Linn School
This schoolhouse, Marion Township Sub-District #8, known as Linn School, was built in 1897, of soft clay brick and lime mortar. With approximately 800 square feet, the school served students up to the eighth grade. It was rescued, restored, and upgraded through the partnership of the purchasers and donors, Merle and Oliver Hamilton, the Marion Historical Society, and Quality Masonry Company, Inc. of Marion, Ohio. Oliver, born August 24, 1903, attended this school from 1909 to 1914, while Merle, born September 29, 1907, attended from 1913 to 1920. This historical project not only repaired the physical aspects of the schoolhouse but also the hearts of the owners. Merle & Oliver purchased the property in 2002 and donated it to the Marion County Historical Society the same year, along with approximately $100,000 for the completion of Phase I of the restoration. With the completion of Phase I, the Merle and Peg Hamilton Trust committed a minimum of $2,500 per year for maintenance and operations, as well as other funds to assist school districts with the cost of transporting students to the school.
It has been 21 years since the original rededication of Linn School in 2004 and MCHS is fulfilling the mission that Merle and Oliver Hamilton envisioned. Dedicated volunteers do programs telling the Linn School story to all ages from youngsters to golden agers using many anecdotes related by Merle and Oliver Hamilton themselves.
The Linn School has received recognition from:
Downtown Ohio for the Best Rehabilitation Project of 2004; The Ohio Historic Preservation Office for the 2006 Ohio Historic Preservation Merit Award; The National Trust for Historic Preservation 2006 for the National Preservation Award; and was nominated to the National Register of Historic Places on February 7, 2007.
Linn School is located approximately two miles north of Marion on Route 4. The restored schoolhouse is open on the first and third weekends from 1-4 pm May through August. The cost is $2.00/person. Appointments for tours may be booked through October by contacting the Marion County Historical Society: 740-387-4255.
