Nomination for Olive Branch High School

From the form

The catalogue entry the section above was filed under.

NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018 (Rev. Aug. 2002) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service JUN 1 2 2009 NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES REGISTRATION FORM NAT. REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES and subcategories from the instructions. Place additional entries and narrative items on continuation sheets (NPS Form 10-900a). Use a typewriter, word processor, or computer, 1. Name of Property Olive Branch High School other names/site number 2. Location street & number_9710 W. National Road not for publication_N/A city or town vicinity _ state Ohio _code OH county _code 023 zip code 45344 3. State/Federal Agency Certification _request for determination of Dept.

Head Signature of certifying official Ohio Historic Preservation Office, Ohio Historical Society State or Federal Agency or Tribal government In my opinion, the property _ _meets does not meet the National Register criteria. ( See continuation sheet for additional Signature of commenting or other official State or Federal agency and bureau comments.) Date Clark nationally New Carlisle to complete all items. historic name RECEIVED 2280 NPS not apply to the property being documented, enter "N/A" for "not applicable." For functions, architectural classification, materials, and areas of significance, enter only categories eligibility meets the documentation standards forregistering properties in the National Register of Historic Places and meets the procedural and professional requirements set forth _ statewide_x_locally.

(See continuation sheet for additional comments.) Places Registration Form (National Register Bulletin 16A). Complete each item by marking "x" in the appropriate box or by entering the information requested. If any item does As the designated authority under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1986, as amended, I hereby certify that this_x does not meet the National Register Criteria. I recommend that this property be considered significant_ nomination USDI/NPS Registration Form Page 2 Olive Branch High School 4. National Park Service Certification I, hereby certify that this property is: entered in the National Register determined not eligible for the removed from the National Register 5.

Classification Ownership of Property Number of Resources within Property (Check as many boxes as apply) (Do not include previously listed resources in the count) - private X building(s) X public-Local _ district _ public-Federal Name of related multiple property listing Number of contributing resources previously (Enter "N/A" if property is not part of a multiple property listing.) listed in the National Register 6. Function or Use Historic Functions Current Functions EDUCATION: School OTHER: Storage 7. Description Materials (Enter categories from instructions) Late 1gth and 20th Century American Movements: Craftsman Stucco, Stone Noncontributing roof Total object Asphalt site structure other walls National Register Category of Property other (explain): Architectural Classification (Enter categories from instructions) See continuation sheet.

Date of Action (Enter categories from instructions) Clark County, Ohio (Check only one Box) -_ public-State 7.23.09 Narrative Description (Describe the historic and current condition of the property on one or more continuation sheets.) NPS Form 10-900-a OMB No. 1024-0018 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET Olive Branch High School Clark County, Ohio Section 7 Narrative Description The Olive Branch High School is a one-story Craftsman school building, constructed in 1908. The school was largely reconstructed in 1914, following a devastating fire in November 1913. The building maintains its 1914 appearance. The Olive Branch School is located in a rural area on U.S.

Route 40, the National Road, just west of the small village of The Olive Branch High School is in Bethel Township, near the western edge of Clark County. It is approximately eleven miles west of Springfield, the county seat. The school is situated just west of a row of c.1900 two-story houses. (Photo 1) The overall area is a mix of farmsteads and, mostly, frame houses, constructed throughout the first half of the 1900s. The Olive Branch High School is surrounded by asphalt and gravel paving, except for the east elevation where grass owned by the Tecumseh Local School District, including two service buildings and an altered I-house, used for offices. A tennis court is also on the parcel and adjacent to the nominated school. To the west, on neighboring parcels, are modern school buildings, constructed in the 21" century, along with associated athletic fields.

Historically, the school had a fieldstone fence demarking the property's entrance at the National Road. Extending from the stone fence and lining the driveway was a simple fence constructed of concrete ballards and a metal rail. A section see also the floor plan and historic photos) The Olive Branch High School is an irregularly shaped building, with a central octagonal room that rises several feet and is topped by a skylight with finial. The skylight was recently restored in 2007. Historically, stone chimneys were on the east and west elevations of the octagonal section and extended to nearly the same height as the roof finial. The chimneys were removed in the 1960s. The roof has asphalt shingles, which replaced the original clay tile roof. The school has random-coursed fieldstone, on the lower half of each elevation.

The remaining wall treatment is stucco, with a concrete stringcourse separating the materials. Four rooms, or wings, project outward from the octagon. Each wing has a hipped roof that curves slightly near the eave. Windows on the first floor have a decorative light pattern, with Exterior Setting (8-86) Donnelsville. same wall and fenestration treatment. The larger wings have larger windows than those of the smaller projections. Due with a sunburst pattern.A concrete stringcourse is below the windows.The octagon has a steep pitched pyramidal roof above the rest of the one-story building. (Photo 2) Six of the eight octagon walls have paired square clerestory windows, to the organization around the central octagon,none of the building's corners are at a 90 degree angle. of the historic fencing is still extant along the eastern edge of the property.

