the
Jackson Township News
200th Anniversary Edition • Thursday, Sept. 24 and Sunday, Sept. 27, 2015
Published by Jackson Township, Grove City, Ohio 43123 Grant Family first permanent settlers
Jackson Township celebrates Bicentennial
Left to right: Fiscal Officer Ron Grossman, Towship Trustees Stephen Bowshier, David Burris and Jim Rauck.
GROVE CITY HIGH SCHOOL • OCT. 3, 2015
2015 Safety Day to showcase public safety services Public safety forces from fire and emergency medical services to law enforcement and military are uniting in celebration of Jackson Township’s Bicentennial to present 2015 Safety Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 3, 2015 at Grove City High School. The public safety education day will include car extrication demonstrations, up-armored Humvee display, arson dog meet-and-greet, distracted driving simulator, and an expected visit by a MedFlight helicopter. Participating agencies in addition to the Jackson Township Division of Fire include the American Red Cross Disaster Services, Box 15 Fire Rehab Services, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Grove City Division of Police, MedFlight, Ohio Air National Guard, Ohio Army National Guard and Ohio Fire Marshal. “Safety Day 2015 is going to be a one-of-a-kind event for the residents of Grove City, Jackson Township and Urbancrest,” said Fire Chief Rick Dawson, Jackson Township Division of Fire. “There will be educational activities, and fun for little ones and adults alike.” “Each fire department in Franklin County has a specific duty in the event of a major natural disaster or emergency,” said Jackson Township Administrator Mike Lilly. “Jackson Township’s responsibility is scene decontamination. Our crews are trained and will demonstrate how they work along with an Ohio Air National Guard hazardous materials unit.” The Ohio Army National Guard will also have a climbing wall that visitors can experience. Township fire personnel, thanks to a generous donation from Home Depot in Grove City, constructed a small
1815—2015
Scheduled live demonstrations include the following: • Homeland Response Force Search and Extrication • Bomb, drug and arson dogs identifying targets • Rescue crews rappelling down the outside high school auditorium wall from the roof • SWAT exploration: equipment and training • Hazardous materials unit in operation • Chemical scrub down by emergency personnel • Safety forces practicing reaction to a natural disaster or terrorist attack • Police and military mobile emergency command posts • Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Mounted Unit
house on a 10-foot trailer to simulate a house on fire that young kids can use to extinguish simulated flames using real fire hoses. The windows are painted with flames, and as the fire hoses spray water onto the house the windows collapse simulating the fire is extinguished. “I think children will especially enjoy our kids fire house exhibit that allows them to experience firsthand what it is like to use a real firefighter hose to put out a house ‘fire’ at Safety Day,” Dawson said. The always-popular Jackson
Tidbits from Time
Follow along through the years!
• Fire department ladder operations and auto extrication • Touch-a-truck including Jackson Township and Grove City Department equipment • Central Ohio Strike Team – advanced rescue techniques • Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Mobile Emergency Operations Center
Township Fire Department’s smokehouse—simulates a smoking house and teaches children how to escape a fire by crawling across the floor to safety—will also be onsite. Several area food truck vendors will be available during the event for meals and refreshments such as Blu Olive, Bubba’s Shaved Ice, Short North Deli and Paddy Wagon BBQ. For more information including photos, go to www.jacksontwp.org, facebook.com/jacksonfire, or twitter. com/JacksonTWP.
Legends & Lore Become a Historical Society member, and keep history alive!
As Jackson Township begins to celebrate its Bicentennial or, if you prefer, its 200th birthday, this is a good opportunity to look back at the township’s early years. The township form of government arrived in the Americas in 1620 and today 22 states have that form of local government. The Northwest Territory, which would allow the creation of Ohio, became a United States territory in 1783 at the end of the American Revolution. To open this new territory to settlement, four states had to give up their claims to the large land mass. Those states included Virginia, Massachusetts, New York and Connecticut. Virginia maintained its rights to a large part of that territory. Virginia retained a portion of the land called the Virginia Military District to compensate American Revolution officers for their service. A portion of that Virginia tract became Jackson Township in 1815. By 1785, the township system of surveying was established in the Northwest Territory; a rectangular grid system was used to survey the land. The Northwest Ordinance of 1787 and the land survey created a model for creation of the new states of Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin. In 1803, Ohio became a state and 12 years later, Jackson Township was created with most of its land taken from Franklin Township and a small portion of Pleasant Township, 37 years before Grove City was established. Most of Ohio’s townships were named in honor of founding fathers, early presidents and unique environmental features. That’s the reason 37 Ohio townships are named Jackson for the seventh president, Andrew ‘Old Hickory’ Jackson who defeated the British at New Orleans in 1812. Hugh Grant was a successful miller, businessman and owner of 187 acres in the heart of Pittsburgh. Once a year, Grant would place his surplus goods on a freight barge, also known as a broadhorn, and float down the Ohio River to the Mississippi River and into New Orleans. There he would sell his goods then dismantle the broadhorn and sell its lumber and head for home. There is no real evidence how he returned but he likely followed the rivers north. For an unknown reason, Grant followed his river route but detoured from the Ohio River and followed the Scioto River into central Ohio. He could have been influenced by others who either had settled or had knowledge of the settlement at Franklintown. Grant fell in love with the rich soil and natural beauty of the area and became determined to move his family from Pennsylvania to the newly discovered wilderness. Being an avid hunter, he recognized the abundance of wild game including turkey, elk, buffalo and deer. The area also had many predators including bear, panthers and wolf packs. It is generally accepted that in 1804 (there are some accounts that indicate it may have been several years earlier) he moved to Chillicothe, the state capital at the time. Grant and family most likely traveled along Zane’s Trace from the West Virginia-Ohio border to Chillicothe. While in southern Ohio, old histories say he traded his 187 acres in Pennsylvania for 450 acres of Virginia Land Grant territory titled to Revolutionary War General Daniel Morgan. Much of Grant’s land would eventually become Jackson Township. Grant and his family of five, made plans to relocate there in 1805. (There are other accounts that say Grant arrived in central Ohio in 1803). From Chillicothe, Grant most likely followed the Scioto Trail, an Indian trail, a route known today as Rt. 23. When Grant moved to the region, the land he purchased was actually part of Franklin Township. It would be 10 years before Jackson Township was created. There were few roads and even the roads that existed were hardly navigable. The Stringtown Road we know today was just a Shawnee Indian path from the Scioto River into the forest. When Grant arrived he was unable to easily identify his land. The family created temporary shelter near the Scioto See CELEBRATE on page 3
Jackson Township & Grove City Map Circa 1883
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Jackson Township Bicentennial | Thursday, Sept. 24, and Sunday, Sept. 27, 2015
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Jackson Township Bicentennial | Thursday, Sept. 24, and Sunday, Sept. 27, 2015
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celebrate Congratulations, Jackson Township
Continued from page 1 River. The assumption is that he established a residence on the western banks of the Scioto River but there is no proof where that early cabin was located. If it was on the west bank of the Scioto it was Jackson Township, on the east it would have been Hamilton Township. One account states that when Grant was away from his home on the Scioto, neighboring Indians would come to his home and take what they wanted, but that never happened when Grant was home. Grant had a sweet tooth and wild honey was his favorite. That love of honey would soon establish his fate. While harvesting honey, he fell from a tree and was killed. Some reports say this occurred during the winter months and that his body wasn’t found until spring. Still another says Grant had climbed a tree to cut a limb that contained the honey hive. The limb broke and crushed Grant’s chest in the fall. After his death, Catherine took it
upon herself to identify their property and settle the land. While Hugh Grant Sr. is recognized as the first white permanent settler of the township, it actually may have been his wife, Catherine Barr Grant, who deserves that credit. Grant family members including Hugh Grant Jr. and Adam Grant became instrumental to the early growth and development of Jackson Township. According to a historical sketch in an old atlas, other early township settlers included William Brown, Nicholas Haughn, Jonas Orders, William Badger, Woolry Conrod, William Sinnett, the Brackenridges, the Borrors, the Straders and the Goldsmiths. According to a township directory, most residents considered themselves farmers. Two of the farmers also claimed to be stock dealers; one was a stock broker, and two other farmers stated they were also house joiners.
