Editor’s Note: This story was originally published on Richland Source in 2015.
MANSFIELD — Go to the corner of Second and Walnut and you’ll find a pretty quiet place: folks sitting on the porch; a little slow coming and going; some friendly low-key conversation.
As of 2015, it’s the West Park Senior Center.
Had you reached that same destination in 1930s you could expect a very different level of activity with lots of folks streaming up and down the stairs all day, lawyers and judges exchanging variable sentiments, and periodic fire trucks racing out the back with alarming volume.
In 1926 this corner is where Mansfield built its Municipal Building.
For 50 years in the life of our city this corner was the hive which taxpayers, attorneys, politicians and plaintiffs circled. A
fter all that hubbub and anxiety the corner of Second and Walnut deserved a rest, and gratefully today breathes a sigh of relief.
Photos from the collections of Phil Stoodt, Mark Hertzler and Richland County Chapter Ohio Genealogical Society.