(Photo 4) (In addition to the keyed photos, Page 1 separates it from the neighboring house. The nominated school is on a five acre site that includes several buildings smaller panes framing a larger glass pane. In between each of the four wings is a smaller connecting projection with the NPS Form 10-900-a OMB No. 1024-0018 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET Olive Branch High School Clark County, Ohio Section 7 Page 2 The southern façade features the main entrance to the building. (Photos 2-4) The entrance is covered by a porch, with four Doric columns constructed of concrete. Windows flank the centered doorway. The paired wood doors with nine- Each of the four wings has a secondary entrance on one of the short beveled walls. The doors are solid wood without windows.

A small dock is at the entrance in the northwest wing. (Photo 6) This entry has a shed-roof hood, and the multi-light windows and a four-light transom above. The entry on the rear elevation has an enclosed gabled extension. The school is three steps above grade, accommodating a raised basement. Basement windows are located on the side and rear elevations. Most have been covered over, or in-filled, with the exception of one six-light window on the rear The Olive Branch High School is constructed of brick and poured concrete. The floors are of poured concrete, all of which have been covered with linoleum, except the central room. Wall treatment on the interior historically, and currently, was plaster over lath boards. The ceilings are also made of plaster, which remain intact in the octagon and in the room behind the stage; elsewhere drop ceilings have been installed.

Throughout the interior, original wood door and window surrounds are intact. Many of the original doors remain, which are generally solid wood divided into three panels. With a few exceptions, doors and trim have been painted. Original chalkboards are present in the classrooms Inside the main entrance is a vestibule, with doors into the classrooms on both ends and a doorway that once held double (Photo 20) The interior of the Olive Branch High School is organized around the central octagonal room, originally containing the cafeteria and gymnasium. (Photos 9-10) This room is enhanced by a large skylight, centered above. A coved cornice forms a transition, from the ceiling to the skylight. The skylight is also octagonal in shape, and each window section is comprised of three vertical lights.

On the east and west walls are the former chimneys, which appear as stepped projections into the room. On the north wall of the octagon is a small raised stage, with wood floor and simple round arch proscenium. The proscenium has been in-filled with a wall partition. The four wings, extending from the central cafeteria, each contained a classroom. (Photos 11-13) The classrooms had a large doorway, with pocket doors leading into the cafeteria. Only the doors of the southeast classroom remain in place. (Photo 14) The other three door openings have been altered, with partial partitioning of the opening and a smaller door inserted. Interior elevation. (8-86) doors leading into the central octagonal room. (Photo 8) An original metal floor grate can be seen in the vestibule. light windows are original.A seven-light transom is above the entry. original door has been replaced.

The connecting projections also have secondary exits.(Photo 5) These doors have (Photo 7) and near the stage. NPS Form 10-900-a OMB No. 1024-0018 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET Olive Branch High School Clark County, Ohio Section 7 Page 3 The small connecting projections, on the east and west side of the building, contain short, oddly-shaped hallways, with access to the restrooms and secondary exterior doors. The restroom, on the east side of the building, has unpainted door and window trim and intact stall partitions. (Photo 15) Restroom features on the west side have been removed. Access to the basement is in this hallway. (Photo 16) The basement is utilitarian in function and is largely an open space.

The poured concrete structural columns and floors are visible, as well as the brick-walled original coal-fired furnaces. (Photo 17-18) The connecting projection on the north side is directly behind the stage, and therefore above the floor level of the remainder of the building. This room originally served as the principal's office. Despite its current use as a warehouse facility, the Olive Branch High School maintains a high degree of historic integrity. Other than the shortening of the chimneys and change of roof materials, the building remains largely deep eaves, and juxtaposition of exterior materials. The interior also retains its historic features such as chalkboards, floor plan, window and door surrounds, doors and the stage. One original desk remains in the school.

(Photo 19) (8-86) Integrity unchanged on the exterior.Keys elements of the Craftsman style are intact including the original decorative windows, USDI/NPS Registration Form Page 3 Olive Branch High School 8. Statement of Significance

Statement of significance

Applicable National Register Criteria (Mark "x" in one or more boxes Areas of Significance for the criteria qualifying the property for National Register listing) _A Property is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad Property is associated with the lives of persons C 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 Period of Significance distinguishable entity whose components lack Property has yielded, or is likely to yield information Significant Dates Criteria Considerations (Mark "X" in all the boxes that apply.) owned by a religious institution or used for removed from its original location. (Complete if Criterion B is marked above) a cemetery. a reconstructed building, object, or structure.

a commemorative property. less than 50 years of age or achieved significance within the past 50 years. Narrative Statement of Significance (Explain the significance of the property on one or more continuation sheets.) Charles Insco Williams R. Bert Hause (builder) 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.) Primary Location of Additional Data: preliminary determination of individual listing X State Historic Preservation Office (36 CFR 67) has been requested. _ Other State agency _ previously listed in the National Register _previously determined eligible by the National Register - Local government designated a National Historic Landmark recorded by Historic American Buildings Survey # recorded by Historic American Engineering Record # Name of repository: _ 1914-1929 Education University Other Architecture individual distinction. Architect/Builder Federal agency religious purposes. a birthplace or a grave. Significant Person patterns of our history. Bibliography significant in our past.

Clark County, Ohio Cultural Affiliation important in prehistory or history. Previous documentation on file (NPS) (Enter categories from instructions) NPS Form 10-900-a OMB No. 1024-0018 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET Olive Branch High School Clark County, Ohio Section 8 Page 1 Statement of Significance The Olive Branch High School is being nominated to the National Register under Criteria A and C. It meets Criterion A for its association with local education and is a good representative of a rural turn-of-the-twentieth century high school. It meets Criterion C for architecture as a good example of the Craftsman style as applied to a public school and the work of architect Charles I. Williams.

