March 4, 1927

While researching for my local history project, I came across several news clippings pertaining to Electra C. Doren at the Dayton Metro Library Genealogy Center.  On Friday March 4, 1927, Electra passed away at age 66 after a series of various health complications.  The Dayton Daily News, Dayton Journal, Dayton Herald, and Journal Herald all released obituaries and articles remembering Electra and her impact on the community.  In 1927, these newspapers were not affiliated with one another (yet), though they all seem to favor the Montgomery County Democratic party.  All four newspapers wrote lengthy articles on Electra for days after her death, honoring her life and legacy.  Some of these articles reveal so much about the librarian, activist, teacher, and dear friend to many.  I'll save the details for my paper and presentation, but want to share a few quotes from two Dayton Daily News articles regarding Electra's life and passing.  The poetic nature of these heart-felt words helped me better understand just how much Electra and her work was appreciated by the city of Dayton.  Below are also a few pictures found throughout the articles.  

Sketch with Electra (M) and her sisters, Elizabeth (L) and Alice (R).

"The promontory--dread shape of death, has been rounded by yet another friend; the white sail of her soul has been furled in the safe harbor, and in the going of Electra Doren so well beloved by many; so generous in her friendships there has left us one whose place cannot be filed." 

"From The Window,"  by Penelope Perrill, Dayton Daily News, Saturday March 5, 1927

"If it is true that an institution is the lengthened shadow of one person, then certainly the Dayton Public Library is the shadow of Miss Electra Doren."

"For fifty years she has stood for culture, education and idealism in a community where most of us lived for things."

"Miss Doren has built her own monument, and one that will not crumble."

"Miss Electra Doren,"  Dayton Daily News, Saturday March 5, 1927

Images taken at Electra's funeral on Tuesday March 8, 1927 

I've never really used obituaries and articles related to one's death in my research.  This experience not only allowed me to learn more about Electra, but also taught me more about the information included in newspaper obituaries.  Through reading these articles, I learned that obituaries can be great for learning more about someone's personal affiliations and family life, two areas in which I was lacking solid information.

Sources:

http://www.libraries.wright.edu/special/ddn_archive/2011/03/01/some-background-on-the-dayton-daily-news-archive/

News clippings from The Dayton Metro Library Genealogy Center