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Historic
Hilltop Bean Dinner History
Lois Neff Historian
Copyright 2002
Bean Dinners became
popular events after the Civil War (1865). Veterans from the war both
north and south would gather for reunions and cook simple food in the
style of the campaigns - beans and coffee. These events came across the
Ohio River from Kentucky and West Virginia into southern Ohio. Soon,
politicians running for local offices looked at the Bean Dinners as a way
to meet and greet residents in one location. Strong coffee mixed well with
politics!
Previous to the 1930s,
the Hilltop Businessmen’s Association would sponsor yearly picnics at
Buckeye Lake. Residents and businessmen would ride on trolleys and the
inter-urban for the daylong event. In the mid-1930s, the men of the
Hilltop Businessmen’s Association searched for an alternate way to thank
their customers for their business throughout the year. At the time, most
businesses closed on Wednesday afternoons for the Hilltop Businessmen’s
Association meeting.
The idea of a “Bean
Dinner” was put forth; the event could be held in Westgate Park. After a
few years, the Bean Dinner was held on three days - Wednesday, Thursday,
and Friday, from noon until around 9 PM. Beans were cooked in large pots
on open fires, and any businessman could display their goods or hand out
samples. Families looked forward to getting free yardsticks from Hardware
Stores, etc. Children’s toys and trinkets were also sold. As the event
progressed, Bean Queens were chosen and wrestling events became a great
draw. Who can forget the greased pole where teenagers tried for prizes?
During the late 1950s
and early 1960s, carnivals were added as attractions, drawing persons
from areas other than the Hilltop. Trouble ensued as security became a
problem; unrest at local high schools contributed to the mix. By the early
1970s, it was decided to cancel the Bean Dinner, not only for the
security problems but also due to the decline of businesses on the
Hilltop. Great Western Shopping Center and then Westland Mall drew
businesses away from West Broad Street and Sullivant Avenue.
In 1981, a renewed
Hilltop Business Association started the Bean Dinner again. The first one
was located at Franklin Heights High School; then, wanting to return to
the Hilltop, permission was granted from the Columbus Parks and Recreation
Department to have it at Westgate Park again. Unfortunately, stipulations
came with this agreement - no open fires any more, contracts to be signed,
and fees to be paid. The Hilltop Business Association has worked
diligently to maintain this community event for Hilltoppers. Many folks
return from many areas to see old friends and visit. It is truly a
reunion, as the first Bean Dinners were! |
Every 4th Saturday in June
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Westgate Park |
