose, and Carl Curtis
• 50-yard freestyle for Columbus men - first place: Roger Addison, 26.5 seconds; second place: Hugh Addison, his brother; third place: Jack Gresley; others: Wendell Cole and Jack Reall
• 50-yard freestyle for girls - first place: Eleanor Smith, 31 seconds; second place: Ruth Smith, her twin sister; third place: Ethel Pullman; others: Hilda Pfahl and Mildred Julian
• 50-yard freestyle for junior high school students - first place: Lawrence Sackett, 33.5 seconds; second place: William Bresnahan; third place: James Greiss; fourth place: Blaine McGaughty
• 50-yard freestyle handicap for men - first place: Jack Greeley, 25.75 seconds; second place: Ed Reynolds; third place: Roger Addison; others: Hugh Addison, Wendell Cole, and George Renick
• Contested fancy diving for women - No decision given - Eleanor and Ruth Smith
• Cintested fancy diving for men - first place: Mike Pope [or Pepe]; second place: Hugh Addison; third place: Jack Greeley; others: James Summers and Jack Gibson
• 50-yard breaststroke handicap for men - first place: Roger Addison; second place: Hugh Addison; third place: Paul Gayman; fourth place: Alpheus Saum

Ruth and Eleanor Smith were nationally known and were members of the Buckeye Lake Yacht Club. Ruth stopped partly through her attempt, thinking the black tar seam in the water was the shadow of the rope marking the end of the lane. The other women were members of the Olentangy Park Swimming Club.

New North Side Civic Association Eyes Park Site for School

The New North Side Civic Association needed a place to build a proposed North High School. They did not want it on the Ohio State University campus. They encouraged the city engineers to be authorized to create a new boundary line across the north of Columbus that would take in Olentangy and Indianola parks. The parks were not within the city boundaries at the time. Former mayor George T. Marshall was appointed to head a committee to bring to the attention of Sheriff Frank Holycross alleged suggestive pictures being shown in the kinetoscopes and mutoscopes of the penny arcade at Olentangy Park. They planned to meet with the City of Columbus and the Board of Education to jointly purchase the park and locate the school there.

Investigation of Improper Pictures

Former Mayor George S. Marshall made a complaint to Sheriff Frank Holycross about alleged improper pictures at Olentangy Park. The sheriff looked at all the kinetoscopes and mutoscopes in the penny arcade and found only one that had bordered on the suggestive kind that featured a dentist kissing his patient while they were in the dentist's chair. This was possibly the Dippy Dentist, a silent film released in 1920. He told the Columbus Dispatch that the complaint did not include charges of gambling, but he didn't find evidence of that either. Under a new ruling at the end of June, the park was no longer to be patrolled by policemen. Instead, it was to be patrolled by deputy sheriffs appointed by Holycross.

Volunteers of America Picnic

Volunteers of America held a picnic at the park for 550 mothers, children, and the elderly from the Franklin County infirmary on July 21. Mrs. Walter Collins oversaw the event that included basket lunches, games, ice cream, cake, fruit, lemonade, and milk. Members of the organizations served food and watched after the children. The organization sent 40,000 pounds of ice to an average of 50 families a day during the hot days, while 37 free ice boxes were provided. A total of 399 families were assisted, 1,293 individuals were helped, 1,566 garments were given away, and 465 pieces of furniture were sent to homes in need during the first half of the year. Employment was found for 1,932 people.

August Championship Swimming Meet

The Olentangy Park Swimming Club held a championship swim meet at the Swimming Pool on Friday, Aug. 12. Ludy Langer, representative of the Hul Malu Swimming Club of Hawaii, gave an exhibition. Frances Taylor, representative of the Pittburgh Athletic Association, competed with Ruth and Eleanor Smith, of the Buckeye Lake Yacht Club, and Ethel Palliam and Hilda Pfahl, of the Olentangy Park Swimming Club, in the 50-yard handicap. James Weaver, of the Irish-American Athletic Club of Pittsburgh, entered in the senior A.M.A. championship and the 50-yard open event, while H. S. Glancy, of Pittsburgh Athletic Club, appeared in the 50-yard backstroke and 50-yard open race. Adam Smith, of the Erie Y.M.C.A., also entered in the 80-yard senior A.M.A. championship race. Rodger and Hugh Addison, Jack Heed, and Mike Pepe and other swimmers entered other various events.

Rides and Attractions

Canoe House

Main Article: Boathouse

The Canoe House was enlarged and included 200 canoes.

Children's Playground

A full set of equipment was bought for the Children's Playground, which was erected in the grove on the hill, while a playground for older visitors was added to the ravine.

New Open-Air Theater

Main Article: Amphitheater

An open-air theater was added for vaudeville performances. The amphitheater was built on the edge of the bluff overlooking the Olentangy River, but faced toward The Grove. The building was 60 feet wide, 45 feet deep, and 40 feet high, making it one of the largest theaters in the city. Five thousand people could attend vaudeville shows in The Grove at one time. It had a concrete foundation, fancy brickwork up to the level of the stage floor, and attractive stucco work above the stage floor. Harry C. Holbrook designed the building, and it was "pronounced the most attractive open-air stage in the county" by The Columbus Dispatch. A basement story provided plenty of dressing rooms. Seats were arranged in front of the stage for parkgoers' use.

