Portions of this article were published in the Claremore Progress September 29, 2013 by Tom Fink and portions written by Claremore Museum of History with input from nephew Pat (p.s.) Gordon as part of Women’s History Month written on March 19, 2023.
In a city park in Claremore, a flagpole is dedicated to this woman who held numerous positions of leadership in the city, and assisted in the growth and beautification of Claremore.
According to her nephew Pat Gordon, having Elizabeth Gordon as your aunt was like having your personal “Auntie Mame”. She drove a burnt orange Eldorado Cadillac! She was vivacious, funny, laughed a lot, was very dramatic (an understatement), political and a blessing to have her in his life.
“Elizabeth K. Gordon was a graduate of the University of Hamlin-Minnesota. She married Dr. Minor E. Gordon, and they had two sons, Elliott and Minor. Elizabeth Gordon was extremely active in serving the Claremore community. She was elected twice as the Mayor of Claremore, was President of the Claremore School Board, and President of the Professional Education Organization.”
“She served on the Claremore Planning Commission, the Rogers State University Foundation, the Board of Directors of the Bank of Oklahoma-Claremore, and the Board of Directors of the First Christian Church in Claremore. She was also active in the Chamber of Commerce, the United Way, the Community Chest, the 4-H Foundation, Crimestoppers and an actress in and supporter of the Claremore Community Theater.”
“Claremorians” will always remember her for the efforts she led in the beautification of the city, but perhaps her biggest and most long lasting impression on the city would be her efforts in driving the development of the funding for the Foundation for the Claremore Regional Hospital which is still benefiting the city to this day!
“Beyond Claremore, Gordon was involved in the creation of the Tulsa Whole Blood Bank, served as Vice-President of the Oklahoma Municipal League, served on the Northeastern State University Endowment Fund, and was a nationally-certified flower show judge. Her honors include Claremore Citizen of the Year and the Ducks Unlimited Citizen of the Year, as well as being nominated to the Oklahoma Women’s Hall of Fame.”
She passed away in 1985 at the age of 65. Oh to see that burnt orange Eldorado driving down Will Rogers Boulevard toward City Hall again!
