Eris, Ohio facts for kids

Eris is a small place in Champaign County, Ohio. It's known as an "unincorporated community." This means it's a group of homes and buildings that doesn't have its own official local government, like a city or a village would.

What is an Unincorporated Community?

An unincorporated community is a settlement that isn't part of any official city or village. Instead, it's usually governed by the larger county it's located in. People living in these areas still have access to services like roads and schools, which are managed by the county government.

How They Are Different

Unlike a city, an unincorporated community doesn't have its own mayor or city council. It also doesn't have its own local police department or fire department. These services are typically provided by the county or by nearby towns. Many small communities across the United States are unincorporated.

History of Eris

Eris was never officially "platted." This means that unlike many towns, it wasn't laid out with a formal map showing streets and property lines from the start. It likely grew naturally over time as people settled there.

The Eris Post Office

A post office was opened in Eris in the year 1885. Post offices were very important back then. They were not just for sending letters. They also served as a central meeting spot for people in the community. Residents would visit the post office to pick up their mail, share news, and connect with neighbors.

When the Post Office Closed

The Eris post office stayed open for many years. It served the community until 1903, when it finally closed down. The closing of a post office often meant that a community was changing. Sometimes, people moved away, or new roads made it easier to get mail from a larger nearby town.

Eris Today

Today, Eris remains a quiet, unincorporated community in Ohio. It's a reminder of how small settlements grew and changed over time in America. Places like Eris show us the history of how people lived and connected in the past.