There were two businesses that advertised in the directory. One belonged to E. Ed Miller and J. L. Hall, drain tile manufacturers, who advertised they always had a good assortment available at reasonable prices. That business was located just south of Concord Chapel. The other was J. W. Woolum, a wagon and plow maker. His business was located in southwest Jackson Township. There were a few other businesses that could be located including a grocery store and barber shop on property owned by Jacob Borror at Borror’s Corner at what is now Rt. 665 and Rt. 104. Another grocery store north of Borror’s Corner was operated by John Haughn. Goods that required shipment to distant markets were shipped by canals. Jackson Township’s closest canal port was at Shadeville which provided a feeder canal from Columbus that linked with the major canal system at Lockbourne.
Wooden Commemorative Nickels available
Tidbits from Time
Jackson Township is marking its 200 years in existence by offering commemorative wooden nickels. The “coins” can be obtained at the township administrative office on Hoover Road, the Grove City Welcome Center and Museum and at many businesses located within the township. Participating businesses have a decal, like the one at left, on their outside doors. Residents are encouraged to go to the township’s web site, www.jacksontwp.org for a complete listing of participating businesses and view the discounts offered.
Southwest Franklin n County Historical Society Century Village Museum Exhibits Historic Preservation Quarterly Newsletter Historical Documents Information contained in this tribute to Jackson Township aswas provided by the Historical Society ty and the Southwest Public Library Grove City
Follow along through the years!
On behalf of the City of Grove City, I want to congratulate Jackson Township for achieving 200 years of growth, transitioning from a successful agricultural community to home of the largest city located entirely within Franklin County. More than 40,000 residents enjoy a safe and widely recognized quality of life rich in history, civic pride, a diverse business environment and charming Town Center. Achieving and sustaining a high level of community safety begins with exceptional safety services. The Jackson Township Fire Department, working cooperatively with Grove City’s Division of Police, consistently receives high ratings from our residents. This community cooperation ensuring exceptional safety has been evident for six decades, since the freshly formed Jackson Township Fire Department parked its shiny, new 1945 Dodge pumper in the Grove City Municipal Building garage. Grove City and Jackson Township have prospered together and the entire community has benefited. To Jackson Township, congratulations on a job well done. The City looks forward to another 200 years of partnership, prosperity and positive growth. Kind regards,
Richard L “Ike” Stage Mayor The City of Grove City, Ohio 4035 Broadway, Grove City, Ohio 43123 (614) 277-3000
1807
John Hoover, an American Revolution soldier, moved to Ohio and purchased 200 acres of land in what would become Jackson Township.
Be part of our local history Orders Road School at Fryer Park
Join today and become a history partner. Mail your NAME, MAILING ADDRESS, E-MAIL and PHONE NUMBER along with a check and we’ll E-mail our 6-page September newsletter upon receipt. Mail to: SWFCHS, 3378-B Park St., Grove City, OH 43123 Include your check for $15 for an annual membership and $7 extra if you would like a copy of the newsletter mailed.
The Society meets at 7:30 p.m. the first Tuesday each month at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 3220 Columbus St., Grove City. The Society is a 501c3 non-profit charitable organization. Gifts are tax deductible.
grovecityhistory@gmail.com
Jackson Township Bicentennial | Thursday, Sept. 24, and Sunday, Sept. 27, 2015
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JacksonTwp.org
AS IT WERE
Grant looms large in Grove City history By ED LENTZ Whenever I come to Grove City, I am always reminded of Hugh Grant. He is simply one of those people who is larger than life. There was no Grove City when Hugh Grant came here in 1804. Grove City would not exist until 1852 when a man named William Breck laid out the town. But in the meantime, Jackson Township—where Grove City would later be—had become a place where people wanted to live. It had not seemed all that obvious at the time. At the end of the American Revolution, the newly formed United States found itself with a number of serious problems. Not the least of these was the simple fact that the new country found itself with several thousand soldiers who had not been paid in some time in a country which had little if any ability to pay them. What to do? What the United States decided to do was pay their soldiers in what they had – land— rather than what they did not have – money. Any land left over when the soldiers had been compensated would then be sold to benefit the government. Standing in the path of this rather reasonable way to solve a lot of problems were the claims of the various states to much of that same land by virtue of their original charters as British colonies. These claims
1815
Jackson Township was created out of Franklin Township. The township once had 25 Indian mounds.
were largely settled when the United States assumed responsibility for the war debts of the states. There were however some exceptions to this general settlement. Among them was the desire of Virginia to set aside a tract of land for the benefit of its veterans. Known as the Virginia Military District, the land grant ran from Miami River in the west to the Scioto River in the east. Eagerly desired by veterans and settlers alike, “The District” began to be surveyed shortly after the Treaty of Greenville was signed in 1795. Surveyor Lucas Sullivant led survey parties to the great old growth forests where the Olentangy River met the Scioto. It was at that place that Sullivant laid out Franklinton in 1797 as the first permanent settlement north of Chillicothe. Most early settlement took place along the major rivers and away from the often wet prairie lands in what is now southern Franklin County. One notable exception was Hugh Grant. We do not know all that much about Hugh Grant. Like many frontiersmen he moves in and out of the historical record. We do know he arrived in central Ohio in 1804 with his wife and six children. Originally from Maryland, he had drifted into Pennsylvania meeting and marrying one Catherin Barr. Arriving in Ohio from Pittsburgh, Hugh Grant looked forward to taking possession of his tract of more than 450 acres of prime Ohio farmland. Unfortunately, he was unable to find it. This is not as unusual as it
1832
Adam and Catherine Gantz moved to their brick house, the focal point at Gantz Park.
