The tribute was more than deserved, because among other services to the community, Nora had helped found the Salem Garden Club, the organization that sponsored the dedication. She was also an organizer of the Oregon State Federation of Garden Clubs and  served as its first president.

The Anderson's beautiful home and garden on Court Street was the scene of many garden club activities but also served as a center for Nora's many other concerns. Before World War I, she was involved with the Women's Club and its effort to found the Salem Public Library. A bequest from her to that institution was appropriately used for the Nora Anderson Auditorium.  During the Depression years of the 1930's Nora rented her home's upstairs rooms to single women working as nurses and teachers.

 She also worked on behalf of childrenfor their welfare and development. Nora's interest in children extended to their musical education.  She promoted Salem's Junior Symphony and  eagerly solicited funds in order to provide an adequate number of  instruments for the young musicians.

Nora Anderson helped organize the forerunner of  the Assistance League, a women's group dedicated to community service. She believed that the rich should give to the poor and  it was said that if a  family needed shoes, Nora could find the money or means to provide them.

She worked to develop facilities at the Salem General Hospital and her bequests have benefited the Women's Medical Surgery Department at the hospital's General unit.  Her bequests also helped to fund the Outside-In Clinic operated by Portland's First Unitarian Church. Nora Anderson was a member of the Unitarian Church and was instrumental in reviving its Salem congregation after World War II.

Perhaps her most dramatic experience as a community volunteer was when the Salem Art Center Association headquarters at Pringle Park  flooded  in 1942.  Nora was among the community members who rescued the association's belongings from the rising flood waters. In 1947, she revived the Art Center Association under the Salem Art Association name and began fundraising for the purchase of the Bush House's original furnishings. 

It is an interesting footnote that she was born an Anderson and so did not have to change her name when she married William Everett Anderson, the owner of a local sporting goods store. Mr. Anderson was of a more easy-going disposition than his wife and probably was a good balance to her commanding personality. The Andersons had no children of their own, but took three Hispanic children into their home where they lived until graduating from high school.

After her husband's death, Nora was unable to manage the Court Street house and its responsibilities. She moved to a local nursing home where she lived for a number of years. Harvey Fox purchased the Anderson business and became her guardian. He recalls the years when he would take her out for drives through Salem, a city which she did so much to improve and preserve. Nora Anderson died in 1969 at the age of 89. Her humanitarian efforts for the citizens and institutions of our city continue to honor her life and name. 

Compiled by Virginia Green.

Bibliography:
David Duniway, editor. "Nora Anderson". Panegyric II,  Jan 13, 1973. Salem, OR

Mr. Harvey Fox contributed his memories of Bill and Nora Anderson for this profile.