Harry Mack Ketcham (2000)

Born in Brooklyn in 1910, Harry graduated from Vermont State School of Agriculture in 1928, University of Vermont in 1940, and Cornell (Master’s Degree) in 1950. Harry and his wife Clarissa (Cris) moved to Greenville in 1940 and bought a house on Irving Road in 1953 (still lived in by Cris).

Harry, or Prof, as he was respectfully dibbed by the Ag boys, started teaching at the Greenville Central School District in 1940 and taught there for 29 years. In addition to his teaching, the Future Farmers of America (FFA) club became the center not only for the learning of agricultural skills, but for the learning of many of life’s lessons. Many of the FFA’s skills included knowing the area and economy of the area, the judging of quality, maintaining discipline in life, and working together in a small-town, rural area. More than a few of Greenville’s Ag boys went on to state, regional and national contests, competing well and honoring their teacher who expected excellence.

Harry passed in 1984, and is remembered as a person who would look after the less fortunate; whether it be the sharing from his garden, or by doing some good deed for a neighbor or community member.