Oral History, John Snouffer

In this oral history, recorded at the Old Rectory (50 W. New England Ave.) on October 23, 2019, John Snouffer reflects on his childhood growing up in the Colonial Hills neighborhood of Worthington. He reminisces on many aspects of life in the neighborhood in the 1950s and ‘60s, including school, daily life, celebrations, family and friends.

John describes going to kindergarten, which was held at a private residence, then attending Colonial Hills Elementary School. He talks about the sports and games he played with his friends. Of particular note was the large Fourth of July celebration held every year by the neighborhood. John describes the large block party and parade that always preceded the fireworks.

He also describes the original shelter house in Selby Park, which housed a ping-pong table and was used for crafts programs. Selby Park was also used to show outdoor movies and hold dances for the older children.

Among the other activities he describes are biking from Colonial Hills to Graceland Shopping Center, which used to hold carnivals with Ferris wheels and other rides; sledding down “Devil’s Hill” near Rush Run Creek; and visiting the post office, which was in a private residence at the corner of Meadoway Park and Park Boulevard. He also shares his recollections on how events and cultural forces of the era, such as the Vietnam War, the assassination of President Kennedy and the Fair Housing Act of 1968, affected his neighborhood.