Greenfield Exempted Village School District

Information from the December 20, 2022 all-call -

COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS BREAK - This year we are counting down the 18 school days until break by sharing some facts about Edward Lee McClain High School! The facts and pictures shared each day may be familiar to some, but we have many in our community who may not know the uniqueness of our high school. 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 aren't often shared. ***We apologize for the delayed post. It was a late night on campus, and there were technical difficulties with which to contend. Again, our apologies!*** Day 16 - Early activities continued - A really cool fact about the history of McClain High School is that there are quite a few groups and activities that have existed for many decades. There are also some that exist today having evolved from ones that existed in the past. For example, we may no longer have boys and girls glee clubs, but we do have the present day McClain Show Choir. Tonight we will look at three organizations that continue to exist today. FFA - The club was organized in 1920 under the name Clodhoppers. In 1928, the name was changed to Progressive Farmers. In the same year it became affiliated with the national organization, and thus took the name Future Farmers of America. The annual banquet was held in the cafeteria just as it is today! Hi-Y - The Hi-Y Club was organized December 14, 1928 under the leadership of James Larkin with eight members. Like today, students learned about community service and leadership. During the early years, only male students could join Hi-Y. Cadet Corps - The first McClain High School Cadet Corps was organized during the stress and excitement of World War I. The Cadet Corps program has returned to our high school in recent years, and the commonalities to the original program are incredible. Like today, joining the military was not a requirement. The desirable characteristics of past Cadets were bearing, carriage, alertness, responsibility, and self-control. Over 100 years later, those same characteristics are expected of today’s Cadets! The pictures show: 1. The FFA members of 1933 2. The Hi-Y members of 1940 3. The Cadet Corps of 1921 4. The Day 15 post brought a question about synchronized swimming. Before girls sports were organized and competitive outside of the school district, there was a Girls Sports Club. Based on the history, members of the club participated in a variety of sports activities. Such activities were driven by the interests of the club. The mystery of when synchronized swimming started remains a bit of a mystery at this point as even if it was occurring within the club, no pictures were placed in yearbooks. Early yearbook information was limited to those females who passed an American Red Cross swimming test (names only were listed - there were no pictures). Then later when the boys teams were competing, the Dolphinettes were pictured and described as “the girls who helped with swim meets”. Maybe there might be a Dolphinette out there willing to share about that experience! One of the discovered pictures of Dolphinettes working at a meet has a caption saying, “Girls at a swim meet!”. My how times have changed! The first picture of the synchronized swim team available is from 1971. The team was organized late in the year, but they were described as still being able to give a fine performance titled “Signs of the Zodiac”. #legacyofleadership #mcclaintigers #edwardleemcclain

COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS BREAK - This year we are counting down the 18 school days until break by sharing some facts about Edward Lee McClain High School! The facts and pictures shared each day may be familiar to some, but we have many in our community who may not know the uniqueness of our high school. 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 aren't often shared. Day 15 - Early activities - Tonight we take a look at some of the early activities that were available to students at not just McClain High School, but also prior at Greenfield High School. One of the oldest student groups in the school's history is The Dragon staff. The oldest issue of The Dragon that our district has is from 1904. Before The Dragon was a yearbook, it was a newspaper that was published five times during the school year. A person could pay $.40 prior to January 1 each year to receive the five issues or $.50 after that date. When it was a newspaper, it contained many local advertisements. We have been told a couple of stories about why it was called The Dragon, but would love to hear any stories that our followers might have. For those who don't know, our high school yearbook is still called The Dragon today! Some of the other early activities available for students include: 1. Literary societies - These groups provided students with the training and experience in public speaking, debate, and parliamentary practice. 2. Musical organizations - The Girls' Glee Club was a long running organization, whereas other music groups - orchestras, choirs, quartets, etc. - would assemble when the need would arise. 3. Dramatics - Just like today, clear back to the times of Greenfield High School, dramatic productions were an important part of student life. 4. When McClain High School opened, a new course was added. It was called a lyceum course. Students in the course would be provided with opportunities to hear lectures, concerts, and various other forms of entertainment. 5. Athletics - Before the high school was involved in interscholastic athletics, inter-class athletics involving both girls and boys were available. The pictures show: 1. The Dragon Staff in 1914 2. This is a very interesting piece from Principal F. R. Harris that was in one of the 1914 issues of The Dragon. Athletics were not always as popular as they are now at McClain High School! 3. May Day - May Day was a huge celebration in the early 1900s. Besides the May Pole dance performed by senior girls, there were folk dances, field events, tug-of-war, military drills, gymnastic stunts, and horseshoe pitching. The whole community was involved. 4. Inter-class girls basketball teams of McClain High School #legacyofleadership #mcclaintigers #edwardleemcclain

COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS BREAK - This year we are counting down the 18 school days until break by sharing some facts about Edward Lee McClain High School! The facts and pictures shared each day may be familiar to some, but we have many in our community who may not know the uniqueness of our high school. 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 aren't often shared. Day 14 - Changes - Tonight we take a look at some of the changes that have occurred in the high school over the past 48 years. 1. The new gym - What we refer to as the new gym was completed in 1974. As one can imagine, high school teams and their fans outgrew the previous high school gym, which we refer to as the old gym. 2. The first game played in the new gym was a varsity boys basketball game on November 26, 1974. That year, the team's regular season record was 12-5. They went on to win the sectional and district tournaments, as well as the first game in the regional tournament. 3. The 1982-1983 school year brought many changes. The new vocational building was constructed in order to accommodate the agriculture program, industrial arts, and art classes. The offices that supported those programs in the old vocational building were removed and a central office was added. What was the metal shop became the band room, and the second floor of the old vocational building was converted to business classrooms. Finally, the natatorium was rejuvenated. We have been asked about why we are the Tigers? Up until the 1932-1933 school year, we were known as the Yellowjackets. Beginning during the fall sports season of 1933, we became known as the Tigers. We do not know why the change occurred, but we would love to hear from someone who might know! The pictures show: 1 and 2 - These pictures showing the new gym construction were taken by the Class of 1974 student photographer, Doug Daniels. 3. This picture from the 1983 Dragon shows the many changes that occurred during that school year. 4. The first McClain football team to play as Tigers - Their record that year was 3-3-2. Tomorrow and Monday, we will be showcasing some of the many types of athletic teams, clubs, and organizations that have been part of McClain High School over the years! #legacyofleadership #mcclaintigers #edwardleemcclain

Important update for our Greenfield Elementary School families - Please note that the specific closure information applies ONLY to Greenfield Elementary School. We would encourage all parents/guardians to read the letter for general information pertaining to school closures. We are excited to welcome our Greenfield Middle School, Rainsboro Elementary, and Buckskin Elementary students to school tomorrow, Friday, December 16!

COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS BREAK - This year we are counting down the 18 school days until break by sharing some facts about Edward Lee McClain High School! The facts and pictures shared each day may be familiar to some, but we have many in our community who may not know the uniqueness of our high school. 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 aren't often shared. Day 13 - The natatorium - Below are some of the facts about our beloved natatorium. 1. Even though the old vocational building opened for the 1924-1925 school year, the pool was not finished at that point. 2. The pool, 32 feet by 75 feet, was the largest ever to be installed in a public school at that time. 3. The water was kept purified by an ultra-violet ray machine, which was quite a sophisticated process for that time period. 4. The pool was equipped with a sun parlor filled with ferns and flowering plants, office space, shower rooms, lockers, and a nearby laundry room for taking care of bathing suits. The pictures show: 1 and 2 - These pictures would have been taken around 1927-1928. They were submitted to the Ocean Bathing Suit Company of New York. It is unknown if they were used in one of their advertisements. 3. The 1928 swim team - This team only competed in one contest, and they were described as "making a good showing, but earning no honors". 4. The 1929 swim team - This team is recognized in the Dragon as being the first official team in history. They won the silver trophy in the S.C.O.A.L. meet held in our natatorium. The team won first place in every event but one. The team scores were: McClain - 61, Washington - 22, Wilmington - 15, Circleville - 6, and Hillsboro - 2. #legacyofleadership #mcclaintigers #edwardleemcclain

