Converse Commercial Historic District

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, September 13, 2023

1. Converse Commercial Historic District Marker

National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
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From the National Register Nomination:
The Converse Commercial Historic District is located in southeastern Miami County, on land formerly inhabited by the Miami. The Town of Converse straddles the boundary of Miami and Grant Counties, however the district falls completely within Miami County. The district, comprising four blocks of Jefferson Street, commences at State Road 18 and stretches north just beyond the former Pennsylvania Railroad bed. The district includes (24) contributing buildings and (8) non-contributing buildings, (1) contributing World War II Memorial, and (1) non-contributing site (Converse Park). Two resources already listed on the National Register, the Converse (Pennsylvania Railroad) Depot and the Converse-Jackson Township Public Library are not included in the contributing resources count, but are included in the narrative because they add to the significance of the district.

Originally named

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, September 13, 2023

2. Converse Commercial Historic District Marker

(marker is located near the northeast [right] corner of the Converse-Jackson Township Public Library)

Xenia, the town was established in 1849 with the four-block original plat surrounding the intersection of Marion and Jefferson Streets. The town underwent two periods of economic growth: first, after the railroad was completed through town shortly after the Civil War, and second, during the late 1800s when natural gas was discovered in the area. These eras of prosperity stimulated expansion of the town north from Marion Street to form the commercial core along Jefferson Street. The majority of the structures are of brick construction built at the turn of the nineteenth century; however, several twentieth-century structures also contribute to the significance of the district.

Although constructed over a 100-year time span, the buildings represent the prominently unpretentious styles of vernacular architecture typical of a small Midwestern town, and display modest individuality. Most of the buildings have received some form of alterations over the years but maintain their historic mass, proportions, and associations.