Bidwell, Ohio
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Bidwell is a small unincorporated village located in northwestern Springfield Township, Gallia County, Ohio, United States. Although it is unincorporated, it has a post office, with the ZIP code of 45614. The population of Bidwell, combined with its neighbor Porter, is approximately 450 residents. Bidwell is located eleven miles from the county seat, Gallipolis.
It is located at an elevation of about 682 feet.[1]
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[edit] History
The community of Bidwell was named for John Bidwell, the Prohibition Party's presidential candidate in 1892.[2]
Bidwell also holds one of Ohio's historical markers, which commemorate certain areas of importance in Ohio's history. Prior to the deconstruction of the railroad that went through the town, Bidwell was a stop for certain railroad companies hauling to a local feed mill. It was also one of the small settlements that sprung up around the construction of the railroads.
[edit] Government
As Bidwell is an unincorporated community without official local government or charter, local government in the township is the responsibility of Springfield Township.
[edit] Local features
[edit] Shopping
Bidwell contains a single shopping center. However, in anticipation of future growth in the area, Dollar General has begun construction on a new store located directly across the road from Bidwell-Porter Elementary School.
[edit] Schools
There is a school located in Porter, Bidwell's close neighbor, known as River Valley Middle School. The school is a fifth to eighth grade school, and enrollment is approximately 400 students. Students who graduate from Bidwell usually attend River Valley High School, located in Cheshire, Ohio.
Following voter approval of a tax levy during the 2005 election year, construction on a new, replacement school for River Valley High School has been started and is due to be completed in 2009. This school is located closer to Bidwell, and is slated to serve the same population of students as would have been served by River Valley.
[edit] Fire protection
Fire safety in Bidwell is taken care of by the local Springfield Township Volunteer Fire Department. Most funding for the station is received from tax levies.
[edit] References
- ^ http://www.epodunk.com/cgi-bin/genInfo.php?locIndex=16356, "Bidwell, OH Profile", 2007
- ^ http://www.epodunk.com/cgi-bin/genInfo.php?locIndex=16356, "Bidwell, OH Profile", 2007
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