Elizabeth MacDonell is undoubtedly the most recognizable of the women who made 632 W. Market Street home. She is one of the most important historical figures at the Allen County Museum as well as in Lima and Allen County. Her influence on the museum is profound, having significantly shaped its collections. However, this article focuses on who Elizabeth MacDonell was, how she spent her time—from her family to all the clubs she was in and all the charity work she did. Elizabeth was ingrained in her community, sharing her knowledge and skills with anyone who needed them.[1]
Elizabeth was born February 27, 1865, to James Ross and Harriett Elizabeth (Chaney) Dalzell.[2] At that time, the Dalzell family lived on the northeastern corner of North Street and Elizabeth Street.[3] James was a blacksmith working for the Lake Erie and Western Railroad.[4] Elizabeth would go to school in both Fort Wayne and Lima as a child.[5] When she was studying in Fort Wayne, Elizabeth learned how to play the piano.[6] She would go on to give a piano performance in Chicago at the age of seven and was considered a “child wonder.”[7] We know that she went on to teach piano and play at her church, First Baptist, but it does not seem like she tried to pursue a musical career.[8] Elizabeth would go on to graduate from Lima High School, and would teach there during a few years of her young adulthood.[9]
Elizabeth’s years of teaching came to an end with her marriage to Alexander Thomas MacDonell, usually referred to as A. T. MacDonell.[10] A. T. was born in Metcalfe, Ontario, Canada, on December 20, 1849, to Duncan A. and Isabel Bailey MacDonell.[11] He was just one of their many children. Early into his adulthood, A. T. moved to the United States and began drilling oil in Titusville, Pennsylvania in 1875.[12] Before he moved to Lima, A. T. drilled oil in West Virginia, Indiana, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and other places in Ohio.[13] Then he met Elizabeth, who he considered to be “the most beautiful woman he had ever seen.”[14] They married on August 27, 1890.[15] With his oil interest, being a banker, and doing farming on the side, A. T. made it so Elizabeth could pursue her interests instead of a teaching career.
One of Elizabeth’s interests was most definitely her family. Elizabeth and A. T. would have four sons: Duncan Ross, George Edmond, Alexander Dalzell, and James Alfred.[16] The eldest Duncan became a captain during World War I and would pass away in 1918 from Spanish influenza at Fort Stevens in Oregon.[17] The same year, George would marry Clara Graham.[18] They would have one son, named Duncan, the following year.[19] Unfortunately, in 1923, George would die in a car crash near Findley, Ohio.[20] Clara would remarry a few years later, which Elizabeth helped plan and Elizabeth’s sister hosted.[21] On a happier note, both Alexander and James would out live their mother. Alexander was a banker and would marry Mary Wynne in February of 1926.[22] They would have three children: Alexander “Sandy” Jr., John, and Jean.[23] Lastly, James, married Ellen Mead, the daughter of one of Elizabeth’s best friend’s.[24] They would also have three children: Anne, Gay, and Janet. Elizabeth would welcome all three of her daughters-in-law with open arms. Each would get a few parties before their nuptials, and they were often a part of some of the same social events and clubs as their mother-in-law.[25] We’ll touch on that more in the coming paragraphs. Unfortunately, A. T. became ill at the end of the 1910s. During World War I, he had been asked to represent Ohio in the War Council for Oil, but his illness did not make it possible[26] A. T. passed away on November 12, 1919, not long after Duncan’s passing.[27] Elizabeth would spend the rest of her life single and giving most of her time to her community.
Elizabeth MacDonell was part most of the significant social events in Lima during her life. Honestly, it might be easier to list the events she did not attend. We know she had friends all over America who would often visit. Mrs. Mead, Ellen’s mother, came from California every few years to stay with Elizabeth, as would Elizabeth’s sister and her husband.[28] She would host visitors from her church, First Baptist, as well.[29] She held many events at the Shawnee Country Club.[30] Almost monthly, she held a luncheon or dinner party at the country club or her residence. Often, at this time, weddings or large events would have lists of their guests printed in the newspaper. Elizabeth always seemed on these lists and her name could be found near the top. She certainly seemed to have been one of the most important members of Lima society at the time—always hosting visitors at her home, holding parties, and an invitation to just about every event in the area.
