Ashley developed from its early days as a train stop into a village whose history includes its first school, now the R. B. Powers Company, the Wornstaff Library, the water tower, the McCurdy barn, and the current school, Buckeye Valley East Elementary. Its history also includes the village's incorporation in 1855, the animals from the first junior fair, and enduring themes of community spirit, friendship, individuals, and other elements that shaped the Ashley community.