Helen Charlotte Estabrook was born in Ravenna, Ohio in 1901 and graduated from Oberlin College in 1923.  While at Oberlin College, Helen was active in several student organizations including the Liberal Club, Campus Etiquette Committee, and others.  She, along with thirty-four Talcott Hall female residents, founded the group “The Order of the Pearls.”  Helen held the position of secretary within the organization.  The members called themselves “The Pearls.”  The group was formed to help the women maintain their relationships after graduation and to recognize the members who later married.  The women purchased a strand of pearls, which was worn by each member at her wedding.  Daughters of “The Pearls” were entitled to wear the pearls for their wedding ceremonies.   The final owner of the pearls would be the first daughter of a “Pearl” who married a son of a “Pearl.”  In 1971 the group disbanded.

Helen continued to be active in “The Order of the Pearls” after graduation while pursuing other interests and her career.  After graduating from Oberlin College, she held positions as bookkeeper and treasurer (1923-1945) at the Sunlight Electrical Mfg. Co., in Warren, Ohio.  Then she worked as the assistant librarian at the Warren Public Library until her retirement in 1959.  She participated in many civic and professional organizations, serving as a Board Member of the Warren YMCA, volunteering for the League of Women Voters, and serving on the Warren Community Forum.

Helen continued to give financial support to Oberlin College throughout her life.  Donations were made towards the new art library which included the Clarence Ward Book Fund.

Helen died in Warren, Ohio in 1990.  She never married.