Elizabeth Sprague Pitcher Taber needs little introduction in our community. As “Marion’s Fairy Godmother,” this progress-minded philanthropist provided funds to build the town library, the Congregational Church Chapel, and the Music Hall, among other public-spirited endeavors. Her passionate advocacy of education is undeniably demonstrated in her founding of Tabor Academy in 1876. Marion residents are justifiably grateful for Mrs. Taber’s generous spirit that enabled and encouraged the town to grow into the lively, arts- and education-friendly community it is today.
This weekend, the home of Elizabeth Taber, who was born in Marion but lived in New Bedford after her marriage to clockmaker Stephen Taber, will be one of the stops on the tour of “Historic Women of the SouthCoast.” Beginning at the New Bedford Whaling Museum, two free tours this weekend (Saturday, September 22 at 11:00 and 2:00) will highlight some of the New Bedford women who “lit the way,” making significant contributions to the life of the SouthCoast. The following description of this inspired and inspiring project appears on the “Lighting the Way” website:
Lighting the Way: Historic Women of SouthCoast explores the historical impact of women from the region. As educators and philanthropists, abolitionists and crusaders for social justice, investors and confectioners, sister sailors and millworkers, women from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds have shaped their SouthCoast communities, the nation, and the world. Lighting the Way is unearthing remarkable stories of women’s callings that required grit, tenacity, and enduring commitment to their families, careers and communities.
Lighting the Way is amplifying history by revealing these previously untold stories of vision, determination, and perseverance, and by exploring connections between historical figures. Guided by a committee of individuals and organizations from throughout the region, Lighting the Way is enhancing our understanding of history, and enriching the cultural life of the SouthCoast.
In addition to Elizabeth Taber, several other women from the towns of Marion and Mattapoisett are also highlighted, including Cecil Clark Davis, Huybertie Hamlin, and Helena de Kay Gilder, who is pictured above, working in her studio. Click here for the new website to read fascinating biographies, and follow the progress of this extraordinary project as it illuminates the lives of these history-making women of the SouthCoast.