Where laughter, learning, and literature meet.

James Thurber was born and raised in Columbus. He attended the Ohio State University and later worked for the main local newspaper. All in all, except for a brief stint with the American Embassy in Paris, he called Ohio’s capital home until his 31st year. Even then, he never really left. Thurber lived with his parents and brothers at 77 Jefferson Avenue during his college years, from 1913-1917. This is the building that houses the museum.

Thurber House and Museum. 77 Jefferson Avenue.

The first two floors are open for tours; the top floor is reserved for the current Writer-in-Residence.

Entryway chair. Go ahead and try it out, if you please.

The house is furnished and decorated in appropriate period style. Unlike typically uptight museums, at the Thurber House you are encouraged to make yourself right at home. You can touch (most) things, play the piano, even sit on chairs. Such intimate interaction makes the experience personal and human, even humorous. I think that James would approve. Thurber memorabilia is spread throughout, with the largest concentration displayed in an upstairs room.

You can sit down and play a tune here.

Come on, I know that you want to give No, No, Nanette a try.

Adorable Thurber dog.

James Thurber’s dog illustrations are iconic, in all their forms. There are several of these yellow fellows around the museum. I think they are cookie jars, but I do not really know. Continue reading →