In 1924, a large brick home was built at the corner of North Seventh Street and Eighth Avenue, known as the Clara Fairbanks Home. Built by Crawford Fairbanks, dedicated it to his wife, Clara Collett, as a memorial.
Clara was born in August 1840 to Stephen and Sarah Collett, and was the youngest of nine children. Her father was the state senator of Vermillion and Parke county. When Clara was 3 her dad died, and then at the age of 12 her mother died. She was raised by her aunt, but was left with a large fortune by her father. In 1872, she married Crawford Fairbanks, who was a local successul businessman.
Clara was very interested in women's causes, especially their health. She was involved in many charitable events and gave large amounts of money and time.
The Clara Fairbanks Home was a place for aged women, most of who were alone, usually poor, and needed care. It was a place to give older women comfort and shelter. In 1971, it merged with the Chauncy Rose Home, another women's home, and stayed open until 1986. In February of that year the home closed and was purchased by Union Hospital. As most buildings in Terre Haute, it was demolished in 1996 and a women's health center was built in honor of Clara Fairbanks named, Clara Fairbanks Women's Health Center. It was in her honor for her lifelong dedication for women's health and needs. Union Hospital marked the site with a memorial wall with the original cornerstone. A picture of Clara and her husband Crawford, can be found in the Victorian Parlor in the Vigo County Historical Museum's second floor. She impacted many women in Terre Haute during her time, and her legacy still lives on even today.
Clara was born in August 1840 to Stephen and Sarah Collett, and was the youngest of nine children. Her father was the state senator of Vermillion and Parke county. When Clara was 3 her dad died, and then at the age of 12 her mother died. She was raised by her aunt, but was left with a large fortune by her father. In 1872, she married Crawford Fairbanks, who was a local successul businessman.
Clara was very interested in women's causes, especially their health. She was involved in many charitable events and gave large amounts of money and time.
The Clara Fairbanks Home was a place for aged women, most of who were alone, usually poor, and needed care. It was a place to give older women comfort and shelter. In 1971, it merged with the Chauncy Rose Home, another women's home, and stayed open until 1986. In February of that year the home closed and was purchased by Union Hospital. As most buildings in Terre Haute, it was demolished in 1996 and a women's health center was built in honor of Clara Fairbanks named, Clara Fairbanks Women's Health Center. It was in her honor for her lifelong dedication for women's health and needs. Union Hospital marked the site with a memorial wall with the original cornerstone. A picture of Clara and her husband Crawford, can be found in the Victorian Parlor in the Vigo County Historical Museum's second floor. She impacted many women in Terre Haute during her time, and her legacy still lives on even today.
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