East Walnut Hills
East Walnut Hills was voted one of the ‘Top 10 Neighborhoods’ by Cincinnati Magazine in 2007. Many Cincinnatian's assume this is simply an eastern-most portion of Walnut Hills proper. However, East Walnut Hills is it's own distinct neighborhood, with clearly defined borders. See map below.

The History
Early in Cincinnati’s history, Walnut Hills included East Walnut Hills, Mount Auburn, Avondale, and an area north of Eden Park. Therefore, the history of East Walnut Hills must begin with Walnut Hills - supposedly named for the many walnut trees that were there to greet the first visitors.

The recorded history of Walnut Hills begins with the arrival of Presbyterian minister, Reverend James Kemper, in 1791. In 1804, Rev. Kemper replaced his original make-shift dwelling with a sturdy log cabin for his family. The Kemper clan lived in this cabin until 1897. It was considered such an important artifact in the early development of Cincinnati, that it was moved first to the Cincinnati Zoo, and later to the Heritage Village in Sharon Park. It’s one of the very oldest residences in Ohio that is still standing. (Click on Heritage Village link to see cabin.) 

By 1819, the Walnut Presbyterian Church was built in the area of what is now the corner of William Howard Taft and Gilbert Avenue. In the East Walnut Hills area the first church was actually a converted barn that Francis Fortman donated so that resident Catholics could gather. This barn was located on McMillan Street opposite Hackberry. Soon thereafter, the first stone church was built in 1850 on the SW corner of Taft and Hackberry.

In 1866, East Walnut Hills officially became a separate neighborhood entity. Founders include Henry Westjohn, W. W. Scarborough (grocery merchant), Francis Fortman, and Joseph Kleine, and John Baker (lumberman). These original landowners built fantastic homes, such as John Baker's home, that matched their success.

These empire builders wanted church that reflected their own magnificent success and which would rival the great churches of their European homeland. Thus, in 1879, the St. Francis de Sales Church was completed. Created in a Middle German, French Gothic architectural style, this church cost $200,000 to build. Inside, you will see one of the most magnificent altars in the Midwest. Outside, at 230 feet, this is also one of the tallest churches in Cincinnati.

Within the steeple is ‘Big Joe’ – a 17.5 ton great bell, cast by the Buckeye Bell Foundry. 'Big Joe' is the largest swinging bell that has ever been cast in the United States. It took a half dozen strong men to ring the bell. Upon it's very first E-flat peel, many nearby windows shattered. It was never rung this way again. Today, the bell is rung by tapping the rim of the bell with a small hammer.  (The Buckeye Bell Foundry was established by George Washington Coffin in 1837.)

It was in their homes, however, that these early wealthy citizens expressed their place in society. East Walnut Hills has, for its size, one of the largest collections of stunningly beautiful homes in Cincinnati. Many are on quite large lots. A substantial number of homes in this neighborhood are made of brick or stucco. This is because, in some areas, a condition to build was that the home could not be a wood frame house.

Two styles of architecture were popular among the early residents. Romantic and Colonial Revival. Examples of Romantic architecture can be seen in the homes at: 1887 Madison Road - (The Baker House), 1831 Keys Crescent - (The Keys/Hollister House), 1831 Keys Crescent - (The Dexter House), and 3036 Fairfield Avenue - (The Bates House).

Some excellent examples of Colonial Revivial architecture are: 2957 and 2999 Annwood, 2928 Wold Avenue, 1854 Keys Crescent, and - 2766 Baker Place - which is currently for sale.

2766 Baker Place was designed and built in 1902 Elzner & Anderson, one of the most prestigious architectural firms in early Cincinnati. Built for Charles & Lily Livingood - Charles was the personal executive to Mary Emery, one of the pillars of early Cincinnati and noted philanthropist. It was Charles Livingood who supervised Mary Emery's visionary development of Mariemont. Lily Livingood was the great-grandaughter of General William Lytle, for whom Lytle Park was named. William Lytle was the surveyor of the Northwest Territories. This home has been exceptionally well maintained and cared for.

Fortunately for our link with history, these homes have been lovingly cared for through the generations. For example, the owners of the Luedeking House on Keys Crescent recently received the ‘Rehabilitation Award’ for their efforts in renovating this remarkable residence. The architect for this home was Bloodgood Tuttle, a highly celebrated architect who had previously designed the Albers Estate in Indian Hill. (Elsewhere in Ohio, he designed 36 houses in the Shaker Heights sub-division of Cleveland.) The Luedeking House was the last architecturally important residence constructed before the start of the Great Depression.

Many residents take advantage of Owls Nest Park, adjacent to Obryonville. This is a wonderful 10.5 acre park with playing fields, walkways, amphitheatre and more. There's also Annwood Park, a pleasant greenspace to sit, walk the dog, or pursue other exercise.

This community is ideal if you value convenience. Residents can walk to a variety of eateries and eclectic shopping in O'Bryonville. Downtown Cincinnati is just 5 minutes away in one direction and Rookwood Commons and Hyde Park Square is 5 minutes away in the other direction.

Other landmarks of note.
The Seventh Presbyterian Church was erected in 1886 and the firehouse was built in 1888. East Walnut Hills is home to The Cincinnati Tennis Club, one of the oldest tennis clubs in the nation! It is located on Dexter Avenue, in the same place where it was originally built in 1899.

With its fantastic architecture, views of the Ohio River, lovely parks, shopping, dining, proximity to downtown, O’Bryonville, and Hyde Park ... East Walnut Hills is truly one of Cincinnati’s gems. Here is a link to the East Walnut Hills Community website.

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