Our History

The Blanchester Historical Society was organized in 1967 after the “Old Grads” Blanchester High School Gathering in May of that year, prior to the razing of the old Main Street High School and Elementary building in July.

The organization was formed to collect, preserve and promote the history of the community and surrounding areas. An area of most importance was the Blanchester School System. Over the years displays have been installed in the school, the National Bank and Trust and at community activities featuring the diverse collection of the society. These displays contained literature, photos and memorabilia of the area’s rich history. Fourth of July celebrations were honored with these displays. A special display was made for the town’s Sesquicentennial and for the 100^th commencement of Blanchester High School in 1987 an extensive display was arranged for graduation and alumni week.

The first officers were:
• J.E. Carnahan – President
• Rufus D. Reed – 1^st Vice-President/Treasurer
• Mary L. Schnapp – 2^nd Vice President
• Pearl V. Reed – Secretary
• France Whitacre – Assistant Secretary/Treasurer

In 1976 The Blanchester Historical Society and the Committee For The Blanchester Bicentennial worked together for the celebration of America’s 200^th Birthday.

A pageant and birthday party were hosted by the society in 1982 to celebrate the founding of Blanchester. On March 6, 1832, Joseph and John Blancett laid out Blanchester. The town was named using the first part of their name with “chester” which means “town”. We have the unique distinction of being the only town in the world with that name.

The first Blanchester Community Concert and party were sponsored by the historical society in 1983, coordinated by John Simpson.

A major project by the society was recording all the markers of the Blanchester I.O.O.F. Cemetery. This information was compiled into a book so that future generations can find their relatives and preserve their family’s history.

1994 Officers:
• Jane Richardson & Chad Hollon – Co-Presidents
• Christine Snyder – Vice-President
• Pauline Stewart – Secretary
• John Simpson – Treasurer

The History of Blanchester

Blanchester is situated in the southwestern corner of Marion Township, Clinton County, Ohio. Wilson’s Run and Second Creek surround the town on three sides and connect at the eastern edge of the corporation.

Blanchester was laid out by Joseph and John Blancett, and the plat recorded March 23, 1832. There were originally twenty-four lots, four poles by eight poles square, and one lot (No. 15) not quite so large. The lots were numbered consecutively from 1 to 24, lying on each side of two streets-Broadway running northwest and southeast, and Main street, running northeast and southwest. The courses of the lots were north 45 degrees east by south, 44 degrees east. 

After the initial town was laid out it grew by leaps and bounds over the years. Fueled by the trains and their ability to bring goods in and out of town and passengers to patronize the businesses.

By 1882 a partial list of businesses in town included:

• 4 agricultural warerooms
• 3 blacksmith shops
• 6 house and sign painters
• 3 livery stables
• 2 chair factories
• 4 boot and shoe shops
• 7 dry goods and grocery stores
• 2 grist-mills
• 2 saw-mills
• 3 hotels
• Several mill-wright and mill furniture shops
• 3 carpenter shops
• 2 lumber yards
• 1 store
• 3 butcher shops
• 3 real estate agents
• 3 Notaries Publics
• 3 drug stores
• 3 grain warehouses
• 2 bakeries
• 3 confectionery stores
• 1 bank
• 3 millinery (hat) stores
• 1 hame factory
• 3 hardware stores
• 1 tin shop
• 3 brick yards
• 5 physicians
• 2 dentists
• 1 publishing house
• 1 silversmith
• 2 undertakers
• 2 carpet weavers
• A score of carpenters, brick masons and stone workers

Source: The History Of Clinton County. W. H. BEERS & CO. 1882.

ADDITIONS

John Baldwin’s Addition, December 15, 1832; same, another addition, July 9, 1834.

July 13, 1835, a resurvey of the original plat was made at the instance of the original proprietors, John and Joseph Blancett.

Christopher Lazenby made an addition September 3, 1851, containing the present railroad depot ground, Railroad street, Depot street, Lazenby street, Walnut street, Mill street, Church street,Fancy street, Pearl street, Bourbon street and several alleys.

C. Lazenby made an addition of outlots September 19, 1851.

Wilfred Cusick’s Addition, containing Center street, was platted October 8, 1851.

William H. Baldwin’s Addition, containing Grove and Wright streets, was made November 16, 1855.

March 6, 1865, the necessary proceedings were had and the town duly incorporated by the County Commissioners under the laws of the State.

August 9, 1873, the corporation was extended to include contiguous territory, on a petition signed by property owners within the territory to be annexed, and recommended by the authorities of the town.

Anshutz & Patterson’s Addition, including the school lot and Clark, High and Columbus streets, was platted February 2, 1874.

J. K. Trickey’s Addition, with Central avenue and South Broadway street, was platted November 16, 1876.

The County Commissioners, in behalf of the heirs of Jonathan Baldwin, deceased, made an addition to the town, containing Baldwin and Blancett streets, October 16, 1877.

Source: The History Of Clinton County. W. H. BEERS & CO. 1882.