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might seem. Most of Ohio was surveyed using a rectangular mapping system set forth by the Land Ordinance of 1785. The Virginia Military District was exempted from that system. All of the land in the District was surveyed using an older method called “metes and bounds.” A survey by that method might proceed from “ye river” to “ye big oak tree” to “ye big rock” and back to “ye river.” A survey might be of any shape. Whole areas of poor land might be skipped altogether while other areas of good land might be claimed by multiple owners. In a country without good maps and not all that many landmarks, it could be rather hard to find one’s property. Undeterred by his inability to find his land, Hugh Grant was nevertheless determined to stay in central Ohio. So he did just that. Finding a suitable spot where a major stream emptied into the Scioto, Grant and his family built a cabin and settled in as what later would be called “squatters.” Nobody challenged their right to be there at the time for a couple of reasons. One was that there simply were not all that many people around. Another was that Hugh Grant was a rather formidable individual. In an era before legal limits on hunting, Hugh Grant proved to be a rather effective marksman. In his first winter in Ohio he killed 89 deer. By 1806, the creek flowing into the Scioto by his home had acquired his name as Grant’s Run.
It was along that creek that Hugh Grant came to an untimely end in 1806 or 1807 – the record is a bit unclear. In an effort to remove a tree full of bees from his property, Hugh Grant was killed. The traditional way to do this is to build a fire at the base of the tree to drive out the bees and then chop the tree down. It is not clear what exactly killed Hugh Grant—a falling tree, a horde of angry bees or complications from devouring a surfeit of honey. In any case his family survived him and lived for many years in central Ohio. And Grant’s Run still flows to the Scioto. Local historian Ed Lentz writes the As It Were column for ThisWeek newspapers. Used with permission from ThisWeek Grove City Record.
Early Settlement One of the earliest settlements in Jackson Township was Borror’s Corner, located today at the intersection of SR 104 and SR 665. The Jacob Borror family opened the first subscription school where school age children attended with families sharing the expenses to maintain the building and hire a teacher. A general store was also located in the area for the convenience of residents. (See opposite page for Borror's Corner photo)
History Quiz Scanning numerous old copies of the Grove City Record has enabled the creation of this simple but fun quiz. See how many questions you can correctly answer. There’s no prize . . . just the enjoyment of learning a little more about our history. Answers are on page 14, but don’t cheat! 1. What did Grove City Manufacturing produced? 2. Where was the original St. John’s Lutheran cemetery? 3. What was the first name for the Grove City Community Club? 4. How many blacksmith shops were in Grove City in 1872? 5. How many new car dealerships have been in Grove City prior to 1980? 6. What did Hensel & Graul sell? 7. Was there a pipe organs manufacturer in Grove City? 8. Where was the J. E. Norris Distinctive Funeral Service? 9. Was Harry Neff the first or second Grove City motorcycle officer? 10. Was there ever a manufactured ice cream company in Grove City?
11. What did H. G. Grossman operate? 12. Grove City once had sawdust sidewalks. True or false. 13. Franklin Avenue residents stopped construction of waterlines; residents on Olive Street requested them. True or false? 14. Two freezer locker companies opened in the early 1940s. One firm had plans to construct how many individual freezer units for rent? Take a guess. 15. Twin Towers Swim Club opened in 1968. True or false? 16. What sanitary improvements were added to the Park Street School in 1939? 17. Highway workers poured cement on Broadway over the old brick surface for the first time in 1931. True or false? 18. T he Emmelhainz building was once a dealership for the Studebaker or Regal automobiles.? 19. Who was Joseph Bullen? 20. Was there ever a Kroger Store in the Grove City downtown?
Haines-Black Cabin The log cabin known today as the Haines-Black cabin at Century Village was once located on Borror Road, south of Zuber Road, before being moved to the village at Fryer Park. John Smith Sneed received a Virginia Land Grant of 3,900 acres in what is now Jackson Township on Nov. 15, 1803 as payment for his service during the Revolutionary War. That property was divided many times to people who never lived in the area. At one point prior to 1842, a portion of the land was purchased by the Haines family and they lived on the property over 40 years. The cabin was located on their portion of the land and it is believed it was built prior to 1850. Ora D. and Delta Black purchased 203 acres of the property that included the cabin on May 14, 1935 and on Dec. 22, 1952, ownership of the farm was transferred to their son, Addison H. Black and his wife Carolyn.
1846
William Foster Breck purchased 15.5 acres of Jackson Township from the Grant family.Breck is the founder of Grove City.
JacksonTwp.org
Jackson Township Bicentennial | Thursday, Sept. 24, and Sunday, Sept. 27, 2015
Letter sent In 1921
CIVIL WAR
Grants weren’t German; Came from Scotland
Breckenridge enlists after father’s remarriage
Contrary to general public knowledge, neither the Grant family nor the Breck family were German. Both families trace their heritage to Scotland. The following is a transcript of a March 6, 1921 letter received by Harry Leroy Eagles from Amanda K. Blair, half-sister of Mary Jane Postle Lutz Waugh who lived in Atchison, Kansas at the time. The letter was re-typed by Harry Eagles from the original letter. Dear Harry, “I received your very interesting letter a few days ago. In reply will say I knew the Grants came from Pittsburg and took up a lot of land in Ohio near Rome. Some of the Grants live on the land to this day. The Grants and Flora O’Neal were Protestant. None of our people were Catholic. Your Grandma (Mary Jane) married a Catholic, Benedict Lutz. But she joined the Methodist church again when she visited me here in 1894 (I think). The Grants came from Scotland. I know nothing about the time they came. I also know Grandfather Hugh Grant died from a fall out of a Bee tree. He had two sons, one was named Hugh. He was the youngest child, born in 1807. The other son Alex died young. I can’t tell you the nationality of the Postles. I think your greatgrandfather Postle was born in Franklin County Ohio not far from Rome. I don’t know a thing about Job Postle, only I know there was such a man. “Caleb Meeker was born in New Jersey on the 9th of August, 1807. His father was Aaron Meeker. His mother’s maiden name was Rachel Edwards born in 1808(couldn’t be before Caleb was born…other sources say Rachel was born in 1774). They moved to Ohio, settled in Franklin County. Caleb Meeker married to Eliza Meeker, daughter of Jonas Meeker in 1827. They had two children Andrew and Rachel. In 1833 Eliza Meeker died. In 1834 Caleb Meeker and Mary Postle (my father and Mother) were married. They had six children. Jacob, Amanda, Jeptha, Charlotte, Wilson, and Katherine. All are dead excepting Amanda, Charlotte, and Katherine. I have answered the best I can. I hope you can understand what I am trying to tell you. Have had only one letter from Anna since she left. I wrote her yesterday. She left her umbrella here. You must stop and get it when you go home, you now have an excuse to stop and see us. All are well. I gave a little talk at the school here this week, will send you a clipping. You send it to Anna. She may care to see it. Hope you are well and happy.” Yours as ever, Aunt Amanda Blair
Civil War Soldiers—Several men from Jackson Township fought in the Civil War. Among those were Ellas White (left) and Jonas Orders (right). Both men survived the fighting to return home.
William Breckenridge of Jackson Township was 16 years old when his mother died. When his father, John, announced plans to remarry, William became angry and enlisted in Company A, 60th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry to fight in the Civil War. The date was Feb. 27, 1864. John came after his son twice but the third time William ran away, John allowed him to remain in the military. William was captured the same year he enlisted and became a prisoner of war at Richmond, VA. He died in prison following an outbreak of measles.
