The former Napoleon Middle School and John L. Johnson Auditorium sits on land where the former Union School sat in Napoleon, Ohio. The former Middle School actually served as the former Napoleon High School and was erected in 1921 adjacent to the Union School. In 1935, with WPA funds, a brand new auditorium and gymnasium joined the old Union School with the new building. In the early 1950’s, due to increased enrollment and the badly deteriorating old Union School, a bond issue was passed to raze the Union building and build a new elementary school. At this time, it was necessary to hold classes for elementary students in the gymnasium with split, half-day sessions. The building was completed in 1955, and the old school bell was moved to a place of honor on the school lawn. In 1982 the auditorium was renovated and dedicated as the John L. Johnson Auditorium, in honor of the longtime teacher and principal of the high school. Johnson’s resume includes duties of English teacher, Student Council Advisor, Drama Club Advisor, Debate and Speech Club Advisor, coach of varsity tennis, junior high football and basketball, athletic director, principal, assistant superintendent, and superintendent. He retired in August of 1972, with all 38 years of service with the Napoleon City Schools. In 2013 the residents of Napoleon Area School voted to pass the Napoleon Area School levy which required the construction of new facilities. This would lead to the demolition of C.D. Brillhart and West Elementary Schools. In 2013 a group of area residents, retired educators, artists, historians, and more banded together to save the JLJ as it would later be known from the wreaking ball. After years of fund raising the project was halted for reasons unknown at this time and the project folded. On Wednesday 21, 2016 at 7:00 the Napoleon Area Schools will vote to either demolish the facility or seek an alternate plan. The auditorium is a much used addition to the school and community today.
