MHS class of '55 seeks donations, fellowship
By
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The Edward Lee McClain High School Class of 1955 is contemplating making a significant contribution to the school that would memorialize our class. At this specific time, nothing has been decided. Although a few suggestions have been presented, we would greatly appreciate your participation and suggestions.
Unfortunately, we have a problem! Many living in the near vicinity do not participate in our class meetings, reunions or the class fund. Your classmates would like to see you and cannot understand your absence. Ron and Bennie Baldridge travel from California; "Dutch" and Cecily Purdin come from Michigan; and my wife, Linda, and I come from Tennessee. We have an outstanding time together! I very much regret the class activities I did not attend in the past, not only the good times I missed out on, but the opportunity to see some of my classmates that have since passed on. I deeply regret it as some were very dear friends.
It has been my understanding some '55 graduates have made unfavorable comments concerning Edward Lee McClain and Greenfield! If that be true, I and others find it very hard to believe. I know of nothing wrong the school or town did to any one of us. If you have a grievance, I would not allow that to hinder my fellowship with classmates. You are missing some great times! I will enlighten you to something very few people are aware of. I will try to make it as brief as possible.
I came to Edward Lee McClain my junior year with excellent basketball credentials, a starting guard on the Urbana state tournament team the year before as a sophomore. At our basketball banquet, Coach Rollie Barton, presenting my varsity letter, stated to the audience, "This young man will be a star of stars!" McClain coach Tom Doyle was quite well aware of this. I was very anxious and excited to play for McClain. Tom Doyle made sure that was never going to happen! I came to every practice and each time was told to take a seat on the bench and watch. Tom Doyle never allowed me on the playing floor. I finally got the message, I was not wanted, so I left and never returned. He never asked why I left and never invited me to play my senior year. This was devastating, not only to myself, but to my parents that had sacrificed much for me to come there and to my relatives living in Greenfield. I was robbed of many good memories and a possible scholarship, as U.D. Coach Blackburn was interested in me as a sophomore. Another young man, Mike Smith, received the same treatment, and he left McClain. Tom Doyle's actions toward us is the most biased, unscrupulous conduct I have ever witnessed. I cannot and do not blame Edward Lee McClain for what this one man did! I've never forgotten!
Our class has a "class fund membership." Dues are $10 annually or $100 lifetime. The fund is used for providing flowers for our departed classmates and their families and other worthy causes. We realize there are those that cannot afford to join because of our sluggish economy. You do not need to join to participate in the class luncheon meetings! Those of you that are not participating in the fund and are financially able, we urge you to reconsider and join your classmates! One classmate had contributed $700 to the fund and another has pledged $600 when a plan is finalized. Both are from out of state!
Unfortunately, we have another problem! If the class of '55 is to make a contribution to Edward Lee McClain, we need more finances than what we have at the present time. A positive plan cannot be formulated until we know how much money we have to work with. Please remember, this contribution to the school will be memorialized by ALL the class of '55, including our deceased, not just the few that are now contributing. Yes, we are asking for your financial help, but we request your camaraderie more! Please come to the class activities, you'll find out what you have been missing out on! It may be the last opportunity to see that classmate! Remember, whatever we become in life, or where we live, we will always be classmates forever from Edward Lee McClain High School class of '55 (quoted from Tom McCullough). We all have been honored and privileged to walk the halls of the greatest high school in the country. Let us give something back to her.
To support the class fund, your class and this project, send your contributions to Sandra McNeil, 615 Franklin Drive, Greenfield, Ohio. Make checks payable to McClain class of '55. Sandra is our secretary and does an outstanding job. The class meetings are held monthly on the second Thursday at 12:30 at the Three Spoons Diner in Greenfield. Please come! Also, if anyone knows the whereabouts of Larry Dale Spencer, Emitt Keepler or Charlene Campbell, please notify Tom McCullough at 740-606-1933.