EARLY DAYS
Early settlers identified A history of Jackson Township, prepared by Harold Windsor in the early 1930s, lists the following settlers and the year they arrived. Hugh Grant, 1803; Perceval Adams, 1803; Wollery Conrad, 1804; Nicholas Haughn, 1804; Samuel Breckenridge, 1804; John White, 1804; Samuel White, 1805; Joseph Hickman, 1806; William C. Duff, 1806; Henry Huffman, 1807; John Hoover, 1807; William Brown, 1807; Jonah Smith, 1808; Henry Baumgartner, 1808. Those families were followed by Jonas Orders, John Curry, James Seeds, William Miller, Jacob Strader, Robert Seeds, Absolom Borror, Andrew Gantz, John G. Neff, Hawes Barbee, John Curry, Sr., Valentine F. Shover and Magdalene Borror, widow of Jacob Borror. Those settlers located in Jackson Township between 1810 and 1820.
Ridpath (Tuckeyhuddle) was short lived Ridpath was a small community near Grove City around 1872. It was also called Tuckeyhuddle. The settlement had a general store, blacksmith, shoe shop and it was believed it had a post office. The shortlived community came into existence when the roadbed for the railroad was being built in southwest Franklin County. Most of the people moved to Grove City.
Gypsies visitors Gypsies were frequent visitors to Grove City arriving in the large Conestoga wagons. Local merchants would close their stores or not allow them to enter. They would camp out and stay a few nights and move on. The late Ruth Sawyer Jividen recalled their clothes and jewelry were very colorful.
Magdalene Borror: Early settler
Magdalene Strader Borror, widow of Revolutionary War veteran Jacob Borror, Jr., moved to Jackson Township from Virginia in 1810. She made the long journey with her seven children: Martin, Jacob, Myomi, Solomon, Christine, Issac and Absolom. The Borror family cleared 400 acres of land given to Magdalene by her father, Christopher Strader. The Borror land would become an Early settlement—Borror's Corner early settlement with a general store and a subscription school, the first in the township. After her death in 1838, Magdelene was buried in nearby Scioto Cemetery where many descendants now rest.
Concord Church
This Jackson Township congregation started in a log building in 1847. That early structure, now long gone, was on the same site as the current building constructed in 1859. Located at Hoover Road and SR 665 and now an animal hospital, Concord is one of the two oldest churches with the other being Jackson Chapel, also built in 1859.
1848
Harrisburg Turnpike construction begins.
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Earliest Church in 1858 According to some historical records, the earliest reference of Jackson Township churches dates to 1828. In Martin’s 1858 History of Franklin County, he writes of two early churches in Jackson Township. It reads: “Some 30 years ago (1828) Rev. Benjamin Britton of Norwich Township, used to occasionally preach for the New-Lights in Jackson Township, and the Rev. Chandler Rogers of
1851
George Weygandt constructed a sawmill in Jackson Township.
1852
Mud covered Township roads After Jackson Township was created in 1815, there were no bridges over the numerous streams. Roads, at all seasons of the year, were nearly impassable. Goods were imported principally from Zanesville and Philadelphia by pack horse and wagon. Exports from the township, consisting of cattle and hogs, carried themselves to market. Knee-deep muddy roads were commonplace. It created many hardships getting cattle and hogs to market or shipping points, according to historical accounts written by Harold Windsor.
Gantz buys 200 Acres Andrew (Goose) Gantz was the fifth individual to own a 200 acre tract of Jackson Township that would eventually become a Grove City park. The land was first deeded to the heirs of Bailey Washington by President Andrew Jackson in 1836. The Washington heirs sold the land to Aaron Kendall in 1812 for an unknown amount. He transferred title to Daniel Richardson in 1815 for $475. Richardson held the land just two months before he sold the land to Joseph Foos for $1,200. On July 17, 1817, Foos, a merchant in Franklinton, sold the entire 200 acre parcel to Andrew Gantz for $1,000, according to a historical document held by Wilbur Gantz.
Perry Township, for the Universalists.” Neither of these two churches, by those names, exists in Jackson Township today. Before the 1840’s, Methodist circuit riders were active in the township. The Ohio Conference of the Methodist Church was established in 1796. The birthplace for the Lutheran, Methodist and Presbyterian churches was a small log community meeting place called the Highland Meeting House. It is believed to have been located in the township near what is Kingston Avenue and Broadway today. Dutch Pike (Grove City Road) and Columbus Street were once a single straight road maintained by Jackson Township. It was rerouted when Grove City became a settlement.
Jackson Township Bicentennial | Thursday, Sept. 24, and Sunday, Sept. 27, 2015
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Ohio Erie Canal provided new markets for Jackson Township Water once provided the best means of transportation for farmers and businesses in Jackson Township to get crops and merchandise to distant markets. That waterway was the Ohio Erie Canal and the Columbus Feeder Canal. Portions of that early transportation route are still visible 111 years since the canal ceased operation. Just 12 years after Jackson Township was created, construction of the canal began in 1827. The first canal boat traveled the route in 1831. The canal operated until 1904 and carried mostly mercantile goods to established markets of that day. The Ohio Erie Canal operated from Lake Erie at Cleveland extending 308 miles to the Ohio River at Portsmouth. Since the Ohio Erie Canal did not run
through Columbus a feeder canal was necessary so Columbus and Jackson Township merchants could take advantage of this important navigational route. The canal was one of the great engineering projects of that era. The Village of Lockbourne became an important center of commerce
itself with the Canal House Hotel, several taverns, stockyard, distillery, sawmill and a gristmill. There were numerous locks in the Lockbourne area that adjusted the flow of water elevations allowing the canal boats to move freely. Two are still visible along the west side of Canal Street.
A canal lock is a section of the canal where water levels are raised or lowered allowing boats to pass at different elevations. The flat bottom canal boat entered and the lock was closed. Once the water level was adjusted the boat floated on to the next lock. The Columbus Feeder Canal
ran from Shadeville at the Scioto River, a primary source of water for the canal. There is no longer any evidence of the canal in Shadeville but old maps indicate it once ran along Water Street. From Shadeville, the feeder canal crossed Big Walnut Creek, then known as the Gahanna River.
Township Farm
This picture shows Wesley Haughn farm , on what is now 3119 Columbus Street, with a modern piece of farming equipment, a steam tractor.
Harvest Time
As farmers begin planning for the fall harvest of corn and soybeans, these pictures take us back to a fall harvest using “real horsepower”. The scene above is threshing operations; the wording on the truck door at bottom right is R. E. Ruoff, Grove City, Ohio.
Jackson Township settlers were farmers Jackson Township, settled by pioneer farmers, became Ohio’s newest township in 1815, just 12 years after Ohio became a state and 19 years after the first settlement in the area at Franklinton. As white settlers moved into Ohio, there were four primary Native
American tribes including the Delawares, Mingoes, Iroquois and Wyandots. Most of their settlements were on the west side of the Scioto River. The township was organized by the Franklin County commissioners taking territory from Franklin Township,
according to an 1879 document. Other accounts indicate a small portion of Pleasant Township also became part of Jackson Township. Although the township population was growing, the township initially suffered because of a lack of good
roads. That problem was solved in the late 1800s with the completion of the Harrisburg Turnpike, the Franklin Turnpike and the Cottage Mill Turnpike. Each of those roads passed through the township attracting more people to settle.
