Nomination for Springfield Township School

From the form

The catalogue entry the section above was filed under.

United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Registration Form This form is for use in nominating or Requesting determinations for individual properties and districts. See instructions in How to Complete the National Register of Historic Places Registration Form (National Register Bulletin 16A). Complete each item by marking "x" in the computer, to complete all items. 1. Name of Property historic name Springfield Township School other names/site number Springfield Local High School, Ontario High School, Ontario Middle School 2. Location street & number 3560 Park Avenue West N/A - not for publication city or town N/A O vicinity code OH 3.

State/Federal Agency Certification As the designated authority under the National Historic Preservation Act, as amended, 1 hereby certify that this nomination C Signature of certifying official/Title Ohio Historic Preservation Office - OH SHPO State of Federal agency and bureau In my opinion, the property meets does not meet the National Register criteria. ([] See continuation sheet for additional 4. National Park Service Certification I hereby certify that the property is Date of Action Eentered in the National Register. - See continuation street. -determined not eligible for the Dremoved from the National -other, (explain:) comments.) Date state Richland zip code_44906 Ontario Ohio Register. National Register applicable."For functions, architectural classification, materials, and areas of significance, enter only categories and subcategories from the instructions.

Place additional entries and narrative items on continuation sheets (NPS Form 10-900a). Use a typewriter, word processor, or code OH county_ laces and meets the procedural and professional requirements set forth in 36 CFR Part 60. In my opinion, the property X] meets oes not meet the National Register criteria. I recommendthat this propertybe considered significant nationally statewide f ocally. (XkSee continuation sheet for additional comments.) Barlau, I Signature of the keeper appropriate box or by entering the information requested. If an item does not apply to the property being documented, enter "N/A" for "not 139 mack182003 Name of Property County and State 5.

Classification Ownership of Property Category of Property Number of Resources within Property (Do not include previously listed resources in the count.) X private X building(s) - public-local - district - public-State - public-Federal - Structure - Object Name of related multiple property listing Number of contributing resources previously listed in the National Register 6. Function or Use Historic Functions Current Functions (Enter Categories from instructions) EDUCATION / School VACANT / NOT IN USE 7.

Description Second Renaissance Revival Brick, Stone Steel, Wood, Aluminum Narrative Description (Describe the historic and current condition of the property on one or more Continuation sheets.) See continuation sheets Richland County, Ohio Noncontributing foundation other Site Total roof Concrete walls Metal Materials Brick Architectural Classification Springfield Township School (check as many boxes as apply) (Check only one box) (Enter "N/A" if property is not part of a multiple property listing.) NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018 (Rev. 10-90) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET Springfield Twn. School, Richland County, Ohio State/Federal Agency Certification This continuation sheet serves to outline the previous reviews and opinions rendered for the Springfield Township School.

A Historic Preservation Certification Application - Part 1 for the Springfield Township School in Richland County, Ohio was reviewed by the Ohio Historic Preservation Office on March 12, 2002. Based upon the information submitted the Ohio Historic Preservation Office determined that the property did not appear to meet the National Register Criteria and did not retain sufficient integrity to be nominated to the National Register of Historic Places. This opinion was based upon changes made to the property including a one-story cafeteria addition to the front elevation of the building and alterations to the main entrance and windows. The historical information about the school and its role in the local educational history and development did not adequately support the significance of the property.

The Technical Preservation Services of the National Park Service agreed with the state's opinion and denied the Part 1 on April 9, 2002. A National Register nomination was prepared for the Springfield Township School and was reviewed by the Ohio Historic Site Preservation Advisory Board at their December 6, 2002 meeting. At this time, the one-story addition to the front of the building had been removed, original exterior wall. The main entrance was reopened and the covering from several windows were removed to reveal much of the original fenestration. The state review board discussed that the integrity issues previously raised appear to have been addressed and that the building retained integrity through its location, historic materials, design, craftsmanship, feeling, and association.

However, the state review board did not believe that the property's significance had been adequately documented and presented in the statement of significance

Statement of significance

. At the December meeting the state review board tabled the nomination for additional information to support National Register Criterion A and a rewriting of the statement of significance to more clearly present the The National Register nomination and the Historic Preservation Certification Application - Part 1 were resubmitted to the Ohio Historic Preservation Office. The state review board reviewed the nomination at their March 7, 2003 meeting. The revised nomination included a reorganized statement of significance and much additional information about the role of the Springfield Township School as a modern consolidated school and a rural high school in the educational history of Richland County. Additional information was presented about the school's Farm Shop Building, an example of a project of the National Youth Administration, a New Deal era agricultural-based vocational program.

The board recommended to the Ohio Historic Preservation Officer that the Springfield Township School should be nominated to the National Register under the Ohio Historic Preservation Office and forwarded to the National Park Service on March 7, It is the opinion of the State Historic Preservation Office that the Springfield Township School qualifies for listing in the National Register of Historic Places under Criterion A. 2003. information. revealing a substantial amount of historic materials and details depicting the appearance of the Criterion A. The Part 1 application for a preliminary determination for listing was approved by Section number - 3 Page NPS Form 10-800-4 OMB Approval No.

1034-0078 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Springfield Township School Richland County, Ohio Narrative Description situated on a 2.2-acre parcel with a 170' setback along a major east/west street in the southwestern part of present-day Ontario. Springfield Township School, oriented to Park Avenue West on the south, is bordered by the Community Methodist Church to the east, the Ontario Local Schools' bus compound/maintenance shop to the west, and parking and additional Ontario Local School property to the north. There are a number of mature deciduous and coniferous trees in the front lawn of the building.

The symmetrical three-story façade of the Springfield Township School is punctuated by a centered two-story arched entrance and two projecting bays.It is approached by a linear walkway from Park Avenue West. Originally, the building was designed in a symmetrical T-plan (see 1948 photograph and Site Plan). A two-story 15-bay façade, or cross of the "T" (See Existing Plans). The building is of fireproof construction. December 1936 and 1937. It was then expanded and connected to the main school building in 1941. These structures were built as a work project of the National Youth Administration for Ohio, employing local out-of- school youth as the work force. In 1949, the building was modified with the addition of six classrooms, four restrooms and two locker rooms. projected out from the front and sides of the building.

This made the façade 21 bays wide and created side entries with paired doors. These bays are adorned with stacked stretcher brick panels accented with square stone corners. A decorative carved stone ornament is centered in the upper section of each panel. The design of these wings maintained the symmetry and classical detailing of the original school. Soon thereafter, a one-story addition for classrooms and locker rooms was constructed at the rear northeast corner of the original building, which was the beginning of squaring-off the complex. This addition also included a paired door entry on the north elevation. In 1952, the school was enlarged again, essentially completing the included another paired door entry on the rear (north) elevation. The design of this addition did not impact the symmetry and detailing of the original building on the most visible west elevation.

Also at this time, in the rear, An intrusive brick addition of a one-story cafeteria was made to the west side of the front, circa 1962. This was a Another alteration, the removal of the front entry doors and windows and the resultant bricking-in of the main entry was done ca. 1980. This addition and infill interrupted the building's symmetry, fenestration and design. This ca. 1962 addition and the brick entry infill were removed in 2002. In the proposed adaptive use of the that is now temporarily filled in with plywood.Historic photographs will be used as a basis for the entry's design.

(8-86) gymnasium made up the rear"stem"of the building and the original classrooms and corridor were the three-story The Springfield Township School, a three-story, 1929"consolidated school"with Classical Revival influences, is squaring-off of the rear and sides, making the plan a rectangle (with two projecting bays in front).This addition A one-story small brick"Farm Shop Building"was constructed to the north of the main school building between the Farm Shop Building was enlarged on the east end, making the overall plan irregular. Springfield Township School, the plan is to restore the fenestration and design a new entry within the archway The compatible additions were composed of two three-story L-shaped bays added to each front corner, which transitional year for the building when the high school age students moved into a new high school facility. NPS Form 10-800-4 OMB Approval No.

