Sharing and preserving E.L. McClain history

By Rory Ryan
The Highland County Press

GREENFIELD – Larry and Linda Roosa of Newport, Tenn. and Tom and Marjorie McCullough of Greenfield presented a check for $2,600 to McClain High School Principal Jason Potts on Thursday, Dec. 10 at the high school.

The money will be used to purchase 65 copies of Greenfield Historical Society's new book, "McClain High School, a Century of Tradition."

It is the donors’ intent that the books will become part of the McClain High School curriculum.

Also attending the check presentation were Greenfield City Manager Ron Coffey and Greenfield Council President Betty Jackman.

"This will benefit the school and the community in many ways," Mr. Potts said, in appreciation of the donation.

The McCulloughs and the Roosas also presented a special commemorative plaque to the Village of Greenfield and Greenfield Exempted Village Schools on Friday, Sept. 4 during this year's Edward Lee McClain High School Centennial Celebration.

Mr. McCullough and Mr. Roosa are graduates of the MHS class of 1955.

"I told Mr. Potts that Tom and I thought it would be wonderful if the students knew the history of the school and of Edward L. McClain," Mr. Roosa told The Highland County Press this week. “The Greenfield Historical Society did a fantastic job with this book and it’s important that students know the history of their school and community.”

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.

"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 and money for the history books, Mr. Roosa also donated $1,000 to the school district for its Art Restoration Fund earlier this year.

He is currently working with the McClain Alumni Association, Greenfield village officials and the school district to designate one day each year as "Edward Lee McClain Day" in Greenfield.