Helen C. Estabrook Papers

Collection

Identifier: RG 30-072

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The papers of Helen C. Estabrook primarily document “The Order of the Pearls,” one of the student social organizations formed at Oberlin College in the 1920s.

The primary document in the collection is a scrapbook compiled by Helen Estabrook that contains information on “The Order of the Pearls” between 1923 and ca. 1970. A document in the collection provides the names of the thirty-five charter members and a brief description of the organization. Also included are two copies of an article written about “The Pearls.”

Filed with the collection are five letters and two receipts from Oberlin College thanking Helen Estabrook for her donations to the art library and illustrating her donations to her alma mater.

The collection is modest in size (0.2 linear feet) and is divided into two series; materials relating to “The Order of the Pearls” and correspondence of Helen Estabrook (incoming).

Dates

Creation: 1923 - 1970
Other: Date acquired: 05/29/1973

Creator

Estabrook, Helen C. (Estabrook, Helen Charlotte) (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

Unrestricted.

Biographical Sketch

Helen Charlotte Estabrook was born in Ravenna, Ohio, in 1901 to John Bushnell (1874-1955) and Alberta Lucille Mathers Estabrook (1874-1965). She had one sister, Marjorie Louise (1909-2002). She graduated from Oberlin College in 1923. While at Oberlin College, Helen was active in several student organizations including the Liberal Club, Campus Etiquette Committee, and others. She, along with thirty-four Talcott Hall female residents, founded the group “The Order of the Pearls.” Helen held the position of secretary within the organization. The members called themselves “The Pearls.” The group was formed to help the women maintain their relationships after graduation and to recognize the members who later married. The women purchased a strand of pearls, which was worn by each member at her wedding. Daughters of “The Pearls” were entitled to wear the pearls for their wedding ceremonies. The final owner of the pearls would be the first daughter of a “Pearl” who married a son of a “Pearl.” In 1971 the group disbanded.

Helen continued to be active in “The Order of the Pearls” after graduation while pursuing other interests and her career. After graduating from Oberlin College, she held positions as bookkeeper and treasurer (1923-1945) at the Sunlight Electrical Mfg. Co., in Warren, Ohio. Then she worked as the assistant librarian at the Warren Public Library until her retirement in 1959. She participated in many civic and professional organizations, serving as a Board Member of the Warren YMCA, volunteering for the League of Women Voters, and serving on the Warren Community Forum.

Helen continued to give financial support to Oberlin College throughout her life. Donations were made towards the new art library which included the Clarence Ward Book Fund.

Helen died in Warren, Ohio in 1990. She never married.

Sources Consulted:

Helen C. Estabrook Papers (30/72) and Helen C. Estabrook student file (28/2).

Note written by Erica Noble.