Versailles Town Hall and Wayne Township House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Versailles Town Hall and Wayne Township House
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View from across the street
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 Location in Ohio
Location in the United States
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| Location | 4 W. Main St., Versailles, Ohio |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1876 |
| Architect | James C. Goodall |
| Architectural style | Italianate |
| NRHP reference No. | 81000432 |
| Added to NRHP | February 18, 1981 |
The Versailles Town Hall and Wayne Township House is an old brick building in Versailles, Ohio. It's located at 4 West Main Street. This building was constructed between 1875 and 1876. It was a joint project between the Versailles Village Council and the Wayne Township Trustees. It's also known as the Versailles Village Hall. Because of its history, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places on February 18, 1981.
Contents
Building History and Purpose
Planning the Town Hall
In the summer of 1875, leaders from Versailles Village and Wayne Township met. The Versailles Village Council and the Wayne Township Trustees decided to build a shared building. They wanted a place for both local governments to use. This new building would be called the Versailles Town Hall and Wayne Township House.
What the Building Was Used For
Local builders finished the building the next year. At first, it served many purposes. It was a jail and a fire station. The building also had rooms for community meetings. There was even a theater inside.
Unique Design Features
The building has a special look. It features large double doors at the main entrance. Above these doors, there is a noticeable transom. A transom is a window or panel above a door. This type of building is rare in western Ohio villages. Fine Italianate town halls are not common there.
Surviving the Great Fire
In 1901, a huge fire destroyed most of downtown Versailles. The Town Hall and Township House was one of the few buildings that survived. It stood strong while many other structures burned down.
The Building Today
Today, the building is still very important. It holds the village's main offices. The police department is also located there. Plus, the local rescue squad uses the building. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1981. This was because of its important role in local history. Its well-preserved historic architecture also made it special.
