Washington College Presidents' papers, Joseph H. McLain papers

Joseph Howard McLain (1916-1981) was born on July 11 in Weirton, West Virginia, to Howard and Elizabeth McLain. The family moved to Baltimore when Joseph was a child. Both Joseph and his older brother John G. graduated from Washington College. While a senior, in 1937, Joseph met a freshman, Margret Ann Hollingsworth. The couple would later marry. Joseph continued his studies at Johns Hopkins University. World War II caused McLain to pause his education, and he served as a major in the US Army Chemical Corps, working on smoke screens and pyrotechnics. In 1946, he received his doctorate in Chemistry. He returned to Washington College as a professor. While teaching, he was also a partner in the Kend Manufacturing Co., which made fireworks. McLain would often use his chemical knowledge to put on firework shows. In 1954, there was an explosion at the manufacturing plant. McLain was able to rescue two women from the plant. The company was then dissolved. He worked with Prof. John Conkling worked together to improve the safe storage of fireworks. In 1973, McLain became President of Washington College, the only alumnus to serve as such. In 1981, he took a leave of absence and passed shortly after in Baltimore.