Olive Branch High School is an eye-catching building that conveys the importance that the rural township placed on educational architecture in the early years of the 20#h century. Clark County and Bethel Township Clark County, named for military leader General George Rogers Clark, was set off from neighboring counties and officially organized in December 1817. Springfield was designated the county seat the following spring. The rich, fertile soil of Clark County made it among the most prosperous agricultural lands of the state. In addition to being the local governmental center, Springfield grew to become the commercial hub for the surrounding farmlands and villages. in the city becoming the leader of such products in the United States. The city prospered due to its manufacturing success and increasingly drew more people to the county.

Shortly after its formation, population for the county in 1820 was 9,533. By 1850 the population was 22,178, having the largest increase by decade in the first half of the nineteenth century. The significant rise in population may be attributed to the arrival of the National Road culture to the area. The National Road was the United States' first federally funded highway beginning in Cumberland, Maryland and continuing west, crossing the entire state of Ohio, before reaching Vandalia, Illinois. Springfield was the largest community along the National Road in western Ohio. Several businesses such as hotels, taverns, stores, potential and inns were scattered between the villages as well. Railroad lines reached Springfield and the county more than a decade later.

With the improved transportation routes, Bethel Township, located in the southwest corner of the county, was predominantly agricultural in nature and a vigorous nursery trade was centered near New Carlisle, from where hundreds of thousands of fruit trees were shipped. The first (8-86) 144,742. General History The National Road passed through Clark County in 1838 bringing a westward migration of people, commerce, and economic boom. A number of villages in the county were established to take advantage of the road's commercial Beginning in the 1850s manufacturers in Springfield began producing agricultural implements, which eventually resulted blacksmiths, and wagon makers were established to take advantage of the passing traffic, creating Springfield's first Clark County flourished and population continued to increase. In 1880 figures reached 41,948.

Population grew at a industrial boom of Springfield during those years. Steady, but incremental growth occurred after that until the three NPS Form 10-900-a OMB No. 1024-0018 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET Olive Branch High School Clark County, Ohio Section 8 Page 2 settler in the region was John Paul, who built a cabin near the fork of Honey Creek in 1790. A trickle of other pioneers settled in the area later in the 1790s, but the larger number of settlers came after 1800. They mostly came from Kentucky, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. In 1881 when the county history was written, the township had a Three villages - Medway, New Carlisle, and Donnelsville - are located in the township. New Carlisle, the largest, was established in 1810 and is located slightly north of the National Road.

Donnelsville, located on the National Road, was established in 1832, likely in anticipation of the pike. Between 1875 and 1881 the Indiana, Bloomington & Western Railroad was extended diagonally across Bethel Township and a railroad station was established at the crossroads of the National Road, just west of Donnelsville. The stop was on the land of the Forgy family and became known as Forgy Station. Three Forgy brothers had settled in the township in 1806 and their heirs continued to have large land holdings into the late 1800s. In addition to the railroad depot, the crossroads settlement of Forgy eventually had a post office, grocery, and a cluster of about a dozen houses. developments contribute to the population clusters. Other than these concentrated nodes of density, the township remains predominantly rural and agricultural.

Bethel Township Educational History Given the difficult task of settling land and basic survival in the early Ohio wilderness, provisions for the education of children were often put off for several years after settlement. As there was no system for public education, children were either taught at home or at subscription schools, for the families that had the means to pay for basic education. Compared to other sparsely populated pioneer settlements, the people of Bethel Township were progressive in establishing subscription schools even as the area was being settled. Two subscription schools were built by 1805: one on the farm of Captain McPherson and one on the farm of George Lowman. The McPherson farm and school was located in Section 21, near the present site of the Olive Branch High School.

As shown by records from 1810, children from neighboring townships were enrolled in one of Bethel Township's first two schools, thus indicating that schools had yet to be established in other nearby areas within the county. (1881 Clark County History) Later subscription schools in the township included one in New Carlisle, Keifer Detrick School, Valley School, Wallace School, and New Boston School. All were established between 1810 and 1820. These early school buildings were simply constructed log buildings, often with dirt floors. In an effort to support public education, state legislation was passed in the 1820s, permitting property taxes to be collected on the local level for the purpose of school construction. An 1825 law placed the responsibility of schools at the township level.

Despite these early financial attempts at supporting public education, funds were often insufficient, resulting in inconsistent school development from township to township and the continuation of subscription schools. In the 1830s and 1840s, responding to a steadily increasing population and the ability to spend more time constructing a proper school building, a second generation of schools in Bethel Township replaced the earlier ones. These schools (8-86) population of 3,133. As of the 2000 census, nearly 19,000 people live in Bethel Township. In addition to the three villages, two large housing NPS Form 10-900-a OMB No. 1024-0018 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET Olive Branch High School Clark County, Ohio Section 8 Page 3 modest measure of public funds.

