Carthage Women in History

Marian Wright Powers
1880 – 1969

1880: Born in Connersville, Indiana

1888: Moved with parents to Carthage, Missouri

1893: Sang at first funeral; later said she had "married & buried" half of Jasper County during her lifetime

1900: Graduated from Carthage Collegiate Insitute

1900: Elk's Carnival Queen at Festival and Dedication of Elk's Club

1903: Married Dr. Everett Powers and couple honeymooned in Europe where Mrs. Powers studied music while husband studied medicine

1905: Daughter Marian Louisa Powers was born

1909: Studied music in Paris, France; followed by instruction with other teachers in Chicago and New York City throughout 1910s

1913: Debuted in Aeolian Hall in New York City; continued to sing locally and regionally for private groups as well as symphonies

1914: Became member of Daughter's of the American Revolution, Rhoda Fairchild Chapter

1916: Founding member and officer of Carthage's PEO, Chapter AP

1917: Moved to 314 Euclid Boulevard and supervised rennovation of property and grounds while husband was serving in WWI. Planted maples and redbuds still featured in median of Euclid Boulevard; avid gardener at home and responsible for planting of water lillies and crocuses at Central Park as well as
trees at the Carthage Library and McCune-Brooks Hospital

1917–18: Active Red Cross worker during WW I especially knitting garments for soldier and refugees

1920s–30s Continued concertizing and women's club work

1941–1945: Again, active Red Cross worker during WWII

1951: Retired from public performance (except clubs and church services)

Also member of NNC, Cosmos Club, Junior Shakespeare Society, Carthage Music Club and Grace Episcopal Church.

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