Hundredth birthday approaching for community landmark

On May 3, St. Clair Memorial Hall will be 100 years old

Henry St. Clair, Memorial Hall Cornerstone from 1910, Ella St. Clair

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.

Old high School Being Moved

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 1912.



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.