The following decade brought momentous change, to the organization and funding of "Significant legislation that had an impact on townships was passed in 1853. Now responsibility for township schools was removed from the township government and placed with a township school board that could more efficiently students had to pay in some districts where the public money was not sufficient." (Kane, p.10) Following the Civil War, a third generation of Bethel Township schools was constructed. Many of these were two-story and replaced the mid nineteenth century buildings. Largely constructed in the 1870s, these schools were again in response to an increase in student population due to state legislation mandating school attendance, as well as a desire to separate children according to age and grade. nineteenth century progressed.

The workplace had become more industrial and complex, resulting in the need for high schools to teach advanced knowledge and skills. A general acceptance, of the need for high schools, translated into allowed for public tax money to be used for secondary education. However, this only applied to cities or exempt villages. It was another twenty-five years before township school districts could provide secondary education. In 1878, the Ohio General Assembly passed legislation allowing rural districts to establish high schools. In an effort to consolidate the older children, the Bethel Township school board had begun campaigning for a central concept, a new two-story school was completed in 1873.

Located in roughly the center of the township and near the Forgy settlement, the new school was named Olive Branch as an offering of conciliation to those opposed to the school's Always looking forward in educational matters, the school board was soon considering the establishment of a township high school. Once the 1878 state legislation was passed authorizing township high schools, the board began in earnest to explore the idea. It was proposed to dedicate one of the unused rooms at the Olive Branch School for high school instruction. Initially considered to be an experiment, the high school opened in October 1880. Quickly declared a as a whole, the high school principal also served as superintendent for all the township's schools beginning in 1883.

At the appointment of the superintendent, Bethel Township was organized into eleven school districts, each one having a into the twentieth century. In 1905, the township still had eleven sub-districts. During the fight over the decision to (8-86) location. public schools. substantial building. Over half of the sub-districts had a two-story building.This system of school organization lasted Once considered a luxury,high schools were increasingly seen as a necessary part of a child's education as the school building for the 4th through 8t grades, as early as 1865.Following eight years of dispute over this radical typically were larger, more comfortable, and brick. The upgraded schools, potentially, were also the result of at least a months mandated in 1829.

The new law further required that all basic education be free, which eliminated the fees that success, the school board worked to link the high school with the other district schools. In order to improve the system pressure on the government to provide them for free like the primary schools were. Beginning in 1853, state legislation NPS Form 10-900-a OMB No. 1024-0018 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET Olive Branch High School Clark County, Ohio Section 8 build a new high school in 1907, the Springfield Gazette noted Bethel Township as being the third richest school district in Clark County. (School Fight in Bethel Goes Merrily On) The nominated Olive Branch High School was born from the necessity to replace the 1873 Olive Branch School building.

By 1900, the building was overcrowded with nearly 100 students, worn and in need of much repair. Although of constructing a new school building. It took six years before a majority of the Board was in agreement to replace the old building and in May they voted to begin construction in 1907. In late 1906, architect, Charles Insco Williams presented preliminary plans for a new school to the Board. However, in March, 1907, as contracts were to be let in preparation for the new school, J.B. Trumbo, the lone dissenter on the School Board, led an opposition movement and took legal action that delayed construction for months. At his instigation, a restraining order was placed against the Bethel Township School Board on March 22, 1907, preventing them from letting demolition contracts.

His position was that the 1873 school could be repaired and enlarged and that the Board did not have sufficient funds for the new construction. Despite the restraining order, the School Board was permitted to issue bonds to raise money for the school, which ultimately allowed them to prove to the county that they had enough funds to pay for the school. By the beginning of July, the last of the injunctions were lifted. A last ditch court effort was made on a Saturday afternoon by the opposition, old one that day. By the following week, newspapers were reporting that the building was largely leveled. Constructed at a cost of $30,000, Charles Insco Williams' new Olive Branch High School design was completed in May, 1908. Although it was the designated township high school, the building contained space to serve the lower grades of sub-district three.

Dedication ceremonies were held on May 15, 1908, with the keynote speaker being Dr. William and the people to spare no means making Bethel Township schools the best in the state of Ohio in rural communities. He complimented the people very highly on the handsome new school building." ("Patrons"). months of deliberation, the Bethel Township School Board decided to rebuild the fire gutted school. Bonds for reconstruction of Olive Branch High School were issued, in the amount of $7000. The April 14, 1914 school board minutes indicate that Charles I. Williams was involved with the reconstruction. The minutes state that the advertisement for bids for the new high school could be found on file in the Clerk's office and also in the office of Charles Williams, Architect, Davies Building in Dayton.

In May of 1914, the Dayton Construction Company was chosen to rebuild the school at a cost of $14,497. Students returned to the building later in the year. school was rebuilt with the same floor plan and use of exterior materials. However, the window pattern changed slightly (8-86) but to no avail. Led by Bert Hause, a Dayton contractor, supporters of the new school building began demolishing the Page 4 Oxley Thompson, president of the Ohio State University. "Dr. Thompson made an eloquent address and urged the board Monday, November 10, 1913 brought tragedy to the school, when a boiler in the basement caught fire. Despite efforts of teachers, students, and firefighters from as far away as Springfield, the building was largely destroyed. After several The building was reconstructed on the extant foundation.

An examination, of historic photographs, illustrates that the some of the State Inspector's mandated repairs were made that year, the township Board of Education began discussion NPS Form 10-900-a OMB No. 1024-0018 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET Olive Branch High School Clark County, Ohio Section 8 Page 5 from three separate windows to a band of three windows on the main walls. The light pattern also changed from 8-over- 2 to the current pattern. The clerestory window pattern also changed, from four separate, single pane windows on the rotunda walls to two, paired windows with the current sunburst pattern. The skylight with finial was also added at this time.

