Wonderful Westerville Life

Reminiscent of the classic tale depicted in "It's a Wonderful Life," Westerville, once a picture of prosperity, faced its darkest hour in the wake of the 1929 market crash. It was a golden era for Westerville, marked by flourishing businesses and a community brimming with optimism. The completion of 3C Highway a few years before helped bring greater prosperity to the city. However, this idyllic scene was soon overshadowed by the financial crisis.

Black Friday in 1929 marked the onset of this crisis, signaling the beginning of the Great Depression. Despite the national turmoil, Westerville initially remained seemingly unscathed, retaining a calm facade amidst the storm.

The full impact of the economic downturn hit the city on November 25, 1931, just two days before Thanksgiving. The Bank of Westerville was taken over by the State Superintendent of Banks plunging the town into a state of economic shock, the likes of which many had never experienced.