Avis, Ohio facts for kids

Avis is a small, historic place in Putnam County, Ohio. It's known as an unincorporated community, which means it's a group of homes and businesses that isn't officially a town or city with its own local government.

What is Avis, Ohio?

Avis is located in the northwestern part of Ohio. Even though it's not a big city, it has a history tied to the early days of railroads and small community life. Today, not much of the original settlement remains, but its story tells us about how places grew (and sometimes faded) in the past.

Avis: A Railroad Stop

Long ago, Avis was an important stop along a railroad line. Railroads were like the highways of their time, connecting towns and helping people and goods travel. While Avis was a known stop, it was never officially "platted." This means that unlike many towns, its streets and land plots were not formally mapped out and recorded by the government.

The Bushong Post Office

For a while, Avis was also known by another name: Bushong. Under this name, a post office was opened in 1891. A post office was a very important place in a community back then. It was where people sent and received letters, which was the main way to communicate over long distances. The Bushong post office served the community for about 12 years, closing its doors in 1903.

Life in Avis: The Buddelmeyer Store

Even without being a formally platted town, Avis was home to some families and businesses. One important part of the community was a general store run by Adelia Buddelmeyer. She operated her store for over 40 years! A general store was a bit like a modern-day convenience store or a small supermarket, selling everything from food to tools and clothing. It was often a central meeting place for people in the area. Today, only two houses remain from the original community of Avis.