I’ve just returned from Marietta, Ohio. You may not have heard of it, but it’s one of the most charming towns I’ve seen. I didn’t say city, for this is clearly no cosmopolitan place. It is a town, a truly all-American small town. And as such, it’s just plain lovely.
And what may be most charming about it is that I don’t think Marietta realizes how charming and extraordinary it really is. That’s partly because it’s seen a population growth of nearly 0% over the past 20 years. Coming from a place that’s experienced nearly 100% growth over the same period, that sounds delightful!
But it’s not just this quiet consistency that make Marietta so inviting. It’s the downtown, full of stunning architecture, which boasts a thriving Front Street, facing on the Ohio River.
We go to visit friends, who we helped move from Maryland to Ohio nearly 25 years ago. As we’ve returned to visit them, we’ve watched the town evolve as their family grew. We’ve become charmed by it and return each time contemplating how pleasant it would be to live there.
After Mass on Sunday, I strolled back to my car and just had to snap these pictures to share with you the loveliness of it all. (Please excuse the quality of the photos, as I only had my iPhone with me.)
I had parked my car right in front of this porch and it’s garden.
Here’s the whole house. Note the amazing curved front.
A couple doors down was this lavender charmer.
The attention to details is part of what sets this town apart.
And this is the delightful front porch (which people actually use in this town!). Isn’t it decorated with such flair? The leaded glass filling in the end of the porch, the mirror hung by the door, the inviting furniture arrangement all draw you to it. I would have loved to drop in and share a glass of lemonade with this creative decorator!
The view of the dome of St. Mary’s, across the street from these houses
Another view of the curved-front house. This image shows the extraordinary architecture more clearly.
St Mary’s front entrance. Not at all what you’d expect from a quiet little town in Ohio. And the interior is even better!
What’s tempting is that many of these houses have For Sale signs out front. This 1903 Cape Cod boasts twin french doors leading onto the porch, and a front garden just perfect for hydrangeas. (Yes, I’ve thought about it . . .)
Detail of the french doors.
Want something a little larger? This 1919 beauty is also for sale, and has a pretty bricked patio and finished basement (for $269,000!)
And they all have such lovely yards.
But this butter-yellow brick beauty is really my favorite. (and it already has hydrangeas!)
This is it’s front. Don’t you just want to move in?! If this one were for sale, I’d probably have Chip packing us up already.
sigh . . .
And just look down the street!
It was 4th of July weekend, and all the flags were flying.
I think I need this wrought iron fence and gate.
And if you like something more formal . . .
And, oh the porches! This one is on an early 19thC white brick home. These porches gaze off into the ethereal town cemetery. Sounds creepy, but it’s absolutely lovely in a Midnight-in-the-Garden-of-Good-and-Evil kinda way.
The House of Seven Porches. Though only these four are apparent from the street, it does make one anxious to see the rest.
And did I mention that Marietta is a college town? To top it all off, Marietta has the vibrancy and engaging activities that come with having a thriving college located in the middle of town.
Bottom line – if you’re ever in Ohio (a haven for great vintage finds), drop in on Marietta. Take a stroll down front street, breath in the beauty of the scenic river view, and enjoy the shaded streets with their exceptional collection of fine architecture.
Do you know of an exceptionally charming, yet little-known town? I’d love to hear about it.
Thanks for reading,
Virginia
The Chartreuse Life 
Thanks for sharing. I love old houses!! THose look so beautiful!!!
They are, Julie! And there are blocks of them. This town is such a treat.
i grew up in marietta and my parents still live on sacra via 🙂 i have had the priviledge of spending a lot of time in several of the homes shown, but especially the house with seven porches. marietta is beautiful. i feel very fortunate to have grown up in such a quaint place…
What a treat that so many of you who have commented have been inside The House of Seven Porches! I’d love to get inside myself!
I remember going to the house of seven porches for a Girl Scout outing. There was a slide built into the hill in the backyard and they’d give you a piece of wax paper to take your turn sliding.
What a hoot that must have been!
That was my house growing up, Jenny and the slide was part of a larger swingset. It was metal and rusty do my mom had us use wax paper to slide down. So glad it’s one of your childhood memories too. I’ve loved Virginia’s angle on Marietta.
