McClain's gift to community continues to inspire a century later

Note: In September 2015, McClain High School – dedicated in September 1915 – will celebrate its centennial. A committee has been planning the celebration, and more information can be obtained at http://www.mcclain100.org.

Courtesy of Ron Coffey
Greenfield City Manager

Edward Lee McClain made a fortune in the late 19th and early 20th centuries manufacturing horse collar pads that protected the necks of countless horses.

McClain was born on May 30, 1861, and when still a young man, is said to have noticed how horses shied away from having horse collars or pads placed over their heads from the front.

The key to McClain’s early success was the idea of a pad that opened at the bottom and could be placed over the horse’s neck from behind, which was much less objectionable to the horse.

In November 1881, the young entrepreneur patented his creation and founded the E.L. McClain Manufacturing Co. in the back room of the Citizens Bank. His successful business practices made McClain a millionaire; and in 1912, he and his wife, Lulu, decided to give Greenfield a gift, "as promising the greatest good to the greatest number for the longest time."

The gift came to be known as Edward Lee McClain High School and was one of the most complete and state-of-the-art school plants of its time. It was dedicated in September 1915 and still amazes visitors to this day.

On Labor Day Weekend 2015 (Sept. 4-5-6), McClain High School will celebrate its centennial with numerous special activities. For more information, visit http://www.mcclain100.org/