At a 1974 Faculty Club reception, Ros Bacon was chatting with political science professor James Watkins and University chaplain Rab Minto about the need to preserve and pass on campus history. All agreed it was a worthy mission. "There is no reason to wait any longer," Bacon declared. "The three of us here are the first meeting of the Stanford Historical Society."
Though Bacon went on to play a critical role with the Historical Society -- just as she did with Cap and Gown and the Women's Clubhouse -- most people on campus knew her as the lady who tended the magnificent roses along the circular driveway of her white-columned home on the corner of Mayfield Avenue and Campus Drive. Generations of students affectionately referred to Bacon as the "dean of the Lower Row." She died January 20 in Menlo Park at age 90.
Born in Ventura, Calif., Bacon earned a bachelor's degree in history in 1930 and a master's in 1932. As an undergraduate, she was president of the Women's Athletic Association and helped persuade campus officials to build Roble Gym for women. She served as director of several women's dormitories from 1938 until 1946, when she married mathematics professor Harold M. Bacon, '28, MA '29, PhD '33.
Ros and Harold lived on campus in what came to be known as the Dunn-Bacon House, and she continued to support Stanford women's organizations. She helped establish and sustain the Women's Clubhouse adjacent to the Old Union and remained active in Cap and Gown into the 1990s, serving on the alumnae board and hosting events for the group.
Because Bacon spent nearly 70 years on campus, "she had to make a lot of adjustments to her view of students," says her son, Charles, '70. This was particularly challenging during the 1960s, "when student living arrangements and appearances changed. She adapted and remained open. She might huff and puff about their dress and manners, but she really liked people."
Bacon, who was predeceased by her husband in 1992, is survived by her son; her daughter-in-law, Cynthia Dusel-Bacon; and her grandson.
