New Philadelphia, OH
Posted by: 
silverquill
N 40° 29.357 W 081° 26.646
17T E 462363 N 4482159
The John Knisley Municipal Centre is located near the Tuscarawas County Courthouse.
Waymark Code: WMBYWB
Location: Ohio, United States
Date Posted: 07/05/2011
Views: 1
According to the
city council minutes, the new John Knisley Municipal Centre was dedicated on October 15, 2003, named for the founder of the city of New Philadelphia. It is a landmark building with its neo classical style. There are six tall white columns forming the a gabled portico over the entrance, bearing the name JOHN KNISLEY MUNICIPAL CENTER with the seal of the city of New Philadelphia Above it. Inscribed on plaques above each side of the door are:
TO PROMOTE
GOOD
FELLOWSHIP
TO PROMOTE
AMERICAN
PATRIOTISM
According to the official city web site,
New Philadelphia was founded in 1804 by John Knisely from Pennsylvania who had become good friends with David Zeisberger of the nearby Schoenbrunn mission begun by the Moravians in 1722 working among the local native population. Knisley returned to his home, sold everything and moved his family, along with 33 pioneers who accompanied him to this frontier. He purchased the land that is now the city of New Philadelphia and began careful and deliberate planning for a great city. New Philadelphia was selected as the county seat for the newly formed county of Tuscarawas in 1807, and was officially incorporated in 1833.
Further details:
"The City of New Philadelphia has a history as rich and colorful as the valley that surrounds it. In 1804, John Knisely founded our town just west of the site of Schoenbrunn, a Moravian Indian missionary town. Taverns and merchants thrived here as the village was a focal point for travelers and settlers from the east. With the construction of the Ohio-Erie Canal, New Philadelphia became a marketing center for agricultural products and the canal provided water power for mills. The coming of railroads led to coal mining and, eventually, to steel and manufacturing. Some other important dates in New Philadelphia history include the following:
In 1808, Tuscarawas County was formed creating the rivalry between Dover and New Philadelphia over competition for the county seat.
New Philadelphia was incorporated Feb. 12, 1833 with the first elections being held on May 6 of that year. B.M. Atherton was elected as Mayor.
In 1854, the first railroad was completed.
In 1895, the village was advanced to the status of city. The census of that year listed New Philadelphia at 5,673 residents.
In 1898, the public square was paved providing our city's first paved streets.
New Philadelphia Public Schools opened Sept. 9, 1900 with 5 school buildings and an enrollment of 1,267 students.
Quaker Stadium held it's first game on Sept.29, 1928.
New Philadelphia Post Office was built in 1929, modeled after Independence Hall in Philadelphia.
There are several famous Ohioans that have ties to our city. New Philadelphia was home to Ohio Governor Donahey. President McKinley was known to visit our town, and John Glenn did his initial flight training at Harry Clever Field here in New Philadelphia. College football legend Woody Hayes coached the Quakers in the late 1930's."