Ole Magnolia (c. 1853)

Named after the stately Magnolia tree in the front lawn, this Greek Revival house was built in 1853. The front door opens to an oversized hallway that runs from the front door to the back of the house, a unique characteristic of the historic “double shotgun” style home. Downstairs, the study and master suite on one side of the hall and music and dining room flanking the other are filled with art and antiques. In 1900, the Mayor of Columbus, David McClanahan, purchased the home and incorporated the old kitchen house into the main structure. He also enlarged the house for his wife and 10 children and included a secret compartment in the master bedroom where he hid his liquor from his teetotaling wife.

Circa 1853 / Mr. and Mrs. Pete Tortorici

This private residence is one of the many examples Columbus’ impeccably maintained and preserved historic homes, and has been featured in our annual Spring Pilgrimage.