Traveling Suitcase: The Armory

Michael Warth lithograph of The Carlisle Building

Look at the beauty of this by gone era. This fabulous piece of art, (by Michael Warth) shows you what The Carlisle Building looked like, back in the day. Can you picture yourself walking down an un-busy street with parasol in hand? This fabulous building is at the corner of Paint and Main Streets in Chillicothe, Ohio.

Pen and Ink Drawing of The Carlisle Building

A marvelous Pen and Ink drawing also by local artist, Michael Warth who was gracious enough to let me post here on my blog is copyrighted. This unique historical structure has been a part of Chillicothe for many many years. Look at the grandeur of this building so well captured in his art work.

My photo taken about a week ago shows the sad deterioration of the building. In addition to it being empty for a good many years, an arson's fire in 2003 halted a plan to restore it to it's former beauty. The fire caused $600,000 to $700,000 of damage.

When it was built in 1885 it was indeed a crown jewel, with it's unique architectural features. Standing tall it was seen from almost everywhere in Chillicothe. It was at one time the tallest building in the city, and possibly the state, (several different accounts there, so one can't say for certain). Over the years it has served the city with distinction-housing many different businesses. Sadly it seems this 125 year old building will not be preserved. Funds to restore it aren't forthcoming from the absent land owners who let the building continue to stand vacant and fall further into disrepair. Some locals would love to see it restored, others feel the cost is too great. There's some talk that it may become a parking lot for other downtown business, while some feel that would be a waste of space. In many old photo's, post cards and historical views of the city this building is seen. What a pity it appears it will not go forward with the downtown revitalization in Chillicothe.

Do take time, walk and drive by and see this marvelous piece of history before it's too late. Because of the history in the area, Chillicothe has more then it's fair share of places listed as haunted places in Ohio. This building is included, though I did not come across a specific story to tell you about it.

Drive through The Park, (Yoctangee Park), formerly known as City Park and you'll see The Armory, used for many years to train National Guard and protect Chillicothe. The canon in front is a Civil War Canon. Chillicothe is truly full of interesting old architecture, and historic places to visit. I encourage you to take in Chillicothe, the States first Capital. All areas are suitable to all ages.