As the majority of the historic fabric dates to the 1914 reconstruction, the period of significance begins with that The Olive Branch High School was outgrown fairly quickly, and a newer high school was constructed next to it in 1929. This second high school was of the more typical two-story Neo-Classical Revival style popular for school buildings in continued to be used for educational purposes. Classes for lower grades were held in the building until the 1970s. Since then, the building has been used as a warehouse for the school district. Despite its continued contributions to the township school district, the period of significance for the Olive Branch High School ends with 1929, the year that it ceased serving as Bethel Township's high school.

There is considerable affection for the building within the local community and options for its preservation and re-use are being investigated. The Olive Branch High School meets Criterion A for its role in local educational history. It reflects the community's dedication to education. From the pioneer days of the township, education has been a priority. The 1881 County History settlement as well as now to have occupied the front rank." (p. 707) Often at the avant-garde of local education, the leaders of Bethel Township pursued the latest ideals in education. In the 1860s when the grading of students was an educational topic statewide, the township school board was vigorously arguing for the separation of the older children.

A more contemporary newspaper article has declared the 1880 Olive Branch High School to be "the first rural high school in Ohio." (Schmunk) While the distinction giving Bethel Township credit for the first rural high school has not been verified, it is known that the school board was actively trying to figure out how to institute a high school in the 1870s, before state legislation permitted them to do so. Upon the 1878 educational trend in the 1880s, where "Progressive districts now had superintendents to provide administrative When it was determined that a better high school facility was needed in 1908, the school board chose to build a separate high school, with some dedicated space for the younger sub-district children.

This was in direct contrast to the general pattern in many of Ohio's townships where centralized union schools were being constructed to consolidate the sub- districts and educate the children of the township under one roof. After the 1913 fire that largely destroyed the Olive year. Historic Context (8-86) leadership." (McCormick, p. 90) state law approving township operated high schools, the board worked to find a suitable location and had established identified the township as being exceptional, claiming that, "In educational matters Bethel Township seems at the first to be superintendent of all of Bethel Township's schools. Appointing such an administrator also reflected a growing the 1920s (demolished 2007). Although it was no longer the township' s high school, the Olive Branch High School Olive Branch High School within two years.

Emphasizing the importance of the high school, its principal was appointed NPS Form 10-900-a OMB No. 1024-0018 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET Olive Branch High School Clark County, Ohio Section 8 Page 6 was in full force. In this manner, the Bethel Township School Board acted more like a city school district than a rural township one, with its desire to offer separate educational facilities to its high school students. "By the 1880s public high schools were common in Ohio's urban areas, and cities vied to have the latest technology and an architecturally designed building that reflected local civic pride." (McCormick, p. 88) Although Bethel Township had build a school building that reflected their pride in the school system.

Not only were the educational provisions important, but the building that housed them was as well. In this way, education and architecture were entwined. The design of Olive Branch High School, and the decision to keep a separate high school, reflected an interest in the about the importance of education. As related in Educational Architecture in Ohio, the design of a school building often The Olive Branch High School, today, is still a well-known landmark in the township. It was designed in 1908 not only hundred people filled the newly constructed auditorium at the May, 1908 dedication ceremonies. Discussing the new school structure in the state.

It embodies all the latest plans in modern school architecture and has attracted state-wide a significant historic institutional building in the context of Bethel Township, and it continues to exemplify the dedication of the community and its civic leaders to the development of the township's school system. The Olive Branch High School is significant as an intact local example of the Craftsman style and also meets Criterion C as a good representative of the work of local master architect, Charles Insco Williams. When constructed in 1908, the Olive Branch High School was a model of the then popular Craftsman style. The contrasting natural materials with random field stone on the bottom and stucco on the top, deep eaves, low-pitched tile roof, emphasized porch, and multi- paned windows with slender mullions were all features of the Craftsman style employed in the Olive Branch High School.

Bungalow houses, with Craftsman characteristics, can be found in the township, but the Olive Branch High School is the only example of a Craftsman public or institutional building. It is fitting that a township, with a reputation for progressive educational offerings, would hire an architect that proposed the latest in architectural fashion. Both, the 1908 and the reconstructed 1914, versions of the building exemplify the popular Craftsman style. Village and township school buildings in Ohio, in the first two decades of the 20t century, tended to be Neo-Classical publication of Craftsman floor plans. It was Stickley's assertion that rural schools were, "the poorest imitation of city educational institutions, in no way suited to the rural life and environment of farm boys and girls." (Stickley, p.

164) His concern for quality rural schools related to a broader philosophy of American progress and the success of rural communities independent of cities. It was his belief that in order to improve country life there must be good rural (8-86) residential structures.It was not a common choice for schools, although Gustav Stickley did promote it, in a 1912 Revival in style. Though the Craftsman style enjoyed popularity from 1900 to 1930, it was chiefly reserved for was extremely important for community identity, especially in a crossroads community with a small population. (p.72) to provide the best high school education for township residents, but to make an architectural statement as well. Six- established an early high school during this time, it was contained within an existing school building.

