Hanby House

Westerville Historical Society
160 West Main Street
Westerville, OH 43081
614-891-6289 1-800-600-6843

"Up on the Housetop reindeer paw
Out Jumps dear ol' Santa Claus."

--Benjamin R. Hanby
First published October 1866 as Santa Claus , known as the immortal Christmas song, Up On The Housetop

This is the home of Benjamin Russell Hanby, composer of numerous songs-- Darling Nellie Gray and Up On The Housetop . Hanby played many roles in his life; student, abolitionist, father, teacher, minister. But it was as a composer that we remember him.

The house was built in 1846 and occupied by the Hanbys from 1853 to 1870. It is on the National Register of Historic Places. The home contains furniture and personal items from the family. There is a walnut desk made by Hanby. The original plates for the first edition of Darling Nellie Gray and a large collection of sheet music and books are at the site. The house is maintained and operated by the Westerville Historical Society under agreement with the Ohio Historical Society.

LOCATION

The Hanby House is located at 160 West Main Street, between State Route 3 and Cleveland Avenue in Westerville, in Franklin County.