Fisk/Meharry in Nashville in Davidson County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)

Donley Harold Turpin, D. D. S.

1892-1948

Photographed By R. E. Smith, September 2, 2007

1. Donley Harold Turpin, D. D. S. Marker

Inscription. Turpin, a 1918 alumnus, was appointed Professor in 1937 and acting dean of the Dental School in 1938. Attesting to his profound devotion to Meharry's School of Dentistry, which was founded in 1886, Turpin gave his personal finances to keep the school open during the Great Depression of the 1930s. In 1942, he resigned as acting dean. Two years later, he was elected president of the National Dental Association. Turpin died on Good Friday in 1948. To commemorate his life, the Meharry Day observance was established college-wide.

Erected by Tennessee Historical Commission. (Marker Number 3A 181.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Education • Science & Medicine. In addition, it is included in the Tennessee Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1918.

Location. 36° 10.096′ N, 86° 48.375′ W. Marker is in Nashville, Tennessee, in Davidson County. It is in Fisk/Meharry. Marker is at the intersection of Dr. D. B. Todd, Jr. Blvd. and Meharry Blvd, on the right when traveling south on Dr. D. B. Todd, Jr. Blvd.. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Nashville TN 37208, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Centennial of Pi Chapter, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc (within

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shouting distance of this marker); Meharry Medical College (within shouting distance of this marker); Desegregating Nashville's Lunch Counters (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Jubilee Hall (about 400 feet away); The Formation of Fisk University (about 400 feet away); The Fisk Jubilee Singers (about 400 feet away); Academic Building At Fisk University (about 400 feet away); Jefferson Street Jazz and Blues Festival (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Nashville.

Additional commentary.
1. Turpin Memorial Day
Turpin Memorial Day is one of four annual Heritage Days in the Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry. These are days in the school calendar which have been set aside to celebrate the memory of persons who have made crucially significant contributions to the survival and progress of the school. Other Heritage Days include the Allen-Watson Day, Mobley-Singleton Day and the Samuel O. Banks, DDS Day. Turpin Memorial Day is dedicated to Donley H. Turpin, DDS.

Dr. Donley H.

Photographed By R. E. Smith, September 2, 2007

2. Donley Harold Turpin, D. D. S. Marker

Turpin graduated from Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry in 1918. He was then immediately appointed to the faculty. He served as Professor of Prosthetic Dentistry, Supervisor of Dental Clinics and during the years 1938 through 1942 he served as Dean, Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry. Dr. Turpin's dedication to dental education and his loyalty to Meharry led him to contribute significant personal financial resources and personal effort to the school so that the school would not be forced to close during the depression years.

Turpin Memorial Day activities are sponsored and presented, on Thursday prior to Easter, by the Omicron Omicron Chapter of OKU. The members of Omicron Omicron Chapter of OKU are proud to recognize with lasting gratitude Dr. Turpin's exemplary professional contribution and to emphasize the chapter's commitment to continue Turpin Memorial Day as an integral part of the dental school's heritage.

The activities of Turpin Day include the Turpin Memorial Day Lecture, presented by an outstanding presenter with dental school ties, introduction of OKU members, recognition of "We Are Watching You" awardees, induction of new OKU members and photographic documentation of all of the OKU members, old and new, in attendance. All activities of the School of Dentistry are closed during the Turpin Memorial Day activities. Note To Editor only visible by Contributor and editor

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2. Member of Phi Beta Sigma
Dr. Turpin was also a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity. He was initiated through the Kappa Chapter at MeHarry in 1921 and was a charter member of our local Nashville Alumni Chapter, Eta Beta Sigma.

— Submitted March 24, 2009, by Steven Townsend of Nashville, Tennessee.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 16, 2007, by R. E. Smith of Nashville, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 1,924 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 16, 2007, by R. E. Smith of Nashville, Tennessee. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.