1034-0078 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Springfield Township School Richland County, Ohio The school has simple understated Second Renaissance Revival detailing. Decorative flush round arch brick detailing tops each of the third floor window openings and each has a simple centered stone ornament. These corbel. The walls, of masonry construction, are red wire-cut bricks manufactured by the Mansfield Shale Product Company. They are laid in a common bond pattern with a Flemish bonding course every seventh row. All subsequent additions repeat the bonding pattern. A narrow stone and soldier brick stringcourse runs above the first floor windows.

The aligned metal "Pomeroy" windows in the original section are double hung with multiple The upper sashes of the windows were covered with plywood on the exterior and gypsum board on the interior in sashes are intact beneath the alterations. (see Photo 7). The building sits on a concrete foundation with a soldier brick water table. The original low-slope roof has been retrofitted with a standing seam roofing system, however, this change has not affected the building's appearance. There are two large exterior brick chimneys on the north elevation of the main core of the building. Interior finishes include a large painted brick wainscot with plaster walls above and plaster ceilings. (Dropped There are a few hardwood floors in the original classrooms. Most of the original classroom floors are covered in vinyl tile.

Floors in the additions are terrazzo, as are the treads in the steel staircases. The stairways have utilitarian metal railings. A few of the earliest classrooms have chalkboards, wood baseboards, window, door- casement windows with multiple lights and wood trim. There is one fireplace in the first floor office/classroom of the east-projecting bay that is missing its mantel. school year by the Ontario Middle School. The building is presently vacant. front. Concrete sidewalks run from the front of the building to Park Avenue West, and along the west side of the proximity at the school's southwest corner. There are no non-contributing buildings on the site. sections with wood panels below.

In the 2nd floor corridor overlooking the gymnasium, there are paired wood (8-86) The building is in very good condition and has been well maintained, having been occupied through the 2001 Township School"is incised in a stone banner with decorative ends.The cornice is simple with a gently stepped The Springfield Township School is surrounded with paving on three sides and it has a generous treed lawn in lights and plain stone slip sills.The steel windows in the additions have operable midsections for ventilation. building.A house(which is the former parsonage to the church on the school's east side) and garage sit in close ceilings installed more recently hide the majority of the original ceilings.) The kitchen has a glazed tile wainscot. the 1980s.

These alterations recently were removed from the windows in the facade, confirming that the original trim and built-in closets with paneled wood doors. The original classroom doors have multiple light upper echo the large header brick arch of the prominent main entry.Centered beneath the parapet,"Springfield Springfield Township School Richland County, Ohio 8.

Statement of Significance Applicable National Register Criteria Areas of Significance (Mark 'x' in one or more boxes for Due criteria qualifying the property for A Property is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of Property is associated with the lives of Property embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction or represents the work of a master, or possesses high artistic values, or represents a significant and distinguishable entity whose components lack Period of Significance 1928 - 1952 Property has yielded, or is likely to yield information important in prehistory or history. Criteria Considerations Significant Dates (Mark "x" in all boxes that apply.) 1928, 1929, ca. 1937, 1941, 1949, 1952 Significant Person -A owned by a religious institution or used for - B removed from its original location.

Cultural Affiliation - C a birthplace or grave - D a cemetery - E a reconstructed building, object, or structure. Architect: Fred J. Porter and D. Roy Virtue, Columbus, 1929 - F a commemorative property. Fred Fornoff, Columbus, ca.1937 Charles J. Marr (Marr, Knapp & Crawfis), Mansfield, 1949 - 1952] - G less than 50 years of age or achieved significance within Builders: Lorenzo D. Hetrick, Columbus, 1929 National Youth Administration for Ohio, Work Projects ca. 1937 The Jacob Wolf Co., Mansfield, 1952 Narrative Statement of Significance (Explain the significance of the property on one or more continuation sheets.) 9.

The rest of the file

Bibliography, boundary description, and the people who prepared and reviewed the nomination.

Major Bibliographical References (Cite the books, articles, and other sources used in preparing this form on one or more continuation sheets.) Previous documentation on file (NPS): Primary location of additional data: X preliminary determination of individual listing (36 State Historic Preservation Office CFR 67) has been requested ] Other State agency -University - designated a National Historic Landmark J recorded by Historic American Buildings Survey Ontario Board of Education - recorded by Historic American Engineering Record # Bibliography Education Register Architect/Builder religious purposes, Federal agency County and State Social History individual distinction. Name of repository: Local government National register listing.) our history. (Enter categories from instructions) Property is: (Complete if Criterion B is marked above) the past 50 years persons significant in our past.

Name of Property Other - previously listed in the National Register - previously determined eligible by the National County and State 10. Geographical Data Acreage of Property Approx. 2.2 acres UTM References (Place additional UTM references on a continuation sheet.) - See continuation sheet Verbal Boundary Description (Describe the boundaries of the property on a continuation sheet.) Boundary Justification (Explain why the boundaries were selected on a continuation sheet.) 11. Form Prepared By Kathy Mast Kane, Historic Preservation Consultant; Michael J. Stacy, AIA Stacy & Asebrook, Ltd. August, 2002 street & number 454 E. Main Street, Suite 236 _ telephone (614) 224-2300 city or town _state Submit the following items with the completed form: Continuation Sheets A USGS map (7.5 or 15 minute series) indicating the property's location.

A Sketch map for historic districts and properties having large acreage or numerous resources. Representative black and white photographs of the property. (Check with the SHPO or FPC for any additional items) Property Owner (Complete this item at the request of SHPO or FPO.) Ontario School Commons Ltd. (See attached letter from the Board of Education) 1207 Grandview Ave., Suite 200 (614) 481-8494 Paperwork Reduction Act Statement: This information is being collected for applications to the National Register of Historic Places to nominate properties for listing or determine eligibility for listing, to list properties, and to amend existing listings. Response to this request is required to obtain a benefit in accordance with the National Historic Preservation Act, as amended (16 U.S.C. 470 et seq.).

Estimated Burden Statement.Public reporting burden for this form is estimated to average18.1 hours per response including time for estimate or any aspect of this form to the Chief, Administrative Services Division, National Park Service, P.O. Box 37127, Washington, DC 361355 4513290 43215 43212 Columbus Ohio Easting name organization Photographs Northing Maps Zone Springfield Township School Richland County, Ohio Additional Documentation name/title zip code Name of Property Additional items _ date reviewing instructions, gathering and maintaining data, and completing and reviewing the form. Direct comments regarding this burden 20013-7127, and the Office of Management and Budget, Paperwork Reductions Projects (1024-0018). Washington. DC 20503. NPS Form 10-800-4 OMB Approval No.

1034-0078 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Springfield Township School Richland County, Ohio Statement of Significance The Springfield Township School is historically significant under Criterion A for its contribution to Ontario, consolidated school building that incorporates high school, physical education, large assembly and vocational education facilities. The school's original building is a reflection of the era of the public school system in Ohio when rural one-room schoolhouses were being replaced by centralized buildings, public high schools were becoming more widespread and physical and vocational education facilities were the standard.

Furthermore, the school, as it expanded between 1929 and 1952, is a reflection of the growth of the rural community and its and 1941 connector are historically significant as products of a Work Project of the National Youth Administration for Ohio. This program, a subsidiary of the Works Progress Administration, was a national initiative that focused on the employment, training and guidance of youth from 1935 to 1943. From when the first schools were established in Richland County in 1820, a pattern of local control over schools had been established. A state law in 1898 permitted the abandonment of local sub-district schools and the education of children in one central township school. With this authority to transport students to a central location, the movement to close one-room schoolhouses began and the townships formally became the unit of organization for schools.

A 1904 state law mandated that local district directors relinquish their authority to the township boards. The movement to centralize, however, did not pick up momentum until 1906 when a bulletin entitled "Centralized Schools in Ohio" by the Ohio State University agricultural extension division was published and circulated in large numbers. Another significant change occurred in 1914 when in Ohio the county supplanted the township as the unit of school control (McCormick). Perhaps most significant about this latter change was that the county board was not restricted to township lines when reorganizing school districts which provided much greater flexibility for addressing educational problems countywide.

