Mrs. Harrie G. Carnell

American, 1863 - 1944

(not assigned)Dayton, Ohio, USA, North America

BiographyJulia Shaw Patterson Carnell (1863-1944)

Julia Carnell promised to construct a new art museum for the city of Dayton if the community would pay for its operations. The challenge was met and Mrs. Carnell donated nearly $2 million. The Dayton Art Institute's new building was completed in 1930 reflecting the Italian Renaissance style. The structure of nearly 60,000 square feet was designed by architect Edward B. Green of Buffalo, NY. Once it was finished, the Dayton Art Institute on its prominent hilltop location became known as "Dayton's living room." People of all kinds visited to admire the extensive collection, take art classes in the Art Institute School, and enjoy the gardens. Mrs. Carnell's architectural gift to the city as well as the many art works she donated to the museum continue to be enjoyed by present generations. Julia Shaw Patterson Carnell was inducted into the Walk of Fame in 1996. She is buried in Section 13 Lot 365 at Woodland Cemetery.

Julia Shaw Patterson Carnell was the wife of affluent businessman, Harrie G. Carnell. Her first marriage was to Frank J. Patterson (died 1901), brother of John H. Patterson. Julia had already developed the old art museum on St. Clair Street in Dayton and became the leading spirit behind the establishment of the Dayton Art Museum. Mrs. Carnell promised to construct a new art museum for the city of Dayton if the community would pay for its operations. The challenge was met and Mrs. Carnell donated nearly $2 million on the eve of the Great Depression.

In addition to the Dayton Art Museum, Julia, along with her brother-in-law John H. Patterson and nephew Robert Dun Patterson, raised the seed money to establish The Dayton Foundation and created its first unrestricted endowment fund. Julia was a businesswoman, community leader and philanthropist. She earned the distinction of being the first woman in Dayton to sit on a bank board of directors.

Julia Shaw Patterson Carnell was born on July 10, 1863 and died on February 12, 1944 at the age of 80. She is buried in Section 13 Lot 365 in the Patterson Family Lot.

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