Communities across southern and eastern Ohio have a long and rich history, and South Central Power is helping preserve our past by supporting three historical preservation projects.
Preserving historical sites serves as a link to the past, offering a unique sense of place and cultural continuity for communities.
South Central Power recently made donations to three projects, which were matched by Co-Bank, one of our lenders. Each organization received $10,000.
O.P. Chaney Grain Elevator
The O.P. Chaney Grain Elevator has stood as a symbol of Canal Winchester’s agricultural roots for generations. Rather than letting this historic landmark fade into the past, the Canal Winchester Area Historical Society is restoring and reimagining it as Elevate 1828, a one-of-a-kind event venue that honors its history while creating new opportunities for the community to gather, celebrate, and connect.
Highland House
The Highland House in Hillsboro, Ohio, is a historic museum owned and operated by the Highland County Historical Society. It’s a well-preserved, classic Federal-style home built between 1842 and 1844, showcasing exhibits and descriptions of early life and conditions in Hillsboro’s history. Highland House experienced significant water damage due to recent heavy rainfall, and the donation will help make critical repairs to halt ongoing damage, provide structural restoration, reinforce the building’s integrity, and prevent further deterioration.
Barnesville State Theater
This project involves the meticulous restoration of a 1924 theater with rich historical significance. Nestled within a designated historic district acknowledged by the National Register of Historic Places, the revitalization aims to faithfully reinstate the Barnesville State Theater’s original charm. The revitalized space will host a variety of performing arts, plays, concerts, and special events, and will be adaptable for movie screenings.
From the November 2025 issue of Ohio Cooperative Living.