The Interesting Life of Emil Ambos, the Fisherman of Green Lawn Cemetery

At first mention, a visit to a cemetery in the midst of a pandemic might seem an uncomfortably morose thing to do. Who needs to be reminded of the frailty of our existence when the signs are all around us? On the other hand, cemeteries can offer a good alternative to overcrowded parks. In fact, […]
The Killer Capsules of ’25

During the last week of January 1925, a terrible mystery began to unfurl at The Ohio State University. Not only was it a riddle that would leave two students dead, nearly kill four others and baffle detectives and scholars for decades, but it would also alter the way in which one field of study is […]
The Hair-Raising History of the Winter Holidays

Ready or not, that time of cheer, goodwill, festive gatherings and indulgent feasts usually referred to as “the holidays” is upon us. While all those aspects of the season ring of joy, let’s be honest, they rarely come alone. They often bring with them frantic quests to find a perfect gift, maddeningly repetitious play lists, […]
Central Ohio’s Sordid History of Grave Robbing

September in Columbus can be magical. Students have returned to school with fresh optimism for the upcoming year. The heat and humidity of the Ohio summer have wound down and, as a majority of the city’s population prepares to scream themselves hoarse cheering on the Buckeyes, so draws to a close the city’s summer festival […]
The Trove of Ancient Monuments in Columbus’ Backyard

When you think of ancient sacred monuments, what places come to mind? Machu Picchu? Angkor Wat? Stonehenge? Giza? How about Ohio? That’s right. Ohio. Not only has the Buckeye state produced ideas like the lightbulb, bubble gum and flight, along with a preponderance of presidents and astronauts, but it’s also home to spectacular structures from […]