Thelegislated transition from local to township and then county organization was one factor contributing to the construction of consolidated schools throughout Ohio, including Springfield Township School in Richland County. One-Room Schools in Richland County In spite of Ohio's 1904 legislation mandating centralized administration, Richland County was slow to transition sub-districts as recognized units in Richland County" (Strohmenger, p.77). Springfield Township was the third township in the county to consolidate its one-room schools with the construction of a consolidated school designed to serve grades 1-12. (The first was built for Lucas Village and Monroe Township in 1919.) Once Springfield Township School was opened in 1929, all ten one-room schoolhouses in the township closed three one-room schoolhouses in the county (in Sharon Township) to close.

(8-86) School Organization from local one-room schools to centralized township buildings. "The state report of 1910[still] listed 133 [local] Springfield Township and Richland County's educational history as a representative early twentieth century rural investment in education. Among these additions, Springfield Township School's ca. 1937 Farm Shop Building Countywide, nineteen one-room schools were still in use in 1945. Slow to change, it took until 1952 for the last NPS Form 10-800-4 OMB Approval No.

1034-0078 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Springfield Township School, Richland County, Ohio Richland County System in 1929 Although resistant to change, "the shift of population within Richland County between 1900 and 1930...resulted in a loss of enrollment in some of the one-room districts and thus encouraged consideration of centralization and and centralized districts was a "layer" of separately defined high school or "union" districts.

In the late nineteenth century multiple "laws were passed which allowed the formation of "union" districts for high school Springfield Township School, because of its high school component, was counted as one of these ten high school 1910 and 1930, indicating increased enrollment as another factor behind construction of the centralized school Ohio Study of Local Units from U.S. Census). Secondary Education in Richland County report of 1860 indicating that the county was not slow in accepting the principle of public secondary education. to build rural high schools was the state's compulsory education law of 1921 (the Bing Act) that required rural districts to pay tuition and transportation costs for students to attend neighboring high schools if no high school instruction was offered locally.

Springfield Township was one of those districts paying tuition and transportation sent to schools in Mansfield, Galion or Crestline or they were taught in the community church. When Springfield Township School opened in 1929, the local newspaper proclaimed, "The township will now have a first class high school for the boys and girls" (Mansfield News, 1/5/29). Once opened, Springfield Township School also served high school students in other nearby townships. Springfield Township School was one of four rural high schools built in Richland County between 1920 and 1930 (Strohmenger). Vocational Education "Under a 1909 Ohio law, boards of education were authorized to offer manual training, domestic science, which Calvin Woodward, an educator from St.

Louis, was prominent, this law was a response to pressures for schools to provide broader training and experience than just in academic subjects. Some, like Woodward, saw such training as an essential part of educating a well-rounded student; others felt that this training was important "The close of the [nineteenth] century saw the firm establishment of public secondary education in Richland fifteen township school districts (still operating one-room schools), four village districts, three centralized districts (8-86) district reorganization"(Strohmenger, p.78). In 1929, Richland County's school system was a composite of districts in addition to being in a centralized district. Of the three centralized districts in 1929, Springfield buildings.

Springfield Township's rural population increased 22% between 1920 and 1930 (based on figures in (including Springfield Township) and the Mansfield City School District. Overlaying these township, village, Township had the largest enrollment, (331,compared to 294 in Monroe Township and 250 in Cass Township) Public high schools were first legislated in Ohio in 1850. Richland County had four high schools listed in the state County" (Strohmenger, p.69). By 1903 there were six rural high school buildings in the county. Further incentive for high school students.

Prior to construction of Springfield Township School, high school age children were NPS Form 10-800-4 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Springfield Township School Richland County, Ohio to ensure that children leaving high school were ready for gainful employment. A 1937 countywide study singles out Springfield Township School, specifically referencing the adequacy of the school's vocational facilities, "The school plant in Springfield Township district is an excellent building of fireproof construction, relatively new, and well equipped for courses in home economics, vocational agriculture, and commercial" studies (Ohio Study of Local Units, p.88). was passed in November,1927.

This was after levies had failed on two previous occasions (Mansfield News, equipment [to date in the county, excluding Mansfield City Schools.J" (Ohio Study of Local School Units, p.89). The school cost $125,000 to build and equip. Significant features of the school included its three stories of classroom space, specially-equipped high school rooms (e.g. science labs), a gymnasium/auditorium with a total investment. There were 331 pupils enrolled in grades one through twelve the first year (1929). This was the enrollment had increased to 409 pupils. Designers and builders of the Springfield Township School included Fred J. Porter of Columbus, Ohio, the architect, and D. Roy Virtue, also of Columbus, Ohio, his associate. Lorenzo D. Hetrick, the general contractor, was also of Columbus, Ohio. Fred J.

Porter is first listed as an architect in Columbus directories in 1924, "specializing in schools." Two other schools documented as his designs include the 1928 Belpre High School (WAS-0387-22) and the 1941 Rockland School (WAS-2420-22), both in Belpre. Porter is listed in partnership with D. Roy Virtue from 1925 through 1928. He practiced in Columbus until 1950, when he is then listed as a draftsman for the County Engineer. Fred Fornoff, an architect from Columbus, designed the "Farm Shop Building" for the Division of Work Projects of the National Youth Administration of Ohio. This building was designed and built between December 1936 and 1937.

This small freestanding brick building to the rear of the main school was built and equipped to offer a Through the late 19th century and into the early 2oth, there was a general move toward the provision of such Designers and Builders 90 students in 1930 and grew progressively through the 1950's (Strohmenger). By 1937, the schools total OMB Approval No. 1034-0078 The Farm Shop Building 1/5/29). The school opened in January, 1929. In a 1937 Richland County report to the Ohio Department of spaces in the early twentieth century school buildings such as home economics rooms and manual training shops. Education, Springfield Township School was singled out as "represent[ing] the largest investment in building and "farm shop" curriculum which included facilities for training youth in farm tool production and implement repair.

Construction of the Springfield Township School began in the spring of 1928 after a $125,000 bond issue finally capacity to seat 600, and a recently added Farm Shop Building (detached). These features all contributed to this largest enrollment of any township, village or centralized school in the county. The high school enrollment was (8-86) courses"(Darbee, Blume High School). This expansion of curriculum also resulted in new types of training United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Springfield Township School Richland County, Ohio The National Youth Administration was a short-tenured initiative ofPresident Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal program. It was created on June 26, 1935 as an integral, but semi-autonomous division of the Works Progress Administration.

"The major objectives of the National Youth Administration [were] as follows: of age so as to enable them to continue their education; and Of these two programs, the former is usually referred to as the student aid program and the latter as the work Congress for emergency relief. provided the direct contact between the Youth Administration and the youth participating in its projects. In addition there were local advisory committees that served as co-sponsors of the projects; obtaining contributions, general. Most projects were co-sponsored by some public, quasi-public, or non-profit agency in cooperation with the Youth Administration. Projects were applied for by application from the sponsoring agencies. The work projects component of the National Youth Administration commenced in January 1936.

It was 1936 the minimum age was raised to 18.In Ohio, as manyas7,556 out-of-school youth were employed on N.Y.A. work projects in one month's time (May 1937) (Johnson, p.99). Work projects were classified by three main categories - construction work, non-construction work and miscellaneous. They covered hundreds of types of work activities. Construction work included road construction, public building projects (new, repair, and remodeling), recreational facilities and conservation work. Non- construction work projects included clerical, statistical and research work, fine arts, library and museum service, home economics projects and workshop projects that produced goods. National Youth Administration construction projects did not commence until December 1936. The construction large.

As a result of this program, thousands of youth [were] employed on small construction projects of the following kinds: Small rural schoolhouses, annexes to public buildings and schools, field houses, cooperative Building and expansion/connection to the main building are products of this work by local out-of-school youth. (8-86) OMB Approval No. 1034-0078 planning projects, interpreting the needs of youth and promoting the National Youth Administration program in only to give the young people valuable work experience, but also to benefit the communities in which they in the state. The states were divided into districts.There was a district supervisor and project supervisors who NPS Form 10-800-4 live. 2.

