Lake Township Stark County Ohio

In June of 1816 the County Commissioners organized the 12th township in the 8th range into a separate township named Lake. It is thought that Lake Township derived its name from Congress Lake.

The first business areas to be established in Lake Township were Greentown and Uniontown. Later, Hartville, Cairo and Aultman were established. Due to the introduction of railroads, Uniontown, Hartville and Greentown each became centers of commerce and industry, each having their own post office, general store and blacksmith shop.

The first brick road, between Greentown and Uniontown, was constructed just before World War I. That road, which was originally a state route and is now maintained by the county, is known as Cleveland Avenue. Later, the trolley line ran up Cleveland Avenue.

In 1951 Hartville was incorporated as a Village. Lake Township, like the rest of Ohio's unincorporated areas, operates under the township form of government. In Ohio, the township predates our state government. Originally, the Pilgrim fathers brought the township form of government to America in 1620. In New England this unit of local government is still referred to as the "town." Today in twenty-two states it is known either as the town or the township.

In the early 1800's, elected officials of a township consisted of three trustees, a clerk, two overseers of the poor, highway supervisors, justices of the peace and constables. Currently in Lake Township, in addition to the three Trustees and Fiscal Officer, who are each elected to a four year term, the township staff consists of an Administrator, Road Superintendent, Police Chief, Zoning Administrator and support staff.

Officially the Trustees and Fiscal Officer fill their offices on a part-time basis, but they put in many hours of work to serve their constituents. Their intimate knowledge of their community, its needs and its residents make them able to offer more personal service to the community than any other form of government. Meeting with your township official can be as simple as picking up the telephone or stopping by the township office on your way to the grocery store.