Zanesville in Muskingum County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
The Legacy of the "Big Red Brick School"
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., November 10, 2026
1. The Legacy of the "Big Red Brick School" Marker
Before Lincoln was President, in 1850, this "Big Red Brick School" was built. Embedded in education from its very beginnings due to the established Village of Putnam being settled by those serious in demeanor and devoted to education, religion and the abolishment of slavery.
Putnam High School opened its doors in 1851. In the dedication address by A. A. Guthrie, he said "long may it stand as a monument to the enterprise of the place and the spirit of the age." Zanesville organized and established Zanesville High School in 1855 on Pioneer Hill. Then in 1872, the Town of Putnam united with the City of Zanesville due to the tremendous need of street lighting and the absence of water for fire service, the students of this school went to Zanesville High School.
Following service as Putnam High School, and the merging of the Village of Putnam with the City of Zanesville, this grand building became Central School for 11 years. Located then on what was known as "Fourth Street", with the annexation to Zanesville who already had a Fourth Street, it was renamed "Madison" to follow the naming of streets after presidents. Then in
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In 1979, when then Rufus Putnam School opened, Madison School closed. This closure gave way to another educational venture, The Family Life Program.
The James Madison Family Center was dedicated to child development and learning, cultural diversities of each family, and nurturing children to become prepared for life as responsible, productive, and caring members of society. Under the direction of Vicky French, she began a renovation project to bring life back to this old red brick building. Her dedication and commitment continues to live forward to the present day of 2024.
In 2007, walking in the footsteps with James McDonald, Founder of Forever Dads, under the directorship of then Forever Dads Executive Director Burl Lemon, they were determined to establish a permanence of fatherhood, which embraces the spirit of this historical building, that of education. With the support of then school superintendent, Terry Martin, a 10 years lease was given to Forever Dads in 2008. During this time, extensive interior repair work was done due to the vacancy of the building for a period
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., November 10, 2026
2. Ruth McDonald Marker
On opposite side of doorway
From 2019 through 2024, the Forever Dads Historical Restoration Project brought forth distinctive renovations of over a half million dollars of investment to ensure the longevity and enhance the showcase of this beautiful historical building.
Today, June 11th, 2024 - we rededicated this building to the fathers and families of our community. The Forever Dads Center for Fathers and Families is committed to their mission of encouraging, educating and equipping men as fathers to develop positive relationships with their children, family and community.
Erected 2024 by the Forever Dads Center for Fathers & Families and Concerned Citizens and Organizations.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • Charity & Public Work • Education • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1850.
Location. 39° 55.807′ N, 82° 0.361′ W. Marker is in Zanesville, Ohio, in Muskingum
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., November 10, 2026
3. The Legacy of the "Big Red Brick School" Marker
Markers flank the entrance
Regionally, this marker is in the American Midwest, in Appalachia, and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Veterans Memorial (a few steps from this marker); 100th Anniversary of the Flood of 1913 (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Anti-Slavery Tensions in Muskingum County (about 600 feet away); 1798 (about 600 feet away); 1799 (about 600 feet away); 1800 (about 600 feet away); 1801 (about 600 feet away); 1802 (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Zanesville.
Also see . . . About Forever Dads. (Submitted on November 12, 2026, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.)
Credits. This page was last revised on November 12, 2026. It was originally submitted on November 12, 2026, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. This page has been viewed 6 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 12, 2026, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.
