July - September 2019

Most people find as they grow older that their social circles become smaller. Not so for Charlie Lindecamp, as was apparent at his 100th birthday party. It was a packed house with a long line of those who came to wish him well. Perhaps because he was surrounded by young people throughout his career as an educator, Charlie always made friends with those who are younger than his peer group. He stays connected with many friends in the Milan community and is an active member of the Milan Rotary Club, Erie Masonic Lodge and Milan Presbyterian Church. Charlie was born on March 24, 1919 in Jeromesville, Ohio, and graduated from high school in Perrysville. Charlie obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Math and Science from Wooster College and a Master’s degree at The Ohio State University. His first teaching job was in Lodi, where he met fellow teacher Margery Conkle. They married on Kelleys Island in 1943 and moved to Milan in 1946. In 1953, he was appointed principal of Milan High School. The next year he became superintendent of the Milan Local School District. Under his leadership, the Berlin and Milan school districts merged into the Edison Local School District, where he remained as superintendent until retiring in 1981. The effort to merge districts began when the Ohio State Department of Education stated their goal was for all high schools to have a minimum enrollment of 500 students by 1970. Berlin and Milan school boards were in favor of merging, but a concerned citizens group rallied to defeat the issue by 8 votes, citing the need for more information. In response, a study on the alternatives open to the two school districts was conducted by the University of Toledo. The study considered options for merging with any of the seven school districts that bordered either Berlin or Milan. Findings of the study suggested that Huron, Berlin and Milan school districts should merge, and if not with Huron, then at least Berlin and Milan. Huron declined, but Berlin and Milan moved forward on the merger. The issue passed by voters in 1965. In 1969, the first combined class of students from Berlin and Milan graduated at Edison High School. Charlie gave the keynote address at the 2019 Milan Chamber of Commerce Banquet, sharing memories of the opening day of Edison High School. He said, “I never expected to be here celebrating the school’s anniversary 50 years later, but here I am.” An educator starts in the classroom. Some move to administrative positions like Charlie, but the true educator never stops teaching. Don Gfell Charlie Lindecamp celebrates 100th birthday Milan Celebrates Legacy of 10 Serving Our Seniors is here when you need help . 419-624-1856 800-564-1856