The gingerbread houses that are on display at the Ohio Union

Winter and the holidays have officially arrived when one can view and make edible houses made out of gingerbread. Some believe that gingerbread houses originated from the famous Grimm fairytale, “Hansel and Gretel” published in the early 1800’s. In this story, two children are abandoned in the forest and come upon a house made entirely of bread and other candies.  As the story became popular and despite the dark nature of the story, German bakers began making intricate houses made out of gingerbread modeled after the house discovered by these children.

Today, this tradition is still very popular. Individuals of all ages still enjoy in the designing and making of their own unique gingerbread house. St. Stephen’s Community House has taken this idea to use it as a way to get people and businesses from all over the Columbus area to help raise money and awareness about their cause. St. Stephen’s Community House is dedicated to helping the Columbus community by offering child care as well as other neighborhood services.

Their Gingerbread Fantasy event offers individuals a chance to see gingerbread houses made by different groups and businesses around Columbus.  Businesses from Giant Eagle to Cake Creations are competing for your vote as best gingerbread house. The Ohio Union has some of these gingerbread houses on display on the second floor near the Danny Price Student Lounge. Others are on display are Easton Town Center and the Shops at Worthington Place. This event helps raise money for the Youth Service Program run by St. Stephen’s.

Be sure to stop by the Ohio Union to vote! The gingerbread houses will be on display till January 4 2015. You can also go online to vote and see the rest of the awesome designs that have been created. Visit the St. Stephen’s voting page online.  If you vote, you are registered for a chance to win a shopping spree at Easton Town Center!  For more information about St. Stephen’s Community House check out their website and learn about all that they do for the Columbus community.

Make sure you vote for your favorite either in person, online, or via txt!

One of best rivalries in sports resumes Saturday, when Ohio State and Michigan meet on gridiron for the 111^th time.

This famed rivalry did not get started on the football field, but rather a conflict over the Toledo Strip.  The conflict erupted when both Ohio and Michigan claimed Toledo as a part of their statehood petition. After a brief and bloodless battle, Ohio gained the disputed area from Michigan

This incident increased tension between the two states for over 60 years before the two teams met on the field for the first time in 1897. Since then, the rivals have met every year on for their last regular season game.

With such a long and historic rivalry, there are many traditions from their meetings. Ohio State started the “Gold Pants” tradition in 1942. Each Ohio State player and coach receives a gold miniature charm depicting a pair of football pants after a victory over the Michigan Wolverines. Many former football players recall receiving their Gold Pants as their most memorable part of their careers at Ohio State.

In addition to these gold pants, football players can secure their place in Ohio State lore by a great game against Michigan. One player who had standout games against Michigan was Archie Griffin.  During Archie’s senior year 1975, Ohio State came back from behind and beat Michigan 21-14. That was the year that Archie Griffin won his second Heisman trophy. That trophy is on display outside the Great Hall at the Union.

In recent years, the rivalry has taken a turn in Ohio State’s favor. Ohio State has won the last nine out of ten meetings with Michigan. Saturday will be another chance for Ohio State to extend that streak to three consecutive wins under Urban Meyer and have bragging rights for the next year.  The game kicks off at noon at Ohio Stadium! Go Bucks!

For those interested in more information about the rivalry, check out the video below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=irqM7BHhlKc

Block O on baseball card of Alice Hohlmayer

The Block O Contest is officially over! Thanks to everyone who responded to our earlier post with a guess as to how many Block O’s there are in the Ohio Union.  After scouring through the building, the total number of Block O’s from the 3^rd floor to the basement comes to 625. Ranging in location from the chandeliers on the ceiling to a baseball card in a hallway,

Block O’s can be found on every floor. Not only are they etched into Ohio State tradition, they are etched into the Ohio Union itself.

Chandelier in the Ohio Union

Floor tile outside the Archie M. Griffin Grand Ballroom

When visiting the Ohio Union be sure to keep your eyes peeled eyes peeled and see how many Block O’s you can find!

Block O on 3rd floor wall

The winner of the contest will be notified via email. Thanks again to all who participated!