Because of this, it was not until 1907, when the decision was made to construct a new one, that the township finally had an opportunity to school as a celebrated building. The building was a statement that signified civic pride and made a local declaration school a Springfield newspaper reported, "The building is considered the most practical and best equipped township high interest among educators and members of boards of education." (Pres. Fess Gives Bethel Township Baccalaureate) It is NPS Form 10-900-a OMB No. 1024-0018 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET Olive Branch High School Clark County, Ohio Section 8 Page 7 schools, and the best way to encourage learning and a strong work ethic among children was to employ the Craftsman style in school construction.

Despite Stickley's practical concerns for worthy rural education and American progress, there is a romantic undertone to his writings. In 1912, he was proposing designs for small picturesque one-room schools, or a slightly larger version with an adjoining work room. By this date, most townships had either already constructed school buildings with multiple rooms to separate the grades or were in the process of consolidating the smaller schools into a centralized school that also separated the children by age and grade level. The Board of Education minutes indicate that Charles Insco Williams was approved for hire at the April 4, 1907 in 1853 and moved with his family to Dayton at the age of 16. He followed his public education, with a degree from the Chickering Institute of Cincinnati in 1870 and then studied at the Troy Polytechnic Institute in New York.

He was employed for a time with the Pacific Northern Railroad in 1873, within the civil engineering department. Williams years for a lumber dealer, the John Rouzer Company. In 1882, Williams established an architectural practice. In 1888, he partnered with two other architects to form Williams, Otter & Dexter. Williams died in February 1923, at the age of Williams designed numerous buildings in Dayton and the surrounding region. He was responsible for several of Algonquin Hotel, Dayton City Club, and the Callahan Bank Building. Additionally, he designed apartment buildings, houses, and schools. His school designs included two buildings in the Riverdale neighborhood and the Stivers Manual Training High School.

The Stivers School (listed, 2001), the Sacred Heart Church (listed, 1987), the Insco Apartments Building (listed, 1994) are examples of his work that have been entered into the National Register. To date, no information has come to light regarding Williams' choice to design the school in the Craftsman style. A review of the Springfield Gazette and Springfield Daily News, from the beginning of construction in the summer of 1907 and the dedication in May 1908, did not reveal any discussion of the architectural design. With its massive chimneys, massive porch columns, and flowing interior space, elements of the Prairie style were also introduced into Olive Branch's design. Overlapping in time period with the Craftsman style, the Prairie style also espoused honesty in materials. An experienced architect, such as Charles I.

Williams, likely would have been familiar with the writings of Stickley, as well as the features of this newly emerging style. Also, the 1905 construction of Frank Lloyd Wright's Prairie style Westcott House, in nearby Springfield, certainly would have had an impact on creative local architects. The Olive Branch High School is an important example of Williams' work, expressing his diversity and mastery in working with differing architectural styles. He chose to depart from the more standard use of Neo-Classicism, as an expression of the noble goals of education and democracy, as was the norm in early twentieth century school designs. In the case of Olive Branch, not only was he versatile in the language of the Craftsman style, but in its uncharacteristic application to a building type that typically was more reserved in appearance.

While he may have been following sub-district of younger children) and provided for modern amenities, such as the auditorium/gymnasium and cafeteria. (8-86) Stickley's philosophy, on the improvement of rural schools through the use of the Craftsman style, Williams applied the returned to Dayton, around 1873, and operated an artist's studio for several years. Beginning in 1880, he worked for two Dayton's prominent and large-scale buildings including the YMCA, Sacred Heart Church, the Riebold Building, the style to a school building that respected the need to separate the grades (as Olive Branch High School still contained one meeting. Williams was one of Dayton's leading architects, in the late 1800s and early 1900s. He was born in Cincinnati NPS Form 10-900-a OMB No.

1024-0018 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET Olive Branch High School Clark County, Ohio Section 8 Page 8 Discussing Charles Insco Williams' architecture in his 1909 history of Dayton, Drury proclaims that Williams' structures Dayton but in the state" (p.1008) Similarly, it could be said that through his innovative design for the Olive Branch High School, he created an ornament in the country for the citizens of Bethel Township. (8-86) in Dayton"are ornaments to the city" and that he is "one of the most prominent representatives of this calling not only in NPS Form 10-900-a OMB No.

1024-0018 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET Olive Branch High School Clark County, Ohio Section 9 Berry, William M.Recalling the Past: Reminiscence Through the Years -The History of Bethel Township and New Carlisle Schools, Clark County, Ohio, 1808-2002, Tecumseh High School Media Center, 2002. Bethel Township Board of Education Minutes, 1906-1908. "C.I. Williams Rites Thursday," Dayton Daily Journal, 2/14/1923. Dayton, 1909. Gordon, Stephen, C. How to Complete the Ohio Historic Inventory, Ohio Historical Society, Columbus, Ohio, 1992. Graham, Albert Belmont. Centralized Schools (Feb. 1906), Township High Schools (Feb. 1908), the Country Schools (Feb. 1910), Excerpts from the Agricultural College Extension Bulletin, Ohio State University, Columbus, 1906-1912. History of Clark County, Ohio, W.H.

