Agnes Eliza Mastick

AGNES ELIZA WARNER MASTICK (1872-1963)

Agnes Eliza Warner was born on February 22, 1872 at McGrawville, NY, the daughter of Lucien Calvin Warner (A.B., 1865; A.M. '70; LL.D. '00) and Keren (Karen) Sarah Osborn Warner (A.M. h. 1902). She entered Oberlin College in 1888 and graduated (PhB) in 1892. Four years later (1896), she married a former classmate, Seabury Cone Mastick and moved to New York City. There she engaged in what was to become a lifetime of educational and philanthropic activities.

A former debutante now living a life of privilege, she had a deep concern for labor and the disadvantaged. She served the YWCA, first as President of the Harlem (NYC) Branch and later helped to organize and direct other branches. Her organizational skills led to her election to the National Board of the YWCA and later to her being awarded honorary membership for life.

Many of her philanthropic endeavors were personal. She sent produce from her extensive truck gardens in Westchester to New York City to assist the undernourished. Though a life-long Congregationalist, she joined her husband in many activities and projects of the Episcopal Church.

Politically and socially involved, she was a member of the Westchester County Women's Republican Club and served as chair of the Board of Directors in 1934. She was active in both the Sorosis Club of New York ("the Mother Club of America") and the AAUW.

Throughout her life she served her alma mater with skill and dedication. She organized and served as first President of the Oberlin Women's Club of New York. She was a member of the Alumni Association Council for several years, three as Vice President, and chaired its Alumni Affiliation Committee. For 61 years she served as secretary for her class, 1892, each year sending out detailed letters and reports to all her classmates. As long as her health permitted, she attended all college reunions.

In 1954, Oberlin College awarded her the Alumni Medal for Distinguished Service for her close work with the college to help councils and committees function more effectively. In 1961, the generous contribution of Agnes Warner Mastick and her husband, Seabury Cone Mastick enabled Oberlin to build Warner Concert Hall, named in memory of her parents. They had endowed the first Warner Concert Hall. In 1962, Oberlin College honored both Mr. and Mrs. Mastick with honorary degrees, Doctor of Humane Letters. In 1964, Mr. Mastick established the Agnes Warner and Seabury Cone Mastick scholarship, which annually cover the financial needs for two freshmen.

http://www.oberlin.edu/archive/holdings/finding/RG30/SG350/biograph...