To provide funds for the part-time employment of youth from relief families on work projects designed not Administratively, on the state level, a state director gave final approval to all Youth Administration work projects dormitories, county garages, bus shelters along highways, small bridges, cabins and shelter houses in parks, and program was planned "to provide facilities for recreational purposes and for the benefit of the community at community houses for recreational purposes." (Johnson, p.68) Springfield Township School's Farm Shop NPS Form 10-800-4 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Springfield Township School Richland County, Ohio The focus of the national program changed exclusively to defense-related training after the start of World War II.

The work project program became administered by the Federal Security Agency in 1939 and the War Manpower Commission in 1942. The National Youth Administration was discontinued in 1943. In 1941, a connecting wing between the Farm Shop Building and the Springfield Township School buildingand an extension of the Farm Shop Building itself was constructed, also in coordination with the National Youth merely consisted of a locker/dressing room and corridor and the small brick extension on the west end of the farm expansion. These 1949 additions consisted of six new classrooms, two locker rooms, and two stairways. These three-story additions were built at the front southeast and southwest corners of the existing building, maintaining the symmetry of the façade and enhancing the subtle classical detailing of the original design.

Soon after 1949, a one-story addition was built at the northeast corner of the existing building, beginning the squaring off of the building in the rear. The last major addition was constructed then in 1952, completing the squaring off of the rear. Located at the northwest corner of the building, the three story addition was comprised of a double barreled corridor on each story with eleven new classrooms, a boy's locker room, and a new stair tower. The 1949 and 1952 additions were designed by Charles J. Marr, of Marr, Knapp & Crawfis. (The firm of Marr, Knapp & Crawfis was established in 1925 and is still in business today as MKC Associates in Mansfield, Ohio.) The addition was contracted by Jacob Wolf & Son, also of Mansfield. The company worked in the to 1923 and as The Jacob Wolf Co. until 1960.

For Richland County, as well as elsewhere throughout the state, making additions and alterations to school buildings was the norm, and the expectation for how the districts' Boards of Education would address increased enrollment and/or programmatic needs resulting from state-legislated mandates in the early twentieth century. Many schools were designed with the intent to be expanded. As a result, schools throughout the county reflect the changing roles the schools played in each community or township through their transformations.

Some examples in Richland County include the 1894 Lexington School with a 1930 middle school and later additions across the front and east side; the 1894 Bellville School with numerous later additions, the 1915 Butler School with several later additions; and the 1919 Monroe Township School located in Lucas, with the 1938 High School Annex and other later additions (See Photos #48-54). History of Springfield Township and Schools originally had numerous springs (thus its name) and timber growth. Several crossroads, including major highways and four railroads traverse the township. The township surrounds Ontario, a town laid out in 1834, on the north, south and west. Since founded, Ontario has expanded eastward, now abutting Mansfield, which is the county seat contracting business as early as 1917 and incorporated in 1919. They operated as the Schell-Wolf Co.from 1920 shop building.

OMB Approval No. 1034-0078 Springfield Township was established in 1808 and acquired its 6-mile square configuration in 1818. The township in adjacent Madison Township. Ontario was the third town established in Springfield Township, but it grew to become the primary town in the township, albeit small. (Ontario's population was only 200 in 1880). (8-86) In1949,the student enrollment at Springfield Township School had increased to 540 pupils necessitating NPS Form 10-800-4 OMB Approval No. 1034-0078 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service Continuation Sheet Section number 8 page 8 of 16 Springfield Township School Richland County, Ohio The first school known to exist in the township is the private Ontario Academy, ca. 1834 - ca.1900. The first one- room schoolhouses were built ca. 1850. The private Springfield High School was built in 1859 and operated until 1874.

This building was significantly altered and converted to a residence in 1923. Historically, there were a total of ten (10) one-room schoolhouses scattered across Springfield Township, with three having been built ca. 1850 and one having been rebuilt as recently as 1924 due to a fire (see Cunnings et. al. map). Of the ten one-room schoolhouses built in the township between ca.1850 - 1924, six of them are extant, and all have been converted to dwellings. These one-room schools, in addition to Springfield Township School, are the 1957 and enlarged in 1997, Ontario High School, built in 1961 and enlarged in 1973 and again in 2001 to include Ontario Middle School, and Bedford Elementary, built ca. 1973. As early as the 1960's, the local schools were commonly referred to as the Ontario Schools.

It was not until 1974, however, that the Board of Education officially changed the district's name from Springfield Township Local Schools to Ontario Local Schools. Community Role and Ontario. It was the one building around which the activities of the rural community revolved. The Springfield Township School served the children of the township in grades one through twelve from 1929 until for middle and high school students only. Then, in 1962, a new high school was opened, and the school served building's role extended beyond that of school functions. Springfield Township School was where the citizens meetings regarding the incorporation of the village of Ontario (mid-1950's) were held.

Furthermore, several community groups held meetings and dinners at the school on a regular basis, including the Board of Education, Township School served the children and the adults of the township and the community of Ontario for a total of 72 years, until it was closed in 2001. Future plans to convert the school to senior housing, will enable the local landmark to continue to serve the community. Study of Local Units). One of these three, Plymouth, was designed exclusively as a high school. Springfield Township School is one of two school buildings still standing that were built as consolidated schools for grades 1-12. Monroe Township School was the first built in the township in 1919.

Both are significant as buildings that were designed to include high school facilities in conjunction with the (8-86) Countywide Context Countywide, 5 rural school buildings were opened between 1920 and 1930 and only three are still standing (Ohio The Springfield Township School is the centerpiece of the educational and social history of Springfield Township the Boy Scouts, the Lions Club, the Farm Bureau (1930's), and the neighboring church (Strickler). Springfield National Register of Historic Places voted, where citizens were trained on defense procedures during World War Il, and where the organizational primary public gathering facility for the Ontario community and surrounding rural area. It was the social center of the community.

The community filled the gymnasium/auditorium at the various sporting, dramatic and musical events hosted by the school, and the Mothers Club dances were whole family affairs. However, the only historic public school buildings in Springfield Township or Ontario. The other public schools in this township, built in response to a population surge that began in the late 1950's, are the Stingel Elementary, built in At this time, a new elementary school was built and the Springfield Township School operated as a school NPS Form 10-800-4 OMB Approval No. 1034-0078 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Springfield Township School Richland County, Ohio elementary school.

A major difference between the two physical plants is that Monroe Township School is smaller (1 ½ stories tall) and it was constructed without a gymnasium or large assembly area (having been added in the 1938 high school addition. Springfield Township School's gymnasium was included in the original plant. Both schools represent the consolidated school movement in Richland County, but two to Monroe Township School include the replacement of its original windows and a change in height of the building resulting from an elevated roofline. In contrast, the original windows of the Springfield Township School have been retained. These windows are an important character-defining element in this otherwise modestly detailed building and the fact that they are intact contributes significantly to the building's architectural integrity.

Consolidated School Buildings in Ohio A review of consolidated (or centralized) schools surveyed in Ohio showed a range in date of construction from to 24, and a range in degree of architectural detail from modest or utilitarian to elaborate. The consolidated schools fell into two different generations of building types. In the first two decades of the twentieth century these schools were 1 to 2 ½ story box-like masonry structures with 4-12 classrooms wrapped around a central staircase, with a frame roof and floor structure, and few other amenities. They were designed in a wide range of architectural styles and many had projecting central bays, towers, and/or cupolas. Then, beginning in the 1920s, a more "modern" building was being built.

By the early twentieth century, "there was considerable debate about how schools should be designed, and much was being published on the subject in books and magazines. Architects and educators debated what they saw as the problems of traditional school design -- fire-prone wood construction, lack of adequate stairways and egress, inadequate natural light and ventilation, and lack of facilities for both physical education and for vocational and Louis, as well as others, promoted what came to be called the "open plan" school design.

Key to this new approach toward school design were fireproof construction; the use of single-loaded corridors with windows along one side; large and well-lit classrooms with glazed doors to admit light from the corridor; and provision of auditorium and gymnasium spaces to supplement traditional classroom education with recreational and non- academic activities. Numerous fireproof, enclosed stairways and adequate restroom facilities also were essential elements, as was adequate ventilation" (Darbee, Blume High School). Common characteristics of this second generation or more "modern" of consolidated schools included a more horizontal, symmetrical building type with a multiple bay fenestration (like the Springfield Township School). The buildings ranged from 1 ½ to 3 stories tall.