No peace for newlyweds Newly wed couples today plan a honeymoon to get away from family and friends but that wasn’t always the normal. In the early years of Jackson Township, there was a practice called “belling”. After a couple married, neighbors and friends would go to the newlywed’s house late in the evening being very quiet and they would wait for the lights to be turned off. Then on a signal from the organizer, the crowd would make as much noise as possible by shooting off guns, banging on metal and some would use a horse fiddle. This device was placed against one of the house doors and when cranked it would give off a loud ratchet sound. All of these activities were aimed at getting the couple up and awake. The noise would cease when the newly married couple opened the door allowing everyone in for a party. The revelers always brought along plenty of food and party items.
1852
Village of Grove City was chartered; lots offered for sale.
Hog farms extensive Jackson Township was once a major producer of hogs. Dutch Pike (Grove City Road) had many hog farms, some continued to exist into the 1960s. Another large hog farm was on the southwest corner of what is today Park Street and Haughn Road. Farmers walked their hogs to the Grove City railroad depot to ship to markets in the Midwest, most likely Cincinnati. Some farmers traveled about 15 miles from the Commercial Point area because Grove City had the closest rail depot.
1866
The Village of Grove City was incorporated and elections held.
Blacksmith Shop
There were many blacksmith shops in the area to assist farmers and to help maintain carriages and farm equipment. The location of this shop is not known.
Township had several dairy operations Allen Milk Company was the primary provider of milk and cream in Grove City but there were other companies. The Tri-Maple Dairy Farm in Grove City was one. Their cap for the quart glass container said their product was “natural milk” and that it had been tested for tuberculosis and ‘blood tested’. The cap reads their product is four percent butterfat or more.
1880
Another large milk producer was the Broad Dairy operated by the Haughn family. It was located several miles south of Grove City off Harrisburg Pike. The Broad Dairy delivered its milk products in the township and in Columbus. Another large dairy was operated by Albert Gantz. Gantz had over 100 cows and he operated two milk delivery routes in Columbus.
Jackson Township operated 10 schools. There were eight township churches.
JacksonTwp.org
Jackson Township Bicentennial | Thursday, Sept. 24, and Sunday, Sept. 27, 2015
First consolidation of schools defeated in 1916
The first effort to consolidate Grove City and Jackson Township schools came before the Grove City Village School Board of Education March 23, 1916. The resolution, introduced by Dr. Frank C. Wright of the Grove City board, was defeated in a secret ballot. A portion of the resolution read: “We believe much greater good can be obtained for all our children as a result of such a union.” Actual consolidation of the two school districts didn’t occur until July 20, 1920, according to an article in the Grove City Blade.
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Latest dress style Most people today have no idea how a flour sack was once a fashion statement for many school girls in Jackson Township. Most of the girls in the photograph taken at a township school are wearing dresses made of common flour sacks. Boys too had shirts made from the same material. The flour sack was immortalized in a poem by Colleen B. Hubert quoted in part. In that long ago time when things were saved, When roads were graveled and barrels were staved, When worn-out clothing was used as rags, And there were no plastic wrap or bags, And the well and the pump were way out back, A versatile item, was the flour sack.
The Greyhound logo Eleanor Gansley, better known to many in Grove City as “Pete”, reminded a group of local residents her husband, Jim, was responsible for the greyhound logo used today by Grove City High School athletic programs. At the time, Jim was the general manager for the Greyhound Bus Terminal in Columbus. He contacted Greyhound officials and obtained permission for the high school to use the Greyhound Bus logo. The greyhound on the commercial bus today is identical to the one used by the schools. The Gansleys lived on Midland Avenue in Grove City.
Orders School Township School
Jackson Township operated elementary schools long before Grove City came into existence. This school is identified as Sub District 3.
1884
Schoch farmhouse at Big Run Road and Holt Road was a stage coach stop for travelers from London to Columbus. A sandwich and a beer were five cents.
One of the best known Jackson Township school buildings is located at Fryer Park in Century Village. Orders School is now restored but this is how the building looked prior to its rebirth.
1894
Township H.S. cornerstone The cornerstone for the old Jackson Township High School building, once located on Park Street, is now on display at the Grove City Welcome Center and Museum. The cornerstone is located in the vault along with many high school graduating class pictures. The museum is also home for the old Park Street Elementary School bell.
A volunteer fire department was organized with a “barrel on wheels” stored inside the Emmelhainz building.
1894
The Grove City Blade was the first weekly newspaper to serve the area.
Re-Elect Richard “Ike” Stage, Mayor Paid for by: Stage for Mayor, Ben Brace Treasurer, 4090 Haughn Road, Grove City, Ohio.
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Jackson Township Bicentennial | Thursday, Sept. 24, and Sunday, Sept. 27, 2015
JacksonTwp.org
Jackson Township Map
d n e g e L
1.
Adam Gantz Farm
2.
Edward Miller Tile Works
3.
Borror Corner Grocery/Barber
4.
Scioto Cemetery
5.
Seeds Cemetery
6.
Concord Cemetery
7.
Adams Cemetery
8.
Grocery Store
9 - 19. School Houses
Grove City Map
20.
Home of A.G. Grant
21.
Grant Homestead
22.
Livestock Sales
A.
Sawmill
23.
Shover House Builder
B.
St. John’s Lutheran Church
24.
Jackson Town Hall
C.
School
25.
Wagon Shop
D.
Blacksmith
26.
Future Fryer Park
E.
General Store
27.
Future CCHS
F.
Hotel (Planks)
28.
Future GCHS
G.
Town Hall
29.
Future Beulah Park
A B
E F
D C
G
JacksonTwp.org
Jackson Township Bicentennial | Thursday, Sept. 24, and Sunday, Sept. 27, 2015
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16
1
27
9
10
29
20 21
17 14 28
7 26
18
24 8
13
22
12
3 25
2 11
19
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4 5
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Jackson Township Bicentennial | Thursday, Sept. 24, and Sunday, Sept. 27, 2015
JacksonTwp.org
Interurban
(Left) Northbound Interurban—This is a northbound view of the Interurban that served Grove City and Jackson Township in the early 1900s. The track ran from Greenlawn Cemetery to Orient. Notice a turn in the track onto Park Street. (Right) Look closely and you’ll see the Grove City Interurban in the left of the picture. The picture was taken at a Luise Ranke Brandenberger family gathering at their home place, three miles north of Grove City on Harrisburg Pike.
Shover donates papers for Dead House Association Dick Shover of Rosemount, MN, donated a series of papers, letters and envelopes dating back 120 years relating to the Scioto Cemetery Dead House Association of Jackson Township. The association’s primary purpose was to provide a place for individuals who died during the winter months, when digging graves by hand was not practical. As the papers disclose, there were occasions the Dead House was used for individuals who died late summer. Bodies were stored in a vault and the fee to place the body and remove
it was $1. There was also a storage fee that families paid. Documents dated 1895-1901 are available for viewing at the Grove City Welcome Center and
Museum, 3378 Park St. The envelope was mailed from Zuber, Ohio in 1894 to John Haines in Logan. It was forwarded by the Post Office to a new address in East Liberty.
