Larry Roosa, Tom McCullough present plaque for MHS Centennial Celebration

By Rory Ryan
The Highland County Press

Members of the McClain High School class of 1955 presented a special commemorative plaque to the Village of Greenfield and Greenfield Exempted Village Schools on Friday, Sept. 4 at City Hall.

Larry and Linda Roosa of Newport, Tenn. and Tom and Marjorie McCullough of Greenfield made the presentation to Greenfield City Manager Ron Coffey, Village Council Member Betty Jackman and McClain High School Principal Jason Potts on Friday afternoon, just as the Edward Lee McClain High School Centennial Celebration was beginning.

The McClain 100-year anniversary celebration will be held Labor Day weekend, with many events planned for Sept. 4-6. (See http://www.mcclain100.org/)

Edward Lee McClain was born on May 30, 1861. In November 1881 as a young entrepreneur, 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.

"Greenfield and McClain High School have been very good to us, and we wanted to give something back," Mr. Roosa said.

In addition to the plaque, Mr. Roosa also donated $1,000 to the school district for its Art Restoration Fund.

Mr. Potts accepted the check on behalf of the school and thanked Mr. Roosa for the donation.

The commemorative plaque reads:

Presented to the townspeople of Greenfield in honor of the Centennial of Edward Lee McClain High School. The townspeople of Greenfield are honored and proud to celebrate the centennial of our beloved Edward Lee McClain High School.

A focal point of community pride for generations, the school was the gift of textile manufacturer Edward Lee McClain to his hometown. His wife, Lulu, was mostly responsible for the majestic beauty seen throughout the school.

Designed by nationally prominent architect William B. Ittner, the McClains’ further generosity may be seen in the extravagant beauty of sculpture work, murals, paintings and other works of art throughout the school.

Historically acclaimed Edward Lee McClain High School stands majestically proud today, just as she did in 1915. We, the townspeople, are proud this is her home.

Presented this fifth day of September 2015 by Larry and Linda Roosa and Tom and Marjorie McCullough, 1955 graduates of Edward Lee McClain High School, to Jason Potts, Edward Lee McClain High School Principal.