Another significant part of Elizabeth’s life was her involvement in charity work around Lima. Like several of the other women who lived at 632 W. Market Street Elizabeth was involved with the Lima City Hospital,. She was on the board of trustees for the Lima City Hospital for many years.[31] Specifically, Elizabeth was on the board when money was being raised for a new building.[32] That building was completed in 1933 and was renamed Lima Memorial, which stands in the exact same location today.[33] In the 1920s, Elizabeth was on the conservation committee at the Lima Public Library.[34] Later, she sponsored the Junior Service League’s benefit play in 1936.[35] Even before the United States joined World War II, Elizabeth was raising money for the cause. She was on a special committee connected to the Red Cross to help raise $12,000.[36] Then, during the US’s involvement in the war, she worked with the Lima Federation of Women’s Clubs to host events, including a round table discussion on how women could help the war effort.[37] This is just some of the charity work Elizabeth did during her life, and they illustrate how involved she was in her community.
Elizabeth’s favorite charity work was with her church, First Baptist Church of Lima. Throughout her life, she taught Sunday school and played piano at the church.[38] In The Book of Remembrance, Elizabeth’s involvement at the church is recounted, “There she taught in the Sunday School for many years and her counsel was often sought after and usually followed.”[39] Elizabeth was important at First Baptist not only because she taught the youth, but also because she had sound advice. When she passed, Elizabeth also left funds for a new building for First Baptist.[40] A chapel would be built and called the Elizabeth M. MacDonell Chapel; First Baptist still holds some services there today.[41] Another big part of Elizabeth’s connection to First Baptist was being a part of various clubs and guilds under its umbrella. She was a part of the Ladies Aid Society and Elizabeth Guild, hosting an event for the Ladies Aid and giving a presentation on her Alaskan travels for the Elizabeth Guild.[42]It was not clear if she was a member, but Elizabeth went to a musical tea connected to the Lenore Guild of First Baptist. That event was also connected to the Worldwide Guild; thus, she might have been a part of these two groups, too.[43] Therefore, Elizabeth was very connected to First Baptist, and through it, she was connected to her community and charity work.
As you might have noticed, Elizabeth was involved with several First Baptist’s clubs, but she was also a part of many other clubs in Lima. It is unlikely that this article contains all the memberships Elizabeth held, because of the sheer number of them. In The Book of Remembrance, the clubs Elizabeth was involved with included T and T, Art Study, and Garden Clubs specifically.[44] As mentioned earlier, in regards to WWII, Elizabeth was also in connection with the Lima Federation of Women’s Clubs; to put it briefly the hub of the clubs.[45] In 1937, she was one of the women who represented the Lima Federation of Women’s Club for the Ohio Federation event in Akron.[46] Going onto more specific clubs Elizabeth was a part of, the Delphian Club was one mentioned several times. The Delphian Club was a philanthropic group that spent time studying and learning about culture together. In 1939, their year-long focus was on Americans of foreign birth and what they had done during their lives.[47] She was specifically on the program committee for the Delphian Club’s Christmas fundraising charity ball.[48] The Alturian Club was another one Elizabeth participated in. Alturian Clubs are based on utopian ideas expressed in the book A Traveler from Alturia by William Dean Howells.[49] This club focused on social justice and ideals along the vein of socialism.[50] One of the meetings Elizabeth attended focused on “Pioneer Women of Yesterday” and what they did in regards to “government, science, law, religion, and the theatre.”[51] She hosted a musical program for the T and T club at her house,[52] was on the annual picnic committee for the Garden Club,[53] and hosted the Art Study Club at her home several times.[54] Elizabeth was a member of the Arbutus Club, and one of the meetings she attended was focused on how books reflect the current thoughts of the time periods they were written and/or published in.[55] As you can see, several of the clubs she was a part of spent their time discussing intellectual topics. Other clubs were connected to hobbies that Elizabeth was interested in. Elizabeth also gave presentations for or supported other clubs, even if she was not a member. In 1931, Elizabeth gave a lecture on India and China, after her travels to both countries, to The Young Ladies’ Circle.[56] She helped on the committee for The Young Ladies’ Circle programming as well.[57] Two years earlier she gave a similar lecture to the Cooperation of the Churches and Y.W.C.A.[58] In that presentation she talked more specifically about India, Manchuria,[59] Peking,[60] and Egypt, their people and customs.[61] Elizabeth was a part of many clubs during her life, nurturing philosophical discussions, spending time on her hobbies, and sharing her own experiences.