Jackson Township Union Sunday School Convention held at church in 1896 Beulah Methodist Episcopal Church was the site for a Union Sunday School Convention in 1896. Among the topics discussed were the benefit of music, how to interest children in services and how to get young ladies and gentlemen involved in church activities. Beulah was the original name for the current Grove City United Methodist Church, according to Carol Holliger, archivist for Ohio United Methodism at Ohio Wesleyan University’s Beeghly Library. The building was located west of the railroad tracks in the Beulah sub-division.
Look familiar? This is what the Stringtown Road and Jackson Pike intersection looked like in 1956, nearly 60 years ago.
1895
Scioto Dead House Association builds facility at Scioto Cemetery.
1896
Jackson Township Union Sunday School convention held.
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Jackson Township Bicentennial | Thursday, Sept. 24, and Sunday, Sept. 27, 2015
11
Jackson Township farm becomes city park and farm buildings, according to a newspaper story attributed to Earl R. Nicholson. Preservation of the site involved many people and organizations over the years but several individuals were very It’s been 23 years since plans were in instrumental. place to tear down the Gantz farmhouse. As a result of Gunderman’s The effort to save the historic site was one concern, Mayor Robert E. reason for the formation of the Southwest Evans created a Department of Franklin County Historical Society. History within city government Adam and Catherine Gantz moved that was operated entirely by into the brick house around 1832; some volunteers. reports indicate it might have been as late That group eventually as 1840. included as many as 70 people Gantz had purchased 100 acres that can Drawing of the Gantz home by former council working on the Gantz project. best be described today as an area north of member and historian Earl Nicholson, also a They also identified other Southwest Boulevard, east of Broadway, charter member of the Southwest Franklin County historic sites in Grove City. west of Hoover Road and south of Home Historical Society. Pleasant Township resident Road. Graham LeSturgeon came The house was occupied by members up with the idea of holding a wine festival with clearing the ground. That discussion of the Gantz family until 1973 when John the first weekend in May to raise funds to caught the attention of the wife of the city’s Miller donated the house and barn along restore the property. law director, Karen Gunderman. with 9.7 acres to Grove City with the The Grove City Maywine Festival Gunderman led the charge to preserve stipulation the land would be used for a city Committee (later called the Maifest) the historic structure and challenged the city park. Six years later in 1979, the family became a primary fund raising effort over administration and members of city council donated another 9.37 acres. many years and much of those efforts were to abandon any plans to bulldoze the house Creation of a new park usually begins Information for this story was compiled from numerous sources including newspaper articles written by Harold Stevens Jr., former editor of the Southwest Messenger. Prepared by James F. Hale.
finalized in time for the 1989 festival that was held at Gantz Park. State Senator Eugene Watts was also involved and secured $150,000 in state funding to move the project forward. Much credit can be attributed to Barry Babbert, director of Grove City Parks and Recreation. Babbert secured discounts on materials from local merchants and spearheaded renovations for the farmhouse that came in below budget costing the city only $31,000. Barbara Williams, the garden designer and program coordinator, said the site was developed as to depict a farmhouse setting of the 1840s. Nicholson, a local historian and artist, who just happened to be president of city council at the time, produced a graphic booklet describing in great detail how the farmhouse was constructed. Other individuals who made important contributions included John Mountain, the man who introduced the idea of including an herb garden as part of the project. Another Grove City resident who became interested in the effort was Dr. James A. Utzinger, a horticulture professor at the Ohio State University.
Jackson Township elected constable in 1911
Pure Oil Station
Arthur Brink owned this gasoline service station located at 3455 Harrisburg Pike just north of Grove City’s downtown area. It was a time when Coke had a lot of “knock-off” competition in the early cola wars. There is a prominent sign advertising “Drink Cleo Cola, Rich in Flavor.” Many of those early companies used Coca-Cola’s unique type for advertising for promotional purposes.
Little is known about how long Jackson Township elected constables but information has just been made available from Mabel Davis about one man who served in 1911. William Henry Davis, born in Jackson County in 1866, died in Pickaway County in 1925. He is the only known individual to date elected constable in Jackson Township.
According to Mrs. Davis, William lived at 202 Grant
Avenue with his wife, Mary Etta Wilks, and son, Hershel, according to the 1910 census. He worked as a railroad laborer. Mrs. Davis also provided a document signed by C. N. Graul, township clerk, dated Nov. 11, 1911. It read: “To Wm Davis. You will take notice that on the 11th day of November 1911 at an election of Jackson
Township, Franklin Co. you were respectively elected by the electors of said township to the office of constable. You are required to appear before the undersigned on the 15 day of November at 2 o’clock p.m. at the township hall to give the necessary bond.” William Henry is Mrs. Davis’ grandfather and Janet Davis Ray is a granddaughter.
Was Capone involved? According to a prominent historian, Al Capone helped finance the Greyhound Race Track in Grove City and also had an interest in a competing dog track at West Jefferson. Tracks in West Jefferson and Akron were not as successful as the one in Grove City. Actually, Grove City is the “birthplace” of greyhound racing in Ohio. According to a usually reliable source, Capone’s involvement in greyhound racing was not known until he was investigated by the IRS for track fraud.
1911
William Henry Davis was elected Jackson Township constable.
1916
Consolidation of Grove City and Jackson Township schools fails.
Smith Brickyard The earliest brickyard in Jackson Township may not have been behind the St. John’s Lutheran Church. According to information from Stephen L. Smith of Logan, Ohio, the Smith Family Brickyard was once located on Dutch Pike, now better known as Grove City Road. It was located on the Daniel and Mary Ann (Munhollen) Smith farm and may be the earliest known brick manufacturing facility in Southwest Franklin County. The Smiths moved to Jackson Township in 1845 showing up on the tax and deed books as well as the 1850 census, according to the Rev. John Gray. Little else is known about the brickyard operations. Jackson Township Bicentennial is a special advertising section of ThisWeek Community News. (614) 583-5793 • ThisWeekNews.com
1910
The first road in Jackson Township to receive a hard surface was Columbus Street.
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Jackson Township Bicentennial | Thursday, Sept. 24, and Sunday, Sept. 27, 2015
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JacksonTwp.org
Few good roads prompt turnpike Before 1848 nothing but a very few dirt roads existed in Jackson Township, often referred to as the ‘backwoods township’. A group of businessmen around that time with a vision sought to make transportation between Pleasant Corners and Columbus a more comfortable ride while making an investment in a new business venture. Nine men invested a total of $20,815 to create the Harrisburg Turnpike Company. They included Joseph Chenoweth, George M. Parsons, Harvey Bancroft, A. P. Stone, Adam Gantz, William Briggs, Joseph Briggs, W. H. Hawkes and J. H. Hawkes. The actual construction costs exceeded estimates and reached a final expense of $35,602 of which Franklin County contributed $4,500. Toll gates, collecting a 10 cent fare each way, were located at Pleasant Corners and at West Mound Street and
Harrisburg Pike. Construction of the Harrisburg Pike increased traffic through Jackson Township and helped promote the sale of lots in the developing Grove City community.
