Fundraiser announced for Edward L. McClain tribute
By Rory Ryan
The Highland County Press
A collaborative effort including the Greenfield Exempted Village Schools, the McClain Alumni Association and the village of Greenfield is under way 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, Lulu, 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 has proposed an annual Edward Lee McClain Day.
To that end, the school, its alumni association and the village are planning to observe Edward Lee McClain Day each year during the third week of July, and beginning this summer.
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A proclamation in recognition of this event has been prepared, and will be 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.
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 fundraising campaign is now under way to help pay for the two sculptures.
Larry and Linda Roosa of Newport, Tenn. and Tom and Marjorie McCullough of Greenfield have already pledged substantial donations.
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.