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Asa Bushnell

Asa Bushnell

Asa Smith Bushnell was born September 16, 1834 in Rome New York. At age 11 the Bushnell family moved to Springfield Ohio. The family was deeply involved in the Underground Railroad movement and his cousin Simeon Bushnell was arrested in 1858 for his involvement in the Oberlin-Wellington Rescue of run away slave John Price.

In 1857 Asa Bushnell married Ellen Ludlow and began to work as a partner in his Father-in-law's drug store. Early in 1864 Bushnell formed a company of Springfield men for the civil war effort. The men of Company E in the 152nd Ohio National Guard infantry elected Bushnell captain and were stationed in Virginia and Maryland.

With the end of the war Bushnell increase his business interests in agriculture machinery as well as becoming the President of the First National Bank. He invested in new industries of urban rail and telephone. He also became active in the Springfield Republican Party.

Bushnell climbed the ranks of the party and in 1896 he was elected as Governor of Ohio. He served in this capacity during the Spanish-American War and was proud to say Ohio sent the first volunteers to fight in that war.

Governor Bushnell served 2 terms and left office in January of 1900. In that year he sold his Agricultural Machine business to International Harvester and continued his other business interests in Springfield until his death January 15, 1904.

Asa Bushnell is buried in the Fernclift Cemetery in Springfield Ohio.


Springfield was also the birthplace of James Rhodes, the 71st and 63rd governor of Ohio.

Home City

At the turn of the century Springfield became know as the "Home City." Several lodges including the Masonic Lodge, Knights of Pythias and Odd Fellows built homes for orphans and aged members of their orders.

George Rogers Clark Statue

Statue honoring George Rogers Clark in downtown Springfield.


4-H State Marker

4-H Club & Springfield Ohio

The first 4-H Club was established in Springfield in 1902. A. B. Graham, the superintendent of the Springfield Township Rural schools, established the Boys and Girls Agricultural Experiment Club on January 15, 1902. The first meeting of the club held in the basement of the Clark County Courthouse, was said to be the nation's first farm club for young people. A few years later the organization changed its name to 4-H Club.

 

Automobile Manufacturing

From 1916 to 1926, 10 automobile companies operated in Springfield. Amongst them: The Bramwell, Brenning, Foos, Frayer-Miller, Kelly Steam, Russell-Springfield and Westcott.

Westcott

The Westcott, know as the car built to last, was a 6-cylinder, 4 door sedan manufactured by Burton J. Westcott of the Westcott Motor Car Company.

Burton and Orpha Westcott however, are better known for having contracted the world renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright to design their home in 1908 at 1340 East High Street. The Westcott House, a 2 story stucco and concrete house has all the features of Wright's prairie style including horizontal lines, low-pitched roof, and broad eaves. It is the only Frank Lloyd Wright prairie style house in the state of Ohio. The property was purchased in 2000 by the Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy (Chicago, IL), and as part of a prearranged plan, the house was then sold to a newly formed local Westcott House Foundation.

The Westcott House Foundation managed the extensive 5 year, $5.3 million restoration, the house was fully restored to its original glory in October 2005, when it officially opened to the public for guided tours.

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Springfield Ohio

Springfield Ohio

Springfield Ohio has been called the City at the end of the Road, the Rose City and in 2004 it was named as an All-American City, but to the 140,000 that live here it’s just called home.

The first European resident to lay claim to the land that would become Springfield, was James Demint who settled there in 1801 along the Mad River. In just 17 years Springfield was contesting New Boston for the county seat of newly established Clark County (named after George Rogers Clark, older brother of famed Lewis & Clark). State legislators awarded the honor to Springfield.

Springfield got its name from the wife of Simon Kenton an early frontiersman with Daniel Boone, because there were so many natural springs in the area. Today, there is a memorial statue honoring Simon Kenton near Urbana, at Kenton's grave in Oak Dale Cemetery.

In 1839 the National Road came to Springfield and and promptly stopped when the federal government ran out of funds to continue the cross-country road. It was then that Springfield became known as the City at the End of the Road and remained that way for 10 years. The railroad reached Springfield in 1840 and commerce began to boom.

By the 1860s, Springfield had become home to one of the worlds leaders in agriculture machinery: International Harvester. It was Springfield lawyer, Harry Toulmin, that the Wright Brothers contacted to acquire the patent of their “flying machine”.

Joe's Grille, Springfield OhioAs America grew so did Springfield, until the winds of change routed much of the National Road traffic to the interstates and industries began to leave as well. Today Springfield, like many cities, is adjusting to that change by reinventing themselves. Traveling through Springfield, you will see historic districts being refurbished—abandoned buildings are finding new uses.

The Springfield community boasts one of the most vibrant arts and cultural environments for a city its size, anywhere in the country. Springfield residents have countless opportunities to enrich their lives through cultural events, programs, and activities. For outdoor enthusiasts, the area's many parks, rivers, trails, campgrounds, lakes and bike paths make it an attractive city to live and to visit.

The people of Springfield are proud of their heritage and confident of their future. Springfield Ohio is a city you should know.

Wittenberg University

Wittenberg University located in Springfield, is a nationally recognized college for the liberal arts and sciences affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Wittenberg's original focus was the training of Lutheran ministers. However, in recent years, Wittenberg's traditional strengths have been in the liberal arts, recently the sciences, management and education have also developed into popular majors for students. Eight thriving pre-professional programs contribute to the educational experience of Wittenberg students, with 70% pursuing graduate studies.

