Schauffler, Margaret R.

(1896-1994)

Margaret R. Schauffler, associate professor emeritus of fine arts at Oberlin College, followed in her parents' footsteps as an educator, social activist and artist. From 1923 until 1961, she taught art at Oberlin College. After retiring from Oberlin, she was an art instructor and chairman of the art department at Ashland College for eight years. Miss Schauffler gave private lessons in painting, enamel work, jewelry making and calligraphy until 1983. As a member of the Oberlin chapter of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union, she campaigned to keep Oberlin alcohol-free. She was a pacifist who participated in Oberlin peace vigils and often sent letters and telegrams to government representatives about anti-war issues. Miss Schauffler, a member of the sewing circle at First Church in Oberlin, made clothing for disadvantaged children in Lorain, in Appalachia and on South Dakota Indian reservations. At the 1988 commencement program at Oberlin College, she was presented the college's award for distinguished service to the community. Her parents, Henry and Clara Schauffler, founded Schauffler College in Cleveland in 1886 to educate Bohemian immigrants and women interested in religious education and social work. Schauffler College became the Schauffler Division of Religious and Social Work at the Oberlin College School of Theology in 1954 and today is part of Defiance College. Miss Schauffler, a Cleveland native, graduated from Oberlin High School in 1914. She earned a bachelor's degree in music and graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Oberlin College in 1918. In 1922, she graduated from the Cleveland Institute of Art. She taught art at Elyria High School for a year before joining the faculty at Oberlin College. She received a master's degree in art from Western Reserve University in 1931. Miss Schauffler was an accomplished painter whose work was exhibited at the Cleveland Museum of Art, the College of Wooster, Case Western Reserve University, the Ohio State Fair and in art galleries and universities in several states.