I’m from Ohio (northeast), but I’ve never been to Marietta. I’ve lived in the Washington, DC, area for many years, and my husband and I are thinking about places to retire. DC is very expensive. Perhaps I should think about returning to Ohio. Thanks so very, very much for your post and the lovely photos. I’m Catholic too, so wouldn’t it be lovely to walk across the street to mass. Thanks again — DELIGHTFUL!
So true, Marilyn! The area right around St. Mary’s is my favorite. The 1919 house is right across a cobbled, tree-lined street from the church. It may just have your name on it!
Marilyn,
Come visit Marietta. You will find our town to be a great retirement town option. I’d be happy to show you around even.
Marilyn, if you are Catholic then you must visit Marietta and go to Mass at St. Mary’s. This is the parish where I grew up and where I attend Mass when visiting family (we live in Dayton now.) The interior of the church was restored in 2009 for the 100th anniversary of the church. The result is STUNNING. See the piece on the “New Liturgical Movement” blog http://www.newliturgicalmovement.org/2009/08/renovations-st-mary-church-marietta.html. You will also find that the Holy Mass is celebrated in a beautiful and orthodox style–without being old-fashioned.
St. Mary’s is extraordinary – worth a visit, even you aren’t Catholic.
During the Christmas season, St Marys always hosts the Messiah, put on by Marietta College, a long tradition, with the community volunteering for many of the chorus positions. The acoustics in the church are unbelievable. It is a night my husband and I look forward to all year.
I would LOVE to attend that! How beautiful. I agree that the acoustics at St. Mary’s are exceptional.
Thanks for sharing! Great pictures! Marietta is now on my list of places I must stop & ENJOY!
You’ll love it!
I live about half an hour in the country in Athens Co . I prefer to live in the country but if i were to live in town i would pick Marietta. I was born there and agree it is a beautiful town with a great downtown area and lots of fun activities thruout the year.
Thank you for sharing such beautiful pictures, I was born and raised in Marietta and miss it dearly!! As it usually happens, we move away because of work, and i have been gone from there since 1990. I will be going back in a couple of weeks for my class reunion and cant wait to see how things have changed. Even though we expect changes, Marietta always seems to remain the same ………….Thanks again!!
Candy
Enjoy your reunion, Candy.
The shops and businesses seem to change there often. The one I miss most was a quirky little shop on Front Street, owned by an older gentleman, which sold hard-to-find tea-making things and other items that an Anglophile would love. I used to stop in there every time we were in town, and still miss it. Do you remember that store?
I was born and raised in Marietta, and although I moved away many years ago, Marietta will always be home. My favorite store was a very eclectic collection of oddities including foods, kitchen gadgets, knick knacks, and just about anything you couldn’t find anywhere else. It was called Wendelken’s, and it was located on Front Street. I’m not sure if that was the same store you were thinking of, but it was definitely one of a kind! As is Marietta….I couldn’t think of a better place to grow up, and when I retire, I hope to find my way back home.
Yes! That’s the one!
That was probably Wendelkens…which no longer exists.But we do have a new Cook’s Shop on Front street that you might like.
That store was Wendelken’s! I miss it too!
I loved Wendelken’s, so eclectic. However, my favorite place was Brownie’s bakery! I’ve never had better doughnuts, so miss this place.
Virginia,
Thank you for taking the time to write about your Marietta adventures. I’m glad you enjoyed your visit.
Jeri
Thanks, Jeri. Your town is a gem.
Virginia
Hi! I live in Marietta and everything that Virginia has said is true (10 times over…..in my opinion). It’s a place where you get a smile and a hello from those you pass on the sidewalks. There are huge activities organized in town all most every weekend in the summer months and many in the fall, winter and spring as well. I’m originally from Maryland (suburb of Baltimore) and wouldn’t ever want to live anywhere else.
Stephanie, you’re so right. Everywhere we go, our friends run into happy, friendly people they know.
Virginia
You and your friends may enjoy these profiles of Marietta residents — the visuals are stunning!
Mike
Link to video profiles of Marietta residents…
http://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4_wQVzy0EoaRVG7xYfoOlQ
Thanks, Mike.
I lived in Marietta, too. I miss it everyday. 🙂 housing is unbelievably cheap, the town is gorgeous, and the people are awesome!
Is the store you mentioned, was it called Wendlekins or something like that? I loved that store too.
Yes! So sorry it’s gone. Apparently I wasn’t the only one who misses it.
a friend sent me the link to your blog. I grew up in the House of Seven Porches so I was delighted to see it featured. I love the way you look at what most people would take for granted in such a loving way. I live in Texas but I totally miss the front porches and the people in Marietta. What a gem it is!
