Helen C. Estabrook Papers, 1923-1970 | Oberlin College Archives

SERIES DESCRIPTIONS

Series 1. Materials relating to “The Order of the Pearls,” 1923-ca. 1970 (scrapbook, 0.175 l.f.)

The materials that relate to “The Order of the Pearls” are divided into two subseries. Subseries 1 consists of a scrapbook, 1923-ca. 1970, which was created by Helen Estabrook. The scrapbook documents the history of the “Pearls” and contains the constitution, photographs, reunion information, birth and wedding announcements, and financial papers. Subseries 2 consists of the charter member list and description of the organization during which time Helen was named the Secretary. Also filed in Subseries 2 is an article from The Plain Dealer, Cleveland, Ohio, featuring “The Order of the Pearls,” May 6, 1945. There is a second copy of this article reprinted in the August 1945 Oberlin Alumni Magazine.

Series 2. Correspondence of Helen Estabrook (Incoming), 1970 (0.025 l.f.)

Five thank you letters and two receipts addressed to Helen Estabrook regarding donations to Oberlin College are filed in this series. Helen, on behalf of the Seniors of Talcott Hall of 1923, donated to the art library and the Clarence Ward Book Fund. One letter contains a list of the books that were purchased with her donations.

Estabrook, Helen C. (1901-1990)

Helen Charlotte Estabrook was born in Ravenna, Ohio, in 1901. 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).

Author: Erica Noble

letters (correspondence)
manuscripts
photographs - photographic prints
publications
records (documents)
scrapbooks