Helen Ellis

WOMEN OF WESTPORT POINT

Helen E. Ellis (1889-1978)

Woodcarver, historian

1874 Main Road, Westport Point

Rosamond Pierce and Helen Ellis

Helen E. Ellis (1889-1978) is perhaps more notable for her contributions to historic preservation in New Bedford than here in Westport. She was not a historian in the traditional sense, but her appreciation of the past and her skills embraced a wide-range of interests such as woodcarving, music, books, antiques, decorative arts, nature, and education. She typifies the broad range of interests that women often brought to their community. However, her financial independence, entrepreneurial drive, and exceptional artistic creativity set her apart from her contemporaries.

A teacher by profession in woodcarving and physical education at Milton Academy in the 1910s, she found her way to Westport in 1916, purchasing an 18th– century cottage at Westport Point. Located at 1874 Main Road, it became known as FivElms, an homage to the five magnificent trees lining the front.

Carving by Helen Ellis

She never married. Her life in Westport brought many roles: noted woodcarver, curator of decorative arts at the New Bedford Whaling Museum, owner of a book store, and a tearoom in her own home! She was devoted to innovative forms of education, founding the Children’s Museum in Dartmouth in 1952. She was among the founding members of the Westport Historical Society and active in many other organizations such as the Women’s Club, Land Trust, and Westport Art Group. Her influence is still felt strongly locally many years after her death. With the establishment of the Helen E. Ellis Charitable Trust, her name is linked to many local projects, cultural, educational and, of course, historical!