First airport Wesley Mulzer, a pilot in World War I, operated the first airport in Grove City. He married Ruth Hill and kept his airplane on the Hill’s property just south of Grove City. Information is sketchy but there were possibly two other airports in the immediate area, one near what is now the McDonalds Restaurant on Broadway and another just north of I-270 in Jackson Township.
The dirt road brought not only new business but it encouraged emigrants who were pushing their way west. Many decided to stay and start their new lives along the new road.
Hoover Road
Taking a look at this section of Hoover Road in 1905 would make any driver today appreciate the surfaced roads we now have.
Organized fox hunts Grover Harper, the Western Union telegraph operator at the railroad station, organized fox hunts in Grove City. He was said to be a sharpshooter and loved to hunt foxes which were very common. Anyone with information?
Early Township Road
This picture shows the condition of roads in the township 100 years ago.
Granary relocated from Township farmland Jackson Township has long been an agricultural area and an old granary which was once part of the Ziegenspeck farm is located about one mile south of Pleasant Corners on the west side of Harrisburg Pike.
It’s a small wood frame building, about 10’ x 14’, with a cupola on top that used to be white. Granaries were used by farmers to store farm seeds for the following year’s crops. Inside the building
are several compartments so that different types of grain, such as wheat, oats and barley can be stored in their own bins. The unique thing about this one is the cupola on the top which allows for
ventilation (most of them used to be completely closed at the top and the grain had to be completely dry to prevent spoilage). The granary has been moved to Century Village at Fryer Park on Orders Road.
On Horseback
William Flach is pictured at his farm on horseback, one of the most common means of early transportation.
Electric service slow to reach rural areas According to a document recently found, electric service didn’t reach rural parts of Jackson Township until the 1920s and 1930s. The Edward Kientz family, who lived on Harrisburg Pike just north of Pleasant Corners and Route 665, had wired their home for electric service when it was built but no electric service was available. A gasoline engine in their basement ran a pressure tank that would pump 2,000 gallons of water from their cistern into the house. On wash day, Kientz would connect the engine and it provided electricity for his wife’s washing machine. His desire for electric service led to discussions with Columbus Power and Light Company. The firm told Kientz
1920
A motorized fire truck was financed and purchased in the 1920s by residents of both Grove City and Jackson Township. The cost was $120.
if he could raise $7,000, the company would extend electric service from Grove City to Harrisburg. Kientz approached Harrisburg resident Joe McKinley and the two made a deal to solicit funding from residents along the route. McKinley agreed to meet with all residents in Harrisburg; Kientz was to contact all homeowners along Harrisburg Pike from Grove City to Harrisburg. It was winter when the two men made their agreement. McKinley started right away approaching his neighbors but Kientz waited until warm weather because he didn’t want to drive his 1919 Dodge during cold weather. It took two years for the men to obtain the necessary commitments for the project.
1920
Electricity was slow to arrive in Jackson Township.
Goat Cart
Today the ATV is the popular means of travel for many young people and a few years ago it was a Go-Cart. These children were just as happy with their Goat-Cart.
1921
Gregg and Shafer Grove City Flour Mill was destroyed by fire.
JacksonTwp.org
Jackson Township Bicentennial | Thursday, Sept. 24, and Sunday, Sept. 27, 2015
13
Formed in May, 1945
Jackson Township Fire Department
The following history was written by Donald H. Reese, former township fire chief and Richard R. Halfhill, former assistant fire chief. As near as we are able to tell, the original fire department was established some time prior to 1934. However, as of 1934, it came under the direction of Fire Chief Olen Rumfield and was known as the Grove City Fire Department. When World War II broke out, Chief Rumfield was called away to serve as fire chief at Lockbourne Air Force Base for the military. At the end of the war, he returned to his position as chief of the Grove City Fire Department. In May 1945, Jackson Township Fire Department was formed and the township purchased its first new fire truck and housed it in the Grove City Municipal Building garage on Park Street. The township rented garage space from the city for $25 a month.
About this time, the Grove City Fire Department was abolished and Olen Rumfield was appointed chief of the Jackson Township Fire Department. There were two fire trucks, one a 1936 Reo pumper which would respond to fires in Grove City and the other, a 1945 Dodge pumper, which was to respond to fires in the township. The firefighters were all volunteers and there was no emergency squad. During the early 1950s, Grove City and Jackson Township were experiencing their first growth in public services. The existing structure was determined to no longer be adequate to meet the demands of our growing community and provide space for housing and expanding public services. By 1956, it was determined Jackson Township would need to establish facilities of its own since they would no longer be able to rent space from Grove City. The Jackson Township
board of trustees determined that it was time for them to build their first fire station which would also serve as a place for them to hold their township meetings. They placed the first fire levy on the ballot to be voted on. The levy was passed by the voters and construction of Fire Station One, 4384 Broadway in Grove City, was completed by the end of 1956. Two new fire trucks were ordered and delivered; one a 1956 Peter Pirsch and the other a 1956 International built by Sutphen Fire Equipment during the same year. In November 1957, the fire department acquired its first emergency squad, a 1957 International Metro step van. At the time, the only fulltime paid employees were the fire chief and the assistant fire chief. There were between 12 and 15 volunteer firefighters who had just undergone extensive training in both basic and advanced first aid.
By mid-1958 with the community continuing to grow and develop, the Jackson Township Board of Trustees determined that there was a need for additional resources and placed an additional fire levy on the ballot to be voted on. This levy was approved by the voters and the fire department continued to grow providing its new emergency squad service. In March 1969, Jackson Township hired its first fulltime paid firefighter and in July 1963 it hired two additional fulltime paid firefighters. This was a direct reflection of just how rapidly the community was growing and the increased demands for services from the citizens.
(Top) Hoover Road Fire Station, circa 1965, converted into the present day Township Office in 1994. (Bottom) Photo shows the Grove City and Jackson Township fire trucks at the station in the late 1940s. The white truck was a township vehicle and the red truck was a Grove City truck. The volunteers were the same.
Firefighters battle When you hear the term “water fight” what comes to mind is two youngsters each with a water hose soaking each other on a hot summer day. But there was another type of water fight during the Grove City Community Fair held in the 1970s where the Jackson Township Fire Department challenged neighboring departments to a battle with the water hose. It was all in good fun and the Jackson Township crews were often winners of the annual competition.
Cherokee medicine man lived in Township For some time, there has been a large photograph in the Grove City Welcome Center and Museum of a Native American believed to be Chief White Hawk. The late Paul Grossman spoke several times of Chief John B. White Hawk, a member of the Cherokee nation. Grossman said White Hawk lived in Jackson Township just south of Grove City. He was a medicine man who made his living mixing and selling bottled herbal remedies in the mid-1920s. A relative provided an early photograph
1921
of Chief White Hawk as a young Army scout pictured holding a pistol. He was born near Standing Rock, North Dakota and according to the web site Family Search he was born around 1870. White Hawk’s name, according to an Indian Wars document, was Ce-Tan-Ska. He is said to have served a total of nine years with the Army including the Indian Wars of 1892-1894. He and his family lived in the vicinity of Miller’s Station, an area once identified as near Harrisburg in southwestern Franklin County.
1930
A high school football team played its first game.