The newspaper is the only way we have of contacting many of you, and we would like to thank them for so kindly helping us. We appreciate you!
Larry Roosa[[In-content Ad]]
Unfortunately, we have a problem! Many living in the near vicinity do not participate in our class meetings, reunions or the class fund. Your classmates would like to see you and cannot understand your absence. Ron and Bennie Baldridge travel from California; "Dutch" and Cecily Purdin come from Michigan; and my wife, Linda, and I come from Tennessee. We have an outstanding time together! I very much regret the class activities I did not attend in the past, not only the good times I missed out on, but the opportunity to see some of my classmates that have since passed on. I deeply regret it as some were very dear friends.
It has been my understanding some '55 graduates have made unfavorable comments concerning Edward Lee McClain and Greenfield! If that be true, I and others find it very hard to believe. I know of nothing wrong the school or town did to any one of us. If you have a grievance, I would not allow that to hinder my fellowship with classmates. You are missing some great times! I will enlighten you to something very few people are aware of. I will try to make it as brief as possible.
I came to Edward Lee McClain my junior year with excellent basketball credentials, a starting guard on the Urbana state tournament team the year before as a sophomore. At our basketball banquet, Coach Rollie Barton, presenting my varsity letter, stated to the audience, "This young man will be a star of stars!" McClain coach Tom Doyle was quite well aware of this. I was very anxious and excited to play for McClain. Tom Doyle made sure that was never going to happen! I came to every practice and each time was told to take a seat on the bench and watch. Tom Doyle never allowed me on the playing floor. I finally got the message, I was not wanted, so I left and never returned. He never asked why I left and never invited me to play my senior year. This was devastating, not only to myself, but to my parents that had sacrificed much for me to come there and to my relatives living in Greenfield. I was robbed of many good memories and a possible scholarship, as U.D. Coach Blackburn was interested in me as a sophomore. Another young man, Mike Smith, received the same treatment, and he left McClain. Tom Doyle's actions toward us is the most biased, unscrupulous conduct I have ever witnessed. I cannot and do not blame Edward Lee McClain for what this one man did! I've never forgotten!
Our class has a "class fund membership." Dues are $10 annually or $100 lifetime. The fund is used for providing flowers for our departed classmates and their families and other worthy causes. We realize there are those that cannot afford to join because of our sluggish economy. You do not need to join to participate in the class luncheon meetings! Those of you that are not participating in the fund and are financially able, we urge you to reconsider and join your classmates! One classmate had contributed $700 to the fund and another has pledged $600 when a plan is finalized. Both are from out of state!
Unfortunately, we have another problem! If the class of '55 is to make a contribution to Edward Lee McClain, we need more finances than what we have at the present time. A positive plan cannot be formulated until we know how much money we have to work with. Please remember, this contribution to the school will be memorialized by ALL the class of '55, including our deceased, not just the few that are now contributing. Yes, we are asking for your financial help, but we request your camaraderie more! Please come to the class activities, you'll find out what you have been missing out on! It may be the last opportunity to see that classmate! Remember, whatever we become in life, or where we live, we will always be classmates forever from Edward Lee McClain High School class of '55 (quoted from Tom McCullough). We all have been honored and privileged to walk the halls of the greatest high school in the country. Let us give something back to her.
To support the class fund, your class and this project, send your contributions to Sandra McNeil, 615 Franklin Drive, Greenfield, Ohio. Make checks payable to McClain class of '55. Sandra is our secretary and does an outstanding job. The class meetings are held monthly on the second Thursday at 12:30 at the Three Spoons Diner in Greenfield. Please come! Also, if anyone knows the whereabouts of Larry Dale Spencer, Emitt Keepler or Charlene Campbell, please notify Tom McCullough at 740-606-1933.
The newspaper is the only way we have of contacting many of you, and we would like to thank them for so kindly helping us. We appreciate you!
Larry Roosa[[In-content Ad]]