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Axios Columbus
Old NYT article gives snapshot of Columbus life in 1981
By Tyler Buchanan,
2024-03-28
It's been 43 years since the life and culture of our capital city was prominently featured in a New York Times article titled, " What's Doing in Columbus, Ohio ."
Why it matters: The snapshot of Columbus during the early Reagan years helps showcase just how much has changed since the days of Colo the Gorilla and Lazarus department store.
Let's compare Columbus from 1981 to today:
β Travel: A round trip between New York and Columbus once ranged from $260-292, but we can find trips now for cheaper than $200. Take that, '80s!
"A car is not a necessity but a great convenience for this spread-out city," reporter Michael Cull wrote. (Fact check: True.)
π Sightseeing: NYT suggested tours of the Statehouse and German Village , "a neighborhood rescued from urban renewal."
COSI on East Broad Street ("called 'Coe-Sye' by residents'') got a special shout out for its coal mine and space capsule exhibits. The museum moved to the Scioto riverfront in 1999.
Ticket price then: $2-3.50. Now: $23-30.
π½ Dining: "Columbus is not known for exceptional food, but good meals can be had at many restaurants," Cull wrote. Ouch.
Several restaurants listed have since closed, like One Nation on the Nationwide Building's 38th floor and Ziggy's Continental , once heralded for its fine dining.
Cull gave the old Spaghetti Warehouse some love, long before it regrettably moved downtown .
π Sports: The Blue Jackets, Crew and Fury did not exist back then. Cull surprisingly omitted the Ohio State Buckeyes.
He did recommend a Columbus Clippers game at Cooper Stadium, which now sits empty .
The Clippers changed major league affiliation from the Yankees to the Guardians and now entertain fans at Huntington Park .
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