Important update for our MHS families - Please note that the specific closure information applies ONLY to the high school. We would encourage all parents/guardians to read the letter for general information pertaining to school closures.

COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS BREAK - This year we are counting down the 18 school days until break by sharing some facts about Edward Lee McClain High School! The facts and pictures shared each day may be familiar to some, but we have many in our community who may not know the uniqueness of our high school. 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 aren't often shared. Day 12 - The old vocational building and the "elementary building" - part two: In order to construct the "grade school building", the electors of Greenfield by an overwhelming vote authorized the Board of Education to issue $325,000 in bonds. As mentioned yesterday, in the first picture below you will see the original plans including a glass-covered loggia connecting the buildings. The total cost for all three buildings, the landscaping, and the pergola (what we refer to as the colonnades) was approximately $950,000. The pictures show: 1. The original plans 2. As mentioned yesterday, one of the benefits to building the old vocational building was opening up space for additional seating in the gym. If you look closely at this picture, you can see what it looked like before the seats were added. 3. This picture was taken inside what is currently the Superintendent's office. The room was originally used as a "plant room" for the agriculture department. 4. Exterior view - This awesome picture gives another view of the old vocational building allowing you to see all of the athletic fields that were previously located in the area. #legacyofleadership #mcclaintigers #edwardleemcclain

Important update for our Greenfield Middle School families - Please note that the information applies ONLY to the middle school.

COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS BREAK - This year we are counting down the 18 school days until break by sharing some facts about Edward Lee McClain High School! The facts and pictures shared each day may be familiar to some, but we have many in our community who may not know the uniqueness of our high school. 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 aren't often shared. Day 11 - The old vocational building and the "elementary building": The cornerstones for what we know as the old vocational building and the current middle school were laid in 1923. The buildings were completed and open for students in the 1924-1925 school year. The vocational building was paid for and donated by Edward Lee and Lulu McClain. The elementary building was constructed by the city of Greenfield with some support from the McClains. Below is the description of the vocational building found in the 1925 Dragon: Included in the features are: a swimming pool 75 by 25 feet, a cafeteria large enough to accommodate our school population, forge rooms, wood working shop, agricultural laboratories and lecture rooms, commercial department, printing shop, mechanical drawing room, and art room. The use of this new plant will necessitate many changes and rearrangements in the original McClain High School building. The gymnasium will be enlarged to accommodate more spectators; the study hall will be transformed into a library reading room; while a music room and biological laboratory will replace the wood working shop. The pictures show: 1. An April 1921 drawing by William Ittner, architect of McClain High School, showing a plan for the new "grade school building" with an annex to the high school - Many may not know that the original plan was for the buildings to be connected! We will share a detailed architectural drawing tomorrow. 2. Construction in progress 3. A picture taken in 1926 - Check out the brick paved street! 4. The typing room - For those familiar with the old vocational building, these two classrooms belong to Mrs. Arthurs and Mrs. Barber. We will share more information about the old vocational building tomorrow, followed by the history of the pool and the "new gym". #legacyofleadership #mcclaintigers #edwardleemcclain

COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS BREAK - This year we are counting down the 18 school days until break by sharing some facts about Edward Lee McClain High School! The facts and pictures shared each day may be familiar to some, but we have many in our community who may not know the uniqueness of our high school. 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 aren't often shared. Day 10 - Ginevra: She is an original piece, and she is absolutely beautiful! Ginevra was created by sculptor, Hiram Powers, around 1863 in Florence. She is carved from Carrera marble. The name Ginevra was inspired by the poem titled Italy by Samuel Rogers, which tells the story of a young bride who vanished on her wedding night and was found dead in a chest more than fifty years later. The only way the body could be identified was by a ring bearing the bride’s name, Ginevra. Ginevra was presented to Edward Lee McClain High School in 1928 by William G. Moler, former Superintendent of Schools, in memory of his wife. Ginevra began her time at the high school on a pedestal WITHOUT a case. When she was placed in a case is a bit of a mystery. We have heard stories of when that might have occurred and have it narrowed down to between 1961 and 1984. We welcome any insight that our followers might have! The pictures show: 1. Ginevra - She is located in the main hallway across from the marble staircase. 2. A different view of Ginevra 3. A picture from the 1961 Dragon - Ginevra NOT in a case 4. A picture from the 1984 Dragon - Ginevra IN a case #legacyofleadership #mcclaintigers #edwardleemcclain

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COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS BREAK - This year we are counting down the 18 school days until break by sharing some facts about Edward Lee McClain High School! The facts and pictures shared each day may be familiar to some, but we have many in our community who may not know the uniqueness of our high school. 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 aren't often shared. Day 9 - The murals: The three large murals in the high school are original pieces created specifically for McClain High School by artist, Vesper Lincoln George. Two of the murals can be found in the current library and measure at forty feet in length. The third mural can be found above the marble staircase and measures twelve feet by twenty-four feet. The murals were all created in Boston and displayed in a gallery there for a short period of time before making their way to Greenfield. The two larger murals are actually each divided into three panels. Countless letters and telegrams that have been provided to our district show evidence of the close relationship and frequent communication between McClain and George. Like McClain, George passed away in 1934. Like the other pieces of art, the murals have received excellent care over the years in order to keep them in good shape. Although the company uses a special solution to clean the murals, their employees have shared before that one of the best solutions for cleaning them is saliva. The pictures today are all recent photos showing the excellent condition of the murals: 1. The Pageant of Prosperity - installed on the west wall of the library in 1918 2. The Apotheosis of Youth - installed above the marble stairs in 1919 3. The Melting Pot - installed on the east wall of the library in 1920 4. This framed poem was printed and decorated by Vesper Lincoln George. Scum of the Earth, written by Robert Haven Schauffler, is related to The Melting Pot. The print is autographed by Schauffler. #legacyofleadership #mcclaintigers #edwardleemcclain

COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS BREAK - This year we are counting down the 18 school days until break by sharing some facts about Edward Lee McClain High School! The facts and pictures shared each day may be familiar to some, but we have many in our community who may not know the uniqueness of our high school. 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 aren't often shared. Day 8 - The art - part two: We are going to spend the next three days continuing to focus on the art in the high school. As shared yesterday, there are many different types of artwork inside (and outside) the building. The pictures today are all recent photos showing the excellent condition of the artwork: 1. There are a few different friezes in the high school, with the Frieze of the Parthenon on the first floor, and the Cantoria frieze probably being the most recognized. The picture shows a beautiful frieze located on one of the landings. It is titled Apollo and Victory. 2. The Quest of the Holy Grail consists of fifteen hand-colored panels and is located on the second floor. The originals can be found in the Boston Public Library. Pictured is the first panel titled The Infancy of Galahad 3. Honor Roll Tablet - Located in front of the entrance to the auditorium, the tablet bears 189 names of boys and men from ELM High School and Greenfield Public Schools who helped to win the World War, 1914-1918. The bronze tablet was cast by Tiffany Studios in New York City. 4. Moravian Tile Panels - Originally, there were four Latin inscribed Moravian panels on the exterior walls of the high school. There are three still visible today. The fourth "hidden" tile was covered when the new gym was constructed in 1974. The picture shows the hidden tile which reads, LITERA SCRIPTA MANET, meaning "The written letter remains" or "Literature is everlasting". All of the tiles still exhibit beautiful, sharp colors! #legacyofleadership #mcclaintigers #edwardleemcclain

COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS BREAK - This year we are counting down the 18 school days until break by sharing some facts about Edward Lee McClain High School! The facts and pictures shared each day may be familiar to some, but we have many in our community who may not know the uniqueness of our high school. 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 aren't often shared. Day 7 - The art - We are going to spend the next four days focusing on the art in the high school. It is believed that McClain High School is the only high school in the United States that has its own art catalog. There have been three printings of the catalog - 1918, 1932, and 1980. There are nearly 200 pieces of art in McClain High School. Most of the pieces are reproductions, and we will highlight the original pieces later in the week. The types of artwork include paintings, murals, sculptures, busts, and friezes. In addition, Rookwood tiles outline the water fountains. It is with an outpouring of support that we are able to maintain the art restoration fund so that the excellent condition of the artwork can continue for many years to come. Our district is very fortunate! The pictures today are all recent photos showing the excellent condition of the artwork: 1. Statue of George Washington - The statue can be found on the third floor of the high school. It is one of ten statues. Interesting fact - Edward Lee McClain was a descendent of George Washington. 2. Water fountain with Rookwood tile - The Rookwood Pottery Company is located in the Over the Rhine area in Cincinnati. 3. The Statue of Athena - Athena was donated by members of the community. 4. The Sphinxes - The picture shows just one of two sphinxes, which are unique pieces found at the base of the marble stairs. Both figures are carved out of solid rock. #legacyofleadership #mcclaintigers #edwardleemcclain

THANK YOU to 2020 McClain High School graduate and current Wilmington College student, Sarah Free! With the support of her family member, Bill Tomecko, Sarah donated gloves to every K-2 student in our district! We greatly appreciate this wonderful act of kindness! 💜💛 #legacyofleadership #mcclaintigers

COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS BREAK - This year we are counting down the 18 school days until break by sharing some facts about Edward Lee McClain High School! The facts and pictures shared each day may be familiar to some, but we have many in our community who may not know the uniqueness of our high school. 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 aren't often shared. Day 5 - Lulu - Most of the artwork in McClain High School was handpicked and donated by Lulu Johnson McClain. The intent was not only to make the corridors virtual art galleries, but to provide a resource that complemented instruction in literature, history, geography, civics, music, and even astronomy and chemistry. Some interesting facts: 1. Lulu Theodosia Johnson was born on July 19, 1867 in Oakley, a suburb of Cincinnati. 2. She attended private schools, Hughes High School, and the Glendale Female College. 3. Lulu met Edward in July 1884, and then they were married on her family's estate in Oakley on December 17, 1885. 4. Together they had four children - Edward Lee McClain, Jr.; Helen St. Clair McClain; Donald Schofield McClain; Elsworth Johnson McClain, who was born and died on June 17, 1897. 5. The list of social clubs and organizations that she was involved in is quite lengthy. She supported numerous patriotic and religious causes. 6. In addition to providing most of the artwork, Lulu also provided the hand painted china, silver, and linens for the dining room in the Home Arts Department. 7. In addition to JOINTLY giving the high school to the city of Greenfield, she also joined her husband in giving the vocational building and the athletic field to the city. In the fall of 1937, she and their daughter donated funds for the floodlights for the athletic field. The pictures show: 1. A young Lulu Johnson 2. Lulu in what possibly could be her wedding dress 3. Lulu and her grandson, Donald Schofield McClain, Jr. in August 1928 4. Lulu in Atlantic City in either 1934 or 1935 #legacyofleadership #mcclaintigers #edwardleemcclain

COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS BREAK - This year we are counting down the 18 school days until break by sharing some facts about Edward Lee McClain High School! The facts and pictures shared each day may be familiar to some, but we have many in our community who may not know the uniqueness of our high school. 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 aren't often shared. Day 5 - The fountain and the formal English garden - The area has changed in appearance quite a few times over the years. The original fountain made a home for goldfish in the summer months and included an artistic bird bath guarded by an infant water nymph. The extremely cold winters between 1934 and 1936 led to the resurfacing and replanting of what was then being called the Dutch formal garden. The garden consisted of countless types of flowers, bushes, and trees. There were said to be approximately 110 rose bushes! The number of fountains, or the number of decorative statues on top of the base/bird bath, prior to 1971 remains a mystery to be solved. In the 1956 Dragon, the garden still consisted of countless plants along with the original fountain. Then a picture taken in June 1957 shows clear grass beds with a different fountain. At some point, that fountain was removed prior to the dedication of the new fountain in 1971 by the graduating class. Not only did the Class of 1971 raise money for a new tiered, spraying fountain with varying colors of lights, they also led the student body in the Centennial Celebration. The first graduating class of what was Greenfield High School consisted of three students who graduated on May 26, 1871. The Class of 1971 became known as the Centennial Class. The current fountain was a gift from Triad Architects and Weller's Plumbing and Heating in 2001 following the renovation. The fountain has seen the likes of everything from bubbles to a dead coyote over the years as a focal point for senior pranks. The pictures show: 1. Young children by the fountain in 1928 2. A VERY different looking garden and fountain area! 3. The June 1957 picture of the area 4. The pages from the 1971 Dragon highlighting the Centennial Class fountain #legacyofleadership #mcclaintigers #edwardleemcclain

COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS BREAK - This year we are counting down the 18 school days until break by sharing some facts about Edward Lee McClain High School! The facts and pictures shared each day may be familiar to some, but we have many in our community who may not know the uniqueness of our high school. 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 aren't often shared. Day 4 - The auditorium: First, some facts - 1. McClain High School is one of just a few high schools in the country with an in-house organ, which was installed by the Ernest M. Skinner Company of Boston in 1915. 2. The auditorium was built with separate exterior doors so that the community could use it outside of the school day. 3. Equipment for projecting motion pictures or carrying radio broadcasts was part of the original auditorium. 2. The pipes that you see are NOT the actual organ pipes. They are only decoration. The actual pipes cannot be seen from the seats. 3. The chairs were renovated for the first time in 1968. 4. Originally, the auditorium seated approximately 900. Today, the auditorium seats approximately 550. 5. There was not always an orchestra pit. The pit was not added until the 1986 renovation. The pictures show: 1. The description of the auditorium taken from the 1915 Dragon 2. A performance from the 1920s 3. A high school orchestra picture from 1924 4. The 1986 Dragon pages dedicated to the renovation #legacyofleadership #mcclaintigers #edwardleemcclain

COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS BREAK - This year we are counting down the 18 school days until break by sharing some facts about Edward Lee McClain High School! The facts and pictures shared each day may be familiar to some, but we have many in our community who may not know the uniqueness of our high school. 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 aren't often shared. Day 3 - The library: Anyone who has attended or visited the high school recently would know the library as it is today. The library was not always a library though. It started out as a study hall. The pictures show: 1. The original library - This room is adjacent to the current library. 2. The original principal's office - This room is also adjacent to the library on the opposite side. 3. The library in its original state as a study hall - Look closely. It is rare to see a picture of the library without the murals. 4. One of the issues that our maintenance and custodial department has had to contend with over the years is ensuring that water does not damage the murals. Countless letters were written and exchanged between McClain and artist Vesper Lincoln George regarding the murals. It was discovered recently in one letter that water leaking in those areas has been occurring from the beginning! We got a chuckle out of knowing that even McClain was frustrated by the leaks. Our district is fortunate to have such a wonderful maintenance and custodial staff that works diligently to maintain the beauty of our high school! The picture shows the words of Edward Lee McClain in one of the many letters. #legacyofleadership #mcclaintigers #edwardleemcclain