Columbus Grove Municipal Pool
Also known as: Coloumbus Grove Swimming Pool; Put-56-12
Why it's listed
Built in a abandoned limestone quarry near Columbus Grove, Ohio, this municipal pool and bathhouse were constructed between 1935 and 1937 as Works Progress Administration projects. Workers used only hand labor and roughly chiseled limestone taken from the adjoining quarry. The site includes a main pool and a shallow wading pool separated by an arched limestone bridge, with stone walkways, four octagonal turrets that double as light towers, and small pump houses. The one-story bathhouse grew from a gable-front core into a shallow cruciform with two wings, a concession stand, and a conical-roofed tower that once held a shower water tank. A boat launch ends the stone wall along the quarry. The complex was listed for its association with New Deal recreation programs and for its Norman Revival/Rustic design. Local residents raised money to buy the quarry, and it became the first public pool for Putnam County. A 1986 chlorination building and a 1949-50 shelterhouse are counted as noncontributing.
Significance in brief: The nomination argues it is an outstanding example of a Works Progress Administration recreation project, built entirely by hand from quarry limestone. It is also presented as a fine example of Norman Revival/Rustic design, with its turrets, arches, keystones and meandering walls. It was the first public pool for Putnam County residents, and New Deal projects in smaller communities are less often documented.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 97000511, listed May 30, 1997. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence medium).
Key facts
| Address | 47510 Rd. P, Columbus Grove |
|---|---|
| County | Putnam County |
| Listed | May 30, 1997 |
| Reference number | 97000511 |
| Resource type | Structure |
| Period of significance | 1935-1947 |
| Architect / builder | Theodore Kafitz, Project Engineer |
| Architectural style | Late 19th/20th Century Revivals, Other: Norman Revival/Rustic |
| Criteria |
|
| Areas of significance | Architecture, Entertainment/Recreation |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Described as in excellent condition, retaining all essential elements from its original construction; still used as a pool and park, with the bathhouse adapted to changing needs. |
| Acreage | 5.8 |
| Coordinates | 40.92757, -84.02488 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
National Register listing is honorary: it recognises significance and does not restrict what a private owner may do without federal money or permits. It unlocks the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit for income-producing buildings, state credits in many states, and Section 106 review when federal agencies are involved. See what listing means in practice.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 97000511.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikidata Q138657166
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.