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Logan, Ohio: Ruins of Stewart's Folly

One-a-kind prototype for hurricane-proof homes. Made of cement, shaped like a ball, designed and built 1971-73 to be indestructible. Was a very solid ruin until someone burned it down on March 10, 2016. Now just a rubble ruin.

Address:
Chieftain Drive, Logan, OH
Directions:
On the north side of CR 33A/Chieftain Drive, about a quarter-mile west of the Kroger's supermarket on the west edge of town.
Hours:
2016: Burned down. Local health policies may affect hours and access.
Admission:
Free
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Visitor Tips and News About Ruins of Stewart's Folly

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Ruins.

Ruins of Stewart's Folly

We drove by Stewart's Folly and almost missed it. We knew they were ruins -- we just didn't realize how ruined.

[Robert Ferguson, 04/11/2019]
Stewart's Folly (aka the Round House)

On the night of March 10, 2016 Stewart's Folly was burned to the ground. State Fire Marshall's have been called to investigate possible arson.

[Sherry Conner, 03/13/2016]

We thought this was indestructable. Though the spherical shell of the abandoned building was concrete, accumulated debris inside probably fueled the fire. Photos show nothing left but a pile of rubble.

Ruins of Stewart's Folly.

Ruins of Stewart's Folly

I did not expect this to be right up on the road and so easy to spot. Getting a picture was much tougher. This is a very touristy area, for being so rural, and a kayak livery is just down the street from Stewart's Folly. The first time we drove past, the road was parked full on both sides and impatient cars behind us kept us from creeping past slowly. The next morning there were big tree branches blocking any place to pull off without paying to park in the kayak lot. I recommend checking this one out during the colder months.

[Juliana, 07/15/2014]

Stewart's Folly.

Strange Concrete "Egg" Structure

I just returned from a leisure trip to the Hocking Hills area in Ohio, and took many photos of a delightfully strange-though-abandoned concrete structure that can best be described as egg-shaped. Approximately two stories in height, this well-built structure of indeterminate purpose or function is at least several decades old, and filled with all sorts of trash. The structure conjures up a cement mixer and even has a circular skylight sort of hole at the very top.

I cannot imagine for what reason this structure was built and to what extent it was inhabitable.

[Chris Richardson, 04/06/2013]

Known locally as "The Round House" and "Stewart's Folly," it was built in the early 1970s as a prototype for a home that would survive fires, tornadoes, and hurricanes. The visionary who built it died decades ago, but his invincible house still stands.


Nearby Offbeat Places

Pencil Sharpener MuseumPencil Sharpener Museum, Logan, OH - < 1 mi.
World's Largest Washboard and FestivalWorld's Largest Washboard and Festival, Logan, OH - 1 mi.
Mini-Bethlehem in a WindowMini-Bethlehem in a Window, Logan, OH - 2 mi.
In the region:
Globe in Hands Headstone, New Albany, OH - 42 mi.

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