JEFFERSON TWP / GREENEVIEW SOUTH

For many decades after the formation of Jefferson Twp. in 1858, children received their education in a 1 room schoolhouse located in 1 of the following 11 districts: Orchard Grove, Bowersville, Gunnersville, Mt. Carmel, Green Valley, Sheeley or Hargrave, Fawcett, Centennial or Compton, Irvin, Haughey and Thomas.

School board members Pres. Porter F. Jasper, John H. Chitty, James Hargrave, A. B. (Bert) Lewis and S. Raper Bales felt a centralized location would greatly enhance educational opportunities for the township children. In 1914 construction began on a $50,000. building with Harley Owens as the architect and Joseph Moorman as the general contractor. Jefferson was the first Greene Co. Twp to consolidate its districts.

The cornerstone was laid on June 7, 1915 by the Grand Lodge of Ohio F&A Masons with members from many surrounding communities participating. Featured speaker was Dr. Simeon D. Fess, Congressman from this district, President of Antioch College and one of the most gifted orators of that era. Music was provided by the Bowersville Band and even a brief but violent downpour could not mar the festive occasion.

School board members who saw the constructed completed in 1916 were Pres. Porter F. Jasper, A. B. (Bert) Lewis, John H. Chitty, Wm. Gorham, B. A. Pendry and Clerk W. L. Cline. The building was first used May 5, 1916 for afternoon eighth grade and evening senior commencements. Electricity was furnished by a private dynamo for the commencements but DP&L provided electricity for the completed building.

School opened Sept. 12, 1916 with 238 grade school and 37 high school pupils, 9 teachers and 8 wagon route drivers to provide transportation. Another community celebration was held Sept. 15, 1916 for the dedication. .

In 1959 Jefferson Twp. joined the Ross and Silvercreek consolidation known as Greeneview and the building was renamed Greeneview South.