Versailles High School - Portal Yearbook (Versailles, OH)

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THE VERSAILLES Page 11 being changed from Jacksonville to Versailles. Peter Frantz, a native of France, suggested the name, and it was adopted without any opposition. The name, “Versailles”, was also given to the railroad station, and in due time the postofiice was changed from Jacksonville to Versailles. The Bellefontaine Indiana Railroad was started and finished in the early fifties, and this at once made the future of Versailles. Elevators were erected, stores enlarged, and business in general improved. A second railroad, known as the C. H. D., was built in the early ’80’s and for more than forty years served the community well. It was finally abandoned, the tracks torn up, and all property removed. Other improvements have been made in the town from time to time, but none more important than the Municipal Electric Light and Waterworks plant. The Versailles Electric Light and Waterworks plant was finished in 1901, and to duly commemorate this great event, a glorious Fourth of July celebration was staged, and many former Versailles folks were present to enjoy the day. A grand parade was given, showing the industrial advancement of the town. Two days later, Saturday afternoon, July 6. 1901, fire broke out in the west part of town, in the old Schelicl Mill. A high wind soon had the town at the mercy of the flames. Six business blocks, 38 residences, and many smaller buildings were consumed by the Big Fire. The loss was about $350,000. Much suffering and hardship were endured by the citizens affected, and help from neighboring communities was at once offered. The spirit of Versailles was still alive. John Kleinschmidt, one of the best known business men of the town, started to make plans to rebuild even before the bricks were cold, and thus encouraged many others to do likewise. Out of the ashes of the Old Versailles soon arose the bigger and better New Versailles. In 1913 another trying hour for this section of Ohio was at hand. The Big Flood of 1913 did not affect Versailles as it did other towns in the Miami Valley, but Versailles at once offered assistance to all who were in need of it. Versailles has had five newspapers in its history. The first was known as the Versailles Independent, owned and edited by Cook and Wade. This paper was founded in the early part of 1875. The next newspaper to serve Versailles was the Versailles Policy. At one time it was owned by a Mr. Linn, and later by D. W. K. Martin. It is now owned by The Versailles Policy Publishing Company, under management of L. J. Gunckle. The next paper to make its appearance was the Versailles Banner, edited and owned by Messrs. Radabaugh and Fahnestock. This paper later sold its holdings to The Policy Publishing Co. About a year ago, another venture was made in the newspaper field with the first appearance of The American Deaf Citizen, of which Roy B. Conkling is editor and L.J.Gunckle, manager. This paper is edited and published especially for the Deaf and partially Deaf, and now has

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Page 10 THE VERSAILLES ings have served these folks, and the present building is one of the finest in the town. Emmanuel Lutheran Church was next organized, and dates its beginning back to 1884. Services are held each Sunday, and much interest is manifested. The Frenchtown Catholic Church, as we have already mentioned, was organized at about the same time as the local Catholic Church. This has a large congregation, and sendees are held regularly with a large attendance always present. In visiting the township’s cemeteries, one can readily see who were many of the pioneers that gave this community its beginning. Many of the early settlers were of French, German and Irish descent. The French, German and English languages were in use here for many years, but at present the English language prevails. The first school was built where is now the home of Frank Near-garder, on East Water Street. This first school is described as having a great fireplace, clapboard roof, a door of heavy boards with wooden hinges and a leathern or flaxen string to lift the latch. Windows, with sticks at short intervals, to which greased paper was fastened, let in the light and sunshine. The last surviving teacher of the first school was the late Aunt Sally Wilson, mother of J. M. Wilson. The second school was located about a square east of the first, just north of where is now the Worch Lumber Yard. The next school was taught in a building at the point where is now the 3-story building on East Main Street. The fourth school was located on a lot where is now the Buckeye Overall Co. building on West Main st. This house is said to have been low but roomy. It was also used as a place of worship by the Methodists for a short time, when they were building a church. Many of these early schools were subscription schools, and the teachers were paid salaries from ?10 to $20 a month. One teacher is said to have taught several days for twenty-five cents. School was in session for only a few months at a time. John Robinson is said to have been the first schoolmaster of the community. Schools were also organized in the township at an early date, and at present eleven teachers have charge of educational affairs in the township. The first improved school in the town was built on the north-east corner of the present school lot, it being a 2- story, two-room building. Later a frame building was also placed west of the other, and both served for a number of years. In 1876, the 3- story brick building was erected to take care of school affairs, and this served the district for more than half a century. After a number of attempts, a bond issue was voted in 1926 for a modern and up-to-date structure, and in 1928 the present commodious building was erected. Temporary quarters were secured in several buildings in the central part of the town, to be used as school rooms while the work of building the new school structure was in process. On January 3, 1928, school was called to order in the new building. On January 13, 1928, the dedication was held, and today Versailles and community boast one of the best in Western Ohio. The Village of Versailles was incorporated June 5, 1855, the name

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Page 12 THE VERSAILLES a circulation of several thousand among these folks throughout the United States and part of Canada. Versailles, in all wars of the past, has given freely of its manhood and wealth. At all times the town and Wayne Township have been in the fore when any worthy project was on. Good roads and paved streets have replaced the dirt thoroughfares that once were in use. The town has many organizations that are helpful. It has five churches, two schools, six lodges, a grange, and minor societies. More than fifty business men and women; the old G. A. R. and W. R. C. whose good works were always noticeable, have as their worthy successors the American Legion and Auxiliary. Many fine things may be said of this community, but our space is limited. In conclusion, let us, in this year 1930, pause for a while and look back over the days that are gone, and be thankful that our pioneer forbears left so good a place for us to live. Let it be said of us, as we say of them, by the one who edits the school publication a hundred years hence, that “our works do follow us and we builded better than wo knew”. That they will dedicate their efforts as we dedicate ours, to the Old Home Town—and thus make it a still bigger and better VERSAILLES. —VIRGINIA BROWN, ’31.