It is not uncommon when communities consider adopting local preservation ordinances or a given building is scheduled for demolition, for a discussion to emerge about whether a given building or area is sufficiently “historic,” and therefore worthy of protection. Various measures are used in that process, among them National Register of Historic Places criteria, which set out an objective framework for that conversation.

Consider, however, the following qualifications of a currently at-risk building, just added to the Preservation Ohio Endangered Watch List:

When built in 1844-1846 it was the largest dwelling in all of Ohio – and over one million bricks were used in its construction. The building is the only large residential house left in the state that was built by and for use of the Shakers, the Protestant communal denomination. It was the centerpiece of Union Village, the largest Shaker settlement west of the Alleghenies, and remains one of very few buildings that survive from that community.

The building in question is now known as “Bethany Hall,” but was originally known as the “Center House.” Surely the brief history referred to above strongly suggests that the building deserves serious preservation consideration – however the opposite may be the case, as the property’s owners, Otterbein Homes, Inc., is considering possible demolition of Bethany Hall. The building is located on their residential campus, which is located near Lebanon in Warren County.  The building is not in unsound condition, however Otterbein is indicating that it would be prohibitively expensive to renovate for assisted living use.

The Western Shaker Study Group has launched an effort to encourage Trustees of the organization to take a “time out” to consider alternatives to demolition. A call for support from the Study Group, as well as a sample letter to the Board of Trustees and other material can be found on the Bethany Hall section of the Endangered Watch List, which can be found here.  Please take a moment and add your voice to those advocating for this important piece of Ohio history.

Photo: Bethany Hall (Center Hall), Lebanon - Cincinnati Enquirer