Westcott Auto

Antiques

With over 20 antique malls and one of the Midwest's largest antique malls, Springfield is the antique lover's paradise. Monthly, the Clark County Fairgrounds hosts the Springfield Antique Show and Flea Market, with the Extravaganzas in May, July and September.

Yesterdays Antiques & Collectibles
26 N. Fountain Ave.
What Springfield used to be like with much activity and shoppers abundant. Located in a building built in 1885, Yesterdays Antiques & Collectibles has all the charm of the old downtown, with up-to-date renovations. Carry antiques and vintage, but also new collectibles and gently used items and items on consignment.
Open Tues-Fri 10-6, Sat 12-5. For more information call 937-322-8044.

AAA I-70 Antique Mall
4700 South Charleston Pike
You'll find over 200 antique dealer booths and showcases covering 30,000 square feet of show room space. Spend a day browsing thousands of quality antiques and collectibles. The AAA I-70 Antique Mall is a state-of-the-art antique show room, fully air conditioned, heated, carpeted and handicap accessible. Plenty of parking means that no matter what you drive or tow we have room for you.

Springfield Antique Center
1735 Titus Road
Just off I-70 and SR41. Open daily from 10am-6pm. With hundreds of thousands of antiques from furniture, toys, glass, china, advertising, rugs, and clothing. Dealers travel from all 50 states, Canada and England to acquire the finest antiques. We are handicap accessible and pets are welcome anytime!

Heart of Ohio Antique Center
4785 East National Road
Offers 116,000 sq. ft. state of the art facility fully carpeted and climate controlled with over 650 dealers from over 20 states, bringing high quality antiques and collectibles from all parts of the U.S. and abroad.

Johnson's Lamp Shop
8518 E. National Road, South Vienna
Specialize in the lampshades for antique lamps. They have 5000 lampshades in stock including glass, silks, all types of fabric and hardbacks with prints. Trained staff will help find the perfect shade for your lamp. Bring in lamp bases for proper fitting. Located just 5 minutes from the antique malls on the Historic National Road (Rt. 40) just east of Springfield.
Hours: Wed., Thurs., Fri., 10-5 Sat. 10-4. (937) 568-4551

Vintage Cigars & Antiques
1241 W. First Street
Vintage Cigars & Antiques offers an eclectic mix of Mission-Era furniture, English antiques, sporting antiques & home decor. Vintage also houses the area's largest & best walk-in cigar humidors, featuring all major brands including Padron, Fuente, Montecristo, Cohiba & Ashton. 937-323-2442

Springfield Antique Show and Flea Market
Clark County Fairgrounds
The Springfield Antique Show and Flea Market has been a favorite for over 25 years. Three times a year, in May, July and September, the Springfield Antique Show and Flea Market holds its famous Extravaganza. The extravaganzas are some of the largest markets held anywhere in the country and draw dealers and customers from around the world.

Weber's Antiques
In Historic Clifton, Ohio.
Located 7 miles south of Springfield on the corner of Route 72 and Route 343. Among the many attractions in the area are several historic buildings, a grist mill, 2 antique shops, Clifton Gorge and John Bryan State Park. Part of historic Clifton, Weber's Antique Mall was established in 1965. Clifton is one of the best places in Ohio to visit for fine antique furniture and accessories.

Ryan's Grill-Buffet-Bakery
1805 W. First St.
The minute you walk into our restaurant you'll know you are home! For over 25 years Ryan's has been committed to serving our customers hot, fresh and delicious food in a friendly, family-style atmosphere. You'll find a selection of exceptional food, served by friendly people that will satisfy just about any appetite.

Joe's GrilleJoe's US 40 Grille
1205 W. North St.
When You're Antiquing', get to eatin' at Joe's Grille, one of the few authentic 50's and 60's restaurants left on the National Road in Ohio! Open 7 AM to 10 PM Monday thru Saturday, 7 AM to 9 PM Sundays. Home Cooking and Baking! Remember - Always Eat at Joe's!

Schuler's BakerySchuler’s Bakery
457 East Main Street Springfield 45503
When you talk to a resident of Springfield and ask them about Schuler’s their eyes flutter and a smile comes over their face instantly. It is as if they have just eaten something delicious. Schuler’s Bakery has been giving people that expression for 72 years. There always seems to be a busy parking lot but the service is fast. Doughnuts are made through-out the day and if you time it just right they might even be warm. Since 1935 the Schuler family has run the shop presenting Springfield with an assortment of breads, butter rolls, cakes and pies. Schuler’s Bakery is as they say “The Home of Homemade”.

Springfield and Clark County Golf Courses

Snyder Park Golf Course
Snyder Park Rd
Springfield 45504
(937) 324-7383

Springfield Country Club
2315 Signal Hill Rd
Springfield 45504-1042
(937) 399-0351

Windy Knoll Golf Club
500 Roscommon Dr
Springfield 45503-7133
(937) 399-0001

Rocky Lakes Golf Course
3950 S Yellow Springs St
Springfield 45506-3837
(937) 322-3211

Northwood Hills Country Club
1536 Villa Rd
Springfield 45503-1662
(937) 399-2304

Reid Memorial Park Golf Course
1325 S Bird Rd
Springfield 45505-3503
(937) 324-7725

Locust Hills Golf Club
5575 N River Rd
Springfield 45502-9341
(800) 872-4918