Ellie Thurman Reichlin

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Simmons University University of Rochester

Ellie Reichlin Obituary

REICHLIN, Ellie (Elinor) Thurman, Ellie's spirit escaped her pained body on March 7, 2011 at the age of 81 following a 16 month struggle with lung cancer. The only child of the late Rose Thurman Dameshek and Dr. William Dameshek, Ellie was born in Brookline, Massachusetts and had lived in St. Louis, Rochester, N.Y., Bloomfield, CT and Boston before moving to southern Arizona 20 years ago. She leaves her husband of nearly 60 years, Dr. Seymour (Si) Reichlin; three children, Seth David, Nyack N.Y., Anne Elise, Ithaca, N.Y., Douglas James, Boulder, CO and four grandchildren, Elijah Abraham Reichlin-Melnick, Aaron Emmanuel Reichlin-Melnick, Simon Ephraim Bohn and Eva Adela Bohn. Ellie was a stellar student at Brookline High School, obtained her BA at Sarah Lawrence College, a Master's degree in Anthropology at the University of Rochester, and a Masters degree in Library Science at Simmons College. She served as the curator of acquisitions at the Harvard Peabody Museum and then was Director of Archives at the Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities in Boston. She received national attention in 1976 when she discovered the earliest known photographs of African slaves in America while sorting through a forgotten drawer at the Harvard Peabody Museum, and determined through historical research that they had been taken to support the now discredited theory that Whites and Blacks were created by God as separate species. In her professional role she is remembered by her many students and scholars whose work she helped advance. Most importantly, she is remembered by her family as a loving wife, mother, aunt and grandmother, and by everyone for her humor, keen wit, honesty, charm, joy in life and beautiful spirit. She leaves a space that cannot be filled. There will be a celebration of her life in July near the ocean at Cape Split, ME where the family has spent its summers for 50 years. Contributions can be sent to the University of Arizona Cancer Center in her name. Arrangements by GREEN VALLEY MORTUARY.

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Published by Arizona Daily Star on Mar. 13, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Ellie Reichlin

7 Entries

December 4, 2011

Dear Si,
I am Peter Wood, the third child of Dr. Barry Wood, who was your mentor in St. Louis. All five of Barry and Leal's children enjoyed the visits of the Reichlins to our house on Litzsinger Road. One Christmas Ellie took five white mugs and painted them with personalized pictures for each of the Wood kids. I kept mine for years.
Years later, in 1976, she contacted me as the author of Black Majority, a book about South Carolina slavery, and told me of her discovery of the important SC slave pictures at the Peabody. In the course of our correspondence, I asked her (or did she ask me, I can't recall) if we had indeed met years ago in St. Louis. It brought back lots of good memories for both of us.
I thought of Ellie again this week when I saw comments regarding a recent book about the Harvard photos. I instinctively Googled her name to re-establish contact, but I see from the obituary that I was too late. So this note is just to add my voice to the many others who have written to offer sympathy to the family and admiration for a wonderful woman who touched the lived of many, young and old. She is missed.

Peter H. Wood
Hillsborough, NC

Bill Mathis

October 21, 2011

Dr. Reichlin,
How the years have passed. I am so sorry to learn of Mrs. reichlin's death, but, without a doubt, the few years that you were our neighbors in Parkview in University City (St. Louis) left a lasting impression on this then young boy next door. Mother and Dad loved the times spent together and it was clear to Mother you were destined for well-earned fame. Even I, as a young kid was aware of the brilliance, support, and pride that Ellie contributed to the endeavors. I recall baby-sitting for the kids, maybe only Seth and Doug, and helping to teach Seth to ride a bike. (I see he learned well!) . The Reichlin's have remained a fond and treasured memory to us. Accept my condolences and be well.

Bill Mathis
Clayton, Mo

Louise Brown

August 23, 2011

Dear Seymour,
I read of Ellie's death in the Simmons magazine which arrived today. I have fond memories of working with her on a project at the Wayland Public Library where I was director for 25 years. I think it was the late 80's, just before you both planned your move to Tucson. I can picture Ellie now; she was so intelligent and capable. I believe she prepared written material to accompany a historic photography exhibit we were planning. Her brochure was stellar. Over a long career, you meet many interesting people, but most are forgotten after a while. Not, Ellie. She was a real unique individual, independent thinking, fun to work with. I recall even meeting you and Ellie in a few of the ethnic restaurants we frequented. Please accept my deepest sympathy. I hope that memories of this special lady-- your wife, friend, companion, and the love and support of your family and friends are helping you deal with this loss. My thoughts are with you.

Christine Benway

July 18, 2011

Dear Dr. Reichlin,

I happened upon this notice about your wife's passing and it made me very sad. Long ago, you and Mrs. Reichlin left a significant imprint on my life. I remember how proud you were of her when she brought to light the existence and significance of those slave photographs. At holiday times, when you would give gifts to your Endocrine Department staff, the gifts were so artfully and thoughtfully chosen by your wife. All these years later, I still have two of them - a pottery vase and a small copper skillet. Most of all, I remember the obvious love and admiration you showed whenever you spoke of Ellie. I'm so sorry for your loss and I hope you are bearing up well.

Most sincerely,

Christine J. Benway
Endocrine Department and Tufts Clinical Study Unit, circa 1973 et seq.

April 7, 2011

Dear Si,
Ellie is responsible for helping me to acclimate to Tucson some six years ago. She came to my workshop on writing memoirs and continued to write stories in my group the following months.
My husband Paul and I visited your Vail home after a lunch with Nina and Nick. When you were searching for a new home, we hoped you would find something near us in the Foothills.
We both loved and enjoyed Ellie, a truly warm and gentle woman, whose sense of humor may have been her largest gift to the world.
We mourn her passing and send our sympathies.
Kathy Cowan and Paul Shephard

Mary Greene

March 21, 2011

I was lucky enough to meet Ellie at a concert in Green Valley a few years ago. We found much in common, & began e-mailing one another. Then I moved away to live with my daughter after my husband died, and lost contact with Ellie. Thank God I found this obit, and can add my thanks for knowing her to this memory book. What lucky people came into close contact with this vibrant, enthusiastic woman! She was a real treasure.

March 17, 2011

To my cousins and my dear uncle, we send our love and sympathy on this grievous loss. Ellie's voice and her personal and artistic style will be present with you forever. We remember her with love. Evan and Mark Skinner

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