Her Stories

- Documenting the Role of Women in Local History -

The small Centre County community of Snow Shoe has very fond memories of Vivian David. David spent her childhood there and then returned each summer as an adult. In 1988 she made a generous gift to the community when she donated her Victorian childhood home to the Snow Shoe Lions Club. Now known as the Lions David House, the building serves as a cultural center for the community and houses much of the town's history and memorabilia for the people of Snow Shoe to enjoy.

Vivian David was born in the Lions David House, as it is now called, on December 15, 1900. Her parents, Jenkin Reese and Sophia Morgan David, both of Welsh background, were married in Snow Shoe in the early 1880s. Vivian David's father died when she was about nine or ten years old, and her mother raised Vivian, Jenkin Jr., Anna. While it is not certain how Sophie David managed, she supported all three of her children and even sent Vivian to Lock Haven Teacher's College for schooling.

Sophie David is remembered as a hard worker who saved money by making use of a rather large garden she cultivated at the family property. She wanted her children to receive as good an education as possible. At one time, she had a tutor living as a tenant in the house, and there is no doubt that she hoped he might be able to provide a lesson or two to the children during his stay.

After Vivian David obtained her degree at the Lock Haven Teacher's College, she began teaching in Bound Brook, New Jersey. She remained with the Bound Brook School District for her entire professional career and eventually became superintendent of the elementary school.

Although David had moved away from Snow Shoe, her heart never left the community. From 1952 until 1988, she spent every summer at the David house where she was raised. Jean Finlayson, a close friend from Bound Brook, remembered Vivian David's description of summers in Snow Shoe, marked by long, leisurely days in the out-of-doors, playing tennis, having picnics under the cherry trees, and playing croquet on the side lawn.

David's lasting contribution to the community of Snow Shoe came in 1988, when she and William Hall, the current curator of the Lions David House, arranged for the donation of the house to the town. On May 4, 1988, at a special town dinner, Vivian presented to the Snow Shoe Lions Club the deed to the house and the land.

David died December 16, 1996. Although she was not a citizen of Snow Shoe in her adulthood, she returned every summer. Her life-long visits reflect the fondness she felt for the community. David is remembered for her warmth and kindness and for her generous gift of allowing for the perpetual enjoyment of Snow Shoe's rich heritage and culture.