Merry Go Round Museum

The Merry Go Round Museum was established in 1990 in Sandusky, Ohio.

The museum displays artifacts that help to raise awareness and knowledge of the carousel.

It is housed in a former U.S. Post Office building.

Most people associate the carousel with carts and horses, but here, you will discover that just about any animal - real or imagined - can be part of the carousel ride.

The walls display sections of older carousels - mirrors, murals - from current to historic.

The fee is very reasonable and if you time your visit right, you might even get to see craftsman display techniques used to create sections of the carousel rides we all grew up with and love.

Pontifical College Josephinum

The Pontifical College Josephinum is a theological college that helps men prepare for the priesthood.

The founder of the Josephinum, Joseph Jessing was an immigrant from Germany.  He was ordained as a priest in 1870 and assigned to the Sacred Heart Church in Pomeroy, Ohio.

Father Jessing had deep concerns for the orphans at the parish and wanted to make sure they had adequate shelter, food and education.  Some of the orphans expressed a desire to join the priesthood, so Father Jessing placed an add in the paper and 23 applicants started the first academic classes in 1888.

The first school was in downtown Columbus, closer to the railroad.  The current campus, which is pictured below, was built in 1931.

There have been many additions over the years.

I first remember seeing the Joesphinum when I was traveling north.  The large tower can be seen from the interstate.

There are times when the facility allows for an "open house" and "tours" of the facility to the public.  If you have an interest in historical architecture, this is a place you definitely want to visit.

The craftsmanship put into the construction of the facility is fantastic.

The staff there during the tour were very gracious and explained the history of the building as well as the background of Father Jessing.  It was a very enlightening experience.