Additional features in common were fireproof construction, operable steel sash windows, and multiple means of egress. Variations also occurred in the placement of the entries - some schools had a single centered entry and others, a pair of entries at each end. Hallways were both single and double-barreled. "domestic arts" classes which were becoming increasingly important.Architects such as William B.Ittner of St. (8-86) built prior to 1923 legislation mandating weekly physical education requirements). These features were different phases. Both schools have also experienced alterations and additions.

Compromising alterations 1904 to 1941, a range in height from one and one half to three stories, a range in number of classrooms from eight NPS Form 10-800-4 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number 8 page 10 of 16 Springfield Township School Richland County, Ohio There were examples of schools that had integrated facilities for non-academic courses, including the arts, additions being attached and detached. This style of school building continued into the 1940s. In terms of integrity, the most common alteration was the modification and/or replacement of original windows.

Also, the placement of additions where they obscured the original design or interrupted the original symmetry were Other Significant Attributes The Springfield Township School has Second Renaissance Revival style design influences. Characteristics reflecting this style include the impressive two-story brick arched entryway that is echoed in the arched detailing and the rhythmic fenestration of original steel multiple light windows contribute to the school's stately presence. The school is set back along Park Avenue West surrounded by mature trees and lawn. At the time the school was built, this was a rural setting. Other Historic Properties The only school building in Richland County currently listed on the National Register is the Lexington School (NR, 2/23/79).

Of a very different period and style than the Springfield Township School, it is a school built for stories tall and five bays wide, with a gable roof.It is currently the Richland County Museum.The only other historic buildings previously surveyed in Springfield Township are thirteen (13) early twentieth century frame farmhouses and one (1) ca. 1850 brick farmhouse. Other rural consolidated schools in Ohio listed in the National Register of Historic Places include the 1911 Huntington Public School, Huntington Township, Lorain County Huntington Public School is an earlier, 8-room type school with a hip roof. Bath Township Consolidated School is a similar type school (3 story, flat roof,19-bay façade) that is architecturally significant for its ornamental Renaissance Revival central pavilion and polychromatic detail.

The Swanton Township School, Swanton Township, Lucas County, determined eligible for the National Register ( 6/98) isarchitecturally significant for its ca. 1940 Art Moderne style. Ontario Today In spite of Ontario's existence since 1834, major growth was not experienced until the late twentieth century. In the 1956 Heller report, increased enrollment in the schools is projected based on the construction of a Humphrey vitreous products plant and a large General Motors body plant in the district, employing several thousand people. The projections were accurate and the town did grow. It was incorporated in 1958 (its 1960 population was 3,049) and has recently acquired city status with a population in excess of 5,000. Ontario is currently recognized as a major regional shopping center.

As the historic fabric and rural setting of the township and the community are rapidly eroding, the Springfield Township School stands prominently along a busy thoroughfare as one of the last and largest vestiges of the formerly rural community. frequent. (8-86) (NR, 6/79), and the 1924 Bath Township Consolidated School, Fairborn, Green County (NR, 9/83). The the village of Lexington in the 1850's and used as such until 1895. It is a rectangular wood frame building, two OMB Approval No. 1034-0078 physical and vocational education and others that subsequently added them on. There were examples of these above the third floor windows.

In addition, the symmetrical façade further expanded upon in the 1949 additions, NPS Form 10-800-4 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Springfield Township School Richland County, Ohio The Springfield Township School is significant for its contribution to Ontario's, Springfield Township's and Township's social history. Springfield Township School was the largest and most costly rural school in the county when constructed. Today, it continues to be a prominent local landmark and is representative of a modestly detailed early twentieth century consolidated school building designed for grades 1-12 with an integrated gymnasium/auditorium and vocational education facilities. Many of Richland County's historic school buildings have been demolished or radically altered.

Springfield Township School has had its share of additions and alterations, too. However, with the exception of additions and alterations that are now removed, these have contributing to the school's significance is the important role it played as the central gathering place for the community of Ontario and the surrounding rural area. Also significant is the school's Farm Shop Building, constructed by local out-of-school youth as a work project of the National Youth Administration for Ohio program. Understated Second Renaissance Revival detailing, intact interior features, original windows and a Summary prominent and picturesque setting on Park Avenue West further enhance the building's significance. (8-86) OMB Approval No. 1034-0078 Section number 8 page 11 of 16 Richland County's educational history.

It is also significant for its contribution to Ontario and Springfield design has been respected with regard to style, scale, materials, color, symmetry and architectural detail. Further been compatibly designed and cohesively incorporated. The integrity of Springfield Township School's original NPS Form 10-800-4 OMB Approval No. 1034-0078 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Springfield Township School Richland County, Ohio Major Bibliographic References "Annual of the Richland County Public Schools," 1925, 1937. Cunning, Elinore S., Allard, Jeanette M., McCullough, Lois M. Richland County's Vanishing One-Room Schools. Privately published, Mansfield OH: 1994. Cunning, E.S., Allard, Jeanette M., McCullough, Lois. School Days, School Days, Good Old Golden Rule Days in Richland County.

Privately published, Mansfield OH: 1999. Graham, A. A. History of Richland County. A.A. Graham & Co., Publishing, Mansfield OH: 1880. Hall, Daryl D. Telephone Interview, Ontario OH: Superintendent, Ontario Local Schools, 2/7/02. Howe, Henry. Historical Collections of Ohio, Vol. II., State of Ohio, Cincinnati: 1900. Johnson, Palmer O. and Harvey, Oswald L. The National Youth Administration. Arno Press, New York:1974. (Reprint of the 1938 ed. Published by the U. S. Government Printing Office, Washington, and issued as Staff Study Number 13 of the U. S. Advisory Committee on Education.) Lindley, Betty and Ernest K. A New Deal for Youth; the Story of the NYA. The Viking Press, NY:1938. McCarron, Mary. "Richland Village Named After County in New York State in 1834." Mansfield (Ohio) News- Journal, 1/21/1951. McCormick, Virginia E. Educational Architecture in Ohio.

Kent State University Press, Kent, OH: 2001. National Register of Historic Places files, Ohio Historic Preservation Office of the Ohio Historical Society: Darbee, Jeffrey. "Piqua High School", Piqua, Miami County OH, August 22, 1996 Darbee, Jeffrey. "Blume High School", Wapakoneta, Auglaize County OH, August 22, 1996 1936. (State Library - State Documents #OYN 27/9.2:P985/936). December, 2000. Heller Report, "Richland County, Springfield Local Schools", 1956. (Ohio Historical Society Archives/Library (8-86) Neff, Sylvia. "History of Ontario Schools." Unpublished paper, Ontario Board of Education, Ontario OH: Marr, Charles J. "Springfield Local High School Addition" architectural drawings, 1948-1952. (Offices of Stacy McCullough, Lois. Telephone interview, Mansfield OH: Retired school teacher, local historian, author, 2/7/02. Series 527 Box 4). & Asebrook, Ltd., Columbus).

Section number _9 Page 12 of 16 National Youth Administration for Ohio. "The Purpose and Progress of the NYA in Ohio." Columbus, OH?, Mansfield News,"New Centralized School to Open", p. 20. January 5, 1929. NPS Form 10-800-4 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number 9 Page 13 of 16 Springfield Township School Richland County, Ohio Ohio Department of Education. "A Course of Study in Farm Shop Work for Rural and Village High Schools." Historical Society Archives/Library, PA Box 189 6) Ohio Historic Inventory files, Ohio Historic Preservation Office of the Ohio Historical Society: "RIC - 770 - 10" through "RIC - 782 - 10", 1994 (Gibbs et. al., Cultural Resource Survey of US 30 Relocation).

