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Mr. St. Clair, a
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Jan. 30, 2011
How could a student go to school in shabby clothes one day, then a few
days later become one of the best dressed kids in school?
Mr. Henry St. Clair.
In the late 1800’s and early 1900’s, the school system had a practice
of sending home students who wore “shabby” clothing. This was
unacceptable to Mr. St. Clair.
He had a standing order with a number of people in the community – his
“secret agents” – to keep an eye on school children who were not
properly dressed because of hard financial situations at home.
His “agents” would inform him of those in need, and soon after he found
out, that child would become one of the best dressed in school. This
was Henry St. Clair.
That was only one of the reasons the community loved him. The grocery
store owner and organizer of the Second National Bank was charitable in
life and in death. He never forgot anyone who had ever helped him in
his life. He served two years on the City Council, never missing a
meeting. He was a member of Red Men's League No. 15.
He passed away on June 6, 1907 at the age of 55, after a long battle
against a general breakdown of the organic system, known as Bright’s
Disease. Some said death was the only battle he’d ever lost in his life.
The community went into mourning. Businesses closed for his funeral,
which was held at 2:00 p.m. on June 11, in the 1st Presbyterian Church
on 3rd St. The library closed from 12 to 6 p.m. School was dismissed at
noon so all grades could march as a student body to the funeral. Eighth
grade and high school students led the procession. The library and
assembly rooms were draped for 30 days.
One of the battles Mr. St. Clair did not lose was his desire to have a
performing hall built next to the library. The only problem was there
was already a high school next to the library.
In Henry St. Clair’s mind, the solution was simple. Move the high
school.
Greenville tried to pass a levy to pay the expense, but it failed. So
Mr. St. Clair paid for it. The high school was moved to make room for
the Hall, and still serves the Greenville School District as its Junior
High School in its “new” location.
The Hall was built… completed five years after his death and opened for
its first performance on May 3, 1912.
The Darke County Center for the Arts, Garst Museum and the Greenville
School District will be celebrating the 100-year anniversary of
Memorial Hall on May 4 and 5, 2012. The Fort GreeneVille Chapter of the
Daughters of the American Revolution will also be helping in the
celebration.
DCCA is looking for memorabilia associated with the hall. Old programs,
photos, stories… anything that would help celebrate the centennial of
this historic structure, the man responsible for building it, or his
beloved wife, Ella.
Contact any individual in the above organizations, DCCA Art Director
Keith Rawlins at 937-564-1883 or DCCA Board Member Bob Robinson at robinsonbob615@gmail.com
if you have information or help you would like to provide.
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