Greenfield Exempted Village School District

COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS BREAK 2023 - This year we are counting down the 18 school days until break by sharing some facts about our district using the theme Across the Decades! Each day we will share facts and pictures from each decade as we work our way back to the 1800s. We would love for you to comment about your memories and experiences from each decade. The facts and pictures shared each day may be familiar to many, but even if you are familiar with the history, we think that along the way you may learn some new facts and see some unique pictures that haven’t been shared previously. Day 18 - Merry Christmas! Today we leave you with one of our greatest finds. Inside a German art book belonging to Edward Lee, we found a page tucked in from the 1893 American School Board Journal advertising schoolhouse plans that could be purchased. Could it be that he started planning long before 1914, and in addition, thought about ordering a set of the plans? Isn’t it interesting to think what could have been a simple schoolhouse ended up being a beautiful, state-of-the-art building that has withstood the test of time? Today’s pictures show: 1. Edward Lee’s German art book 2. The signed inside cover of the book 3. The page from the American School Board Journal 4. The traditional Christmas tree at the bottom of the marble staircase Thank you so much for following our countdown! We would like to give recognition and show appreciation to those who have been working behind the scenes on this project - Quincey Gray, Superintendent Kris Davis, Administrative Assistant Matt Shelton, McClain High School Principal A HUGE shoutout to our maintenance and custodial staff - Without them, our campuses would not look as wonderful as they do. THANK YOU! Save the date - The old vocational building and middle school are turning 100 in 2024! We will be celebrating on Saturday, July 20 with a special ceremony in addition to celebrating our annual ELM Day. More details to come! We wish all of you a very merry Christmas! #legacyofleadership #mcclaintigers

COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS BREAK 2023 - This year we are counting down the 18 school days until break by sharing some facts about our district using the theme Across the Decades! Each day we will share facts and pictures from each decade as we work our way back to the 1800s. We would love for you to comment about your memories and experiences from each decade. The facts and pictures shared each day may be familiar to many, but even if you are familiar with the history, we think that along the way you may learn some new facts and see some unique pictures that haven’t been shared previously. Day 17 - Edward Lee McClain, Man of Innovation and Entrepreneurship What happened? When Edward Lee McClain was growing up in Greenfield, he worked in his father's saddlery shop. He watched customers putting an old blanket or burlap pads on their horses to protect them from the rubbing of the leather harness collar. Edward, knowing that there could be a better pad at a low cost and easy to put in place, designed a pad made of cloth stuffed with cotton. It was open at the bottom so it would be easy to fasten on the neck of the horse with clips that he designed to hold it in place. In 1881, Edward Lee started his manufacturing business in a small, rented space with two employees. By 1887, the E. L. McClain Manufacturing Company was putting out 3600 collar pads every day with 250 employees. The business expanded with additional factories in the United States and Canada. McClain pads were sold all over the world. In 1903 when McClain’s company was incorporated as The American Pad and Textile Company (TAPATCO), the Greenfield plant was producing up to 12,000 collar pads every day. When automobiles replaced horses as the primary means of transportation, TAPATCO shifted to manufacturing other products. During World War II, the company manufactured life preservers, sleeping bags, and jungle hammocks. Later there were boat seat cushion life preservers and sporting goods such as hunting coats and water skis. The company shut down and its properties were sold at auction in October 1945. Control of the firm was taken over by the Portable Products Company of Pittsburgh, and the stock was transferred to the Great Western Fuse Company in April 1948. Today’s pictures show: 1. E. L. McClain Manufacturing and TAPATCO advertisements 2. “Stick to a good thing.” #legacyofleadership #mcclaintigers

Information from the December 19, 2023 all-call:

COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS BREAK 2023 - This year we are counting down the 18 school days until break by sharing some facts about our district using the theme Across the Decades! Each day we will share facts and pictures from each decade as we work our way back to the 1800s. We would love for you to comment about your memories and experiences from each decade. The facts and pictures shared each day may be familiar to many, but even if you are familiar with the history, we think that along the way you may learn some new facts and see some unique pictures that haven’t been shared previously. Day 16 - 1854-1899 What happened? As we near the end of our journey, we are going to cover longer than a decade in this post. We were sad to be unable to post yesterday, but tomorrow we will catch up with two final posts in the series. In 1854, various districts consolidated into one unified school system called the Union Schools. It was at that time that the school system’s Board of Education gained possession of the building occupied by the old academy. An additional wing was added to the building, which helped with accommodating the students. In 1870, the Board organized a high school department. Professor J.M. Yarnell served as Superintendent and was the lone member of the high school staff in the beginning. The first class graduated on May 26, 1871. The three graduates were Herbert Jones, Laura McGarraugh, and Kate Dwyer. The fall following her graduation, Kate Dwyer became principal! After serving as principal for just one year, her classmate, Laura McGarraugh became principal. McGarraugh served as principal until 1898. The Old Academy continued to be used as a high school until the completion of the Central School Building in 1885. Today’s pictures show: 1. 1892 Commencement Program 2. 1894 Commencement Program 3. The Old Academy #legacyofleadership #mcclaintigers

Practice field project days #152 - 183 - Be sure to follow the updates on our social media accounts, website, and app! It has been a while since we have updated as we have been busy with our Countdown to Christmas posts. ☺️ 1. All concrete slabs have been poured, and a lot of the steel work for the middle section of the building has been completed. 2. Bricks and insulation are on site. 3. The perimeter fencing and handrail are expected to arrive in the next couple of weeks. On December 18, our district was informed that the subcontractor providing the steel erector crew for the project has gone out of business. This information was directly communicated to us by our contractor, Elford Inc., who has already established a process for securing a replacement subcontractor to complete the work. Elford provides payment to subcontractors for work completed. Our district and Elford are not involved with how a subcontractor pays their employees. Unfortunately, rumors swirl, especially on social media. 😞 We are saddened to find out that this situation has occurred, especially because it impacts the lives of workers at this time of year. We expect that the situation will be resolved as quickly as possible with little impact to the project schedule. We welcome questions and will continue to keep you updated. 😊 #legacyofleadership #mcclaintigers #GEVSDprojectprogress

COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS BREAK 2023 - This year we are counting down the 18 school days until break by sharing some facts about our district using the theme Across the Decades! Each day we will share facts and pictures from each decade as we work our way back to the 1800s. We would love for you to comment about your memories and experiences from each decade. The facts and pictures shared each day may be familiar to many, but even if you are familiar with the history, we think that along the way you may learn some new facts and see some unique pictures that haven’t been shared previously. Day 15 - 1900-1909 What happened? In 1903, two rooms and two teachers with the support of the superintendent accommodated the school with an enrollment of 42 students. In the next three years, enrollment tripled. Interscholastic football, basketball, baseball, and track were first organized in the 1903-1904 school year. It was also during this school year that the Dragon was born. During this time, Greenfield High School accepted tuition students from Good Hope, Lyndon, The Point, Bainbridge, Leesburg, East Monroe, Fruitdale, Rainsboro, Harper Station, and Frankfort. There was great pride in Greenfield High School. From the October 1907 Dragon: “When strangers visit Greenfield, it is with a reasonable amount of pride and pleasure that we show them through our High School.” High school students during this time had an option to attend the Greenfield Business College. Today’s pictures show: 1. A poem written by a 1904 senior 2. A sample Dragon editorial 3. Toilet cream - elegant to use... 4. Unique glee club picture 5. Encouragement to stay in school 6. School notes 7. 1908 track team 8. 1907 Dragon 9. 1908 senior class #legacyofleadership #mcclaintigers

COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS BREAK 2023 - This year we are counting down the 18 school days until break by sharing some facts about our district using the theme Across the Decades! Each day we will share facts and pictures from each decade as we work our way back to the 1800s. We would love for you to comment about your memories and experiences from each decade. The facts and pictures shared each day may be familiar to many, but even if you are familiar with the history, we think that along the way you may learn some new facts and see some unique pictures that haven’t been shared previously. Day 14 - 1916-1919 What happened? 1917 marked the return of athletics after three years of “innocuous desuetude.” Prior to athletic events in basketball, football, tennis, and track resuming, high school classes participated in sports competitions against one another. There were no organized sports for girls, but they still participated in a lot of the same activities as the boys for competitive fun. It was in 1918 though that the game of basketball for girls was close to completely abandoned. In the Dragon, it stated that basketball, “a game entirely too strenuous for girls and apt to result in permanent injury”, was pretty much abandoned. Student organizations during this time period included the Literary Societies (Webster and Alpha Kappa Gamma), Student Senate, and the Debate Team. Students also participated in dramatic adaptations and operettas. Knowing the difficulty in scheduling gym time now, one could imagine that scheduling time in just one gym was much more challenging. That is maybe why the gymnasium calendar for the year was published in the Dragon. Picture shows were quite popular during this time period. Motion picture reels were shown to both students and community members in the auditorium. Among the stars whose pictures were shown include Marguerite Clark, Gladys Hullette, Little Mary Sunshine, Sessue Hayakawa, Ann Pennington, Owen Moore, Hazel Dawn, Antonio Moreno, and Mae Murray. During this time period, the first art catalog was published. Five hundred copies were published, and they were not meant for general distribution. Today’s pictures show: 1. A marriage announcement for two students found in the Dragon 2, 1917 senior pictures - Check out what was written about the students! 3. The Dragons contained many advertisements during this time period. 4. A statistical report on activities provided by the senior chemistry class in 1917 5. Debate Team and Student Senate 6. Physical activity was important - even on the roof! 7. Check out that pyramid! 8. Effects of Tobacco and Cigarette Smoking 1918 9. A group faculty picture #legacyofleadership #mcclaintigers

COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS BREAK 2023 - This year we are counting down the 18 school days until break by sharing some facts about our district using the theme Across the Decades! Each day we will share facts and pictures from each decade as we work our way back to the 1800s. We would love for you to comment about your memories and experiences from each decade. The facts and pictures shared each day may be familiar to many, but even if you are familiar with the history, we think that along the way you may learn some new facts and see some unique pictures that haven’t been shared previously. Day 13 - 1915 - Post 2 What happened? With so many wonderful pictures and information to share from 1915 alone, this post will focus just on that one year. Also, there will be a second post today with additional pictures. The dedication of McClain High School occurred on September 1, 1915. The celebration actually spanned over four days with tours provided by high school students, demonstrations of equipment, and musical performances. The delivery of the deed and oration was provided by M. Irwin Dunlap. Dunlap, who knew ELM for many years, was actually a replacement speaker for F.B. Dresslar from the United States Government Bureau of Education. As part of his speech, he said the following about ELM: “During my long years of association I have never seen one single act, one single wink or nod, heard one single word, that would in any manner indicate that he possessed great wealth. He is an honest, just, and upright man, clean in word and deed, a citizen of whom any community may well be proud.” Today’s pictures were all taken from the December 1915 Dragon Souvenir Edition. Labels can be found at the bottom of each picture. Bonus questions - Of the four Latin inscribed Moravian panels, which one can no longer be seen? Why can’t it be seen? #legacyofleadership #mcclaintigers

COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS BREAK 2023 - This year we are counting down the 18 school days until break by sharing some facts about our district using the theme Across the Decades! Each day we will share facts and pictures from each decade as we work our way back to the 1800s. We would love for you to comment about your memories and experiences from each decade. The facts and pictures shared each day may be familiar to many, but even if you are familiar with the history, we think that along the way you may learn some new facts and see some unique pictures that haven’t been shared previously. Day 13 - 1915 - Post 1 What happened? With so many wonderful pictures and information to share from 1915 alone, this post will focus just on that one year. Also, there will be a second post today with additional pictures. The dedication of McClain High School occurred on September 1, 1915. The celebration actually spanned over four days with tours provided by high school students, demonstrations of equipment, and musical performances. The delivery of the deed and oration was provided by M. Irwin Dunlap. Dunlap, who knew ELM for many years, was actually a replacement speaker for F.B. Dresslar from the United States Government Bureau of Education. As part of his speech, he said the following about ELM: “During my long years of association I have never seen one single act, one single wink or nod, heard one single word, that would in any manner indicate that he possessed great wealth. He is an honest, just, and upright man, clean in word and deed, a citizen of whom any community may well be proud.” Today’s pictures were all taken from the December 1915 Dragon Souvenir Edition. Labels can be found at the bottom of each picture. Bonus questions - Of the four Latin inscribed Moravian panels, which one can no longer be seen? Why can’t it be seen? #legacyofleadership #mcclaintigers

COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS BREAK 2023 - This year we are counting down the 18 school days until break by sharing some facts about our district using the theme Across the Decades! Each day we will share facts and pictures from each decade as we work our way back to the 1800s. We would love for you to comment about your memories and experiences from each decade. The facts and pictures shared each day may be familiar to many, but even if you are familiar with the history, we think that along the way you may learn some new facts and see some unique pictures that haven’t been shared previously. Day 12 - The 1910s - Part 1 What happened? This decade has been divided into two sections because of the many events and changes that happened during the time period. Even though we have been working our way backward, we are going to start with the beginning of the decade - 1910-1914. Then tomorrow we will focus on the last part of the decade after McClain High School opened. As shared previously, the Dragon began as a newspaper published on close to a quarterly basis with the last publication of the school year being dedicated to the graduating class. Features of the editions included short stories, poetry, comedic pieces, the honor roll (the roll of honor as it was called), information on the athletic and dramatics programs, advertisements, and an alumni directory. The final edition of each school year would list the names of the graduates, an address by the class president, and information about the alumni banquet. There were very few pictures included. The 1914 Dragon described May 20, 1914 as the day when the greatest event of Greenfield High School and Greenfield occurred. It was the day that the cornerstone was laid. Dignitaries and countless citizens were on hand for the event which was recorded with moving picture machines. Governor James M. Cox on his first trip to Highland County addressed the guests, providing praise to ELM and the community. Today’s pictures show: 1. Alumni directory pages 2. 1910 High School Record 3. 1913 Roll of Honor 4. Greenfield High School 5. Sick List 6. March 1913 Dragon 7. Class of 1913 8. 1911 Alumni Banquet information - Check out that menu! 9. Pictures from May 20, 1914 #legacyofleadership #mcclaintigers

COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS BREAK 2023 - This year we are counting down the 18 school days until break by sharing some facts about our district using the theme Across the Decades! Each day we will share facts and pictures from each decade as we work our way back to the 1800s. We would love for you to comment about your memories and experiences from each decade. The facts and pictures shared each day may be familiar to many, but even if you are familiar with the history, we think that along the way you may learn some new facts and see some unique pictures that haven’t been shared previously. Day 11 - The 1920s What happened? The 1920s brought significant change in the district with the construction of the “old” vocational building and the elementary school (now known as the middle school). The cornerstones for both buildings were laid in 1923 with the completion of the buildings occurring in 1924. Both buildings will turn 100 in 2024, and we plan to celebrate on Saturday, July 20, 2024! More details to come! Included in that construction was the natatorium with a sun parlor on the west end containing ferns and flowering plants. Included in the natatorium was seating for approximately 800 spectators, an instructor’s office, shower rooms, locker rooms, and a laundry area. It would be later on in 1928 when McClain organized its first swim team. The team only competed in one event, the state meet in Dayton, and they received no honors. In 1920, the first Home Economics club, known as the Rolling Pin Club, was created. Also during the 1920-21 school year, the Clodhopper Club was created. Later, this club would transition into becoming FFA. The Cadet Corps was established in 1921. In 1921, the last of the three murals painted by Vesper Lincoln George, The Melting Pot, was installed in the high school library (what was then the study hall). In the Dragons of the 1920s, one could find an Alumni Directory in which past graduates were organized by class with their addresses included. Today’s pictures show: 1. Class of 1921 - the 50th graduating class - “A wonderful era in which to live” 2. ELM was specially recognized as the fiftieth member of the fiftieth class. 3. A state record on Thanksgiving Day! Check out that score! 4. The 1920s jazz orchestra in a picture believed to be taken on the high school roof 5. Kempy - a musical production performed in the 1920s for which they used the cast members’ baby pictures 6. How many of you knew about the posture test?! 7. A look at what was then the high school library 8. Cool athletic pictures 9. An early picture and description of the middle school (what was then the elementary school) 10. Cozy corner #legacyofleadership #mcclaintigers

COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS BREAK 2023 - This year we are counting down the 18 school days until break by sharing some facts about our district using the theme Across the Decades! Each day we will share facts and pictures from each decade as we work our way back to the 1800s. We would love for you to comment about your memories and experiences from each decade. The facts and pictures shared each day may be familiar to many, but even if you are familiar with the history, we think that along the way you may learn some new facts and see some unique pictures that haven’t been shared previously. Day 10 - The 1930s What happened? Edward Lee McClain was born on May 30, 1861 and died on May 2, 1934 at the age of 72. In the 1934 Dragon, dedicated to Mr. McClain, one can find numerous tributes written about him from a variety of different people. The following words were shared by F. R. Harris as he addressed a crowded auditorium with his tribute to ELM: Every brick, every stone, every rib of steel that went into the construction of these buildings, every flower and evergreen that adorns the lovely lawns and green sward, is instinct with his personality. For he gave more than his wealth in the creation of this great institution. He gave himself. Vesper Lincoln George, the artist who created the murals “The Apotheosis of Youth”, “The Melting Pot”, and the “Pageant of Prosperity” was a friend of ELM and visited the high school many times when his murals were being installed. On the morning of May 10, 1934, Mr. George received the news of Edward Lee’s passing by mail. Per the 1934 Dragon, Vesper Lincoln George was found dead later that same day in his studio with a paintbrush and an unfinished painting. Some have been told that ELM and VLG died on the same day when in actuality, they died eight days apart. The McClain Yellowjackets became the McClain Tigers in the 1933-1934 school year. New clubs were introduced - the Science Club in 1936 and the Camera Club in 1938. In the Fall of 1937, the McClain Tigers football team played their games under the new floodlights given to the district by Lulu Johnson McClain and her daughter, Mrs. Robert Young of Cleveland. Today’s pictures show: 1. The M Club, an organization comprised of boys eligible to wear letters awarded by McClain High School, started in 1930. Besides awarding letters, the group strived to create better fellowship among all athletes. 2. Students at work in 1930 3. A group of the 1932 seniors with comical “Just imagine…” statements 4. The 1932 Employee Training Department - Workforce development has come full circle as once again, our district is working in conjunction with industries to increase the skills of our students while also building the workforce in 2023. 5. A group of the 1933 seniors with words given to describe them 6. The 1933 class poem written by senior, Delma Dwyer - Class of 1933 in 1977 7. A tribute to F. R. Harris who retired as Superintendent Emeritus in 1939 8. A description of Edward Lee McClain’s funeral as found in the 1934 Dragon #legacyofleadership #mcclaintigers

COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS BREAK 2023 - This year we are counting down the 18 school days until break by sharing some facts about our district using the theme Across the Decades! Each day we will share facts and pictures from each decade as we work our way back to the 1800s. We would love for you to comment about your memories and experiences from each decade. The facts and pictures shared each day may be familiar to many, but even if you are familiar with the history, we think that along the way you may learn some new facts and see some unique pictures that haven’t been shared previously. Day 9 - The 1940s What happened? Lulu Theodosia Johnson McClain passed away on June 12, 1947 at age 79. She is buried in Greenfield Cemetery. Just like in the 1950s, there were athletic and club/organization pictures, but there weren’t many “extra” pictures of students. In addition to the Class History, Will, Gifts, and Knocker, one can also find the Class Poems, Prophecies, Obituaries, and Degrees. An example of a 1940 degree is: Roseann Wilson is just swell to everyone, so she deserves E.S. Everyone’s Sweetheart. In 1941, the first Student Council was established. During their first year, they sold $852.15 worth of magazine subscriptions, operated the refreshment stand at the home football games, and made plans to build a trophy case on the first floor by the gymnasium. In 1945, the Student Council established a system in which there would be one cheerleader for each class. Every year one freshman would take the place of the graduating senior based on the vote of the student body. In 1949, the marching band participated in the Sesquicentennial “Million Dollar Parade” along with the bands of ten neighboring schools. At the dedication of the General Duncan McArthur Highway during the Sesquicentennial, a group of McClain band members played for Honorable Frank J. Lausche, Governor of Ohio. Based on ORC 5533.11, the road known as state route number twenty-eight, running in a northeasterly and southwesterly direction, commencing at the village of Milford in Hamilton and Clermont counties and extending through the counties of Clermont, Warren, Clinton, Highland, and Ross to a point of junction with United States route number fifty, and through the municipal corporations of Blanchester, Martinsville, New Vienna, Highland, Leesburg, and Greenfield shall be known as "General Duncan McArthur highway." Today’s pictures show: 1. The Aviation Club of 1941 - The club began in 1940, but there was no picture in the 1940 Dragon. 2. Dedication pages for those students who served in the military, some of whom entered the military before graduating 3. “The most good for the greatest number” - found in the Dragons of this decade 4. The McClain High School Code was found only in the 1943 Dragon. 5. The 1949 FFA Quartet was quite accomplished and even met movie stars, Judy Canova and Roy Rogers. 6. Prior to the system for selecting cheerleaders developed in 1945, there was an all-male group of sophomores in 1943. Check out the cheers they used. 7. The 100-Mile Club was organized for the first time in 1945. 8. The unveiling of the portraits of Edward and Lulu, donated by their daughter Helen McClain Young, and commemorative service was held on December 5, 1947. #legacyofleadership #mcclaintigers

COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS BREAK 2023 - This year we are counting down the 18 school days until break by sharing some facts about our district using the theme Across the Decades! Each day we will share facts and pictures from each decade as we work our way back to the 1800s. We would love for you to comment about your memories and experiences from each decade. The facts and pictures shared each day may be familiar to many, but even if you are familiar with the history, we think that along the way you may learn some new facts and see some unique pictures that haven’t been shared previously. Day 8 - The 1950s What happened? During the 1950s, a significant change in the Dragon occurred. In comparison to the 1960s and beyond, the only individualized pictures were those of the seniors. Freshmen, sophomores, and juniors were shown in a class photo. Also included in the Dragon were the names of junior high school students in a list with no pictures. There were athletic and club/organization pictures, but there weren’t many “extra” pictures of students until the end of the decade. Much work went into the Class History, Will, Gifts, and Knocker. In 1955, the Dragon transitioned to having a hardback cover instead of the previously used softback cover. During the 1950-1951 school year, there was a female drum majorette for the first time in the history of the high school. In 1952, track resumed as a sport after a lapse of several years. The 1953-1954 issue of the Dragon was the 50th anniversary issue. In 1956, the fourth of five Superintendents Emeriti retired. Benton Raymond Duckworth began his career as a teacher in 1909. In 1957, swimming was revived as a varsity sport after an absence of about 20 years. Today’s pictures show: 1. A different aerial view 2. Ivy cascading down the high school in addition to many other shrubs and trees surrounding it 3. Rieta Sagar, First Female Drum Majorette - It is also interesting to look at the ways in which they raised money for new uniforms as they aren’t so different from some of the fundraisers of today. 4. 1951 - The first year for the Babe Ruth Sportsmanship Awards 5. Big Bill Uhl 6. 1951 “Good Will Ambassador” 7. All of the awards the Dragon received in its first 50 years 8. B.R. Duckworth 9. Before there was clip art… #legacyofleadership #mcclaintigers

COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS BREAK 2023 - This year we are counting down the 18 school days until break by sharing some facts about our district using the theme Across the Decades! Each day we will share facts and pictures from each decade as we work our way back to the 1800s. We would love for you to comment about your memories and experiences from each decade. The facts and pictures shared each day may be familiar to many, but even if you are familiar with the history, we think that along the way you may learn some new facts and see some unique pictures that haven’t been shared previously. Day 7 - The 1960s What happened? The consolidation of New Petersburg School with the Greenfield Exempted Village School District occurred at the start of the 1960-1961 school year. Approximately 75 students attended school in New Petersburg. The General Duncan McArthur Primary Building opened in the 1960-1961 school year. There were approximately 240 first and second grade students who attended there. Because the building did not have its own lunchroom, food was prepared in the central kitchen and transferred in thermo-port-a-teria equipment to a multipurpose room where the children would eat. The golden anniversary of the laying of the McClain High School cornerstone was on May 20, 1964. Also in 1964, the 120th anniversary of the Old School Bell was celebrated. The erection of the bell tower was sponsored by Superintendent Emeritus F. R. Harris, who served as the bell boy from 1896 through 1898. The bell was cast in the C.W. Hanks Foundry in Cincinnati in 1844, making it the oldest fixture on our main campus. Now as it celebrates year 179, it continues to play an important role in events such as athletic accomplishments and senior celebrations. Members of the MHS Class of 1966 welcomed students from Buckskin their senior year. Those students, having experienced their junior year at Buckskin, identified that last year there as a “most exciting and satisfying year.” Today’s pictures show: 1. An aerial view from the decade 2. Celebrating the General Duncan McArthur Primary Building 3. Important people behind the scenes 4. A twist on the typical class photo - 1965 5. 1967 Seniors Supreme 6. Superintendent Emeritus Thomas Doyle is the third of five Superintendent Emeriti. He began his career as a teacher in 1931 and retired as superintendent in 1968 after serving nine years in that role. 7. There were MANY organizations in which students could participate in the 1960s. The Projectionists, School Boy Patrol, Gym Leaders, and the McClain Movement are only a few. #legacyofleadership #mcclaintigers

COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS BREAK 2023 - This year we are counting down the 18 school days until break by sharing some facts about our district using the theme Across the Decades! Each day we will share facts and pictures from each decade as we work our way back to the 1800s. We would love for you to comment about your memories and experiences from each decade. The facts and pictures shared each day may be familiar to many, but even if you are familiar with the history, we think that along the way you may learn some new facts and see some unique pictures that haven’t been shared previously. Day 6 - The 1970s What happened? The 100th class of the Greenfield school system graduated in 1971! The first commencement ceremony of what was then called the Greenfield Union Schools was held at the M.E. Church on Friday, May 26, 1871. A celebration was held with a cake made in the shape of a large 100. As part of the celebration, the district recognized the oldest living graduate at that time, Mrs. Forrest Moomaw. The day of the week for the commencement ceremony has changed in the history of the school system. Other ceremonies were held on Thursday and Sunday. It’s interesting that we now hold the ceremony on the same day of the week that it was originally held. The Class of 1971 also initiated and sponsored the idea of the renovation of the fountain. McClain High School students attended classes at Laurel Oaks for the first time in the 1973-1974 school year. The first basketball game was held in the New Gym on November 26, 1974. The boys basketball team took on Miami Trace and won with a score of 57-54. Today’s pictures show: 1. Unique yearbook covers - We would LOVE to know who is on the 1975 cover! 2. More off-campus class shots - Classes of 1976 and 1977 3. This picture gives an interesting view of the wooden seats that existed in the auditorium. 4. Another interesting view - A high school game in the old gym 5. The New Gym dedication ceremony 6. Cream of Lion Soup! 7. The Rand 8. Our very own Jo Ellen (Streitenberger) Gossett received the Secretary of the Year award in 1974. Our students are fortunate to have been instructed by her during her career as a teacher and now supported by her in her role as guidance secretary. #legacyofleadership #mcclaintigers

The Greenfield Rotary Club hosted senior guest, Addison Smith, during their last meeting. Senior guests share about their family, hobbies, high school activities, and future plans. 😊 #legacyofleadership #mcclaintigers

COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS BREAK 2023 - This year we are counting down the 18 school days until break by sharing some facts about our district using the theme Across the Decades! Each day we will share facts and pictures from each decade as we work our way back to the 1800s. We would love for you to comment about your memories and experiences from each decade. The facts and pictures shared each day may be familiar to many, but even if you are familiar with the history, we think that along the way you may learn some new facts and see some unique pictures that haven’t been shared previously. Day 5 - The 1980s What happened? 1982 - The old maintenance houses were torn down in preparation for building the new vocational building. Construction started on June 1. In November, welding sparks ignited a large quantity of styrofoam causing a fire. Construction was able to continue though, and completion of the building occurred on March 1, 1983. The metal shop became the new band room, and the old band room became guidance and work program offices. The old vocational agriculture space became the central office area, and the second floor of the old vocational building became used for business classes. Also that school year, the McClain residence and the American Pad and Textile Company were demolished. 1986 - The auditorium renovation was completed, and a dedication ceremony was held on April 27. The renovation included expanding the stage, building an orchestra pit, adding a light and sound control booth, rebuilding the pipe organ, and adding new curtains, seats, rails, and carpet. 1987 - On May 17, the McClain Athletic Foundation dedicated the new McClain Alumni Fieldhouse. Mcclain High School became a topic of interest when Greenfield was selected for the WBNS Channel 10 program “Heart of Ohio”. The segment aired on November 23 Fashion - The return of the mini skirt, punk rock clothing and hairstyles, stonewashed jeans, unlaced shoes, and numbers shaved into the heads of football players Today’s pictures show: 1. At the end of the 1987-1988 school year, the Board bestowed upon Dr. Ronald Vaughn the designation of Superintendent Emeritus. He is the second of five whom we will recognize in our posts. Check out the picture for just some of his many accomplishments. 2. Popular animals of the decade 3. Barney Beaver returned for an encore. As explained by Margaret “Barney” Beaver Arnold, “An Alma Mater is not a fight song. It is a love song. Love for your school.” 4. The days when your senior group picture was taken off campus…1980 and 1981 5. 1982 demolition 6. A decade for basketball 7. An iconic picture #legacyofleadership #mcclaintigers

COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS BREAK 2023 - This year we are counting down the 18 school days until break by sharing some facts about our district using the theme Across the Decades! Each day we will share facts and pictures from each decade as we work our way back to the 1800s. We would love for you to comment about your memories and experiences from each decade. The facts and pictures shared each day may be familiar to many, but even if you are familiar with the history, we think that along the way you may learn some new facts and see some unique pictures that haven’t been shared previously. Day 4 - The 1990s What happened? Levy Passage - On November 4, 1997, after the hard work and dedication of the Building Assistance Levy Team, citizens voted yes for a levy that would lead to the renovation of our school buildings. See below for an excerpt from the Society of Architectural Historians. Following a lawsuit from economically disadvantaged school districts, the State of Ohio passed a funding initiative in 1997 to replace aging school facilities and the Greenfield Campus was designated for total replacement. The Board of Education and the community were forced to decide between all new schools or maintaining their beloved but aging facilities. Clyde Henry of TRIAD Architects, working closely with Phil Cornett, the district’s superintendent, developed a plan that met all of the state’s requirements, while maintaining and restoring the historical facilities at a lower cost than new construction. While the state was initially skeptical of the plan, it had the community’s overwhelming support, and was ultimately accepted. The renovation maintained the open corridors, high ceilings, and grand stairs; it also hid all the new ductwork for the new heating and air conditioning systems and the electrical and computer network cables, while adding hidden indirect lighting, elevators, and other code requirements. A second floor was added to the Duncan McArthur Primary Building and the existing first floor was covered in matching brick. The fenestration, details, and scale of the building were brought into line with the other buildings on the campus. The high school was also expanded at this time, with an addition that covered the north facade of the 1970 gymnasium and brought it into conformity with the campus. The project proved that historical buildings could be renovated to serve current and future needs without sacrificing either the historical fabric or the required educational programming. The project won the National Trust Preservation Award of Excellence for renovation, and has served as an example of award-winning school restoration/renovation. Desert Storm - The students and staff members in the district showed support for troops fighting in Desert Storm in 1991 by displaying orange ribbons, attending community events, and holding patriotic performances. Konneker Scholarship - Dr. Wilfred Konneker was born Feb. 20, 1922 and grew up in Greenfield, graduating from McClain High School. He earned a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from Ohio University. Dr. Konneker was a founder of the Manasseh Cutler Scholar program at Ohio University. Following the program’s founding, Dr. Konneker began funding scholarships to McClain High School students pursuing higher education at OU. He passed away on January 7, 2016 at age 93. Even after his death, the scholarship remains funded today. The first scholarship recipient was Bill Doan in 1990. Dr. Konneker was the commencement speaker during the ceremony that year. Today’s pictures show: 1. 1990s change - The wood shop was turned into the TV and radio studio, the original principal’s office on the third floor of the high school library became a computer lab, and the old gym became a study hall and cafeteria space. Per the yearbook, teachers went from sporting the hippie look to wearing reading glasses and being distinguished members of society. 2. Pictures from the 1990 Commencement ceremony 3. Desert Storm support 4. 1990s hair! 5. Levy support came in a variety of ways from many people. 6. School life during the renovation #legacyofleadership #mcclaintigers

December breakfast and lunch menus 😊