Sells Circus House
This spectacular Romanesque style home was built in 1895 by architect Frank Packard … who also designed many homes and fraternity houses in the University District. Peter Sells, one owner of the Sells Brothers Circus, had the home built for his wife Mary – who – ironically – hated the circus! It was here in the Sells Mansion, that Mary’s affairs and scandalous marriage played out in Columbus’ daily papers. In fact, some have speculated that had Sells not designed a home so reminiscent of a “big top”, perhaps their marriage would have faired better.
Unlike Mary, many people loved the Sells Brothers Circus. Featuring acts such as Annie Oakley, it was one of the largest traveling entertainments units after the Civil War well into the 20th century. In 1906, the Sells Circus Empire became the Ringling Brothers Circus.
Location
755 Dennison Ave, Columbus, OH 43215, USA, Columbus, Ohio, 43215
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