As mentioned, Elizabeth traveled a lot, especially for her time. In Elizabeth’s section of The Book of Remembrance, her travels are highlighted. Specifically, she traveled often and widely in the western hemisphere from Canada to Central America.[62] With James, Elizabeth went on a trip around the world for eleven months in 1926-7.[63] This is when she visited India, China, and Egypt. She traveled a lot with James and Ellen. They went to the Great Lakes Exposition in Cleveland together.[64] The following year, they went to Holland, Michigan, in May, probably for the Tulip Time Festival.[65] Because of all her friends and family were in California, Elizabeth often traveled there. In 1938, she spent six weeks going around California to many different areas and cities.[66] It seems like Elizabeth also traveled with A. D. or at least Mary. In 1941, Elizabeth and Mary went on a trip through the south of the United States together.[67] Elizabeth’s last big trip seems to have been to Alaska in 1942. She toured up the Alaskan coast to the Yukon River. Elizabeth traveled and shared what she learned on these voyages with her Allen County community.
Just like Ida, Elizabeth had an interest in real estate. In 1920, Elizabeth bought the residence of Henry Deisel on 312 S. Cole Street.[68] At that time, A. T. was still alive, and they lived in their home at 531 W. Market Street, which is now a parking lot just down the block from McDonalds across the street from the Rite Aid.[69] This home purchase was not for her to live in. To further that point, she stated in the article about the home purchase that the Deisel family was still going to live in the home for the next year.[70] Logically, they most likely paid rent to Elizabeth during that time. It was rumored, but never confirmed that the price was around $50,000.[71] A. D. and Mary would later live at 312 S. Cole Street, but it is unclear if they bought it from Elizabeth or if she gifted it to them.[72] In 1932, Elizabeth bought 632 W. Market Street from William and Ida Hoover.[73] This time, the transaction was made so Elizabeth could move. She would move into the MacDonell House that year and reside there until she passed away. We do not know how much money she paid for the house.[74] Lastly, in 1942, Elizabeth sold some land in Lima to Doris Steiner.[75] This is probably not representative of every land purchase she conducted but shows that Elizabeth was interested in real estate.
When researching Elizabeth MacDonell, there is a plethora of information, but this article hopefully condensed that information into some of the most important aspects of her life. Her family life with all its joys and tragedies—from her charity work and involvement at her church, the First Baptist Church of Limato her participation in and leading of many women’s clubs around Allen County to her travels and how she shared them with others. Sadly, Elizabeth would pass away on December 14, 1942, after six weeks of being sick, probably a result of a stroke in October.[76] She was buried in Woodlawn Cemetery in Lima. In an article, a few decades after Elizabeth’s passing, she is remembered like this, “Most of you, however, probably have fond memories of Mrs. MacDonell as she traveled the avenues of Lima in her shiny black electric car.”[77]
Endnotes:
[1] It is important to note that neither Elizabeth nor her son and daughter-in-law, James and Ellen MacDonell, made significant structural changes to the 632 W. Market Street home. Therefore, there will not be an article on any renovation done to the home. Instead, after both Elizabeth’s and Ellen’s articles, we will speak on how the house was turned into a museum, with a lot of help from the MacDonell family.
