Helen Goodwin Renwick

Helen Goodwin Renwick was many things - one of Claremont's first philanthropists, a published poet, a patron of the arts, a world traveler, an active member of her church and the sponsor of many of Claremont's early social and cultural events. A native of Akron, Ohio, she studied music at Oberlin College, married lumber magnate William Renwick and, after his death, moved to Claremont in 1895 to raise her only son. In 1900, she built the house now known as Renwick House and lived there for the remainder of her life, opening her home on countless occasions for functions involving artists and students. She always took a special interest in projects benefiting the community, Pomona College and foreign missions. Later in life, she focused most of her energies on poetry, publishing two books: Childhood in Poetry (1928) and Heaven's Own Mosaic (1929). Her gifts to Pomona College induced the institution's first gymnasium and the land for its first art building, Rembrandt Hall, which was built in 1914. She also donated the land for Claremont's first public library and helped to found what would eventually become today's Pilgrim Place, a retirement community for those who have devoted their lives to religious or charitable organizations, Helen Renwick's contributions to town, church and college have cemented her legacy as one of Claremont's most influential early-20th century citizens.