Thanks for your kind words. And, by the way, Texas is pretty awesome, too!
I was babysat in your home when I was young. I remember it was a little girls dream. I would play dress up and with antique dolls in the cubby hole beneath the stairs. I remember using wax paper to slide and having tea and toast on the back porch. Jean was great friends with my grandmother Gert. That house was magical in the eyes of a child.
I moved to Marietta in 1996 from Northeast Ohio and fell in love with this town. It is a beautiful town and has the most friendly people around.
Marietta is my hometown! Moved away 34 years ago, and still call it “home”! Love this beautiful little place and am so glad it hasn’t been hit with a lot of change. It’s quaint and lovely home town feel located on two rivers is what makes it so unique and inviting. Love walking the sidewalks and taking in all the old homes and imagine what kind of stories lie within those old walls. Downtown is full of history and mystery too. Can’t wait to go back home!
A MARIETTA NIGHT’S DREAM
By Dan Benson June 2012
dbenson@suddenlink.net
As I think and dream of Marietta past,
What was it like and who was the cast?
What were the smells, the sounds the views,
Where did the people go like me and you?
I try to imagine the old dirt streets,
Mud filled, mushy after a rain no treat.
The clopping sound from horses when,
A buggy or wagon pass by in the wind.
Perhaps in the distance a steam whistle blows,
Announcing the arrival of steamboat what a show.
Folks came to the levee for delivery of goods,
Or together as community in mind as we would.
A cold night a lone person walks the streets,
The smell of coal piercing the air that he breaths.
Softly a bell rings in the downtown tonight,
From the college tower all is right.
Now making my way up Front Street I go,
Dry goods, cigars, a store with fancy clothes.
What would be the latest to see,
In windows back then for you and me.
The train makes way slowly from west to east,
Across the bridge clatter, squeaking, rumbling complete.
Heading into the Union Station it will go,
People awaiting to load and unload cargo.
Gas lights replaced by electric ones now,
Arches in place with lights simply wow.
Brick has been laid and the rail in place,
Is that the street car I see coming this way?
The buildings stay its occupant change,
Wares and services oh what a range.
Floods have devastated her a time or two,
She comes back stronger as if brand new.
These few thoughts it will always seem,
Are part of my wonder in an endless dream.
I love Marietta people and past,
From the depth of my soul I hope she lasts.
nice poem, Dan. you’ve really captured marietta then and now
I was raised in Marietta and my aunt owned The House of Seven Porches. You can see four of them on either side of the front room; a bedroom with access to the porches is above. The other three porches run all the way across the back of the house which is three stories in therear, since the ground slopes steeply from Fifth Street, which the house faces, to Fourth Street, the next street over.
The house was built in the 19th Century by a professor at Marietta College, one block away. An interesting feature are windows in the front room which reach to the floor. They can be raised and on summer days in olden times a dance might be held and the dancers could dance from the front room right out onto the porch.
The historic cemetery referred to right across the street is Mound Cemetery, named for an Indian Mound rising in the middle. More officers of the Revolutionary War are buried there than any where else.
The town is bathed in history, having been founded by Generals Israel and Rufus Putnam of Revolutionary War fame. Lafayette, on his farewell journey to the United States in the 1820s, came to Marietta and visited his old fellow officers there.
Wow! Thanks for the history lesson. The House of Seven Porches fascinates me. Thanks, also for the the description.
Thanks for the article! I work on Putnam Street in Marietta so I am in town everday and love it! 🙂
Hi Virginia. nice posting. Thanks for posting the pics of my house, the first set of the green house withe curved front. We have lived there since 1961 and my Mom still lives there. The interior is as pretty as the outside with lots of nice woodwork. It was built before 1850 and has 19 rooms. The windows still have the original stained-glass. The backyard has beautiful lanscaping and a Koi Pond. Thanks again, JJ
What a treat to grow up in such an extraordinary home! The garden and porch are so inviting, but the curbed wall just takes it over the top!
It is always lovely to read something written by a non-native of Marietta. Southeastern Ohio is lovely and different from what most people imagine. I grew up just a few miles from there and Marietta was “going to town” for us. I still have family and friends there. Thanks so much for the lovely article.
I always sees visiting Marietta as a treat. It’s a hidden treasure, deserving of attention.
