Tredyffrin Easttown Historical Society
History Quarterly Digital Archives

Source: October 1963 Volume 12 Number 4, Pages 86–87

Sarah Ellen McClain

Mary A. Morelli

Page 86

Miss Sarah Ellen McClain made her permanent residence in Berwyn, Pennsylvania, at No. 10 Latches Lane. Within the past ten years since she had lived there, she befriended many people in the community through her contacts at her place of employment and organizational activities.

She was born in Norristown, Pa., on August 9, 1895, to John L. McClain and Ida May Jenkins. The family was blessed with four children, three girls; Blanche, who became Mrs. Walter Daub; May, who became Mrs. Robert Herion; and Sarah. The only son, Neil, died of diphtheria at the age of seven. She resided in the Norristown area practically her entire life with the exception of a short period when the family moved to Philadelphia, later returning to Norristown.

She was educated in the Norristown schools, and finished high school in Philadelphia while living in that city. While in high school, Miss McClain lost her mother, and remained with her father until, at the age of 85, he passed away. She entered the business world immediately after graduating from high school, gaining her early experience with the Old Hog Island Ship Building Company and with the American Railway Express. In 1924, Miss McClain joined the accounting staff of F. Wallis Armstrong Company, a nationally known advertising agency. In 1938 the company was sold to Ward Wheelock Company. With the two companies she served as a department head responsible for all billing, and performing commendable work of quality and accuracy. In January, 1955, the company was dissolved.

From January 12, 1955, until September 5, 1962, when illness forced her to retire, Miss McClain served as a bank teller with the Berwyn National Bank which later merged and is now known as the Upper Main Line Bank. She was a very loyal employee with perfect attendance records to her credit. Bank officials, in regretfully accepting her resignation, said that "she lent a diginity (sic) to the bank that would be greatly missed."

Page 87

Sarah Ellen McClain was one in whom you found trust and confidence. She was of firm judgment, defending a principle that she firmly believed in and thought was right. She was very thoughtful, considerate, and a generous person, a delightful companion to be with. Being a good dresser herself, she exemplified her good taste in beautiful clothes and enjoyed shopping tours very much. She was quite a connoisseur of antiques and attended many auction sales with a great deal of enthusiasm for old things. A highlight in her life was a trip to Europe in September, 1958.

Her hobbies were interesting ones, the greatest of course being the collection of antiques. Painstaking hours were spent in the creation of dainty handiwork which she enjoyed doing. Landscaping the grounds surrounding her cottage home was another diversion. In the summer time she cultivated her pretty flowers, and cared for the shrubs and trees. She was quite adept at floral arrangements, which one found displayed about her home, in the business office, and at the bank by her teller's window. She loved her pets, and her dog, a Kerry Blue Terrier, "Kim" was her constant companion until she became too ill to care for him.

Miss McClain was also a member of several organizations, such as the Berwyn, Paoli, Malvern Business & Professional Women's Club and the Tredyffrin-Easttown History Club. As a church member, she belonged to the Great Valley Baptist Church, New Centerville, Pa.

Sarah Ellen McClain loved her family dearly, being devoted and always loyal to them. She proudly spoke of and praised her nephews and nieces and the children belonging to them. She felt like a mother toward them, with tender affection, and above all, adored the small children who gave her such consolation and joy, especially in her last days.

At last, on December 9, 1962, Sarah Ellen McClain succumbed to our Maker's call and faced the end bravely and with dignity, like the lady that she was.