It’s hard to imagine that it was five years ago last month that Dallas sweetheart Ebby Halliday Acers died at the age of 104. While it seems that everyone has their Ebby story, it’s Ebby who really has the tales to tell.
In addition to her building a residential real estate empire over the decades, she created a philanthropic legacy that will continue for future generations through the Ebby Halliday Foundation.
It was just announced by the Foundation that her “papers, including letters, journals, speeches and scrapbooks” have been donated to SMU’s DeGolyer Library along with a financial donation.
According to Ebby Halliday Foundation Board Member Ashley Cook, “We felt this donation was important in solidifying the Ebby Halliday Foundation and Ebby’s legacy to ensure future generations access to her life’s written work.”
The papers are located in the Archives of Women of the Southwest that was established in 1993 to document the historical experiences of women in the Southwest, highlighting “those who have influenced women’s roles in society and shaped the culture, arts, business, social issues, law and politics.”
DeGolyer Director Russell L. Martin III added, “Ebby Halliday was truly a pioneer in the real estate industry, expanding opportunities for others not only here in the Dallas area but around the country, by the force of her example and influence. Her energy and enthusiasm knew no bounds. We are grateful to the Foundation for entrusting her remarkable archive to us, where it will be preserved and made accessible to researchers.”
Despite the countless accolades that extolled her professional and philanthropic endeavors throughout her life, it was the memory of the twinkle in her eye that outshone all the awards and trophies. Thank goodness, the Foundation and the DeGolyer have been responsible for the safeguarding and sharing of Ebby’s words, thoughts and memories for posterity.