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Sells House

The grand house located at 755 Dennison Avenue was built by Peter Sells, who co-owned Sells Brothers Circus. The circus was one of the largest circuses in the United States in the late 1800s and featured Annie Oakley. The circus’ winter camp was located in Columbus near where the Lennox Town Center is located on Olentangy River Road.

The house was built by Peter Sells as a peace gesture for his wife, Mary, who disliked the circus. The house became famous when Mary was caught having an affair with William Bott, a friend of Peter Sells. The scandal lead to a very public trail.

The Sells Brothers Circus was eventually sold to James Bailey, of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey fame.