On Sun, Oct 25th the newest Ohio Historical marker will be dedicated in Cooper Park, adjacent to the Metro Public Library. The marker commemorates Dayton-born writer Natalie Clifford Barney.
A noted writer, Natalie was born October 31, 1876 in Dayton, OH. From the age of 12, Natalie Barney knew that she was a lesbian and she was raised to appreciate the arts. By the age of 20, she had moved to Paris and published the first of her renowned feminist books. In the early 20th Century, when women writers were ignored and dismissed, Natalie Barney created and anchored a formidable leadership role in literary circles. She established her own literary salon which included women, and it quickly drew the leading western writers to her Paris home. For more than 50 years, prominent writers joined her literary circle each week, run according to her rules. Ms. Barney died in Paris on February 2, 1972.
The Ohio Historical Marker program, administered by the Ohio Historical Society since 1957, enables Ohioans to commemorate and celebrate local history as well as to learn more about the state. Designed to be permanent and highly visible, the markers are cast-aluminum signs that tell stories about all aspects of Ohio history.
To date, there are more than 1,300 markers statewide. Immediately follow the dedication ceremony, a presentation of Natalie Barney’s life and works will be held in the Library’s auditorium, Salon Style by Leon Bey. The presentation will include dramatic readings from Ms. Barney’s works, her epigrams and poetry. Refreshments are planned after the program, reminiscent of the food served in the Barney Salons held in her Paris home.
The public is invited to enjoy this presentation on the life of this Dayton-born literary giant and sample the recipes used in her famous Salons.
For more information about the marker dedication, contact John Zimmerman or (937) 313-7813.
For more information on the life and times of Natalie Clifford Barney, contact Leon Bey or (937) 274-4749.For more information about Ohio Historical Markers, visit www.remarkableohio.org.