Beers & Co., Chicago, 1881. History of Dayton, Ohio, United Brethren Publishing House, Dayton, 1889. Huffman, Dale. "Fire Didn't Kill Memories Built Over A Lifetime," Dayton Daily News, 6/22/1990. Kane, Kathy Mast and Nathalie Wright. Canal Winchester School National Register Nomination, 2005. Ilustrated Historical Atlas of Clark County, Ohio, L.H. Everts and Co., Philadelphia, 1875. Ohio, 1913. McCormick, Virginia. Educational Architecture in Ohio: From One-Room Schools and Carnegie Libraries to Community Education Villages, Kent State University Press, Kent, Ohio & London, 2001. New Dayton Illustrated, Or, the Gem City as Seen Through a Camera, The National Coupon Publishing Co., Dayton, "Opposition to New School Building," The Springfield Gazette, 3/18/1907. Olive Branch Alumni Newsletter, June, 1937. (8-86) 1893.

Bibliography "Bethel Township Schoolhouse Case Again,"The Springfield Gazette, 5/31/1907. Drury, Rev. A.W., History of the City of Dayton and Montgomery County, Ohio, S.J. Clarke Publishing Co., Chicago & Page 1 Manual and Course of Study of the Schools of Bethel Township, Clark County, Ohio, Ohioan Print, Milford Center, NPS Form 10-900-a OMB No. 1024-0018 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET Olive Branch High School Clark County, Ohio Section 9 Page 2 Puterbaugh, Roberta. Stivers High School National Register Nomination, 2001. "Restraining Order Issued," Springfield Daily News, 3/22/1907. "School Board Can't Build Now," The Springfield Gazette, 3/22/1907. "School Building Razed to Ground," Springfield Republic, 7/08/1907. "School Fight in Bethel Goes Merrily On," The Springfield Gazette, 4/06/1907.

Schmunk, Roy E. "Rural High School a County First," paper unknown, date unknown. Stickley, Gustav. More Craftsman Homes: Floor Plans and Illustrations for 78 Mission Style Dwellings, Dover Publications, Inc., New York, 1982. Williams, Judith and Nathalie Wright. McKinley School National Register Nomination, 2004. Wright, Nathalie and Kathy Mast Kane. North Side Historic District Draft National Register Nomination, 2008. County Auditor's website: http://www.clarkcountyohio.gov/auditor/Index.htm Preserve Olive Branch website: www.tecumseh.k12.oh.us/preserve_ob (8-86) "Patrons Dedicate New High School," The Springfield Daily News, 5/15/1908. Additional Resources: "Pres. Fess Gives Bethel Township Baccalaureate," paper unknown, 5/11-13/1908. "Olive Branch High School is Destroyed,"The Springfield Daily News, 11/11/1913. Research compiled by William Berry.

School Pupils Given Diplomas,"The Springfield Daily News,5/16/1908. Research compiled by Cyndie Gerken. "To Issue Bonds for Building," Springfield Daily News, 3/26/1907. USDI/NPS Registration Form Page 4 Olive Branch High School 10. Geographical Data Acreage of Property_Less than one acre UTM References (Place additional UTM references on a 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 Nathalie Wright organization Historic Preservation Consultant date August 2008 street & number P.O. Box 10582 telephone 614-299-2226 city or town _ _ state_OH zip code 43201 Additional Documentation Submit the following items with the completed form: 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. Additional items (Check with the SHPO or FPO for any additional items) (Complete this item at the request of the SHPO or FPO.) name Tecumseh Local School District street & number 9760 W. National Rd. _ telephone _ state OH zip code45344 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 valid OMB control number. Estimated Burden Statement: Public reporting burden for this form is estimated to average 18.1 hours per response including the time for reviewing instructions, gathering and maintaining data, and completing and reviewing the form.

Direct comments regarding this burden estimate or any aspect of this form to Keeper, National Register of Historic Places, 1849 "C" Street NW, Washington, DC 20240. 4422195 117244105 Northing Columbus name/title Photographs New Carlisle Continuation Sheets Zone Easting Property Owner See continuation sheet. Clark County, Ohio 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.). A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a Maps NPS Form 10-900-a OMB No.

1024-0018 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET Olive Branch High School Clark County, Ohio Section 10 Page 1 Verbal Boundary Description The Olive Branch High School is located in the southeast corner of a 5.64 acre parcel, along with a tennis court, a c.1900 01005000210001008. See County Auditor's aerial view on page 10, 2. (NOTE: The Auditor's image still indicates the 1929 Olive Branch High School in the middle of the parcel, which was demolished in 2007. The tennis court is now in that location). The nominated boundary includes only the historic Olive Branch High School and excludes all other buildings on the parcel. Route 40 (W. National Road), proceed north along the eastern property line to a point ten feet beyond the north elevation Olive Branch High School.

And then, proceed directly south to the southern property line, at U.S. Route 40. Proceed east along the southern property line to the beginning point. Only the historic Olive Branch High School is being nominated to the National Register. The boundary has been drawn property line, and the open space, to the south, that was historically present between the school and the National Road. (8-86) Verbal Boundary Justification The boundary can be delineated by the following:beginning at the point where the eastern property line meets U.s. of the Olive Branch High School. And then, proceed directly west to a point fifty feet beyond the west elevation of the Branch High School. The boundary has been defined to include the remnant section of 1914 fencing, along the eastern NPS Form 10-900-a OMB No.

