The story of the woman in the painting at the York County SPCA
Visitors to the York County SPCA view this portrait outside the human society’s meeting room. Why is Esther Yeagley’s so honored? Pre-World War II Thanksgiving holds lessons for York countians today and Loretta Claiborne’s achievements bring spotlight her way and York County historical war deaths top 1,000.
Another in an occasional series of the people behind the names on the building facades and portraits hanging in public places… .
Dr. John Yeagley passed away years ago but people still remember him around York. Among other things, he was the chief of public health during the terrible polio outbreak of 1941. He received a bio in the 1999 publication “Heroes and Builders.”
But reminders of Esther Yeagley’s community contributions is possibly more visible than any her husband left behind. Her portrait hangs in the very public SPCA shelter in Manchester Township.
The SPCA’s “Pet Gazette” gives background about the woman on the painting: …
The Swarthmore graduate worked as a bookkeeper and receptionist for her husband 814 E. Market St. practice.
She – and her husband – had a deep love for animals.
When Esther Yeagley died in 2001, she left a bequest to the SPCA, writing in her will that her “last dog Daisy came from the SPCA and has brought much happiness to us both.”
So she is remembered, too, for her endowment, which helps her beloved humane society cover operating costs each year.
Also of interest:
Check out this blog’s stories and photographs about pets and animals.
