This clipping, dated May 2, 1963, was in interesting view of the Central School Building which was demolished in 1918, and replaced with the current Defiance Junior High School.
Mr. Tuttle wrote, "This picture will recall fond memories to many old-timers. It is the old Central School Building, often referred to as the Union School.
The building stood on the site of the present Defiance High School building at the head of Clinton St. In addition to housing the high school, it also had some elementary grades.
The room at the left corner was the administration offices of the city's public school system. It was in this old building that the change from the 'spare the rod, spoil the child' educational philosophy, experienced its termination locally.
Its foe was a Dr. J. J. Burns, who came from Dayton to take over the local superintendent's position. He destroyed all the whips and paddles and put the children on their honor.
In front of the building was a fountain. It was a thing of much controversy. Around the fountain were little boys and girls which blew water into the air. These little statues were in their natural state, and some of the good women of the city felt they should at least be in bathing suits.
The old school had a tower with a large bell, and it was the duty of Ben Lind, superintendent of buildings, to ring the bell, signalling the beginning of school.
Many a time when Mr. Lind observed a boy or girl running in order not be be late for school, he just rang the bell a little longer, preventing a tardy mark. He was beloved by all the children.
The fountain controversy was solved when the building was torn down around 1918 to make way for the first unit of the present high school structure."
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