Visit Westerville

Fairs, Festivals & Amusement Parks

Footprints Across Time

By Artist Jill Chronister

Mural Location: North High Brewing | 250 S. State Street                                                                                                                                                       Located on the far left wall of the front exterior

My mural evokes the timeless echoes of cherished community gathering spots passed down through generations. On the left, it captures the distant thrill of a day at the racetrack pulsing with energy, blended with the colorful tents of county fairs and the hushed excitement of anticipation. The arrival of electricity brings transformation: the electric trolley draws the viewer's eye toward a vibrant amusement park aglow with lights and bustling attractions. Yet, as the sun sets in the background, so too did those rides and spectacles eventually fade, though the enduring spirit of togetherness never dimmed.

Today, that same land thrives as a modern community, where neighbors connect on the very ground once alive with celebration. Through this work, the painting illustrates how places continually evolve, while the fundamental human longing to gather, rejoice, and feel a sense of belonging remains eternal and unchanging.

Jill Chronister is a multidisciplinary artist based in Ashland, Ohio, known for blending realism with a touch of whimsy to create murals that spark curiosity, connection, and joy. Working across traditional and digital mediums, Jill specializes in large-scale murals that celebrate community, history, and storytelling.

From corporate installations to charitable projects for children’s hospitals, her work is rich with detail, subtle symbolism, and warmth—inviting viewers to look closer and discover the stories woven into each piece. Through her art, Jill brings imagination to life while honoring the people and places that shape a community.

Learn more about Jill at instagram.com/jillcartist

From 1871 to 1906, Westerville had a fair on 30 acres just east of today’s Whittier Elementary School. There were exhibition halls, bicycle and foot races, trained animal shows, brass bands, a hypnotist, a prettiest baby competition, and hot-air balloon rides. A half-mile racetrack offered cash prizes. In 1892, a racehorse named Rowdy Boy fell dead after one of his heats and was buried in the center of the track.

The village of Minerva Park sits where Minerva Amusement Park and Casino operated from 1895 to 1902. Named after the Columbus Central Railway Company president’s wife, the park was meant to boost ridership along the new electric railway connecting Columbus and Westerville. A dammed ravine created a lake for row boats, including a few swan boats. Visitors could seek thrills on the roller coaster, carousel, and other rides. The grounds also included a dance pavilion, casino for theatrical performances, stone water tower, zoo, gardens, and more.