For performances, see the Vaudeville section below.

Swimming Pool

Main Article: Swimming Pool

The Swimming Pool was renovated and covered in white cement. Stands were added for spectators. A double slide was erected at the pool in mid-July. The Dusenburys applied for membership in the American Athletic Union (A.A.U.) and held amateur swimming races at the Swimming Pool. The Olentangy Park Swimming Club was organized with Roger Addison as president. The organization was limited to 25 members in the 1921 season, and competed against other swim clubs as part of the Allegheny Mountain Association. A clubhouse was built near the pool for the swimming club. The swimming club presented a program of nine events at the Swimming Pool when it opened on Sunday, May 22.

List of Rides and Attractions

• Amphitheater NEW
• Arena
• Band Shell
• Bandstand (South)
• Box ball alleys
• Canoe Club Boathouse
• Carousel
• Children's Playground NEW
• Circle Swing
• Colonnade
  • Billiards
  • Bowling alleys
  • Penny Arcade (Colonnade)
• Dancing Pavilion
• Double Whirl
• Electric Autos
• Ferris Wheel
• Figure Eight Toboggan
• Floral Conservatory & Greenhouse
• The Fun House
• General Playground
• Gypsy Camp
• Merry-Go-Round (1)
• Merry-Go-Round (3)
• Millrace and Fish Pond
• Miniature Railway
• Motion Pictures
• Ye Olde Mill (2)
• Over-the-Top
• Palm Garden
• Palmistry
• Photographic Gallery (3)
• Pony and Camel Track
• Scenic Coaster
• Shoot-the-Chutes
• Shooting Gallery
• Snake Den
• Swimming Pool
• Swings
• Theater
• Water Toboggan
• The Whip
• Whirlwind
• Zoological Garden

Theater, Vaudeville, and Stunt Performances

Olentangy Park Theater

Main Article: Olentangy Park Theater

The theater opened for the season on Sunday, June 5.

June 5: "My Honolulu Girl"

Described as "The Musical Comedy Surprise - Refreshing Breathing. The Golden Shores of the Dreamy Hawaiian Isle. The Scenic Gem of the Decade. The International Toured Famous NATIVE HAWAIIAN Singers, Dancers and Instrumentalists. 35 Mirthful Singing Specialists—20 Vulcanic Dancing Maids. Note.—Never in the history of Columbus have the people had a chance to see a show like 'MY HONOLULU GIRL' at double the price." Tickets cost 50 cents$8.10 in 2025 dollars plus tax, with matinees at 35 cents$6.33 in 2025 dollars plus tax.

The New Bostonians

The New Bostonians stock company began a program on Monday, June 20. In addition to the members, the company included a chorus of 35 and an orchestra of 25 directed by Max Bendix. The company held women and children's matinees on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons.

Members:

• Max Bendix, director
• Alberta Britlin
• Marjorie Burgess
• Sam A. Burton
• Jefferson De Angelis
• Greta Drew (joined July 3)
• J. Humbird Duffey (joined July 31)
• Ann Lathrop
• Helen Manning
• Beauton O'Quinn
• Detmar Poppen
• Edward Quinn (died Aug. 20)
• Greta Risley
• Vivian Russell
• Ivy Scott (joined July 31)
• Florence Webber
• H. Evan Williams
• Aubrey Yates

Performances:

Week of June 19: "The Firefly" by Otto Harbach and Rudolf Friml

Week of June 26: "The Chocolate Soldier" by Oscar Straus

Week of July 3: "The Mikado"

Week of July 10: "Very Good Eddie"

Week of July 17: "The Chimes of Normandy"

Week of July 24: "Naughty Marietta"

Week of July 31: "The Bohemian Girl"

Week of Aug. 7: "The Gondoliers"

Vaudeville

Vaudeville acts began on Sunday, May 29. Each show consisted of four to six regular acts, all accompanied by an orchestra, presented at the Open-Air Theater three times daily: 3:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m., and 9:30 p.m.