The 1919 house is actually $299,000.
That’s what it said on one listing, but it appeared to be updated to the reduced price of $269,000. I suppose talking directly to the realtor would be the best idea. The sign (with phone number) is in one of the pictures.
Em, Do you remember Bob Jones? That first house, the one you parked in front of, is his Mom, Icee’s, house. Isn’t it beautiful. Her flowers are always lovely.
We – regretfully – live in Marietta and the architecture for the most part is wonderful, but there is no thriving downtown – there are no jobs of any quality and for the most part it is a very depressed area. For the majority of people living and struggling in this area, they would much rather be elsewhere.
I don’t live there, but when I visit, the downtown always has a fun feel to it. The shops are charming and the scenery great. I must admit, though, that we notice you never have to wait to be seated at a restaurant, even on a weekend, in Marietta. While that’s great for patrons, I realize that’s not great for the proprietors.
That really is the sad part, when we moved to CT when Walker shut down a lady that moved as well didn’t like it in CT so she went back. But she couldn’t find a job. She wound up moving back here even though she didn’t like it. My daughter and boyfriend would love to move there but know there are no jobs. Very sad, I feel for the folks trying to survive the economy there.
Perhaps if it gets noticed, others will come to visit and enjoy it, thereby helping to support the economy.
Jason I guess we have differing opinions on thriving. Thriving to me is Teri Ann’s being there for over 40yrs with multiple employees and the owned by the same family, thriving is Schafer’s Leather owned by the same family for 5 generations. Many other shops over 10 yrs old. Variety but not your “big name” stores. Each unique and supporting a family or employing several people. Our eateries may not have a waiting line, but they are busy. Until a serious illness caused me to close my shop, it was nothing to see over 700 people in my shop during one of the monthly artists walks. Workingman’s Store, Framing Gallery, Art with Heart, American Flags and Poles, Sudgens, Riverside Art Gallery, Putnam Chocolate, Kassel Music, Riverview Antiques, Marietta Antique Mall, Second St Antiques, Zides, Twisted Sisters, Swagg, H Rietz, Baker n Baker, Jewelry by Design, Goldline, My Favorite Things, Rossi Pasta, John Rossi Art, Third St Music, People’s News, Marietta Wine Cellar, Change of Adress, Turquoise Spirit, Carol G’s, Two Peas in a Pod, Renee’s Birkenstock.
Those are just the ones with more than 5 yrs under their belt and just in the 2 blocks from Greene to Putnam. To that you can add at least 4 new ones and more to come. That is thriving.
Becky, I do especially love that the chain stores haven’t shown up in Marietta. Stoked is much more personal than Starbucks. The shops along Front Street are always a treat. And it’s so much nicer to shop where the owner is there and takes a direct interest in their customers.
No chain stores downtown, but right at the edge, near the Interstate is a WalMarts, Lowes, etc.
What a unique concept too. It’s the family run stores that can give personalized service and fill a niche that nothing will ever be able to replace in Marietta. Marietta is also unique amongst small towns in Ohio for continuing to even have any kind of downtown. I’m sure Marietta has it’s share of challenges but kudos to the people who work really hard to maintain it as a historic tourist attraction
Well said, Jane.
There is so much history. The first “town” west and was started by many very prominent men who were in the war. Washington was there a number of times. Some trip if you haven’t already, call the library and they can tell you where you can go to get all the history, including what they know about the Indians for long history as well as building Marietta.
I’d love to learn more of Marietta’s history. Thanks for the tip.
I moved from Maryland to Marietta and lived there for almost 10 years, it was the kind of small town I always wanted to live in. We had to move because Walker shut down across the river. It took me 3 years to even try to get over leaving there, and after 7 years I still miss it. Such a wonderful place to live and raise a family, it is truly a gem!!!! When I left and came back over the Williamstown bridge and saw downtown Marietta, I felt such a sense of peace, I was home!!!! Sure do miss that lovely town, the people are just wonderful! New England is so cold and unfriendly so much of the time time.
It’s so good that you can return to visit, Debbie.
We actually did a couple years ago when our daughter was looking at colleges, it was wonderful, stayed at the Lafayette after going in there so many times. 🙂
One of these days I’d like to stay there. It looks like the views would be great.
I was blessed to be born there. Went to college and found a husband to bring back there. Left to live at the beach. We believe it is the most beautiful place we have ever lived. Thanks for a nice article.
