Lunchtime Delusions

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The Secret Life of Columbus’s Daydreamers: A Thurber Legacy in Peril

Picture this: the roar of a packed Lower Field, the crowd on their feet as a lone player sprints toward glory, ball at their feet, defenders left in the dust. The game-winning goal is just a kick away, when—“You said sourdough, not wheat on this Karen!” The silly sandwich man’s bark yanks the hero back to reality, where they’re just another daydreamer waiting for lunch at Buck City Sammies.

A humble nod to James Thurber, Columbus’s own literary legend and master of the mundane-turned-magical. Of course, our attempt at Thurber’s wit pales in comparison to The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, the timeless short story that inspired a hit film and immortalized Thurber’s knack for transforming daydreams into art. Thurber’s humor wasn’t just about laughs; it was about holding a mirror to life’s absurdities, reminding us all to find joy and meaning in the everyday.

Thurber’s Enduring Legacy

James Thurber’s influence looms large in American literature. Born in Columbus in 1894, he was a prolific humorist, cartoonist, and playwright, celebrated for his incisive wit and compassion. His short stories, like The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, earned him a place in the cultural canon, with "Mittyesque" now shorthand for vivid daydreamers everywhere. His whimsical cartoons, often deceptively simple, set the stage for satirical greats like The Far Side’s Gary Larson, while his prose inspired countless writers and humorists.people care and how quickly they’ll step up to support one another,” Dawes added.

A Beacon of Creativity in Crisis

The Thurber House, located in the restored 1873 home where Thurber once lived, is a living tribute to his genius. Part museum, part creative hub, the house preserves Thurber’s legacy while fostering new voices in storytelling. Visitors can explore exhibits of Thurber’s life and work, while writers-in-residence draw inspiration from the same halls that once nurtured his creativity.

Over the past 40 years, the Thurber House has become a cornerstone of Columbus’s arts community. Its offerings include:

• Workshops and Writing Studios: Programs for children and adults alike to hone their craft.

• Young Writers’ Studio: Empowering the next generation of storytellers.

• The Thurber Prize for American Humor: Celebrating the best in contemporary humor writing.

• Community Outreach: Bringing creative programming to schools, libraries, and underserved communities across Columbus.

But now, this beloved institution faces an uncertain future. Post-pandemic challenges have hit hard, with attendance still below pre-2020 levels, a bare-bones staff of four, and increasing costs for its vital programs. The Thurber House has launched its “Future 40” campaign, aiming to raise $200,000 to keep its doors open and its mission alive.

A Call to Action: Save the Thurber House

This isn’t just about preserving a building; it’s about safeguarding a space that fosters creativity, joy, and connection. The Thurber House is a beacon of hope and humor in challenging times, and its loss would leave a void in Columbus’s cultural identity.

Here’s how you can help:

• Donate: Every dollar counts in securing the future of this vital institution.

• Participate: Sign up for workshops, attend events, or enroll a young writer in its programs.

• Spread the Word: Share the story of the Thurber House and its importance to Columbus’s creative community.

• Rent the Space: Whether for meetings or celebrations, your support can help sustain its mission.

James Thurber taught us the value of finding humor and humanity in life’s challenges. Now, his legacy needs you. Together, we can ensure the Thurber House continues to inspire generations of writers, readers, and dreamers. Columbus, let’s write the next chapter one filled with imagination, resilience, and pride in our shared history.

Scarlet Letter Trivia

Question: How many led Christmas lights are used in the “Columbus Zoo Lights" display

A) 5.5 million
B) 3 million
C) 1.69 million
D) 4 million

Ebenezer Is Changing up Christmas Popups at Bottle Shop

🎄✨ Step into the Past with Ebenezer’s Holiday Pop-Up! ✨🎄

The Bottle Shop, nestled at 237 King Avenue, is bringing back its wildly popular holiday pop-up, Ebenezer’s, for another season of festive fun! Inspired by Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol, this quirky event blends Victorian charm with a cheeky, Gothic twist.

🍹 What to Expect:
Sip on Victorian-era-inspired cocktails, including historic recreations like hot mulled port wine punch—Scrooge’s favorite from the story’s heartfelt finale. New creations also make their debut this year, adding even more festive cheer to the menu.

🎁 The Vibe:
Step into a transformed space decked out with velvet drapery, black chandeliers, Krampus pillows, and even a mischievous elf-on-the-shelf skeleton. This year’s decor is bigger, bolder, and even more immersive.

📸 Capture the Magic:
Snap a photo with Ebenezer himself and soak up the eccentric holiday spirit that only Ebenezer’s can deliver.

⏰ Dates & Hours:
🎅 Open now through Christmas!
🕒 Monday-Thursday: 3-10 p.m.
🕒 Friday-Saturday: 3 p.m.-1 a.m.

Follow @thebottleshopcolumbus for updates, menu previews, and all the latest happenings. Don’t miss this unique, immersive celebration of the holiday season with a Dickensian twist!

#EbenezersPopUp #HolidayMagic #VictorianChristmas #ColumbusEvents #ChristmasCocktails

The Bottle Shop, located at 237 King Avenue between Victorian Village and South Campus, is bringing back its special holiday season pop-up this year called Ebenezer’s. Now in its second year, the pop-up is a nod to Charles Dickens’s iconic A Christmas Carol character, Ebenezer Scre.

Lazarus Lives On: Columbus’s Holiday Spirit Takes Root Again

The holidays in Columbus have always been synonymous with tradition, and no tradition captured the city’s imagination quite like Mr. Tree, the animated talking tree from Downtown’s Lazarus department store. While the flagship store has long since closed its doors, its whimsical spirit has been lovingly revived, bringing a touch of old-school holiday magic to a modern audience.

A Community Effort to Revive Magic

For decades, Mr. Tree wasn’t just a holiday decoration; it was a personality, bantering with wide-eyed children and grumpy last-minute shoppers alike. After years of being lost to time, the tree’s face—crafted by local art legend Gordon Keith—was rediscovered by Columbus artist Todd Reed. “Finding it was like unearthing a piece of childhood itself,” Reed said, describing the meticulous work of recreating Mr. Tree’s charm.

This isn’t just a one-man show, though. Mr. Tree’s rebirth has sparked a city-wide embrace of holiday nostalgia. At Buckeye Raceway, Mr. Tree headlines an immersive winter wonderland filled with over 100 Christmas trees, gingerbread villages, and even a life-sized abominable snowman. Meanwhile, the Columbus Metropolitan Library will host Mr. Tree as part of its Holiday Open House, featuring the iconic Huntington Holiday Train and live reindeer.

A City Rooted in Tradition

The Lazarus department store left a legacy that extends far beyond its iconic Talking Tree. As the first department store to feature escalators, air conditioning, and even bargain basements, Lazarus transformed how Americans shopped. But it was its holiday experience that etched it into the hearts of generations. Animated window displays, rooftop lights visible for miles, and the joyful chaos of crowded aisles made it a magical destination. For many, visiting Lazarus wasn’t just shopping—it was an event.

The revival of Mr. Tree taps into this collective memory, reminding Columbus of its vibrant past while fostering new traditions. It’s proof that a city’s spirit doesn’t reside in buildings or brand names—it lives in the stories and moments we pass down..

Keep the Magic Alive

This year, as Mr. Tree smiles down at a new generation of kids, Columbus is showing how nostalgia and creativity can breathe life into history. Whether you’re revisiting your own childhood or creating new memories with your family, there’s no better time to join in the tradition. After all, the holidays in Columbus aren’t just about presents—they’re about presence.

Trivia Answer:

B: 3 Million: Thats a lot of Lights