Ohio Study of Local Units, "A Study of the Public Schools of Richland County with Recommendations for Their Future Organization." Columbus, 1937. (Ohio Historical Society Archives/Library). Ontario High School, "The Echo" (yearbook), assorted years from 1937 to present. (Ontario Board of Education and Mansfield Public Library). Polks City Directories of Columbus, multiple years. Polks City Directories of Mansfield, multiple years. Richland County Board of Education archives, Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center, Mansfield OH. Strickler, Dallas. Telephone interview, Mansfield OH: local resident, 11/7/02. Office). Thematic search of OHI database re: early 2oth century rural school buildings. Sword, H.C."Road Map of Richland County." 1935 (OHS Archives/Library).

(8-86) University Masters Thesis (Thesis1959MASCTH c.2) "Record of the Board of Education -Springfield Township,""1928 to 1932.(Ontario Schools Superintendent's Revised by Ray Fife and H.G.Kenestrick.High School Course of Study Series.1925,Number 1.(Ohio OMB Approval No. 1034-0078 "RIC -381 -10", Robert Patterson House, 1979 (Campbell, OSU Student Survey). OMB Approval No. 1034-0078 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Springfield Township School Verbal Boundary Description: The Springfield Township School building is situated on 2.2 acres as recorded Education--owned athletic fields to the north, a bus maintenance parking lot to the west and a Methodist church to the east. Boundary Justification: Entire original property historically associated with the school property.

Geographical Data (8-86) Richland County, Ohio NPS Form 10-800-4 in the Richland County Courthouse. The site is bounded by Park Avenue West on the south, Board of NPS Form 10-800-4 OMB Approval No. 1034-0078 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Springfield Township School Richland County, Ohio The following information applies to all photos: Kathy Mast Kane, Michael J. Stacy Location of the Negatives: Stacy & Asebrook, Ltd., 454 E. Main St., Suite 236 Columbus, Ohio 43215. Ph.

(614) 224-2300 Façade and entry detail - nw Entry detail - n Original building/ addition seam - ne Wing detail - n Façade detail - nw Façade window detail - ne South elevation - n Approach - s West elevation - ne West & north elevations - se East elevation - nw North elevation/East boundary - s North elevation - s West boundary / bus compound - sw Rear setting - n Interior: First Floor, 1929 section Plaque - n 30. Corridor - se Photographer: County, State: Exterior: Property Name: Date of Photos: Section number _ page _15 of 16 February 2002, August 2002 (8-86) OMB Approval No. 1034-0078 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service Springfield Township School Gymnasium - sw Stage - e Typical stairway - e Rear stage entry - s 37. Rear stage stair - se Interior: Second Floor, 1929 section 38. Corridor - e 39. Corridor/gym windows - ne 40.

Classroom detail - sw Interior: Third Floor, 1929 section 41. Corridor detail - e 42. Classroom detail/partition - se 43. Window detail - se Interior: 1949/1952 Additions Supt. Office - ne Plaque - e Corridor entry - se 51. Shop / Band Room addition Township Schools in Richland County Plymouth School, Plymouth, Plymouth Township, Ohio Shelby High School, Shelby, Sharon Township, Ohio Monroe Township School and High School Annex, Lucas, Jackson Township, Lexington School, Lexington, Lexington Township, Ohio Bellville School, Bellville, Jefferson Township, Ohio 60. Butler School, Butler, Worthington Township, Ohio Ohio (8-86) Lab detail Continuation Sheet Richland County, Ohio National Register of Historic Places NPS Form 10-800-4 - NEW ENCLOSURE BUS PARKING (24) ADAPTIVE REUSE OF THE ONTARIO MIDDLE SCHOOL 454 East Main Street, Suite 236 Columbus.

Ohio 43215 ONTARIO, OHIO 8 614/224-2300 Fax: 614/233-5812 SENIOR APARTMENTS Stacy & Asebrook, Ltd. FENCE EXISTING BUILDING SAL@StacyandAsebrook.com PATIO PARKING Proposed Site Plan EXISTING CHURCH Architecture CHURCH OVERFLOW FUTURE VEHICLE STORAGE Facility Management Spring held Tup.Schosl AVENUE WEST SCALE: 1"= 80' Richlandca OH SCHOOL CHURCH Interiors ADAPTIVE REUSE OF THE ) Existing First Floor Plan ONTARIO MIDDLE SCHOOL 454 East Main Street, Suite 236 Columbus, Ohio 43215 ONTARIO, OHIO 8 614/224-2300 Fax: 614/233-5812 SENIOR APARTMENTS SAL@StacyandAsebrook.com Architecture Stacy & Asebrook, Ltd.

Facility Management Spring held Tup.Schol Interiors ADAPTIVE REUSE OF THE ONTARIO MIDDLE SCHOOL Facility Management 454 East Main Street, Suite 236 Columbus, Ohio 43215 ONTARIO, OHIO 8 614/224-2300 Fax: 614/233-5812 SENIOR APARTMENTS SAL@StacyandAsebrook.com Existing Second Floor Plan Stacy & Asebrook, Ltd. Architecture Spring held Tup Schosl SCALE: 1" = 30' Interiors ADAPTIVE REUSE OF THE ONTARIO MIDDLE SCHOOL ONTARIO, OHIO Springheld Tup. Schosl 454 East Main Street, Suite 236 Columbus, Ohio 43215 8 614/224-2300 Fax: 614/233-5812 SENIOR APARTMENTS Stacy & Asebrook, Ltd.

SAL@StacyandAsebrook.com Architecture Interiors Existing Third Floor Plan Facility Management ADAPTIVE REUSE OF THE ONTARIO MIDDLE SCHOOL Architecture 454 East Main Street, Suite 236 Columbus, Ohio 43215 ONTARIO, OHIO Springfield Twp, School 2 614/224-2300 Fax: 614/233-5812 SENIOR APARTMENTS Richland Co, Ohio LEGEND Existing First Floor Plan Stacy & Asebrook, Ltd. SAL@StacyandAscbrook.com Interiors Facility Management - ORIGINAL 124 - ADDITION M97 1 - ORIGINAL 1929 - ADDITION 1949 ADAPTIVE REUSE OF THE - Existina Second Floor Plan ONTARIO MIDDLE SCHOOL Architecture Facility Management 454 East Main Street, Suite 236 Columbus, Ohio 43215 ONTARIO, OHIO Springfield Tup. School 8 614/224-2300 Fax: 614/233-5812 SENIOR APARTMENTS LEGEND Stacy & Asebrook, Ltd.

SAL@StacyandAsebrook.com Interiors ADAPTIVE REUSE OF THE ONTARIO MIDDLE SCHOOL ONTARIO, OHIO 454 East Main Street, Suite 236 Columbus, Ohio 43215 2 614/224-2300 Fax: 614/233-5812 SENIOR APARTMENTS LEGEND Stacy & Asebrook, Ltd. Architccture Existing Third Floor Plan SAL@StacyandAscbrook.com Facility Management Spring held Twp.School 1 - ORIGINAL 1929 - ADDITION 1949 Richland lo Ohio Interiors Onterio, Ohio Richlanel Co, OH ONTORIO, OH - 1935 RICHIANO Co.MA IN OPERATION IN SPRINGIELD MORROW CO RICHLAND COUNTY H.C. SWORD-COUNTY SURVEYOR 1935 HURON CO SHONING NO ONE-ROOM SCHOOLS KNOX CO SCALE RiCHCANO CO Tup. CUNNINGS ET.AL, 1994 BUTLER TWP. VELIER TAT. PERRY TVP OR MOVED 1994 DEMOLISHED CREEN COUNTY JACKSON ANOTRER SITE. CASS TWP. MADISON TWP. SHARON TKP. FRANKLIN TWT. vith the othern in varlous reduced sizen. SPRINCYIELD TVT. JEFFERSON TAT.

