Elinor Thurman Collection

Collection

Identifier: 2019.011

Staff Only

Content Description

This collection consists of transcriptions of newspaper articles covering a wide range of social news, obituaries, marriages, and social activities of white middle to upper class citizens of Clarksville. The transcriptions begin with articles from 1840 and continue through the mid 1950’s.

Dates

1840 - 1952

Creator

Thurman, Elinor (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open for research use.

Conditions Governing Use

Some material may be copyrighted or restricted. It is the patron's obligation to determine and satisfy copyright or other case restrictions when publishing or otherwise distributing materials found in the collections.

Biographical / Historical

Elinor Howell Thurman, born January 6, 1937, was the only child of William Barnes Thurman and Hazel Howell Thurman. She was raised at 202 Madison Street by her parents and grandparents. Elinor was a graduate of Clarksville High School and Austin Peay State University, where her studies focused on history and English. Elinor never married. She devoted her time to her work at the APSU library and chronicling local history. She was especially interested in the social aspects of Clarksville and her own family history, particularly white affluent citizens. The 1999 tornado damaged her home and most of downtown Clarksville, prompting Elinor to move in with her second cousin Susan Mabry. This temporary living arrangement lasted until Elinor became ill, and eventually died at the age of 77 on January 18, 2014.

Susan Mabry is the daughter of Tom Mabry, a Harvard Graduate that went on to work for Time Life. Susan was the custodian of Miss Thurman’s transcriptions and asked Mrs. Harriet Mabry to donate the collection in her cousin’s name.

Extent

2.5 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Arrangement

Arranged by date.

Processing Information

The arrangement for this collection follows the original order. Seven binders in chronological order and additional loose unfinished items were donated. Items were removed from the original binders and placed in acid free folders. The loose items are in the order in which they were received and were placed in acid free folders at the end of the collection.