Uncovering the Hidden History of a Lancaster Corner

From a former high school to notable residents, a Lancaster neighborhood reveals its past.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 9:08am

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An impressionistic, out-of-focus photograph depicting the soft, warm-toned facades of historic homes and buildings along a Lancaster, Ohio street corner, conveying a sense of the neighborhood's evolving character over time.A nostalgic glimpse into the layered history of a Lancaster, Ohio neighborhood, where historic homes and buildings hold the stories of the community's past.Lancaster Today

This article explores the rich history of a corner in Lancaster, Ohio, tracing its evolution from the site of the city's first public high school in the 1800s to the home of various notable residents over the decades, including a doctor, an oil industry pioneer, and a long-serving lawyer. The story highlights how the neighborhood has transformed while preserving its historic character through the efforts of dedicated homeowners.

Why it matters

This article provides a fascinating glimpse into the layered history of a small corner in Lancaster, Ohio, shedding light on the city's educational and residential development over the past century and a half. It showcases how local landmarks and homes can hold untold stories that reveal the evolving character of a community.

The details

The article begins by noting that the upcoming opening of a new high school in Lancaster prompted the writer to revisit the site of the city's first public high school, which opened in 1963 on Infirmary Road. This original high school building, a two-story structure with eight rooms, was located on the northeast corner of E. Mulberry and N. Broad Streets. When the school was abandoned around 1875, the school board sold the lot to St. Peter's Evangelical Church, which built a new church on the site. Over the following decades, the neighborhood saw the construction of several homes, including the residences of Dr. Charles Edward Reese and his wife Jennie, as well as the Goll family, who were involved in Michigan's oil industry, and the Cunix family, led by Abram Cunix, a prominent local lawyer. The current homeowners have continued to preserve the historic character of the neighborhood.

  • The first Lancaster High School building opened in September 1963.
  • The school was abandoned around 1875.
  • In 1912, the house at 119 E. Mulberry St. was sold by George and Alice Bierly to Caroline Miesse.
  • In 1916, the house at 119 E. Mulberry St. was purchased by Mrs. Mary B. Slough and family, who resided there until about 1924.
  • In 1982, the house at 119 E. Mulberry St. was purchased by Randall G. & Deborah Berens, who renovated the home and were recognized with a Coronet Award from the Fairfield Heritage Association.

The players

Charles Goslin

Wrote that Square 1, Lot 11 became the property of the Lancaster School Board and was where they erected Lancaster's first high school.

Dr. Charles Edward Reese

A doctor who had his home and office at 115 E. Mulberry St. in Lancaster, Ohio. He graduated from Ohio Medical College and married in 1885.

John Goll

Went to Michigan in 1925 to assume a leading role in the development of its oil industry and drilled the first commercial oil well in Michigan.

Abram Cunix

An OSU graduate who obtained a law degree from Harvard Law School in 1926. His law office was in the Kresge Bldg. for 31 years. He served as Commander of the Fairfield Post No. 11, American Legion, and was honored by the Ohio Bar Association for practicing law for 50 years.

Randall G. & Deborah Berens

Purchased the home at 119 E. Mulberry St. in 1982 and were recognized with a Coronet Award from the Fairfield Heritage Association for their renovation work.

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The takeaway

This article highlights how the history of a small corner in Lancaster, Ohio, can reveal the evolving character of a community over time. By tracing the various residents and uses of the properties in this neighborhood, the story showcases how local landmarks and homes can hold untold stories that provide a deeper understanding of a city's past and present.