CLER CREEK BLOOMINCC - 1846 MAP BLOOMINCCROVE TWP TROY TUP 6 »iles square. SPRINCFIELD ONE-ROOM ENCIRCLED CONCRESS SAN- SCHOOLS NUMEERS WASHIICTON TVP. In 18l6 in order to organize other neighboring countien,our county' VEMMTLION WISHINCTON PRANKLIN CASS TVP. PLYMOOTH TWP. RICHLAND Co. NAME : DATE RECEIVED: DATE OF 45TH DAY: APPEAL: N DATA PROBLEM: N N PROGRAM UNAPPROVED: COMMENT WAIVER: N ABSTRACT/SUMMARY COMMENTS: DATE RETURN REJECT MULTIPLE 3/20/03 TELEPHONE ACCEPT PROPERTY 4/18/03 5/04/03 PERIOD: Springfield Township School REASONS FOR REVIEW: DATE OF WEEKLY LIST: DATE OF 16TH DAY: NITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIO VATIONAL PARK SERVICE EVALUATION/RETURN SHEET REQUEST: N SLR DRAFT: N NATIONAL: 4/02/03 SAMPLE: OTHER: DATE OF PENDING LIST: NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES Ontario, OH Ontaio,OH ontario, OH Richland Co.

Ontario, oH Ontar1o,d Ontano,olio ONTARIO, OH RICHLAND CO. Ontaño, Ohio SPRINGFIELO TWA SCHOOL Ontano,Ohio RICHLANDO CO. ONTARIO, OH SPRINGFIELA TrA. SCHOOL ONTARIO, OH SPRINGFIELD TIA SCHOOL DNTARLO, OH CHEVROLET ONTARIO, OH ONTARIO, OH RICHLAND CO. SPRINGFELITWP. SCHOOL RICHLAND CO. RICHLAND CO. ONSTARIO, OH SPRINGFIELD TWA. SCHOOL BOARD OF EDUCATION -W C. COTTER WER FINNEY HL H. PHELPS -COUNTY SUPT. F. L. BLACK F J. PORTER THE STANTON HEATER CO. HEATING ARCHITECT SUPT. VERNON DANALS OS DENT D. ROY VIRTUE L. D. HETRICK GENERAL CONTRACTOR PLUMBING ASSOCIATE FLAVIN BROTHERS JACOB WOLF CLERK ONTARIO, OH RICHLANO CO. Ontano, olio ONTARIO, OH Gyr ONTARIO, OH EXIT ONTARIO OH SPRINGFIELD TWe. SCHOOL ONTARIO OH SPRINGFIELD TWe. SCHOOL DNTARIO DH RICHLAMD C. EVER DONT DNTARIO DH NTARIO OH CNTARID OH RICHLAND Co. RICHLAND Co. ONTARIO DH RICHLAND CO.OHIO RICHLAND Co. ONTARLO OH DNTARIO OH.

NTARIO CH RICHLAND Co. RICHLAND Co. ONTARD OH SPRINGPIELD Tup. SCHOOL RICHLAND C. SPRINGFIELD TWPSCHOOL ONTARIO OH RICHLANDCO GOOD HAVE SUMMER PLYMOUTH HIGH SCHO Plymouth, Ohio STOP Springhele Tup School monroe School and Lueas, Ohio High School Annex monroe School and Richland County Richland Count Bellüke, Ohio Bellille School Butter School Butter, okio Ricnland County Richlenello, OH ONTARIO, OH CRESTLINE QUADRANGLE GEOLOGICAL SURVEY CRESTLINE, OHIO UNITED STATES S DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR GICHLAND CO ROAD CLASSIFICATION DEPARTMENT OF HICHWAYS STATE OF OHIO 7.5 MINUTE SERIES (TOPOGRAPHIC) SCALE 1:24 000 N4045w8237.5/7.5 02/07/02 THU 16:19 FAX 419 747 6859 ONTARIO BD OF EDUCATION Excellence in Edurcation THOMAS C. WOLFF SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT February 7, 2002 Mr. J. Michael Asebrook Stacy & Asebrook, Ltd.

454 East Main Street Suite 236 Columbus, OH 43215 Ontario Junior High School Building 3560 Park Avenue West Ontario, OH 44906 Dear Mr. Asebrook: Please use this letter as proof of the School Board's approval that you and your determination for individual listing in the National Register of Historic Places for the Ontario Junior High building on behalf of the Board of Education. The current owner of the building is the Ontario School Board, c/o Mr. Daryl Hall, Superintendent, 3560 Park Avenue West, Ontario, Ohio, 44906 (419) 747-4311. Currently, Ontario School Commons, Ltd. has an option to purchase the building. We understand that our approval is required for submission of an application. I hereby attest on behalf of the Board of Education that the information the Board and Ontario School Commons, Ltd. have provided is, to the best of my knowledge, correct, and that the Commons, Ltd.

to make application for the preliminary determination of eligibility for individual listing in the National Register of Historic Places. I understand that falsification 457 SHELBY-ONTARIO ROAD - MANSFIELD, OHIO 44906 - PHONE: 419-747-4311 - FAX: 419-747-6859 TREASURER Reference: ONTARIO LOCAL SCHOOLS DARYL HALL School Board owns the property described above and hereby authorizes Ontario School 002 organization, Ontario School Commons Ltd., will be applying for preliminary Richland County RANDALL K. HARVEY $10,000 in fines or imprisonment for up to five years pursuant to 18 U.S.C:1001. of factual representations in this application is subject to criminal sanctions of up to 12/05/02 THU 12:41 FAX 419 747 6859 ONTARIO BD OF EDUCATION THOMAS C. WOLFF RANDALL K.

HARVEY SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT November 20, 2002 Dear Members of the Ohio Historic Preservation Advisory Board, It is with great pleasure that I register my support for the listing on the National Register of Historic Places the Ontario Junior High Building (formerly Springfield Township School) in Ontario, Ohio, Richland County. This building has been the epicenter of cultural and social activities for a great many years in our community. The school building can be associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of our local history. The building is a venerable landmark that is one of the best preserved consolidated schools in Richland Our goal is to use this venerable edifice as affordable housing for arca senior citizens.

Using an historic structure in a practical way benefits not only the future tenants, but the city as a whole Preserving a small town's history is vital and we are very excited about the prospect of renovating this landmark for beneficial purposes. We have a vision to preserve a piece of history and we hope that you will join us in our efforts. This request for Historic status bas great support in our community who hold a firm determination to see it restored to its original grandeur. 457 SHELBY-ONTARIO ROAD - MANSFIELD; OHIO.44906 - PHONE: 419-747-4311 - FAX: 419-747-6859 TREASURER County. 005 ONTARIO LOCAL SCHOOLS Superintendent DARYL HALL Excellence in Education Sincerely Nov-26-2002 01:51pm P.002/002 F-234 P.O. Box 166 - Ontario, Ohio 44862 - Telephone 419-529-3818 FAX 419-529-6132 Date: November 26, 2002 To: Ohio Historic Site Preservation Advisory Board From: Mayor D.

Daniel Kreisher Re: Ontario Junior High Building I would like to formally register my support for the listing on the National Register of Historic Places the Ontario Junior High Building (Springfield Township School) in Ontario, Ohio, Richland County. The School Building is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of our history. The building is one of the best-preserved consolidated schools in Richland County. I can assure you that this endeavor has tremendous support in the community. D. Daniel Kreisher Stumbo Road North - Ontario, Ohio - 44906-1259 Mayor +1-419-529-6132 From-CITY OF ONTARIO EDUCATION 12/05/02 THU 12:42 FAX 419 747 6859 Ø007 FROM :STUMBO PUBLISHING TRIBUNE FAX NO. :419 529 2847 A WEEKLY NEWSPAPER Est.

1961 November 27, 2002 Mr- Daryl Hall Superintendent Ontario Local Schools Ontario, Ohio I believe the old Springfield Township school should be included in the National Register of Historical places because it not only of the township, and later the Village of Ontario, as the For example, all of the public meetings leading up to the town at the time, for the local government to meet. sponsored a talent show, including a minstrel show with local I hope the Ohio Historic Site Preservation Advisory Board, when rapidly growing community of Ontario can hold onto as part of Frank A. Stumbo 347 ALLEN DR., P.O. Box 127, ONTARIO, OH 44862-0127 - PHONE/FAX (419) 529-2847 Stumbo Publishing Co. Inc. citizens participating. SERVING: Sincerely, government. LEXINCTON AND their history.

community gathering place to discuss matters of concern other than TRIBUNE-COURIER School.It is the only standing landmark the citizens of the school matters.

incorporation of Ontario were held in the building.Later, the it meets December 6,will look favorably on the old Springfield ONTARIO BD OF EDUCATION PUBLISHER OP THE The Lions Club met regularly in the school.At one time they Dear Daryl: Dec.0220D2D9:20AMP1 MADI3ON AREA3 Eunctioned as a school which housed grades one thru twelve for During the early years as the first mayor of the local government in the home economics room, since there was no other place in the I called regular town hall meetings in the gym where a couple Several generations,but it was also considered by the residents 12/05/02 THU 12:41 FAX 419 747 6859 ONTARIO BD OF EDUCATION December 2, 2002 Attn: Members of the Ohio Historic Site Preservation Advisory Board my support for the listing on the National Register of Historic Places the Ontario Junior High Building (Springfield Township School) in the City of Ontario, Ohio, Richland County.

