Melscheimer Schoolhouse

East Sparta, Ohio

Building History

Built ca. 1830, the one-room schoolhouse remained active until May 1948. In April 2010 it was donated to Pike Township. Since this school is adjacent to the historic Melscheimer Cemetery, township trustees have sought to restore the school as a site for funeral services at the request of the deceased family members when weather is inclement or just by choice. The building has been inspected by a structural engineer, several preservationists and restoration experts. All agree this building is a remarkable historic structure that should be preserved.

Community Plan

We have formed a Restoration Committee that is actively seeking ways to move the restoration forward. We have engaged the services of an architect/preservationist, and have been fortunate to pique the interest of a renowned restorationist/historian/preservationist, Mr. Steve Coon, who has met with us on several occasions for advisement and direction. Coon Restoration has recently completed stripping the outside of the brick building from the paint that was covering the beautiful, handmade bricks. The dirt basement floor has been dug out (with shovels and 5 gallon buckets) and enlarged to permit new beams and sturdy floor supports to be installed replacing some of the beams that had deteriorated. Double doors have been installed to allow room for caskets to be wheeled freely into the structure, flooring has been secured. New gutters and downspouts have been installed so that rainfall is diverted from the foundation. When weather permits, repair work will begin on the outside and volunteers will begin to address inside upgrading. Meanwhile, the original windows (which have a beautiful arched design) will need revived by an expert since the glass will be fragile. The shutters will be stripped, sanded and repainted.

Building Details

Sq.Ft.: 1200
Date of Construction: 1830
For Sale: No
National Register Historic Property: No
National Register Historic District:
Zoning: Residential/Agricultural