[2] “Elizabeth Mead MacDonell,” The Book of Remembrance, Print out in MacDonell Family File at Allen County Archive.
[3] Ibid.
[4] Greg Hoersten, “MacDonell’s Strong Sense of The Historic,” Lima News, March 13, 2024.
[5] “Elizabeth Mead MacDonell,” The Book of Remembrance, Print out in MacDonell Family File at Allen County Archive.
[6] Ibid.
[7] Ibid.
[8] Greg Hoersten, “MacDonell’s Strong Sense of The Historic,” Lima News, March 13, 2024.
[9] “Elizabeth Mead MacDonell,” The Book of Remembrance, Print out in MacDonell Family File at Allen County Archive.
[10] Ibid.
[11] “Alexander Thomas MacDonell,” The Book of Remembrance, Print out in MacDonell Family File at Allen County Archive.
[12] Ibid.
[13] Ibid.
[14] Ibid.
[15] Ibid.
[16] “Elizabeth Mead MacDonell,” The Book of Remembrance, Print out in MacDonell Family File at Allen County Archive.
[17] “Popular Young Lima Soldier is Influenza Victim,” Lima Democratic News, October 16, 1918, Print out in MacDonell Family File at Allen County Archive.
[18] “George Edmond MacDonell,” Ancestry.com, Accessed August 8, 2024, https://www.ancestry.com/family-tree/person/tree/120641045/person/110203854824/facts?_phsrc=ppw188&_phstart=successSource.
[19] Ibid.
[20] “MacDonell Dies in Car Crash,” Lima Democratic News, August 16, 1923, Print out in MacDonell Family File at Allen County Archives.
[21] “Mrs. Clara Graham MacDonell Weds Capt. John Van Deurson,” Lima News, May 18, 1928, Accessed August 14, 2024, https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/7751/images/NEWS-OH-LI_NE.1928_05_18_0017.
[22] “Lima Trust Company,” Lima News, July 8, 1928, Ancestry.com, Accessed August 8, 2024, https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/7751/images/NEWS-OH-LI_NE.1928_07_08_0023 and “Alexander Dalzell MacDonell Sr.,” Ancestry.com, Accessed August 8, 2024, https://www.ancestry.com/family-tree/person/tree/120641045/person/110203854599/facts/.
[23] “Alexander Dalzell MacDonell Sr.,” Ancestry.com, Accessed August 8, 2024, https://www.ancestry.com/family-tree/person/tree/120641045/person/110203854599/facts/.
[24] “James Alfred MacDonell,” Ancestry.com, Accessed August 8, 2024. https://www.ancestry.com/family-tree/person/tree/120641045/person/110203854823/facts.
[25] “Society,” Lima News, August 13, 1936, Ancestry.com, Accessed July 9, 2024, https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/7751/images/NEWS-OH-LI_NE.1936_08_13_0002
[26] “Alexander Thomas MacDonell,” The Book of Remembrance, Print out in MacDonell Family File at Allen County Archive.
[27] Ibid.
[28] “Society,” Lima News, June 5, 1928, Ancestry.com, Accessed August 7, 2024, https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/7751/images/NEWS-OH-LI_NE.1928_06_05_0008.
[29] “Society,” Lima News, May 12, 1922, Ancestry.com, Accessed August 7, 2024, https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/7751/images/NEWS-OH-LI_NE.1922_05_12_0024.
[30] “Society,” Lima News, June 5, 1928, Ancestry.com, Accessed August 7, 2024, https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/7751/images/NEWS-OH-LI_NE.1928_06_05_0008.
[31] “Elizabeth Mead MacDonell,” The Book of Remembrance, Print out in MacDonell Family File at Allen County Archive.
