When you first arrive at this university, you are enlightened about a number of its traditions and historical facts to make you a proud and knowledgeable Buckeye.
But how much do you really know about Ohio State?
Take a look at some of the stories, myths, and secrets that you don’t necessarily hear about at orientation.
1) There is a large African mammal buried beneath the ground. Yes, the remains of an elephant reside here at OSU. A long time ago (vague, I know) the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo had one of their elephants being treated at the College of Veterinary Medicine here on campus, but it eventually passed away. They didn’t know what to do with it, so the animal was hauled over to west campus and buried, but no one is sure of the exact location.
2) Ohio State once had a building on its campus called the Armory. Though it looked like a small castle, it was actually used for military science and physical education. Much of it was destroyed in a fire in 1958, so it eventually ended up being demolished. That location is now home to the Wexner Center for the Visual Arts.
3) Speaking of the Wexner Center … do you know the secret about that staircase next to it that doesn’t lead anywhere? Grab a friend and each stand next to one end of the wall so that both of your heads are at the same level or “step.” Whisper something and the other person will be able to hear you as if the two of you were side by side. You will surely be amazed!
4) Here’s another “spectacle” for you. The Medical Heritage Center, a part of the health sciences library, has a certainly unique collection … of eyeglasses! But these aren’t just any old frames; they belonged to some famous faces! Names include Jimmy Buffett, John Denver, George H.W. Bush, Larry King, Missy Piggy, and University President Gordon Gee.
5) While we may not be the most haunted university in Ohio (no complaints from me), OSU still has its own set of ghost stories. One of the more popular legends is that Orton Hall is supposedly haunted by Edward Orton himself. It is said that at night you can see lights flickering in the tower, since he apparently was an avid reader. Pomerane Hall and Mirror Lake are reportedly visited by the ghosts of an early 1900’s professor, Dr. Clark, and his wife. There are even more reports of hauntings in other buildings around campus.
6) Did you know OSU has a system of underground tunnels? The tunnels were built beginning in the 1800’s, and connect the school’s system of piping. Curious? OSU provides the opportunity to check the tunnels out during Commencement Week through “Things You Never Got to See” tours. To find out more information, go to http://commencementweek.osu.edu/things_to_do/tour.aspx.
Sources:
1. http://www.forgottenoh.com/OSU/osu.html
2. http://beforeitsnews.com/story/1723/159/50_Hidden_Gems,_Haunted_Hollows,_Legends,_Weird_Wonders,_And_Hidden_Party_Spots_On_Campuses_Across_America.html
3. http://www.ohiostatealumni.org/media/Pages/ABCsofOhioState.aspx
4. http://library.osu.edu/buckeye-stroll/locations/armory
5. http://oncampus.osu.edu/2011/11/in-ohio-states-century-old-underbelly-it…