June 23, 2017
Meet Daisy the Cat
Daisy was Wilhelmina's ancient companion who was famous for biting anyone without provocation. As you can see, she also had the ability to camouflage her calico coat in the living room furniture - a very dangerous combination of traits.
Not long after this picture was taken, Daisy bit Wilhelmina. The infection that followed darn near killed her. One of Wilhelmina's last requests was, upon her death, to have Daisy euthanized. She knew nobody would to take her in.
Anyway, next time you're around floral-patterned furniture, remember Daisy... and look twice before you sit down.
Not long after this picture was taken, Daisy bit Wilhelmina. The infection that followed darn near killed her. One of Wilhelmina's last requests was, upon her death, to have Daisy euthanized. She knew nobody would to take her in.
Anyway, next time you're around floral-patterned furniture, remember Daisy... and look twice before you sit down.
August 25, 2015
Our New Offices
The McLane Foundation recently moved into new digs in Cincinnati's historic Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. Thanks to Joe Brashear, Chris Pohlar, and Christina Reinersman of Brasher Bolton Architects who helped us create a modern, fully-functional workspace that also pays tribute to Wilhelmina's life and legacy.
You can see a gallery of images of our new space here.
You can see a gallery of images of our new space here.
September 24, 2014
Bill Friedlander
Last week, Cincinnati lost one of its finest citizens. Bill Friedlander was extremely active in both the business and philanthropic communities, including serving as the most recent president of the Mercantile Library's board of directors. More than that, he was a kind, generous, and warm person.
He will be greatly missed.
He will be greatly missed.
May 29, 2014
McLane Scholarship Recipients Announced
The George & Margaret McLane Foundation is pleased to announce the recipients of this year's McLane Scholarship and Wellinghoff Award. See our scholarship page for details.
March 14, 2014
PBS Kids Corner at Cheviot Elementary
Foundation trustees Kristen & Chris Wheeler and Marilyn Wellinghoff, along with Junior Trustee Sara Wheeler, attended the opening of the new PBS Kids Corner at Cheviot Elementary. The McLane Foundation was pleased to support this project, and more than a little star struck to be in the presence of literary celebrities Super Why and Curious George.
August 29, 2013
Sid
Edwin Sidney Vinnell (Sid) was born to English Parents (Bertie & Ethyl) in Schram City Illinois on 5/26/23. The story goes that after Sid was born Ethyl became homesick, and the family moved back to England when he was quite young. He joined the British Army in their medical corps to do his bit to defeat the Axis. He was discharged in '47 and took off permanently for the U.S. He joined the U.S. Army in '48 as a medical tech, and was discharged in '50.
Somehow, somewhere, he acquired skills as a piano tuner/repair person, and relocated to Miamisburg. It was during his time tuning pianos that he met Wilhelmina. They married, presumably sometime in the late 1950s. They remained married until his death in 2006.
He acquired a few eccentricities later in life, including a tendency to, shall we say, mildly embellish upon his military career. He also acquired one of those mail order Knighthoods, and fully expected to be addressed as Sir Edwin.
Wilhelmina, of course, continued to refer to him as Sid.
Somehow, somewhere, he acquired skills as a piano tuner/repair person, and relocated to Miamisburg. It was during his time tuning pianos that he met Wilhelmina. They married, presumably sometime in the late 1950s. They remained married until his death in 2006.
He acquired a few eccentricities later in life, including a tendency to, shall we say, mildly embellish upon his military career. He also acquired one of those mail order Knighthoods, and fully expected to be addressed as Sir Edwin.
Wilhelmina, of course, continued to refer to him as Sid.
July 24, 2013
Return of the Steinway
Thanks to a grant from the McLane Foundation, The Mercantile Library was able to have their 1936 Steinway baby grand completely refurbished. After a stay at piano technician Nevin Essex's studio, the piano is back in the Library's Reading Room, sounding- and looking- better than ever.
May 25, 2013
McLane Scholarship Recipients Announced
The George & Margaret McLane Foundation is pleased to announce the recipients of this year's McLane Scholarship and Wellinghoff Award. See our scholarship page for details.