Originally from Altoona, Pennsylvania, Edgar T. Clark received his bachelor's degree in education
from Millersville State Teachers College and his masters from Bucknell.
He served for 5 years in the Army Corps of Engineers at several U.S. camps and in the European Theater
during WW II. He received the Bronze Star and returned home a captain.
After the war, Ed took a position at Savona Central School, where he became the supervising principal
from 1947 to 1953.
That year, he was hired as Portville's supervisor, remaining in that position until 1963.
He then moved up to Assistant District Superintendent of Schools in Cattaraugus County for three years before taking
over as the County Supervisor from 1966 to 1969. He served as the administrator for Albion Central School until 1974,
when he retired.
Verna M. Clark was originally from Hollidaysburg, Pa. She received her bachelors degree from
Fredonia State Teachers College. She also attended Potsdam State Teachers College, where 25 extraordinary teachers from
across the state gathered to develop curriculum for Kindergarteners.
Verna taught for 28 years in various districts, including Duncansville, Savona, Albion, and Portville,
where she taught for 15 years. She also tutored and served as a substitute teacher.
In 1985, the Clarks moved back to Portville, where their only child, Dr. E. T. Clark, and their
four grandchildren still reside.
Since 1945, Verna has been a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, having served as Matron
of the Tyler Chapter #97 in Portville for 2002 and 2003. In 2003, she began serving the New York State Order as a representative
for Volunteers for Veterans Medical Center in Batavia, where she has been volunteering since 1979.
She also served as Director of the Day Care Center at Eastern Star Home in Oriskany, NY. She
has also volunteered for the Genesis House, the YMCA, local churches, the town, and the school.
Mr. Clark was very active in the community during his life in Portville. He gave time, money,
and energy to the Red Cross, the United Way, the Boy Scouts, Section VI athletics, local churches, the Masons, and many other
organizations.
At the time of Ed's death in 1994, he was serving on the School Board. Verna continues to
be active in Portville and enjoys many hobbies. Tom and Mary still live in Portville as well.
The Clarks made giant contributions to the town and school during a crucial time of growth.
They have loved life and they have loved Portville. Mr. Clark's innovations and hard work as supervisor helped pave
the way for Lee Frair, John Dubots, and Jerry Christopher.