We spent thirty-five years in Marietta and thirty years in the “lavender charmer” house on Fifth Street. It was yellow when we lived there and it has been beautifully restored by the people who bought it from us. Think we’ll move back in!
Richard,I remember when you lived in that house,it was just down from our house. I am Wilbur Jones and Icie Jones’ son, John.
My family has been in Marietta and Washington County almost from the beginning of settlement. 5 of 6 of mom’s children stayed and raised their families here. Of the 16 grandchildren raised here only 6 have remained, all the others moved to find jobs elsewhere and of her 19 great grandchildren, she only gets to watch 8 of them grow up. There are jobs in the area but there are not a lot of good raising families kind of jobs since a lot of the Plants closed. However, Marietta did not sit back and wait for a slow painful death. It continued to clean up and renovate the downtown area and invested in the historical value of the first settlement here, Harmar Village. Which is across the Muskingum River and there is a walking bridge off of Front street to Harmar and the really neat shops located there in more of our historic buildings. Marietta may not be growing again, yet; but we have staved off declining like so many other small towns have done. I love Marietta, I was glad to raise my family here and wish they could have stayed and raised their families here too. It’s a great place to visit but an even better place to live. Great article, thank you for writing it.
I too am from Marietta, but have been gone since 2003. Most of my family and many good friends still live here so I visit often. I love my hometown and am always telling people about it. My husband attended Marietta College and our plan is to retire there(granted we have quite a few yrs. ahead of us) Thanks so much for the kind words and sharing my town with others.
My pleasure, Jennifer.
Thanks for sharing all the wonderful stories. I to was born and raised in Marietta. My parents and about all of my family still live there. When I visit I miss the big old houses. I grew up going to St. Mary’s and parked my car near many of the houses that were pictured. I must say growing up I could not wait to ” get away” , however now so often wish that the economy would support my family gowing back to have my children grow up there. My grandparents lived right in downtown and my parents still live up on Harmar Hill overlooking the city. I have to say I have now lived in Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, Rhode Island and Massachussetts and it has a certain unique charm that still makes me call it “home”.
Isn’t it funny how our perspective changes as we age. Thanks for the insights.
I grew up in Marietta and have no desire to live anywhere else….I love that no matter where I go in this town….I see a familiar face and smile! I love that when we go to the Town House with our three children…we can sit in the same booth where my husband first told me he loved me…32 years ago….and the bartender was in on his surprise gift to me on our 25th anniversary. I love that Shane in the chocolate store reaches for the candy bin with my daughter’s favorites as soon as she walks in the door…I love that the mayor is a familiar face we went to high school with and the local dentist sings at the Sternwheel festival. I love the artist walks and the wing thing at the Lafayette, where you can sit down and talk to people you’ve known your whole life and see their children and grandchildren. I love that nearly every month there is a benefit dinner somewhere for someone with a need and there is always a great turnout.We live in a great town and I wouldn’t trade it! My husband has traveled the world with his job and every time he comes home he says, “We live in the best place on earth!”
.
What a great testament to your town. I’ve only ever visited, but have definitely felt the warmth you describe.
Your family is truly blessed to be able to live there, it is a great place to raise a family!! So many special things and events in this town, but the people are so special they make all the difference. Sure wish I could move back!
Marietta is such a beautiful town. I didn’t appreciate it growing up as much as I do now. I moved away about a year ago (to Cincinnati) and I miss it every day! If you’re on Facebook, you should check out a page called Hidden Marietta. A woman named Lynn runs it and she shows pictures and stories about Marietta every day from the 1800s to current Marietta. I love it, it’s a history lesson every day! Very cool to see what used to be there and what’s there now. For example, the rectory beside St. Mary’s Church used to be where the actual church is. It was a residential house. They literally moved it over to the left so they could build the church on the corner! It’s a very cool site.
I live in Marietta…have almost my entire life. St. Mary’s Church is now a minor basillica. I am a realtor in town and absolutely love the homes,especially on 5th Street. If anyone ever decides to move to Marietta, I would be pleased to sell you a home.
My father lives on the outskirts of Marietta, but works at one of the grocery stores there. I have always loved those old two story houses. They sure don’t make them like that anymore.
