.png)
Magsig Middle School
C.W. Magsig
Clarence W. Magsig, born in July 1926 in Crawford County, attended Miami University and later pursued law studies at The Ohio State University. Upon graduating, he established himself as a trial lawyer in Dayton, a profession he dedicated himself to until his passing in 1960. Engaging actively in the Washington Township community, Magsig served on the School Board during a challenging period of growth in the district's history.
​
Washington Township School was overcrowded. The surge in our population created an urgent need for more space in our consolidated school building.
​
In 1945, the conclusion of War Price Controls led to a surge in building costs. The construction bid for the much-needed addition of the east wing at the Washington Township School building (now Magsig Middle School) exceeded the approved budget by $14,000 (equivalent to $236,000 today). Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Magsig boldly declared at a school board meeting, "We'll just go out into the community and raise the cash."
​
Despite the seemingly impossible task, with only two weeks before the contractor's bid expired, Magsig fearlessly tackled the challenge. Organizing community members, he mobilized efforts to approach as many individuals as possible, specifically requesting cash contributions – no pledges. In a remarkable turn of events, the small farm town miraculously raised the required funds within the tight timeframe, a testament to Magsig's determination and leadership.
​
Acknowledging his instrumental role in the success of the securing the funding necessary for the project, in 1963 the Board of Education approved naming the structure after Clarence W. Magsig, honoring his unwavering commitment to ensuring high quality education here in our community.
Cline Elementary School
W.O. Cline
​
William Ora (W.O.) Cline, born in 1907 in Jay County, Indiana, began his long career in education in a one-room schoolhouse in Darke County, Ohio. In 1933 earned a B.S. in Education and an Master's in School Administration in 1940 from Miami University. He eventually became the Superintendent of Franklin Township Schools.
​
Washington Township continued to experience explosive growth and by 1950, only 26 years after the Consolidated School was built, it became evident that they would need to expand to accomodate the community's growth and demand for education. By the start of the 1953 school year, enrollment had grown by more than 250% in just 10 years. Washington Township had made a name for itself with it's strong dedication to quality education.
That year, a $450,000 Bond issue was passed by voters to construct a new "modern" high school on the land adjacent to the Consolidayed School. In 1955, the new High School - referred to as "the South Building" opened it's doors at 99 W. Virginia Ave and immediately underwent back to back expansions to support the community's growth. The Consolidated School was renamed as Centerville Elementary school housing grades K-9.
​
In 1958, grades 7-9 were moved to the new South Building and W.O. Cline joined the district as the first ever Junior High Principal in the building that would eventually bear his name.
​
Mr. Cline was known as an intelligent and compassionate leader, with a no-nonsense attitude. He was also widely regarded as a strong disciplinarian.
He was an active volunteer in our community serving as a member of the Historical Society, President of the local Kiwanis Club and a leader in his church. Cline loved the outdoors and was an avid bee keeper who was believed to be immune to bee stings.
​
By 1963, 4 new elementary schools were built with a 5th on it's way. That year, Centerville Elementary Schools was renamed C.W. Magsig Junior High with W.O. Cline still at the wheel as Principal navigating the path.
​
In 1966, to continue to accomodate the expansion of curriculum and population growth, Magsig & the South Building became a dual campus for the High School. In 1967, Cline became the principal of the High School until he retired in 1969.
​
As a champion for expanding currriculum and athletics during a painful period of growth for the district, Cline was very well respected for his contributions. In 1976, after the current High School was built at 500 E Franklin St, the South Building was renamed as W.O. Cline Elementary School to honor his commitments to expanding access to education, curriculum and athletics over his 40 year career.
​
Dr. John Hole Elementary School
In 1959, Dr. John Hole Elementary School was built on 8.3 acres purchased for $29,000 from Everett O. Hole, great grandson of Dr. John Hole, one of the first settlers to Washington Township and first physicians in the region.
​
Dr. John Hole's journey began in 1775 in New Jersey. Recognizing his intellectual promise at just 15 years old, a distinguished doctor approached his parents, seeking to mentor the young John. With their consent, John Hole embarked on a medical education at Berlin University in Germany. His studies were interrupted by the Revolutionary War, during which he bravely fought in pivotal battles like Bunker Hill and witnessed George Washington's assumption of command in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
​
Following his military service, he became the personal physician and surgeon to Brigadier General Richard Montgomery, whom he greatly esteemed. Dr John Hole was attributed with naming this county "Montgomery" after his former commander, General Richard Montgomery. In 1776, he married Mercy (Massee) Ludlow, with whom he had five children. He chose to settle his family in northwest Washington Township, near a sizable stream that he named Silver Creek (now Hole’s Creek) in 1796, establishing the area's FIRST permanent residence and over time had eventually purchased 1440 acres of land which today is the northwest corner of the Mad River Road and Alex-Bell Road intersection. His brothers, Daniel, William, and Zachariah moved to the area and eventually settled in Hole's Station, which is now the City of Miamisburg.
​
Dr. John Hole played a vital role as one of the earliest doctors and settlers in the "Northwest Territory, often traversing vast distances on horseback to provide medical care to remote communities and being forced to camp in the wilderness. Despite the hardships, he remained dedicated to his profession and his faith, actively participating in the Sugarcreek Baptist Church.
​
Years of rigorous travel took a toll on Dr. Hole's health, leading him to decline an offer to serve as Surgeon of the Army during the War of 1812. He passed away in January 1813 at the age of 57 and was laid to rest in the Centerville Cemetery.
​
​
​
A Special Thank You to the Centerville Washington Township Historical Society as well as Pamela Farris-Olsen's book "a Great Place To Learn" commemorating 200 years of educational excellence in Washington Township.
​
​
Stay tuned for more
Names Behind the Buildings!
​