The building is located in the City's Fourth Ward, which I represent on City contribution to the history of our City. This building is one of the best- As you already know, our plans are to renovate this empty school into affordable housing for senior citizens; and in order to accomplish this, we would need to qualify for senior tax credits. I believe that our community has a need for this type of housing and the location of this structure is ideal as it Senior Citizens Center. I can think of no better use for this building. Our only other alternative may be to demolish this community landmark, which In closing, I would like to thank you for your time and consideration, and I can assure you that this endeavor has tremendous community support. /James A.

Hellinger 4th Ward Counctiman As a city councilman and life-long resident, I would like to formally register 006 Respectfully, preserved schools in Richland County. Council.It is within the original / old section of town and this school building can be associated with events that have made a significant is located beside a church and in very close proximity to our schools and new would be a shame.

City of Ontario, Ohio 12/05/02 THU 14:09 FAX 419 747 6859 Ø002 From-Executive Secretary 614 644 1358 December 4, 2002 Lelephone: (419) 589-9663 Jax: (419) 589-6468 Attn: Members of the Ohio Historic Site Preservation Advisory Board 77 South High Street Columbus, Obio 43215-6111 toll free: (800) 282-0253 relephone: (614) 466-5802 I would like to formally register my support for the listing on the National fax: (614) 641-9494 Register of Historic Places, the Ontario Junior High Building (Springfield e-mril: rep79@ohr.state.ob.us Township School) in Onrario, Ohio, Richland County. The School Building can be associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of our history. The building is one of the I can assure you that this endeavor has tremendous support in the community. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me.

Sincerely, 79ª Housc District best preserved consolidated schools in Richland County. Dec-05-02 State Representative ONTARIO BD OF EDUCATION Bill Hartnett Rife Center 01:18pm Committees William Hartmett District Office Capitol office Parrs of Richland County 79th Housc District T-474 P.002/002 F-057 www.bouse.state.ob.us 12/05/02 THU 12:42 FAX 419 747 6859 ONTARIO BD OF EDUCATION December 4, 2002 Dear Members of the Ohio Historic Site Preservation Advisory Board, members of our corninunity expressed how dear the old school was to them. history. Having it listed on the National Register of Historic Places would Thank-you for your consideration, Shelley E. Fisher knowledge, its only historic building.

During the time our school district was building a new middle school many 008 Register of Historic Places the Ontario Junior High Building (Springfield ensure Ontario would be able to preserve what is, to the best of my Township School) in Ontario, Ohio, Richland County. residents were clear that they are very supportive of preserving this piece of I would like to formally register my support for the listing on the National Ontario School Board President.

The building is very significant to the history of our community.Our ONTARIO BD OF EDUCATION Ø004 Caring for SOULS In the Spirit of Christ December 4, 2002 Ohio Historic Site Prescrvation Advisory Board Columbus, Ohio Dear Members of the Ohio Historic Site Preservation Advisory Board, On behalf of the Ontario United Methodist Church, I would like to formally register our support for listing on the National Register of Historic Places the Ontario Junior Hligh Building (Springfield Township School) in Ontario, Ohio, Richland County. We are grateful for this building's candidacy as a historic listing on the National Register of Historic Places. The school building can be associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the history of the community of Ontario. Indeed, this building is by far the most substantial of but a very few historic landmarks in Ontario.

Furthermore, the building is one of the best-preserved consolidated schools in all of As a church, we believe adaptive reuse of this historic school building to create affordable housing for senior citizens will make an important contribution to our citizens' future, while also benefiting the city as a whole. I can assure you that this project has the strong support of the members and fricnds of the Ontario United Methodist Church, which sits immediately adjacent to this Thank you for your consideration of this letter of strong support for this endeavor to have this building listed on the National Register of Historic Places. James F. Winkler, Pastor 3540 Park Avenue West | Mansfield, Ohio 44906 | 419-529-4345 James F. Winkler, Pastor | Email: jwinkler@neo.rr.com building. Richland County. Ohio Historical Society ONTARIO UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 4195294345 .

ONTARIO BD OF EDUCATION Ø002 12/05/02 THU 12:39 FAX 419 747 6859 TOTAL PERFORMANCE INC. P.O. Box 1268 777 Cypress Drive Mansfleld, Ohio 44901 Phone (419) 610-4361 FAX (419) 526-0291 December 4, 2002 Dear Members of the Ohio Historic Site Preservation Advisory Board: affordable senior citizen housing. Many who attended the school have already expressed interest in the current owner of the school. Sam Vancura Sincerely, www.swimtpi.com of Ontario. As a lifelong resident of the area,1 appreciate the older structures which date back to times fong ago. We have mary such buildings in nearby Mansfield, but only two old structures exist in Ontario. One is the school building, the other a stone railroad bridge. In the case of the latter, it is in a condition such among locals who long for throwbacks to the good old days.

The only other structure, our school, is in living in the building in the future. In addition, it would contribute to the tax base for our school district, I join the local and regional govemment representatives, civic leaders and citizens of the area who / am writing in support of the listing on the National Register of Historic Places, the Ontario Junior High support saving our school through inclusion on the National Register. 12/05/02 THU 12:40 FAX 419 747 6859 ONTARIO BD OF EDUCATION Ø003 Ontario Board Member 1010 ST RT 314 South Mansfield OH 44903 December 4, 2002 Dear Members of the Ohio Historic Site Preservation Advisory Board, Richland County. We still have residents who attended that school. When we built a new building, we incorporated the pictures of the graduating entire community.

We are extremely pleased that this building can continue Ontario has a rich history of schools being the center of the community Ontario School Board Member Sincerely, I would like to formally register my support for the listing on the National functions. There is tremendous support from City Counsel, Senior Citizens Township School) in Ontario, Ohio, Richland County. to play a significant part of our community. and the Ontario community for the preservation of this historic structure. The School Building is one of the best-preserved consolidated schools in Register of Historic Places the Ontario Junior High Building (Springfield classes of the Ontario Junior High Building from 1929.

It means a lot to the Mary J Bennett Ohio Historic Preservation Office 567 East Hudson Street Columbus, Ohio 43211-1030 614/ 298-2000 Fax: 614/ 298-2037 Visit us at www.ohiohistory.org/resource/histpres/ National Park Service March 18, 2003 SINCE 1885 Ms. Carol Shull, Chief of Registration National Register of Historic Places 1201 Eye Street, NW 8t* Floor Washington, D.C. 20005 Dear Ms. Shull: Enclosed please find one new National Register nomination for the Springfield Township School in Richland County, Ohio. All appropriate notification procedures have been followed for this I am requesting a substantive review for this nomination. During earlier reviews of a Historic Preservation Certification Part 1 for a preliminary determination for listing both the State Historic Preservation Office and the National Park Service did not recommend National Register eligibility for this property.

Since those reviews the nomination has been resubmitted and favorably reviewed by our state review board and our office. A Historic Preservation Certification Part 1 has been resubmitted to the National Park Service. However, given these earlier decisions, If you have questions or comments about this nomination, please contact this office. State Historic Preservation Officer SOCIETY OHIO enclosures HISTORICAL new submission. RECEIVED 2280 Sincerely, VAT. REGISTER OF HISTO *IC PLACES at both the state and federal level, I feel a substantive review is appropriate.