Greenfield in Highland County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Edward Lee McClain High School
"What is in Greenfield? Well, principally there is the school."
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., November 5, 2011
1. Edward Lee McClain High School Marker
A focal point of community pride for generations, McClain High School was the gift of textile manufacturer Edward Lee McClain to his hometown, "as promising the greatest good to the greatest number for the longest time." Designed by nationally prominent school architect William B. Ittner, the school was dedicated in September 1915. Lauded as one of the most complete and state-of-the-art school plants of its time, McClain High School embodied the ideals of the progressive education movement in the early 20th century. A fully equipped gymnasium, motion-picture equipment, and a pipe organ were rare luxuries for any school during this era. Additional gifts by McClain also furnished a vocational training center and an athletic field. Numerous sculptures, paintings, and other works of art displayed throughout the school continue to enhance the atmosphere of Greenfield's acclaimed halls of learning.
Erected 2000 by The Ohio Bicentennial Commission, The Longaberger Company, Greenfield Historical Society, and The Ohio Historical Society. (Marker Number 2-36.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these
this page online
Location. 39° 21.034′ N, 83° 23.3′ W. Marker is in Greenfield, Ohio, in Highland County. It is on Jefferson Street (Ohio Route 28/138) east of 6th Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 200 North 5th Street, Greenfield OH 45123, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Southern Ohio Hill Country. It is also in the American Midwest, in the Corn Belt, in Appalachia, and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Bell Tower (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line);
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., November 5, 2011
2. Edward Lee McClain High School and Marker
Also see . . .
1. Greenfield Exempted Village Schools. District website homepage (Submitted on November 5, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.)
2. More Than Just Horse Collars: The Many Businesses of E. L. McClain. (Submitted on November 5, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.)
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., November 5, 2011
3. Edward Lee McClain High School
Photographed by Craig Doda, August 2, 2025
4. Edward Lee McClain High School Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on August 5, 2025. It was originally submitted on November 4, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,530 times since then and 73 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 4, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. 4. submitted on August 5, 2025, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio.