1024-0018 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET Clark County, Ohio Page 2 WINATIONAL RD Clark County Auditor's aerial view, for parcel number 01005000210001008. (8-86) Olive Branch High School Section 10 NPS Form 10-900-a OMB No. 1024-0018 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET Olive Branch High School Clark County, Ohio Page 1 April 2, 2008 P.O. Box 10582, Columbus, OH 43201 1. Setting, looking east 2. Façade, looking north 3. Porch and entry detail 4. South and east elevations, from front yard of neighboring house 5. East elevation detail, looking southwest 6. West elevation 7. Rear, north, elevation 8. Entry vestibule 9. Cafeteria, showing skylight 10. Cafeteria, looking east 11. Classroom, northwest wing 12.

Classroom, southeast wing 15. Restroom 16. Hallway and basement access 17. Basement 18. Basement, original furnace 19. Original desk 20. Original heating vent in vestibule (8-86) Photographer: Section Photographs Location of Negatives: Nathalie Wright 14.Classroom, southeast wing, original pocket doors into cafeteria Date of Photos: FLOOR PLAN = NOT TO SCALE 7 CLARK CO., CH PHOTO KEY PRINCIPALS STAGE PORCH OFFICE ENTRY 1908-1913 Historic Photographs Clark Co., Ohio c.

1911 Class Photo Olive Branch High School November 1913 Reconstruction, 1914 Historic Photographs Clark Co., Ohio Olive Branch High School Post 1914 Reconstruction Clark Co., Ohio Historic Photographs Post 1914 Olive Branch High School 1ut Befhel Twp NATIONAL PARK SERVICE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES EVALUATION/RETURN SHEET NAME : DATE OF 45TH DAY: DATE OF WEEKLY LIST: N PDIL: N PERIOD: N PROGRAM UNAPPROVED: COMMENT WAIVER: N 7.23.0%ATE ACCEPT ABSTRACT/ SUMMARY COMMENTS: RECOM. /CRITERIA If a nomination is returned to the nominating authority, the TELEPHONE REJECT DATE MULTIPLE RETURN 7/26/09 DISCIPLINE REVIEWER 7/11/09 6/12/09 OTHER: The National Register Historic Places Entered in DATE RECEIVED: nomination is no longer under consideration by the NPs.

REASONS FOR REVIEW: DATE OF 16TH DAY: DOCUMENTATION see attached comments Y/N see attached SLR Y/N UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR STATE & COUNTY: OHIO, Clark CLARK CO., OH CLARK CO., OH CLARK CO., OH CLARK CO., OH CLARK Co., OH CLARK CO., OH CLARK CO., OH CLARK Co., OH CLARK CO., OH CLARK Co., OH Golden Flex800 2008 194 Flexs00 CLARK CO., OM CLARK CO, OH id shock Sanygen CLARK Co., OM CLARK CO., OH CLARK Co., OH CLARk Co, OH CLARK Co., OH CLARK Co., OH HIGH SCHOOL CLARK CO., OH HIGH SCHOOL CLARK CO., OH DONNELSVILLE QUADRANGLE UNITED STATES DONNELSVILLE, OHIO GEOLOGICAL SURVEY DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR JUN 1 2 2009 Ms. Jan Matthews, Associate Director and Keeper of the National Park Service 2280 National Register of Historic Places 1201 1 (Eye) Street, NW Washington DC 20005 Dear Ms. Matthews: Enclosed please find three (3) new National Register nominations.

All appropriate notification procedures have been followed for this new submission. NEW SUBMISSION Concord Hicksite Friends Meeting House Olive Branch High School Groveport School I am requesting a SUBSTANTIVE REVIEW for the Groveport School nomination. The property was originally nominated under National Register Criteria A and C at the local level of significance. The Ohio Historic Site Preservation Advisory Board recommended that the property only be nominated under National Register Criterion A for its historical significance reflecting the educational development in the small rural community of Groveport.

The board did not agree that the school is a significant local example of the early twentieth century Collegiate Gothic style by a well-known regional architect specializing in school design, nor did they recommend that the property displayed significance in its distinctive features associated with International Style architecture due to the fact that the building appeared to be a formulaic example. The minutes of the state review board meeting are included in the Groveport School National Register nomination material. The opinion of the Ohio Historic Preservation Office is that the Groveport School meets National nomination. In particular, both phases of design for the Groveport School represent a significant local interpretation of educational architecture.

The original building reflects the work of an important early twentieth century school architect and the post World War Il portions of the complex reflect the contemporary design solutions associated with school architecture. Furthermore, the school's reflection of modern movements in architecture is an example of the type of modern architecture most likely to be built in a small rural community such as Groveport. Within the local context the school is architecturally OHIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY Ohio Historic Preservation Office 1982 Velma Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43211-2497 ph: 614.298.2000 fx: 614.298.2037 COUNTY STATE www.ohiohistory.org significant.

Belmont Franklin Clark OHIO National Register Register Criteria A and C for local significance.The architectural significance of the school building RECEIVED 2280 reflecting early twentieth century and mid-twentieth century school design is supported within the HISTORY If you have questions or comments about these documents, please contact the National Register staff in the Ohio Historic Preservation Office at (614) 298-2000. Dr. William K. Laidlaw, Jr. State Historic Preservation Officer Enclosures Sincerely,