Polishing an Educational and
Architectural Gem in Merion Village

The Renovation and Expansion of
Southwood Elementary School

The Renovation

The Columbus Public School District is currently renovating and expanding historic Southwood Elementary School. Students are temporarily at Southwood@Reeb at Reeb Elementary in Steelton Village (Reeb-Hosack). Once the Southwood renovation/expansion is complete, likely in a bit over a year from now, the students will again attend school at a renewed Southwood in Merion Village.

The Pictures

Merion Village Photographer Peggy Kent is taking pictures at various stages of Southwood's renovation and expansion, starting with pictures taken in August 2007. The August pictures include wonderful chalkboard murals hidden since probably the 1930's or 1940's. If you know anything about the history of these murals, or have any other historical information about the Southwood buildings and the students, teachers, and parents who experienced learning there, please contact Bob Leighty at rleighty@merionvillage.org and volunteers at the Merion Village Association will work with you to document this history.

See Peggy's Photos

The History and the Planned Historical Marker

The Merion Village Association is working with Columbus Public Schools and the State of Ohio to place a State of Ohio historical marker at Southwood Elementary School, along South Fourth Street. Southwood, built in 1894, is currently being renovated and expanded, and the plan is that elementary school students (currently at Reeb) will be returning there in a couple years.

On the City of Columbus Historic Registry, Southwood Elementary is one of the oldest school buildings in Columbus. It was placed on the Columbus Historic Registry in 2002. The City's Historic Resources Commission approved the design of the renovation and expansion for Southwood in December 2006.

State of Ohio historical markers cost a bit over $2,000. Anyone interested in contributing to help purchase the marker should leave a message at the Merion Village Information Center by voice mail at 614-444-3144 or send e-mail to Bob Leighty at rleighty@merionvillage.org.

Here is the draft text which is being proposed for the marker.

Side 1 Side 2

Southwood Elementary School.

Built in 1894, the original eight-room Southwood Elementary school cost $16,000 to construct. Children attended grades one through eight, and special biweekly classes in carpentry and cooking. The school had its first graduation ceremony in 1896, with 6 boys and 7 girls being promoted to high school. Mary Esper was the school's first principal and German instructor, staying until her retirement in 1923. A PTA was formed in 1917, raising money for school supplies and equipment, food and clothing for needy Great Depression families, trees on school grounds, cookies and candies for service men in World War II, scholarships, a new library, and much more.

 The Southwood Elementary building is noted for its Romanesque Revival architectural design by David Riebel, the first architect employed by Columbus Public Schools. Community funds were used for a major playground expansion in the 1990s, and the site was placed on the Columbus Historic Registry in 2002. In December 2006, the Historic Resources Commission approved the design of a major renovation and expansion of the school. Adjacent Southwood-Mileusnich Park is named for Mike Mileusnich, a South Columbus community activist for more than 50 years, starting in 1935. Mileusnich was a leader in local school athletics, Council of South Side Organizations, Steelton Merchants Association, Southeast Lions Club, and American Legion.