Versailles is a village in Darke County, Ohio, United States. It is the only village in Wayne Township. The population was 2,589 at the 2000 census. The proper local pronunciation of the name is "Ver Sales", with the accent on the second syllable.

The village, founded in 1819, is named after the city of Versailles in France. Versailles was originally named Jacksonville. However, as a large majority of early residents were of French descent, it was suggested that the village's name be changed to "Versailles" in memory of their homeland. Versailles became the new name of the village in 1837.

Geography

Versailles is located at 40°13′23″N, 84°29′6″W (40.222964, -84.485077)^[1].

According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 1.8 square miles (4.5 km²), all of it land.

Demographics

As of the census^[2] of 2000, there were 2,589 people, 1,061 households, and 687 families residing in the village. The population density was 1,482.5 people per square mile (571.2/km²). There were 1,109 housing units at an average density of 635.0/sq mi (244.7/km²). The racial makeup of the village was 99.38% White, 0.04% African American, 0.12% Native American, 0.08% Asian, 0.12% from other races, and 0.27% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.12% of the population.

There were 1,061 households out of which 31.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.5% were married couples living together, 7.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.2% were non-families. 32.4% of all households were made up of individuals and 16.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.35 and the average family size was 3.00.

In the village the population was spread out with 25.5% under the age of 18, 6.8% from 18 to 24, 28.4% from 25 to 44, 19.0% from 45 to 64, and 20.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females there were 90.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 85.3 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $37,908, and the median income for a family was $47,717. Males had a median income of $32,440 versus $25,194 for females. The per capita income for the village was $18,275. About 3.5% of families and 5.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.1% of those under age 18 and 9.3% of those age 65 or over.

Farming is the most prevalent occupation in Versailles. Most farmers in Versailles (86.4%) are family owned farms. Midmark (medical equipment manufacturer) and Weaver (Egg and Poultry Manufacturer) are the largest employers in Versailles.

Government

Versailles' municipal building, the Versailles Town Hall and Wayne Township House, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Poultry Days

Versailles is also known for hosting its yearly Poultry Days festival on the 2nd weekend of June. The festival consists of crowning a "Ms. Chick", a carnival, a parade, the production of over 23,000 slow roasted chicken dinners, and the Poultry Days Ultimate tournament.^[3]

Schools

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There are three schools in Versailles: Elementary, Middle, and Jr/Sr High. However, all are included in the same school district, the Versailles Exempted Village School District. There is also a satellite school located in nearby North Star.

Versailles High School, nicknamed the Tigers, has won state football titles in 1990, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1998, and 2003, with three state runners-up titles in 1988, 1996, and 2004. The Tigers also won a UPI State title in 1967 before Ohio had playoffs. Also, from 1993-1996, the football team won 54 consecutive games. Initially a state record, it is now second to Delphos St. John's High School's 57 games. All these titles came under the tenure of head coach Al Hetrick, who was head coach from 1968 through 2005. The 1967 UPI title was under head coach John Lantz. Versailles HS is tied with St. Henry High School for the most state championships in Ohio by a public school since the introduction of the current playoff system in 1972. Versailles has also won other numerous state championship titles. Versailles won the state championship in girls cross country both in 2003 and in 2007. All three schools are part of the Midwest Athletic Conference.

Versailles High School is consistently ranked as one of the top public high schools in Ohio using state proficiency test scores. Strengths include a rigorous math and science based curriculum. Versailles is one of the largest school districts in Ohio based on land area and one of the smallest based on student population. Versailles has produced many engineers in both the national defense and the aerospace industry in the United States.

Approximately 60% of graduating Seniors from Versailles High School choose to further their education. Most students graduating from Versailles High School that decide to attend colleges or universities choose either The Ohio State University, Wright State University, Edison Community College, Sinclair Community College, The University of Toledo, or The University of Dayton.

References

External links

• Village of Versailles - Official Website
• History of Versailles and other Darke Co. towns
• Pioneer history of Versailles, Wayne Twp., Darke Co., OH
• Versailles, Ohio Public Schools

• Versailles, Ohio is at coordinates 40°13′23″N 84°29′06″W / 40.222964, -84.485077 (Versailles, Ohio)Coordinates: 40°13′23″N 84°29′06″W / 40.222964, -84.485077 (Versailles, Ohio)

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