Otisville in Genesee County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Otisville High School
This 1920 school building was demolished in 2007. The Otisville Area Historical Association Inc., (OAHA), was allowed by the former owner Angus Neph to salvage bricks, the bronze letters and other items to use in or around their future museum. Thank you Angus for your donation.
The school had 10 classrooms on the top 2 floors, a large activities room, shop class, restrooms, locker room and utilities on the lowest level. Along with several offices, a small library and storage rooms throughout the building.
Early in the 1950's, talk circulated around about a growing student population and a need for an expanded curriculum. Things evolved and in 1954, ON PAPER, a new school system was formed. Otisville Schools combined with the nearby towns schools of Otter Lake and Columbiaville to form the consolidated school system called "LakeVille."
A brand new "LakeVille" High School building was planned and in 1955 construction began 3 miles from town on Wilson Rd. (See expanded story in the museum).
In the fall of 1955, high school students from the three towns started classes together. Meanwhile the Otisville school building continued on as an elementary school until the late 60's. During this time it started to deteriorate. Former students and faculty can recall plaster falling from the ceilings, the furnace frequently stopping and all the drafty windows.
The LakeVille school system was now exploding from all the post World War II "Baby Boomers." New elementary schools were built in the three towns. Even yet another high school was built and opened in 1969. That opening, at the same time closed this old Otisville High School building. Its last day of classes was in early June 1969.
In 1971, it was sold to a private owner and eventually apartments were built on the top floor. But even the new owner could not keep up with the ongoing repairs. And after years, it was deemed unsafe. On a freezing cold -8 degree day in February 2007, this sign over the front door was removed by members of the Otisville Area Historical Association. A few days later the grand old school building was demolished.
An expanded story, video and photographs are available to the public in the museum.
And Harry Kennedy, the longtime custodian. The popular Harry, would ring the bell every morning signaling the start of classes. Sometimes waiting an extra minute or so when he would see a tardy student running up the street. As long as the bell kept ringing and you were able to reach your seat before it stopped, you weren't late!
And no one can forget the fine athletic teams. Many a trophy was won throughout the years by the GREEN and WHITE OTISVILLE SPARTANS.
The museum building to your right was NEVER a school. It was moved to this spot. However in the late 1800's a very similar looking building sat in the same footprint. It housed the fire hall with a small jail in the back with a meeting room upstairs. No pictures available.
Erected by The Otisville Area Historical Association, Inc.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Education. A significant historical year for this entry is 1920.
Location. 43° 9.991′ N, 83° 31.4′ W. Marker is in Otisville, Michigan, in Genesee County. Marker is on East Main Street east of Park Street, on the right when traveling east. Marker is located beside the sidewalk, directly in front of the Otisville Historical Museum. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 122 East Main Street, Otisville MI 48463, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. The Country School (here, next to this marker); E. S. Swayze Drugstore (within shouting distance of this marker); Smith Hill Cemetery (approx. 0.8 miles away); Laing-Mason House (approx. 1.8 miles away); West Forest United Methodist Church (approx. 3 miles away); The William Peter Mansion (approx. 5.7 miles away); United Methodist Church (approx. 5.8 miles away); Columbiaville Depot (approx. 5.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Otisville.
More about this marker. Marker is a large composite plaque, mounted horizontally on waist-high posts.
Also see . . . Otisville, Michigan. The first land entry was made in March 1836 by James Seymour. The first settlers, Henry Heister and family, came in 1837. The township was organized in 1837, with the second settler, Nathaniel Smith, elected supervisor. In 1851, a sawmill was built by John Hayes, who sold the mill to Francis Otis the next year. On February 14, 1855, the post office opened with postmaster John Crawford. On April 5, 1861, the post office was renamed to Otisville. The village was platted by William F. Otis and T.D. Crocker in 1863. In 1874, a station opened by the Pere Marquette Railway in the village. The Village of Otisville was incorporated in 1877. (Submitted on July 30, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Credits. This page was last revised on December 7, 2020. It was originally submitted on July 28, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 393 times since then and 25 times this year. Last updated on December 7, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 28, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on July 30, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.