Cincinnati Museum Center - Guitar Exhibit

Written by Dani and Andrew Livelsberger

Photography by Andrew Livelsberger

Background:

The Cincinnati Museum Center Guitar exhibit not only showcases various guitars but also explores the science of sound.

Impression:

While we are definitely fans of music, we often do not take the time to look at the instruments that make it possible.

The guitar has been with use for a long time and has gone through many iterations of change.   Going from a primitive wooden box with a hole and strings on it to expertly crafted acoustic and thanks to people like Les Paul - electronically amplified versions.

The Cincinnati Museum Center's exhibit, Guitar shows the progression of this evolution.  Not only of the instrument itself, but you'll also have the opportunity to learn the science behind sound as it relates to music and the featured instruments here.

One of the greatest guitarists and musical pioneers, B.B. King has his famous guitar "Lucille" on display here.    I also saw that Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath fame had a guitar featured here.

The world's largest guitar is also here on display.  A Fender Stratocaster of 43 feet is just inside the exhibit room and to your right.  It was so big that I honestly didn't realize what it was at first.  I thought it was just a large display for information placards.

The Air Guitar area was both funny and fantastic.   I thought it was a great addition to the displays.   It is truly the best sounding guitar that is affordable to and playable by all.

I do not know of one person that does not like music.  Even if you have a passing interest in the instrumentation that creates a large portion of music through out history, this is a great exhibit to check out.  This exhibit is even good for kids, as there are some hands on areas where you can design your own guitar or see the physics of how guitar strings vibrate.

Just note that at the time of this writing, the Cincinnati Museum Center is still undergoing a large renovation.  The other larger museum areas are closed and the only areas open are the kids museum and the Guitar and Chocolate exhibits.

Original Port Columbus Terminal and Tower

Written/Photography By: Andrew Livelsberger

Background:
One of the fist airports in the United States, the original Port Columbus Air Terminal was dedicated July 8, 1929.  The Great Depression hurt profitability and operations of this facility, but the airport started running mail service in 1930 and a huge contract from the Curtis-Wright corporation in 1940 that helped keep it going.

The US Government overtook operation of this terminal in 1941.  The terminal continued operations in this building until the newer, and still running terminal took over flights on September 21, 1958.



Impression:
I drive by this building almost daily.  It is located on 5th Avenue and butts right up to the now current John Glenn International Airport.  For the longest time, I've wanted to stop in and check out the signage, get pictures and write up a story.   I didn't know much about the place other than the fact that it was once the original Port Columbus Terminal.

The building is currently in pretty sad shape.   Some parts are overgrown by plants, parts of the concrete staircases are crumbling, windows and doors have seen better days.   Even a peek inside the windows shows that the inside has been pretty much stripped of all it once was.

Back in 2015, there were rumblings that Heartland Bank may buy the property, renovate it and use it as office space.  Reports at the time were listing the building revitalization around $1.8 million dollars. Further searches provided no additional information, but Heartland Bank has build a new facility about a mile away on Hamilton Road.  It appears that this building will stay vacant a bit longer.

During my quick visit there, I was greeted by Airport Police patrols.
Talking with the officer, he just wanted to let me know that they do monitor the building and check on it regularly because they have had issues with vandals defacing the building in the past.

I let him know what I was there for and he left me to finish my coverage.

I'm not sure who currently owns or looks after the property.
I do hope that someone or some organization gathers enough funds to restore the building.  It would make for a great aviation museum or a meeting facility, perhaps renting it out to businesses or for private events.

Hopefully the building will remain standing long into the future.

Cincinnati Museum Center - Cincinnati History Museum - For The Train Lovers!

Written by Danielle and Andrew Livelsberger

Photography by Andrew Livelsberger

Background:
Union Station in Cincinnati is a great place to see the vintage architecture as well as some great museums.  Among them are a natural history museum, Cincinnati history museum and the ability to go into the old "Tower A" and see the tracks.

Impression:
If you like trains, then the Cincinnati History Museum is worth the price of the ticket.  Home to the largest permanent S-scale train and city set.  It is impressive to behold and must be seen in person.  It runs on a day/night cycle with 5 minutes of daylight and 2 minutes of night time.  The buildings have their own lights, and there is even a house fire that is attended to by firefighters with real smoke!!

Check the schedules and hit Tower A.  You will be greeted with knowledgeable train experts and a grand view of the train yard.