Category: People

Urlin & Pfeifer Photographers

~ Tim Jeffers ~ 3 Comments

This photograph was taken by Urlin & Pfeifer’s Photo Palace in Columbus, Ohio .  John A. Pfeifer (1859-1932) was active in the Columbus area from 1882 to at least 1913. For much of that time, he was partners with George C. Urlin (1854-1942). Urlin was active in Columbus between 1873 and 1887. The reverse of this cabinet card offers an interesting back stamp that highlights some of the medals the pair received for their photographic work. The latest date noted on these medals is 1887, which reveals that this cabinet card was photographed sometime during or after 1887. 

Grave In The Middle Of The Road

~ Tim Jeffers ~ 4 Comments

On April 23, 1860, 16 year old Charles Dummett was hunting with a friend when he tripped and fell.  His gun discharged, killing him instantly. Distraught over his son’s death, Douglas built a marble tomb and buried Charles on the exact spot where he had died.

Many years later when Douglas was asked to sell some of his land to the city of New Smyrna, he had one stipulation: his son’s grave was to never be moved or disturbed.   The city agreed to his terms, and the deal was made.

In the 1960s, as the town began to grow and developments were being planned, the grave became the center of some controversy. A developer wanted to run a road directly over the final resting place of Douglas Dummett’s son.  After having all of his requests to move the grave site denied, the developer finally gave in and split the road around the tomb.