Vigo County Historical Society

Clara Fairbanks had lifelong commitment to women in need

Clara Collett Fairbanks was born Aug. 14, 1840, to Stephen S. and Sarah Collett and was the youngest of nine children. Her father was a state senator of Indiana representing Vermillion and Parke counties. She lost her father at age 3 and her mother when she was 12. Left a large fortune, she was raised by a loving aunt, Susana Flanders. Clara went to the Porter School and the Episcopal Seminary known as Agnes Hall.

Clara Collett married successful businessman Crawford Fairbanks on Dec. 31, 1872, and lived on Cherry Street. They had one daughter, Sarah.

A very religious woman, Clara lived a simple but busy life involving herself in many charitable organizations. She was always interested in women’s causes, donating a large amount of time and money to many charities, much of which was never made public.

Clara Fairbanks died on Feb. 19, 1911. In 1924, Crawford Fairbanks built a large brick home at the corner of North Seventh Street and Eighth Avenue and dedicated it as a memorial to his wife. It was named the Clara Fairbanks Old Ladies Home. It provided a haven for aged women who were alone and needed care. It gave the women of yesteryear comfort, shelter and dignity. Fairbanks kept $250,000 in trust to run this home.

In 1971, it merged with another women’s home, Chauncey Rose Home, which ran until 1986. The home closed in February 1986, and the property was bought by Union Hospital in October 1986.

In 1996, the home was demolished and a Women’s Health Center was established in the building formerly occupied by Dr. Leon Blum. It was named the Clara Fairbanks for Women to honor the name of Clara Fairbanks or her lifelong dedication to women’s needs. Union Hospital marked the site with a memorial wall containing the original cornerstone.

This new center has all the modern facilities to serve the needs for health care of women, particularly breast diagnostic care. Clara’s compassion and generosity of heart still lives on in this health care for women.

Portraits of Clare and Crawford Fairbanks hang in the Victorian parlor on the museum’s second floor.