Camp Dennison School House Restaurant 1864 Civil War WPA Once Scheduled For Demolition

The Camp Dennison School was built in 1864 after the conclusion of the Civil War and was occupied from 1870 - 1952 as part of the Hamilton County School District. It was one of the first 2 room, 2 story brick schools built in the Midwest. It was designed in a cross construction pattern with gables containing Italianate style bracketing on the corners. In 1939 the school was remodeled by the WPA adding steam heating, indoor bathrooms, water fountains and enlarging the windows to let in more light. On the first floor were the classrooms. Grades 1-4 were in the current kitchen and grades 5-8 are in the current dining room. The second story contained the Principal’s office, used as our bar for special events, and the Auditorium / theater stage / gymnasium, now available for special events. The last class graduated from The Camp Dennison School in 1952 and the students were relocated to the new Drake School in the Indian Hill School District.
At this point, Dravo gravel company bought the school. Their plan was to demolish the school for additional gravel mining. The State of Ohio declined this plan due to the proximity to St Rt 126, then the school became office space for Dravo Gravel Company until 1961. The Camp Dennison School was then purchased by Donald & Phyllis Miller who turned it into a restaurant which saved the school from being demolished.
GPS Location: 39º11'57.0"N 84º17'23.0"W
www.HistoryInYourOwnBackyard.com
[e-mail]
812-623-5727

[@geoberger2003]

I grew up in Milford (where The Schoolhouse is located) and it has always been my very favorite restaurant ever! 😀 I’m so thankful the Miller family bought it and preserved it so well! It really is a piece of American history! Camp Dennison was once the sight of a Union troop training camp during the American Civil War… If you’ve never been there you’re truly missing out! It’s a great place to eat, get a history lesson, and relax with the goats and ducks out in the backyard. The Little Miami Bike Trail runs directly behind the property and that is yet another historic landmark, as it was once a bustling railroad. As a child, I remember watching the trains go by on what is now paved bicycle trail. Thanks so much to History In Your Own Backyard for covering this!!

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

They are doing a great job with the restaurant.

[@MoellerEngineeringCo.]

This is right in my backyard. It's a beautiful part of town.

[@seanmertens3049]

One of my favorite restaurants Best Fried Chicken and corn fritters you will ever eat. Been eating there for 25 years. Keep it going and Thanks

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

A true satisfied customer.

[@ilovepie943]

My mom and dad use to take us there as kids in the 60s. I have been there with my kids and grandkids. Thats 3 generations and we love the schoolhouse restaurant. Grew up in Madeira near the Miller family, very nice people. Great restaurant. Need to go back soon!

[@Dozenspeed]

Sometimes the greatest challenge for preserving history is economic viability, and this looks like about the best, most idyllic type of solution to the equation, and a shining example of "how to do it." I love the combo of modern function and life in a historical space like this while retaining all reasonable artifacts and historical features as possible. Fantastic. 🙂

[@kevind8752]

We drive past this restaurant frequently when heading to the bike trail but have never eaten there. Will put it on our list to try.

[@shesingsalldaylong8737]

Recently My Father-in-law took us to dine at The Schoolhouse. He and his late wife enjoyed dining there. The atmosphere is magical and filled with history. The food was delicious! I’m a retired Personal Chef and truly enjoyed everything I tried. Thank you so much for preserving this beautiful piece of history for all to enjoy and experience! We are planning our next visit soon! ❤️

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

Glad you enjoyed the visit.

[@ynot0714]

They were recently featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives! Good downhome food and this one really is "in my own backyard" 🙂

[@VernonWallace]

They are all very nice and good people. I have meet all of them. Thank you

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

They are really nice people.

[@jackwalsh1468]

Christy, I really enjoyed this episode and look forward to more history episodes. Cheers, Mate.

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

Glad you liked it! :)

[@musclecarmitch908]

Cool school and history!👍

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

Glad you liked it!

[@tehchop8528]

Great history and great food

[@chrisclauder6630]

Loved The School House could take the kids with the goats out back. My favorite was corn fritters.

[@bethgiesey9405]

Awesome

[@billschultz7459]

This place is a gem. Gotta try their pan-fryed chicken livers...some of the best around.

[@DenaliDaveB]

I wonder if there are plans for the next generation of the Miller family to take over one day?

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

Good question!

[@joeanderson9852]

👍👍