Floyd Henney speaks to the crowd at the Clock Tower Dedication.
The Henney family is shown in the picture with the tower dedicated to Harry and Jeanette Henney. Photo by: Jason Mann with J Michael Photography LLC
Mayor Joe opens the ceremony with the new clock tower in the background.
On Saturday, July 8 the community of Woodburn met together at the new town square, known as the Woodburn Plaza. The celebration of the Harry and Jeanette Henney family took place at the new clock tower in honor of their parents.
It was just over a year ago at Summerfest the ground breaking took place for the new Plaza and the clock tower was still an idea. Now it’s reality by many people in the community of Woodburn.
It was a beautiful July morning when Mayor Joe Kelsey opened the event of the Woodburn Plaza Clock Tower dedication. The singing of the national anthem was by Christy Stutzman.
Mayor Joe stated, “I was unaware of the sacrifices that Harry and Jeanette made for our community.” As he began to know the family and the process of making this Plaza he learned much more about the Henneys. He continued, “The dedication, love and commitment they had for our community is inspiring.” He also thanked Woodburn Community Association and others for all their hard work.
Dennis Miesle of the Lions Club spoke of Mr. Haynie and his dedication to serving the Lions Club and also a past president. Past mayor Richard Hoeppner spoke of the process getting started of rebuilding downtown Woodburn with Joe Malfait proposing the idea of demolishing the dilapidated buildings that were rotting away to make way for a park of sorts.
The plaque has the words, “This clock tower, along with Woodburn Plaza, is dedication in honor of Harry and Jeanette Henney for a lifetime of involvement and commitment to the people and the city of Woodburn.
“Upon graduating from Manchester College in 1935, Harry moved to Woodburn to accept his first teaching position at the high school. In 1941, he married Jeanette in Avilla, Indiana, and they settled in Woodburn to begin their journey of 65 years together. They eventually bought a home in College Street, where they raised their family of two daughters and two sons.
“Harry later served as they high school principal, was instrumental in the forming of East Allen County Schools, and was the assistant principal of Woodlan High School from its opening in the 1959 until his retirement in 1977. Jeanette also was involved in the local education system as the school secretary at both Milan Center and Woodburn Elementary Schools.
“The Henneys were model citizens of both service and noble character. Harry served as clerk-treasurer for Woodburn form 1956 until 1981, and was a 65-year member of the Lions Club. Jeanette graciously assisted with many local organizations and played the organ at Woodburn Missionary Church where they were both active members.
“Throughout their lives, the Henneys demonstrated their love for this community not only with their labor, but also with their hearts.”
Floyd Henney, son of Harry and Jeanette talked of his parents and their focus on serving others and the community, mentioning several aspects including how much time we may have left of this life and how they used their time to serve God.
The design of the clock tower was by Len Mysliwiec who has worked with Floyd Henney other times in the construction business. “Len has a great talent.” said Floyd.
Christy Stutzman closed the morning with a beautiful rendition of God bless America.
The barbecue dinner for everyone was well prepared and fitting for the day. It was very nice overall with such a beautiful day for this dedication of this monument of integrity.
The Woodburn community should be very proud of the progress made in the work of all that has happened in the town of late.