Week of May 29

• Vannersons, comedy acrobats
• Arthur and Peggy, in Highland costumes, singers, dancers, and bounding wire artists
• Hart and Francis, expert jugglers and diabolo throwers
• Lila and Elmer Stewart, eccentric dancers and singers
• Lottie Williams and Lee, tumbling and comedy acrobatics
• Frank Carbone's Rainbow Band
• Other instrumental solos and duets

Week of June 5

• Almond and Hazel, novelty ice skating
• Lottie Williams and Lee, tumbling and comedy acrobatics
• Cerino, Euphonium solo
• Hearts and Flowers, songs and dances
• A quartet
• The Rainbow Sextette, instrumentalists
• Portico Sisters, aerial acrobatics
• Frank Carbone's Rainbow Band

Week of June 12

• Ardell and West, equilibrists and dancers
• Benton Brothers, comedy acrobats
• The Famous Russels and their dog, "Queen," jugglers
• Daisy and Wilson, arialists
• Royal Marimba Band of Guatemala

Week of June 19

• Royal Marimba Band of Guatemala
• Various acts

Week of June 26

• Royal Marimba Band of Guatemala
• Various acts

Week of July 3

• Leroy and Paul, eccentric triple car act
• The Azovs, acrobats
• Royal Marimba Band of Guatemala

Week of July 10

• Vincent and Sully, triple bar act
• Harry Fisher and Company, cyclists
• The Heynoffs, pedestal dancers
• The Six Flying La Vans, a troupe of aerial acrobats
• Royal Marimba Band of Guatemala

The Flying La Vans performed an outdoor act on the bars and trapeze 40-50 feet in the air. The structure they used was 50 feet high, 50 feet wide, and 100 feet long, and it was built in an open space at the north end of the park, just north of the Whirlwind. They previously performed at the Ringling Circus.

Week of July 17

• Erickson, the Man of Iron, strongman
• Dizzio, head balancing
• Nash and Thompson, comedy acrobats
• Carson and Campbell, a shooting and knife-throwing act
• Royal Marimba Band of Guatemala

In his act, Erickson bit railroad spikes, bent iron bars with his jaws, and bent a two-inch pipe across his neck. He was described as being of "medium stature."

Week of July 24

• The Melody Girls' Orchestra
• Royal Marimba Band of Guatemala

Week of July 31

• O. K. Legel, silent comedy act with juggling, with a bellboy assistant
• Marie Genaro, comedienne and extortionist
• Effie Shuey, the "Coon Shouter"
• The Melody Girls' Orchestra

Week of Aug. 7

• The Melody Girls' Orchestra
• Orville and Frank, high perch acrobats
• Courtney and Jeannette, comedy entertainers
• Reckless Rentlaw and Company, bicycling and skating act
• Effie Shuey, "coon shouter" and cabaret entertainer

Week of Aug. 14

• The Melody Girls' Orchestra
• Pells and Lazo, comedy acrobats
• Effie Shuey, cabaret entertainer
• Collins and Hill, novelty act
• Riza and Noble, sensational aerialists

Week of Aug. 21

• Hadji Lessik, triple gun juggling expert
• Anita, soprano and parasol dancer, along with a trained chimpanzee named "Sweeney"
• Oolong Bros., trapeze performers and comedians
• Howard Nichols, comedy jugglers
• F. L. Moniter, hoop roller
• Effie Shuey, "coon shouter" and cabaret singer
• The Melody Girls' Orchestra

Stunts

Dare-Devil Wilson performed his famous stunt during the Week of June 19 and at the Retail Grocers' Carnival the same week. The main stunt involved diving headfirst from an 80-foot tower with lights on his chest, on a wooden, curved incline to shoot out and land on his feet. He was reportedly the only person to perform the act and had been part of the Barnum & Bailey Show a few years prior.

Erickson, the Man of Iron, performed the "Slide for Life," where he slid from the flagstaff on the top of the Shoot-the-Chutes to the farthest end of the ride's lagoon on a wire cable, while suspended by only his teeth during the weeks of July 24-August 14. This slide was 1,200 feet long.

Music

"Saxy" Strahl's Orchestra of 10 men performed in the Dancing Pavilion and Frank Carbone's Rainbow Band of 15 pieces gave open-air concerts during the afternoon and evening during the first few weeks.

The Marimba Band of Guatemala began performing at the park on June 12. They started as a listed Vaudeville act at the open-air stage in the Grove and remained as a returning act until July 31.

The Melody Girls' Orchestra, directed by Grace Simpson, performed on July 21 as part of the Volunteers of America outing and returned to play between vaudeville acts.

Activities

Wrestling

Park Manager J. W. Dusenbury hired Al Haft, the wrestling coach of the Ohio State University, to arrange and stage weekly grappling contests starting late July. Bernardi, the Italian champion, and LaMarche, French champion, competed in a one-fall to a finish contest followed by John Tallman and Wilfred Mover the night of July 31. It was a free outdoor attraction at the Open-Air Theater. Wrestling matches continued every Saturday evening until the close of the season.

John Tallman returned Aug. 13, to compete against Joe Borawitz, also of Columbus. Audiences watched a match between Clifford Binckley and Theodore Paulon, of Lafayette, Indiana. Paulson was the wrestling coach at Purdue University.

"Farmer" Bill Hutton, of Utica, and Tony Bernardi, Italian light heavyweight champion, wrestled on Aug. 27.

List of Activities

• Billiards
• Boating
• Box Ball
• Bowling
• Dancing
• Dining
• Fishing
• Fortune Telling
• General Games
• Penny Arcades
• Picnics
• Pony Rides
• Swimming
• Tennis