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Henry
St. Clair, Memorial Hall Cornerstone from 1910, Ella St. Clair
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Hundredth
birthday approaching for community landmark
On May 3, St. Clair Memorial Hall will be 100 years old
Darke County has been the recipient of considerable generosity over the
decades. One of the more notable gifts is Henry St. Clair Memorial Hall.
This Darke County Landmark will be 100 years old on May 3, a gift from
Henry and Ella St. Clair. Henry, a successful grocer and community
supporter, had a strong commitment to Greenville and Darke County.
It was said that he felt strongly about the youth of the day. He had
“informers” who would let him know if a child went to school not
dressed properly. Within a day or two that child would always be one of
the best-dressed children in the school.
Henry bequeathed $100,000 to the city to build a hall that would serve
the community in all areas, from entertainment and events to education.
There was just one problem… it had to be located next to the library.
And the high school was already sitting there.
So they moved it. The high school. While the wooden structure was later
replaced by the brick and mortar Junior High, the current location
became the new location for the high school.
Henry didn't live to see Memorial Hall completed, but his wife, Ella
did. When the project ran out of money, she contributed more to make
sure her husband's wish was fulfilled. She died shortly after the Hall
was dedicated in 2012.
Since then, the Hall has served the community in education, ceremonial
events and the performing arts.
The Darke County Center for the Arts, in conjunction with Downtown
Greenville Inc., Greenville School District, Fort GreeneVille Daughters
of the American Revolution and the Garst Museum will be celebrating
Memorial Hall's Centennial Birthday on May 4 and 5.
On Friday, May 4, DCCA will present an Evening of Legacy - Memorial
Hall. Theatre goers will be entertained by local artists and Historical
re-enactors John and Karen Burkett. Memorabilia, including programs
with a similar design to those of 100 years ago, plus buttons of Henry
and Ella, will be available.
Downtown Greenville Inc. will be conducting its annual tour of
Greenville and will wrap up at Memorial Hall just prior to the
performance. The Fort GreeneVille DAR will be hosting a 100th
Anniversary Tea at St. Clair Manor, 224 East Third St., from 2 to 3:30
p.m. on Saturday, May 5.
The weekend wraps up with the Toledo Symphony on Saturday evening and
DCCA's Family Series Wizard of Oz on Sunday afternoon. Souvenir
memorabilia still available can be purchased at both events.
Proceeds from fundraising events will go to the Memorial Hall
Preservation Fund.
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Memorial
Hall Cornerstone dated 1910
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The
original high school was located where Henry St. Clair insisted the
Performing Hall be built, so it
was moved to the location currently occupied by Greenville Junior High
School.
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The
Original Program dedicating Henry St. Clair Memorial Hall on May 3, 1912
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Poster
announcement of the DAR Tea at St. Clair Manor on Third Street
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