03/27/2026
Nancy Bartlett Laughlin
The philanthropy of this Olean woman should not go unnoticed during "Women in History" month. Nancy Bartlett was born in 1896. She was an infant found on the steps of the church and adopted by wealthy church members Frank and Fannie Bartlett. Nancy learned the importance of generosity from her parents while growing up in the Bartlett household.
Nancy attended private schools and studied music. She became an accomplished mezzo-soprano singer often performing at local events at the Hamilton Club (Bartlett Country Club) and at the family home on Laurens Street.
On October 14, 1925, Nancy married Robert Laughlin Jr. Unfortunately the marriage only lasted a few short years. Nancy then made her home in Paris, France where she continued her studies in music.
Nancy's father, Frank L Bartlett died in 1922 in NYC following gall bladder surgery. Her mother, Mrs. Fannie Bartlett died 5yrs later. Nancy became heir to her parents estate.
Soon after her mother's death, Nancy, still living in Paris, allowed the family home to be used as a tuberculosis hospital. Nancy returned to the states in 1929 and began the process of gifting her family home on Laurens Street to the county to be used as a Tuberculosis Hospital and Community Center. She deeded the property with three stipulations. One being that the house would always be known as the Fannie E Bartlett House. The second that it would always be used for the good of the community and lastly, that the exterior would never be altered. It wasn't long before the Catt. County Health Dept. and 14 additional agencies occupied the space due to Nancy's generosity.
During her stay in Olean, Nancy was busy with more philanthropy work. She carried out her father's wish to aid Alfred University by funding the construction of a new dormitory, the Frank L Bartlett Memorial Dormitory.
Nancy also proposed the reorganization of the Hamilton Club which was started by her father. She proposed to forfeit her controlling stock of the club providing other stock holders agreed to do the same. In 1930, the Hamilton Club became a membership club with the name changed to the Bartlett Country Club.
Because of her interest in the arts, Nancy donated $100,000 to the Waldorf School of Arts. Nancy later became interested in the work of Rudolf Steiner and his Fellowship Foundation. Nancy soon became the original benefactor of the Fellowship Community in Spring Valley, NY which was located near NYC. When Nancy learned of possible property available for the Fellowship Community, she offered $90,000 to secure the property. Nancy and her travel companion Germaine Monteux settled in the Threefold Fellowship Community at Spring Valley. She built a house on the same hilltop of the community.
In 1964, Nancy sold her 1800 shares of Texaco stock ($200,000) to construct a center for the care of elderly in the Fellowship Community. In late 1972, Nancy suffered a stroke and needed care in the "Hilltop" house for elderly. Nancy died November 25, 1973.
"Nancy had said that all her life she feared loneliness and being alone at the end of her life. She was deeply appreciative of the love and faithfulness of those around her in her last days on earth". (Quote from Paul W. Schariff, MD, Fellowship Community)
Nancy followed in her parent's footsteps of philanthropy. She was always looking for meaningful projects which needed support. She enjoyed giving and gave freely with no strings attached. We thank Nancy Bartlett Laughlin for her kindness and generosity.
Information for this article was obtained from newspaper articles and historical files at the Olean Point Museum.
By Gail Feuchter
The Fannie E Bartlett Center served the County Health Dept for 60 years until the new building on Leo Moss Drive was completed. Since 1990, the Fannie E Bartlett House and (carriage house) Olean Point Museum have been owned by the City of Olean. The Historical Bartlett House and Olean Point Museum are open Wed and Fridays from noon to 4pm. See Gail for a tour or rental of the house. Visit the Olean Point Museum and Olean Historical Society to see a great collection of Olean's rich history.