[32] “Society,” Lima News, June 30, 1929, Ancestry.com, Accessed August 7, 2024, https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/7751/images/NEWS-OH-LI_NE.1929_06_30_0015.
[33] “Our History,” Lima Memorial, Accessed August 13, 2024, https://www.limamemorial.org/about-lmhs/125th-anniversary/.
[34] “Season is Opened by Clubs,” Lima News, October 31, 1926, Accessed August 8, 2024, https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/7751/images/NEWS-OH-LI_NE.1926_10_31_0020.
[35] “Lima Cooperating in Benefit Play by J. S. L.,” Lima News, August 16, 1936, Ancestry.com, Accessed July 9, 2024, https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/7751/images/NEWS-OH-LI_NE.1936_08_16_0011
[36] “Red Cross to Raise $12,000,” Lima News, June 9, 1940, Ancestory.com, Accessed July 3, 2024, https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/7751/images/NEWS-OH-LI_NE.1940_06_09_0016.
[37] “Lima Cooperating in Benefit Play by J. S. L.,” Lima News, August 16, 1936, Ancestry.com, Accessed July 9, 2024, https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/7751/images/NEWS-OH-LI_NE.1936_08_16_0011
[38] Greg Hoersten, “MacDonell’s Strong Sense of The Historic,” Lima News, March 13, 2024.
[39] “Elizabeth Mead MacDonell, The Book of Remembrance, Print out in MacDonell Family File at Allen County Archive.
[40] Ibid.
[41] “Lima Church Calendar,” Lima News, May 26, 1962, Ancentry.com, Accessed July 3, 2024, https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/7751/images/NEWS-OH-LI_NE.1962_05_26_0006
[42] “Society,” Lima News, July 4, 1920, Ancestry.com, Accessed July 8, 2024, https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/7751/images/NEWS-OH-LI_NE.1920_07_04_0012 and “Personals,” Lima News, March 19, 1942, Ancestry.com, Accessed August 7, 2024, https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/7751/images/NEWS-OH-LI_NE.1942_03_19_0018.
[43] “Musicale and Tea Planned by Lenore Guild Members,” Lima News, January 26, 1934, Ancestry.com, Accessed July 9, 2024, https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/7751/images/NEWS-OH-LI_NE.1934_01_26_0012.
[44] “Elizabeth Mead MacDonell,” The Book of Remembrance, Print out in MacDonell Family File at Allen County Archive.
[45] “Interesting Program Presented at Affair Saturday Afternoon,” Lima News, May 22, 1938, Ancestry.com, Accessed July 8, 2024, https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/7751/images/NEWS-OH-LI_NE.1938_05_22_0025.
[46] “Ohio Federation Meeting Plan,” Lima News, May 16, 1937, Ancestry.com, Accessed July 9, 2024, https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/7751/images/NEWS-OH-LI_NE.1937_05_16_0029
[47] “Initial Meeting of the Season Will be Held September 20,” Lima News, September 10, 1939, Ancestry.com, Accessed July 3, 2024, https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/7751/images/NEWS-OH-LI_NE.1939_09_10_0026.
[48] Ibid.
[49] “A Lost Utopian Community,” Alturiawines.com, Accessed July 3, 2024, https://www.altruriawines.com/.
[50] Ibid.
[51] “Altrurian Club Members Open Current Season with Luncheon Friday Afternoon,” Lima News, October 8, 1937, Ancestry.com, Accessed July 3, 2024, https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/7751/images/NEWS-OH-LI_NE.1937_10_08_0034.
[52] “Society,” Lima News, April 24, 1938, Ancestry.com, Accessed July 8, 2024, https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/7751/images/NEWS-OH-LI_NE.1938_04_24_0027.
[53] “Society,” Lima News, August 10, 1930, Ancestry.com, Accessed July 8, 2024, https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/7751/images/NEWS-OH-LI_NE.1930_08_10_0013.
[54] “Society,” Lima News, March 10, 1930, Ancestry.com, Accessed July 9, 2024, https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/7751/images/NEWS-OH-LI_NE.1930_03_10_0006.
