A Brief Sketch of West Lafayette

West Lafayette, Ohio, is located in eastern Coshocton County on old County Road 16, six miles east of Coshocton. Platted in 1850 by Robert Shaw and William Wheeler, principally because of the construction of the "Panhandle" section of the Pennsylvania Railroad which was to follow in 1852-1853. Trade was the primary factor for founding of the town. From humble pioneer beginnings, this town, younger by many years than most of the early settlements in this area, has risen to a high position in the world. It was often referred to as "The Enameling Center of the World". With two great companies, Moore Enameling & Manufacturing Company and The Jones Metal Company to lead the way, the town was filled with enterprise and employment. Moore enameling is now closed but Jones Metal Company is still going strong. This is their 82nd year!

In 1900 another boost was given to West Lafayette by the formation of West Lafayette College. Three large brick buildings made up this institution. The College maintained a good enrollment and was in existence until 1916 when financial trouble caused it to be moved to the home college in Adrian, MI.

The population of West Lafayette today is around 2400 persons.

Progress was made in West Lafayette in 1999 with the new branch office of Home Loan & Savings of Coshocton, the new US Post Office, and in 2001, the new Ridgewood High School was finished.

The formation  and continuance of this Rotary Club is partial proof of the aggressiveness of it's business people. With the Rotary Wheel securely nailed to it's masthead, the good ship West Lafayette will find it's way through fair weather and foul to that great harbor of attainment, the harbor of International understanding, of peace and goodwill, through a world fellowship of business and professional men and women united in The Ideal Of Service.

*Reprinted From "The 50th Anniversary of The Rotary Club of Wets Lafayette" Booklet*