Carlisle

We've posted a lot of information about the ensemble, their rehearsals and performances. Here's a little information on the town of Carlisle where the rehearsals are taking place.

The City of Carlisle bills itself as “America’s Hometown.”  It is a small community with a population of 5,800 located in the Dayton-Cincinnati metro region.  Carlisle got its start as a railroad town but in the last 15 years has diversified its industrial base with three new business parks.

At the turn of the 18th century, East Coast settlers began migrating west to the Ohio Valley.  Many of these early settlers chose an area of land west of the Miami Valley River to call home.  This area became known as the "Jersey Settlement" because many of these early residents were originally from the New Jersey area.

The earliest Carlisle settlers had strong ties to farming and church.  One of Carlisle's oldest buildings - Tapscott Church - was built in the early 1800's after James Tapscott donated a land to area Baptists.  The church no longer holds weekly services, but the historic building and adjoining cemetery are in the process of being preserved and converted into a community center by the Carlisle Parks and Recreation Board. 

As the 1800's gave way to industrialization across the nation, Carlisle became a stopping point for the railroad community.  This relationship is quite evident today with two major railroad thoroughfares traversing through the heart of the City. 

The City's annual community festival, Railroad Days, further reflects this long-standing relationship. 

In the mid 18th century, a prominent railroad man, George B. Carlisle, bought and platted a large section of the community.  He donated one of these parcels of land to be used for the benefit of the entire community.  In 1856, a group of local men organized the Literary Society and built the original Town Hall building.  This building was used for many different purposes over the years:  visiting speakers, community suppers, Carlisle school basketball games, and elections.  This historic building, located at the corner of Jamaica Road and Central Avenue, is still utilized today as the Carlisle City Council Chambers.  Because of Mr. Carlisle's influence on the community, the area was eventually officially named Carlisle. 

Carlisle was officially incorporated in 1958.  The first leaders of this newly incorporated municipality established the foundation of the future city, including the organization of the Police and Fire Departments and adoption of laws and regulations.

Photos: Classic Carlisle homes