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Benjamin Hanby Historical Marker

Abolitionists

Hanby House State Memorial

Benjamin Hanby, OHS collection SC2045
" Up on the Housetop reindeer pause,
Out Jumps dear ol' Santa Claus. "


--Benjamin R. Hanby
First published October 1866 as Santa Claus,
known as the immortal Christmas song, Up On The Housetop




Photo of the Hanby House links to Ohio Pix database page, AL01011 This is the home of Benjamin Russel Hanby, composer of numerous songs-- Darling Nelly Gray and Up On The Housetop. Hanby played many roles in his life; student, abolitionist, father, teacher, minister. But it was as a composer that we remember him.

The house was built in 1846 and occupied by the Hanbys from 1853 to 1870. It is on the National Register of Historic Places. From their house and barn, Ben Hanby and his father, Bishop William Hanby, ran a busy station on the underground railroad. The home contains furniture and personal items from the family. There is a walnut desk made by Hanby. The original plates for the first edition of Darling Nelly Gray and a large collection of sheet music and books are at the site. The house is maintained and operated by the Westerville Historical Society under agreement with the Ohio Historical Society


Hours: May – September

Monday - Friday CLOSED
Saturday - Sunday 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Group and private tours available by appointment


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Admission

OHS Members FREE
Adults (18-59) $3.00
Adult tour groups $10.00 minimum
Youths 5 - 17 $1.00
Youths 4 & under FREE
Seniors and AAA members $2.50


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Location


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The Hanby House is located at 160 West Main Street, between Ohio Route 3 (State Street) and Cleveland Avenue in Westerville, in Franklin County.


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General Information

Hanby House
Westerville Historical Society
P.O. Box 1063 (No mail delivery at Main St. address)
Westerville, OH 43086

Phone:
614-891-6289
1-800-600-6843 (toll free)

E-Mail:
hanbyhouse@yahoo.com

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Handicapped Accessibility
Ohio Historical Society strives to meet ADA requirements. However, historic structures and outdoor areas provide challenges that make it difficult to provide complete access to all visitors. Please call the site with specific questions and concerns.

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