During the 1830s, the Rev. J. B. Johnston, pastor of the Miami Reformed Presbyterian Church in Northwood, began teaching a small classical school in his study.
Friends and relatives, noticing the popularity of his classes, began to suggest the opening of a small college in the area.
Eventually, Geneva Hall was opened in the spring of 1848, partially under the oversight of the Lakes Presbytery of the Reformed Presbyterian Church.
Despite its initial popularity, the school soon failed for lack of money and support.
At the end of the Civil War, Geneva was reopened as a school for freedmen and soon began to educate whites as well.
The community received a post office on November 24, 1868.
During the 1870s, its name was changed from Geneva Hall to Geneva College, and the college became significant enough that the town's name was changed to "West Geneva".
Although the college flourished, it moved to Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania in 1880, largely because of Northwood's lack of a railroad and because of greater financial possibilities there.
During the 1830s, the Rev. J. B. Johnston, pastor of the Miami Reformed Presbyterian Church in Northwood, began teaching a small classical school in his study. Friends and relatives, noticing the popularity of his classes, began to suggest the opening of a small college in the area. Eventually, Geneva Hall was opened in the spring of 1848, partially under the oversight of the Lakes Presbytery of the Reformed Presbyterian Church. Despite its initial popularity, the school soon failed for lack of money and support. At the end of the Civil War, Geneva was reopened as a school for freedmen and soon began to educate whites as well. The community received a post office on November 24, 1868. During the 1870s, its name was changed from Geneva Hall to Geneva College, and the college became significant enough that the town's name was changed to "West Geneva". Although the college flourished, it moved to Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania in 1880, largely because of Northwood's lack of a railroad and because of greater financial possibilities there.
Northwood, Logan County, Ohio