4. FISH LOGS Tiles
This story is part 4 (of 5) that ultimately leads to “A Field Guide to Street Tiles and Other Literal Street Art of the Queen City.”
Last year, “House of Hades” tiles once again began appearing in downtown Cincinnati. The mysterious pieces of street art, which take inspiration from the original “Toynbee tiles,” have been a favorite subject of mine over the years. Thanks to the weather of this past winter, it seems like those latest examples may have finally “cured.” I’ll check on them all eventually, but for now: another form of tiles has emerged. This time in a different neighborhood and bearing a very specific, local reference.
Old Timber Inn mural.
November 2023
I really wish I could tell you the history of The Old Timber Inn, but I didn’t (and still don’t) like seafood. And despite my affection for cool, old restaurants in my home city—I never stepped foot in the place. As soon as I saw the top photo on Google Maps, though, I was filled with instant regret (thank you, “john s,” for uploading it five years ago):
Image via john s on Google Maps.
It was as if I’d missed out on something I’d never known I wanted. Then I read this great essay in City Beat by Madge Maril which details colorful conversations with the owner.
My heart began to ache even more.
Some folks wish they could go back in time to meet historical figures or witness monumental events. I just wish I could go back in time to see the “FISH LOGS” place.
FISH LOGS yarn bomb.
September 2023
I (and many others) called it that because that’s all the sign out front ever said. Just a simple advertisement for the signature dish: “FISH LOGS.”
True, there was a mural on the wall with the establishment’s real name, but it was hard to focus on that when the bright, yellow sign along the main drag was hawking some sort of delicacy that didn’t sound real. And despite the thousands of times I drove, cycled, or skated by—I never went in.
Thankfully, there’s a few great accounts of a now closed business and the food it was famous for. In addition to the City Beat piece, local “food etymologist” Dann Woellert (who I spoke with for this story on root beer stands), has a wonderful write-up on the Old Timber Inn. A business that always appeared closed, but didn’t really shutter until a few years ago when it seems, sadly, the proprietor passed away.
All this to say that the sign was an iconic sight within one of the city’s more interesting neighborhoods and in true Northside fashion: a “yarn bomb” appeared to honor it once it was gone.
FISH LOGS yarn bomb.
September 2023.
The knitted remembrance lasted until the building’s new owners affixed a more permanent tribute:
Updated tribute version of the FISH LOGS sign.
February 2024
Those aren’t the only examples of recognition, however, as someone has also recently utilized the artistic methods of the Toynbee tiles to honor the former landmark. Thanks to friend and Northside resident Michael Griffith (I still owe you a beer)—I was introduced to the FISH LOGS tiles:
(From L to R and top to bottom) the first FISH LOGS tile No. 1 as seen in September 2023, November 2023, and February 2024.
FISH LOGS tile No. 2.
February 2024
They may be a bit smaller and a bit more crude than the “original” tiles, but they’re nonetheless just as great—appearing to “cure” much slower than their high-trafficked cousins downtown. A fitting tribute to the creative and artistic community they’re found within.
FISH LOGS tile No. 1 as seen on March 6, 2024.
FISH LOGS tile No. 2 as seen on March 6, 2024.
Hopefully the Old Timber Inn will be reborn (rumors suggest it could be). I’ll probably pass on the fish logs, but I’d love to sit at that bar across from the mounted swordfish and raise a toast to the place’s history.
Update | March 17, 2024:
A third FISH LOGS tile has been located in Northside:
Update | August 25, 2025:
I came across what appears to be have been fourth FISH LOGS tile today, but one that didn’t “survive” for long:
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