Some September you will have to go to Marietta for the Sternwheel festival. Quite a great show, paddle wheel races, best fireworks around. It is the weekend after labor day and the time when many of the high schools have their reunions. I grew up 27 miles north of Marietta on rte. 7 in New Matamoras. Home is always beautiful in October when the leaves turn as well – they reflect down off the foot hills in the glassy reflection of the Ohio river. There are lots of local establishments to visit, but sadly not a lot of family raising jobs. I only get to go home to visit my mom once a year, be we have our places we visit every time because they bring back such wonderful memories of growing up and I want my children to experience them as well.
Born and raised in newport 15 minutes from Marietta miss it every day. Just don’t have the history in Kansas that we have there. Besides everything you listed it also was the first seattlement in the northwest territory given to the revolutionary war officers after the war as part of their pay.
Hi I came across this blog today on Facebook. A lot of my friends that I went to school with at Marietta College have been passing this back and forth through there and love it. Thank you for sharing this.
Moved to Marietta because of work,loved it on our first visit. Bought in Devola newer home.Reired ”06”. Never considered moving.Enjoying the area.
Thanks Virginia for very your nice words about our little city. I was raised here in Marietta and will probably die here too. I hope a lot of our locals read your comments and realize what a beautiful city we live in. I think most of the people here just kind of take our town for granted. If hey traveled away from here maybe they could look back and see the real beauty homey comforting affect that it has on a person. I love Marietta and would never want to live anywhere else.
I graduated from high school about 18 miles east of Marietta (Beverly). Back then we were required to study Ohio history. I tell people where I’m from and nobody has ever heard of neither Marietta nor Beverly. It really blows their minds when I tell them that Marietta was the first permanent settlement in the Northwest Territory. Well, it’s true. Don’t believe me study your Ohio history, or now days I guess you google it. At any rate that part of Southeastern Ohio is a well kept secret. I miss it every day of my life.
What a wonderful tribute to Marietta, OH. I was born in Marietta, but live approx. 50 miles north east. We love visiting Marietta too!! It has so much to offer, as has been posted in all the above. My Mother actually worked in the County Court House there, in the late 1940’s. One of her favorite places, was the “Brownies Bakery.” We have lots of family and friends who have either lived, worked or just love visiting there.
I grew up not far from Marietta in a small town called Belpre. It’s about 20 mins down the highway. I still live here. It’s a much smaller town full of the same kind of history and lore. The kind of town where you go to kindergarten with the same kids you graduate with. Where everyone knows everyone and everyone’s parents. Belpre is so small the nearest walmart is a fifteen minute drive. It’s not much but it’s home. We have our small town festival in August, the Belpre homecoming. We have churches on almost every corner. Growing up we had block parties on our street where all the neighbors would come and enjoy each other’s company. It’s another unknown town, population 6,000, but it’s my hometown and I’ll probably be here til my dying day.
I live in the country outside the little town of Marietta. I have just retired from teaching preschool for 21 yrs. at the YMCA . We moved here from ND and contrast is unbelievable. In ND we were told you are an outsider and we made it before you came and we will make after you leave. In Marietta OH we were welcomed with open arms. We love our little town and its people. Times are tough but it is a comfort to spend everyday in a town that welcomes you with a smile and wants you to stay .
We sadly had to move from Marietta 9 years ago to New England and we sure weren’t greeted with the warmth and friendliness you find in Marietta. People in New England are not friendly and it is extremely hard to make friends even after 9 years. I still miss Marietta a lot, it was the kind of place I always wanted to live in and am so thankful for the opportunity to live there. I will cherish my memories always and would love to go back.
Thanks you so much for sharing these photos. I went to Marietta College Class of ’99. I absolutely LOVE this town. Long strolls that go one forever with this scenery. It made me realize how much I enjoyed it and miss this place. I can’t begin to tell you what 4 years of “exploring” showed me. Thank you, Monica
My mom is from Marietta & I have A LOT of family that still live there. It is a gorgeous town. I didn’t grow up there, but all my cousins did and I always loved the small, beautiful town when I would visit them. And my family all belongs to the St. Mary’s church. Many of them have been married there! Absolutely charming!
I loved finding this…even though it is an older post! I lived in Parkersburg, WV-15 min down the river from Marietta. When I needed a “me” day, Marietta was my refuge. I would walk through town & get lunch at the Old Time Bakery, browse through my favorite stores (Simple Pleasures-you MUST check it out!) & then walk over to Harmar Village-an even older section of town that is accessible by walking bridge. Spagna’s & the Boathouse BBQ are 2 of my favorite places to eat & they are both located over there.