Grossman described the family as having jet black hair, fine facial features and a copper complexion. Mable Miller, according to Grossman, was a neighbor of the White Hawk family and told Grossman their children played together. According to a newspaper story, at least one of White Hawk’s children was named Rose. Her proper name was Elizabeth. White Hawk died of pneumonia on Feb. 13, 1930 and is buried at Green Lawn Cemetery, Columbus.
Chief White Hawk, an Indian medicine man, died at his Jackson Township home
Current At-Large Council Representative Author: Four Published Books, Two on Grove City Former Attorney: United States Department of Justice, US District Court Veteran: United States Army Reserve, Ohio Air National Guard Community Service: Park Board, Library Levy, PTO and Historical Society
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1945
Jackson Township Fire Department was created.
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Jackson Township Bicentennial | Thursday, Sept. 24, and Sunday, Sept. 27, 2015
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Tile Factory
There were several tile and brick factories in early Jackson Township. This one was located at the rear of the current St. John’s Lutheran Church. The first brick factory was operated by William Foster Breck, the founder of Grove City.
(pAGE 5)
14. 500 15. False. It was 1958 16. Inside ‘toilets” 17. True 18. They sold both Studebaker and Regal cars. 19. Physician and first mayor for the village of Grove City 20. Yes
motor cars 6. Firestone tires 7. Yes 8. Harrisburg 9. Second 10. Yes. The Fuhrman Homemade Quality Ice Cream 11. Hardware store 12. True 13. True
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Propane Fire
One of the worst fires Jackson Township firefighters ever faced occurred on July 8, 1996 when a propane tank ignited causing every tank on the property to explode. Several 30,000 gallon tanks were threatened. The fire brought national attention to the local firefighters.
1957
Dr. George Gulu D.D.S 3391 Farm Bank Way Grove City, Ohio 43123 Located off of Broadway behind the Tim Horton’s/Wendy’s
Jackson Township purchases its first emergency squad.
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Jackson Township Bicentennial | Thursday, Sept. 24, and Sunday, Sept. 27, 2015
15
John Hoover Chapter National Society Daughters of the American Revolution
“Honoring Private John Hoover, Jackson Township Pioneer Settler” The John Hoover Chapter NSDAR—the newest DAR chapter in Ohio—was founded in Grove City, Ohio in October 2014 with twenty-one organizing members. The Daughters of the American Revolution is a nonprofit, non-political volunteer women’s service organization founded in Washington, D.C. in 1890. The objectives laid forth in the first meeting of the DAR have remained the same in 125 years of active service to the nation. Those objectives are: Historical - to flag retirement ceremonies, genealogy workshops, perpetuate the memory and spirit of the men and women literacy promotion, women’s issues and much more. who achieved American Independence; Educational - to In the words of one chapter member, “We are proud carry out the injunction of President Washington in his to be Daughters of American Patriots, most of whom farewell address to the American people, “to promote, were everyday men and women like John Hoover, who as an object of primary importance, institutions for the selflessly sacrificed to bring forth this great Nation. It is general diffusion of knowledge, thus developing an in their honor, while honoring all past veterans and active enlightened public opinion”; and Patriotic - to cherish, duty military, that we promote the objectives of DAR.” maintain and extend the institutions of American DAR members are women who come from diverse freedom, to foster true patriotism and love of country, backgrounds and hold a variety of interests. Their and to aid in securing for mankind all the blessings of common bond is their lineal descent from Patriots of the liberty. These timeless principles keep the DAR strong American Revolution. Any woman may join the DAR and vitally relevant in this ever-changing world. by documenting her lineage to an ancestor, male or The chapter’s name pays tribute to Revolutionary female, who materially aided in the cause of American War Patriot, Private John Hoover. John Hoover was born Independence through military, civil or patriotic service. in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania in 1755. In 1776 he If you are interested in joining the DAR, would like volunteered for service as a member of the Pennsylvania to attend a meeting, or need help in identifying a patriot, militia. He later re-enlisted and served in the Continental please contact: LYank.DAR@gmail.com . Army. John and his family moved to Jackson Township In commemoration of the John Hoover Chapter’s 1st in 1807. He purchased land in the area and farmed that Anniversary, a wreath-laying ceremony will be held at tract until his death in 1840. John, his wife Margaret, the grave of Private John Hoover on Sunday, Oct. 18 and an infant child are buried in a cemetery on the “old at 2 p.m. Community members are invited to attend. Hoover farm,” off Gantz Road in Grove City, Ohio. Hoover Cemetery is located on Gantz Road, just north of Hoover Road, a main thoroughfare in Grove City, is Southwest Blvd. in Grove City, Ohio. named after John Hoover. Membership in the John Hoover Chapter is growing steadily. Hoover is buried off Gantz Road Meetings are held most often at the John Hoover, a private who served during the American Jackson Township Revolutionary War, is buried with his wife and infant son Administration in a small cemetery off Gantz Road in Grove City. The Building, with gravesite is visible by many people who pass by everyday occasional off-site but few stop to visit the grave because of the “Do Not events. Members Trespass” signs in the area. The grave is accessible to the participate in service public. and historical Hoover, a native of Pennsylvania, volunteered for preservation projects three months then reenlisted after his initial service time such as Project had expired. After the war, he married Margaret Smith, Patriot, U.S. military purchased 200 acres in Jackson Township and relocated to recognition events, Ohio in 1807. The Hoovers had nine children.
Bookie joints Gambling was big in Grove City when Beulah Park and the greyhounds were running. Off track betting, commonly known as bookie joints, were prevalent and operated outside the law. For a time greyhound racing was prohibited but the races continued unannounced at Beulah Park. According to one source, a department store in Columbus complained to authorities that night dog races in Grove City hurt their business.
Brewing during Prohibition Jackson Township wasn’t dry during Prohibition. The heavy German population wasn't going to do without their beer. Many families turned their basements into small brewing operations for personal use and no doubt to sell some on the side to friends and relatives. The local brewers sitting in their living rooms could hear the cork pop in the basement, an indication that the fermenting process was well under way. Most families bottled the beer for later use.
1969
Jackson Township hired its first fulltime paid firefighter.
Canning factory Although there is no evidence of it today, there is a strong possibility that an apple canning factory was once located on Columbus Street believed to have been owned and operated by Clay Neiswender. That family also had a large apple orchard which may have once extended from Columbus Street all the way to where Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church is located today. For those who don’t know, the church property also sits on ground that was once occupied by the Greyhound Race Track (The Franklin County Kennel Club). Years after the track closed, there is some evidence the property was purchased by Bob Dienst, then owner of Beulah Park. Some records indicate Dienst donated the former race track to the Catholic Church.
2015
Jackson Township celebrates its Bicentennial.
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We look forward to continuing our partnership into the future! gccha
m b e r. o
r g | (6 14) 87 5-976
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Grove City Office
3656 Broadway, Grove City, OH 43123
614-871-1000
www.erarealsolutions.com
ERA REAL SOLUTIONS REALTY SALUTES JACKSON TOWNSHIP
PAM BROWN 614-875-9462
RICK BRUNTON 614-323-5938
Each ERA® office is independently owned and operated.
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Jackson Township Bicentennial | Thursday, Sept. 24, and Sunday, Sept. 27, 2015
JacksonTwp.org