Edward Lee McClain Day set for July 17 in Greenfield
Lead Summary
By
Rory Ryan-hcpress@cinci.rr.com
One year after the centennial celebration of McClain High School on Labor Day weekend 2015, a day has been set aside to honor the school's founding benefactor.
Edward Lee McClain Day will be observed on Sunday, July 17 during this year's Greene Countrie Towne Festival, sponsored by the Greenfield Rotary Club.
Through the efforts of the McClain Alumni Association, Greenfield Exempted Village Schools and Greenfield Village Council, E.L. McClain and his wife, Lulu (Johnson) McClain, will be honored (posthumously) prior to this year's festival parade.
"Plans also are under way to honor the McClains further by having busts of the couple created and displayed in the school that bears their name," the festival committee said.
"Prior to the GCTF parade, community leaders and school officials will recognize the continuing importance of the McClains’ great gift and honor the legacy of this couple. Also during the festival, items will be revealed that are scheduled to be inserted into a time capsule at McClain High School."
As reported by The Highland County Press on March 21, a collaborative effort including the Greenfield Exempted Village Schools, the McClain Alumni Association and the village of Greenfield has been ongoing in order to honor Mr. and Mrs. Edward Lee McClain.
Edward Lee McClain was born on May 30, 1861. In November 1881, he founded the E.L. McClain Manufacturing Co. Following his successful business, E.L. McClain and his wife gave the people of Greenfield a gift that came to be known as Edward Lee McClain High School. It was dedicated in September 1915. The McClain 100-year anniversary celebration was held during Labor Day weekend in 2015.
Following last year’s celebration, there have been discussions and proposals seeking a fitting and lasting tribute to the McClains.
McClain High School graduate (class of 1955) Larry Roosa initially proposed an annual Edward Lee McClain Day in the fall of 2015. To that end, the school, its alumni association and the village will observe Edward Lee McClain Day each year during the third week of July, and beginning this summer on July 17.
In a letter to The Highland County Press, Mr. Roosa said: “Edward Lee McClain had a dream and vision which he announced in the Dec. 12, 1912 issue of The Greenfield Republican newspaper. Because of the timing of that announcement (December), it became known as ‘Greenfield' s Christmas Gift. Later, it became known simply as ‘The Gift’ – a new high school for Greenfield. Ground was broken for the new school in February 1914.
“Just think of the many multitudes of people, young and old, and those to come in future generations who will have embraced, cherished and flourished from ‘The Gift’ of Mr. McClain. And let us not forget, the factories he established for the livelihood of many families. His love and generosity overflowed unselfishly to the Greenfield townspeople.
“To my recollection, in my 78 years, I've never seen such generosity as Mr. McClain gave to Greenfield,” Mr. Roosa said. “It would be a wonder if we were ever to see it again. It is only right that we honor this man and his wife for their great generosity.”
A proclamation in recognition of this event has been submitted to the Greenfield Village Council and the Highland County Board of Commissioners.
In addition, the group is working to obtain funding for marble sculptures to be made of Mr. and Mrs. McClain, which will be placed at McClain High School. The estimated cost of each bust is approximately $7,000.
A fundraising campaign is now under way to help pay for the two sculptures.
Anyone wishing to contribute may make a tax-deductible donation to:
• The Greenfield Foundation, P.O. Box 210, Greenfield, Ohio 45123.
Please indicate that the donation is for the E.L. McClain bust. Any contribution, small or large, would be appreciated.
For additional information, contact McClain High School Principal Jason Potts.
Edward Lee McClain Day will be observed on Sunday, July 17 during this year's Greene Countrie Towne Festival, sponsored by the Greenfield Rotary Club.
Through the efforts of the McClain Alumni Association, Greenfield Exempted Village Schools and Greenfield Village Council, E.L. McClain and his wife, Lulu (Johnson) McClain, will be honored (posthumously) prior to this year's festival parade.
"Plans also are under way to honor the McClains further by having busts of the couple created and displayed in the school that bears their name," the festival committee said.
"Prior to the GCTF parade, community leaders and school officials will recognize the continuing importance of the McClains’ great gift and honor the legacy of this couple. Also during the festival, items will be revealed that are scheduled to be inserted into a time capsule at McClain High School."
As reported by The Highland County Press on March 21, a collaborative effort including the Greenfield Exempted Village Schools, the McClain Alumni Association and the village of Greenfield has been ongoing in order to honor Mr. and Mrs. Edward Lee McClain.
Edward Lee McClain was born on May 30, 1861. In November 1881, he founded the E.L. McClain Manufacturing Co. Following his successful business, E.L. McClain and his wife gave the people of Greenfield a gift that came to be known as Edward Lee McClain High School. It was dedicated in September 1915. The McClain 100-year anniversary celebration was held during Labor Day weekend in 2015.
Following last year’s celebration, there have been discussions and proposals seeking a fitting and lasting tribute to the McClains.
McClain High School graduate (class of 1955) Larry Roosa initially proposed an annual Edward Lee McClain Day in the fall of 2015. To that end, the school, its alumni association and the village will observe Edward Lee McClain Day each year during the third week of July, and beginning this summer on July 17.
In a letter to The Highland County Press, Mr. Roosa said: “Edward Lee McClain had a dream and vision which he announced in the Dec. 12, 1912 issue of The Greenfield Republican newspaper. Because of the timing of that announcement (December), it became known as ‘Greenfield' s Christmas Gift. Later, it became known simply as ‘The Gift’ – a new high school for Greenfield. Ground was broken for the new school in February 1914.
“Just think of the many multitudes of people, young and old, and those to come in future generations who will have embraced, cherished and flourished from ‘The Gift’ of Mr. McClain. And let us not forget, the factories he established for the livelihood of many families. His love and generosity overflowed unselfishly to the Greenfield townspeople.
“To my recollection, in my 78 years, I've never seen such generosity as Mr. McClain gave to Greenfield,” Mr. Roosa said. “It would be a wonder if we were ever to see it again. It is only right that we honor this man and his wife for their great generosity.”
A proclamation in recognition of this event has been submitted to the Greenfield Village Council and the Highland County Board of Commissioners.
In addition, the group is working to obtain funding for marble sculptures to be made of Mr. and Mrs. McClain, which will be placed at McClain High School. The estimated cost of each bust is approximately $7,000.
A fundraising campaign is now under way to help pay for the two sculptures.
Anyone wishing to contribute may make a tax-deductible donation to:
• The Greenfield Foundation, P.O. Box 210, Greenfield, Ohio 45123.
Please indicate that the donation is for the E.L. McClain bust. Any contribution, small or large, would be appreciated.
For additional information, contact McClain High School Principal Jason Potts.