Until this past Summer when I moved a town over I lived in Marietta my entire life. The sad thing is that a lot of the younger people who live here don’t appreciate it and are always talking about how they can’t wait to get out of here. Ironically, though, they seem to always end up coming back. 🙂 Thank you for posting this! If you haven’t seen it already and are on Facebook, I HIGHLY recommend checking out the page called “Hidden Marietta”. It has TONS of awesome pictures, old and new, and a TON of awesome information about the history of this town that most of the locals don’t even know! https://www.facebook.com/HiddenMarietta
Thank you for this beautiful description of my lovely college town. If you are ever in the Philly area you should stop in my home town of Swarthmore! I truley believe I went to Marietta because the town reminded me so much of home
I am only 25 and have lived in Marietta my whole life. If you want to enjoy an amazing Marietta experience, then please come to the sternwheeler festival in September. We have it every year. This small town becomes booming with life, with streets blocked off, live music, and so much more. Best part, about a 30 minute mesmerizing fireworks display on the river on Saturday night. I may not have the perfect situation in this beautiful town, but it’s home, and I imagine an amazing place to visit.
Loved seeing these photos. I live off of Washington Street so I walk by these houses daily. We just started renting one of these charming homes and are offering to buy it soon. I have lived here in the Marietta area my whole life (26 years). I have always wanted to move away – however the older I get the more I love the quietness of it all. I do love going on vacation to ‘get away’ from it all…but I always end up back here. Now that I live right ‘in town’ instead of on the outskirts…I find it even more enjoyable. So close to everything…and I love being able to walk the streets and get my exercise. Front street is absolutely gorgeous…a lovely little town for sure. However, most citizens here would say “I’d rather live somewhere else”. Lovely town – and lovely people. 🙂 Glad you enjoyed your stay!
I also was born and raised in Marietta. Went to college and brought back a husband and lived there 25 years! We left for a beach life! Now after two other places would return back but have no children near there. As we get older being near family becomes more important. We talk often that Marietta is the most beautiful place we have ever lived. We always look forward to visiting dear friends and family there. My husband thinks of Marietta as his hometown!
What a special place!
I don’t live in Marietta but my brother Jim did until his wife Glenna passed away. Marietta is a beautiful little town.
Born and raised in this small town. I can say first hand that if work was there I would never have left some 28 years ago. But I will say it has changed some for the good and for the bad. But thank you for showing me my childhood.
My mom (Evey Swartz) grew up in Marietta in the 1940s and 1950s. She left right after high school but goes back every few years for reunions and to visit her friends. I can’t believe I’ve never been. The downtown looks lovely.
The problem with Marietta, as you have pointed out, is that it is stuck about 50-100 years ago. The world has moved on, but NOT Marietta. Here in Marietta you will still find RAMPANT racism and conscious classism. Outsiders are NOT made to feel welcome… unless they are willing to shell out big bucks on main street in overpriced boutiques. New ideas and forward thinking is frowned upon. The mere implication that Marietta might be a little backwards is met with outrage rather than consideration. The reason why the first settlement in the Northwest Territory never ever grew to the size and status that it should and could have is that the snotty, self-serving, and holier-than-thou wanted to keep their town just the way it was, where the poor knew their place and the minorities knew to not show their faces. The biggest shame? That Marietta is so isolated and stuck on itself that it doesn’t realize this at all!
What a shame that “sees the faults” is so bitter. We moved to Marietta in 1989 and have always felt welcome. My husband and I met at Marietta College and moved back after the birth of our second child. I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else. I have yet to experience anything that the sad person sees. I am sorry for you because I think you have other issues and it isn’t because of Marietta.
Marietta is one of our favorite spots and is only about an hour away. If you visit my blog, http://www.gypsyroadtrip.com , you will find several posts from some of my favorite places in Marietta. Right now I’m working on a blog post about a recent “Marietta Vice” walk there. The beautiful Ohio River makes it even more enticing!
Marietta is the unique Town Jewel of the planet. The town itself is wonderful…what makes it so special are the people who live there. It sets an example for all to see and wish for.
Thank you, Virginia, for such a wonderful description of Marietta, Ohio. This lovely town is where I was born and grew up, as did my father.
I am pleased to know that you enjoy visiting my hometown.
We visit friends there a couple times a year, and I enjoy it so much!