[55] “Arbutus Club Entertains with Guest Meeting in Home of Mrs. J. E. Galvin,” Lima News, January 11, 1937, Ancestry.com, Accessed July 9, 2024, https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/7751/images/NEWS-OH-LI_NE.1937_01_11_0014.
[56] “Society,” Lima News, October 21, 1931, Ancestry.com, Accessed July 9, 2024, https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/7751/images/NEWS-OH-LI_NE.1931_10_21_0003.
[57] Ibid.
[58] “Society,” Lima News, April 26, 1928, Ancestry.com, Accessed August 7, 2024, https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/7751/images/NEWS-OH-LI_NE.1928_04_26_0012.
[59] The northeastern region of China near North Korea.
[60] Older name of Beijing, China.
[61] “Society,” Lima News, April 26, 1928, Ancestry.com, Accessed August 7, 2024, https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/7751/images/NEWS-OH-LI_NE.1928_04_26_0012.
[62] “Elizabeth Mead MacDonell,” The Book of Remembrance, Print out in MacDonell Family File at Allen County Archive.
[63] Ibid.
[64] “Personals,” Lima News, August 16, 1936, Ancestry.com, Accessed July 9, 2024, https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/7751/images/NEWS-OH-LI_NE.1936_08_16_0023..
[65] “Personals,” Lima News, May 16, 1937, Ancestry.com, Accessed July 9, 2024, https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/7751/images/NEWS-OH-LI_NE.1937_05_16_0029.
[66] “Personals,” Lima News, April 22, 1938, Ancestry.com, Accessed July 9, 2024, https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/7751/images/NEWS-OH-LI_NE.1938_04_22_0023.
[67] “Personals,” Lima News, October 22, 1941, Ancestry.com, Accessed August 7, 2024, https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/7751/images/NEWS-OH-LI_NE.1941_10_22_0010..
[68] “Fine Home Sold,” Lima Democratic News, April 9, 1920, Printed out in MacDonell Family File at the Allen County Archive.
[69] “Auto Stolen, Another is Stripped of Tires,” Lima News, December 10, 1921, Ancestry.com, Accessed August 22, 2024, https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/7751/images/NEWS-OH-LI_NE.1921_12_10_0003.
[70] Ibid.
[71] Ibid.
[72] “Personals,” Lima News, November 17, 1936, Accessed August 18, 2024, https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/7751/images/NEWS-OH-LI_NE.1936_11_17_0010..
[73] “Mrs. A. T. MacDonell Buys Hoover Home,” Unknown Newspaper, June 30, 1932, Printed out in MacDonell Family Records in Allen County Archive.
[74] Ibid.
[75] “252 Realty Instruments are listed during week in office of recorder,” Lima News, February 8, 1942, Ancestry.com, Accessed July 3, 2024, https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/7751/images/NEWS-OH-LI_NE.1942_02_08_0010.
[76] “Prominent Lima Women is Dead,” Lima News, Unknown date, In James A. MacDonell File at the Allen County Archives.
[77] “Hike Down Lane,” Lima News, February 2, 1965, Ancestry.com, Accessed July 3, 2024, https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/7751/images/NEWS-OH-LI_NE.1965_02_02_0013.
Image Credit:
Harris & Ewing, Mrs. Roosevelt Honored at Breakfast by Congressional Club, February 12, 1940, LC-DIG-hec-47551, https://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/2016883954/.
Still the Greatest Mother in the World; Fourth Red Cross Roll Call, [between 1916 and 1919], LC-DIG-anrc-08195, https://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/2017673979/.
How Tourist Travel in the Nile, circa 1896, LC-USZ62-105992, https://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/92514899/.
H. Graves, Nankow Pass. Great Wall in the Distance. China, 1902, LC-DIG-stereo-1s19025, https://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/2019633783/.
All other images came from the Allen County Archive.
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