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."
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 topic lists: Education • Industry & Commerce • Man-Made Features . In addition, it is included in the Ohio Historical Society / The Ohio History Connection series list. A significant historical month for this entry is September 1915.
Location. 39° 21.034′ N, 83° 23.3′ W. Marker is in Greenfield, Ohio, in Highland County. Marker 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.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Greenfield, Ohio, Timeline (approx. ¼ mile away); World War I Memorial (approx. 0.3 miles away); War Memorial (approx. 0.3 miles away); The C.R. Patterson & Sons Company (approx. 0.3 miles away); Corner Pharmacy (approx. 0.3 miles away); Smith Tannery (approx. half a mile away); Travellers Rest Inn (approx. half a mile away); B&O and DT&I Railroad Depots (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Greenfield.
Also see . . .
1. Greenfield Exempted Village Schools. District website homepage (Submitted on November 5, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
2. More Than Just Horse Collars: The Many Businesses of E. L. McClain. (Submitted on November 5, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Credits. This page was last revised on June 1, 2022. It was originally submitted on November 4, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 973 times since then and 35 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 4, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.