The Hamilton County Bicentennial Celebration continues northward with a self-guided tour of locations of historical significance in Jackson Township in Northern Hamilton County. Beginning April 1 (no fooling!), the public is invited to enjoy self-guided visual tours that can be accessed by scanning the posted codes at 12 locations throughout Atlanta, Arcadia, and Cicero.
As a special feature from 2 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 15, many of these locations will be open for an up close and personal visit, including Hamilton Heights School Corporation’s newly renovated Student Activity Center (SAC).
The self-guided tours project was created and filmed by a group of Hamilton Heights educators and seventh- and eighth-grade students. They worked together to provide a unique opportunity to give residents and visitors alike a glimpse of these sites of historical significance in Atlanta, Arcadia, and Cicero in Jackson Township last fall as part of the Hamilton County Bicentennial activities.
The sites include: The Roberts Settlement, Arcadia Depot, Glass Factory, HHSC Student Activity Center/History Hallway/Ryan White, and Beck’s Hybrids in Arcadia; Morse Reservoir, War Memorial at Red Bridge Park, and Pvt. William Cutts’ gravesite in Cicero; and Atlanta Library, Mr. Muffin’s Trains, Roads Hotel, and Inter-Urban in Atlanta.
In coordination with the Hamilton County Bicentennial Committee, Hamilton Heights will hold an open house from 2 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 15 at its newly renovated Student Activity Center, 420 W. North St., Arcadia. Guests will be given a personalized tour of the facility and meet and greet with Hamilton Heights’ leadership team and school board members. Enter through doors B and H.
Today, the Student Activity Center is home to the HHSC History Hall (history of all things Hamilton Heights), HHSC Board Room, HHSC Community Room, HHSC Husky Orange Room, HHHS Robotics, HHMS Football, Wrestling, Track & Field, all HHHS sports schedules and practices in both gyms, Jr. Husky Basketball Program (K-5), HH Wrestling Club (elementary aged kids), Healthy Way Clinic, and Early Childhood Assessment Team.
Hamilton Heights School Corporation’s Student Activity Center was originally built in 1957 as the Jackson Central High School. During its more than 60-year tenure the building served the educational needs of students as Hamilton Heights High School (1965 to 1992) and Hamilton Heights Middle School (1993 to 2020) prior to being repurposed into the Student Activity Center in 2021. (Photo provided)
A special note of appreciation is extended to the following educators and students for their bringing local history to life through this incredible project: Jeff Beechler (HHMS eighth-grade U.S. History teacher), Julie Davis (HHSC school board member) Lucia Garber (HHMS Business teacher), Connor James (HHMS Business teacher), and Melissa Martin (HHSC Integrated Technology); along with students, Jude Bailey, Dayne Belcher, Reece Blanton, Gracie Bortone, Allie Bushey, Corbin Carlson, Presley Cherry, Olivia Cosand, Marc Davis, Hannah England, Silas Fryman, Jack Kakasuleff, Austin Kappes, Hazel Lynch, Zane Pritscsh, Norah Reiger, Grace Reynolds, Lily Schuler, Caleb Sullivan, and Nora Trees.
About Jackson Township
Jackson Township, organized in 1833, is home to three towns, Atlanta, Arcadia, and Cicero, and two unincorporated communities, Deming and Millersburg. It consists of nearly 55 square miles with a population of approximately 10,550 and is served by the Hamilton Heights School Corporation.
Born and raised on a farm south of Cicero. Graduated from Jackson Central in 1951. Had wonderful teachers and coaches all 12 years including Robert Knapp, Forrest McCaffry, Mary Francis Dunn, Mrs. Recobs, R.C. Lorton, and Clavis Hinshaw.
Now living in Houston, Texas, retired from education. Served as a math teacher, Superintendent of Schools and college professor for 42 years. Received B.S. and M.A. from Ball State and Ph.D. from University of Chicago.
Just wish I could be back in Jackson Township for the Bicentennial celebration. Best wishes.