A Sense of Community

"A Sense of Community" was written by a talented committee of authors as a keepsake of the Centerville-Washington Township Bicentennial 1996. It tells the fascinating story of the development and progress of our community through the people and the events of the last two hundred years. It makes a great companion book to "A Sense of Place."

As you read this book you will discover the secrets of our community and what has given it the longevity that allows us to celebrate our bicentennial. For example, the many families who have lived in Centerville and Washington Township for generations; the stone buildings which symbolize our lasting quality as a community; the land that was valued in the past as a strong farming community and in the present as evidenced in our zoning laws and the importance that we place on our parks and green space. And throughout this book, you will see the citizens striving for high standards and quality in all areas of the community. The story of the continual progress and improvement of our schools is a good example of this.

We have filled our book with over 250 photographs and maps. So, come read about our history; our pioneers, our military heroes, our dedicated citizens, our eccentrics, our murder and our bank robberies, our quarries and our corn canning factory, and see where all of this took place. You will never drive through Centerville/Washington Township the same way again!

Committee

Editors: Celia Elliott, Sarah Rickman, Lynn Russell, and Janet Thobaben

Writers: Bruce Ashcroft, Celia Elliott, Maggie Fitzgibbons, Fran Puterbaugh Holyoke, Howard R. Houser, Adele U. Koehnen, Vincenzina Krymow, Fred Lager, Terry McConville, Sarah Rickman, Jack and Jeanne Savage, and Janet Thobaben

Special Contributors: Steve Feverston, Robert Thobaben, and Bill Yeck

Editorial Assistants: Pat Aldrich

Contents

Introduction - Celia Elliott explores what "community" means and why it endures.

Chapter 1 - The Search for Community: History to 1860

Chapter 2 - A Sense of Strength: 1860-1900

Chapter 3 - A Sense of Belonging: 1900-1940

Chapter 4 - The Strength of Togetherness: 1940-1960

Chapter 5 - Era of the Suburbanite: 1960-1996

Chapter 6 - A Sense of Community: Personal Reminiscences and Profiles

After word - Robert Thobaben comments on the concept, nature, and conditions of "community."

Index

Enjoy!