HERRICK, CLAY JR. (15 Dec. 1911-30 Jan. 1993) was an advertising executive with Carpenter, Lamb & Herrick, Inc. and Watts, Lamb, Kenyon & Herrick, an historian, author, and civic leader who worked to preserve Cleveland's historic buildings.
Born in Cleveland to Clay and Alice (Meriam) Herrick, Clay Jr. graduated from Heights High School (1929) and received his A.B. from WRU's (see CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY) Adelbert College (1934).
Herrick gained public relations and management experience working with WILLIAM GANSON ROSE on the Great Lakes Expositions promotions and March of Dimes shows (1937-1940). Herrick next worked in Akron as public relations director for General Tire & Rubber Co., then four years in Rochester, NY as creative director for Eastman Kodak printing, followed by ten years with Fuller & Smith & Ross, Inc.
In 1953 Herrick organized the Cleveland Printing Week Committee. In 1955 he organized the Graphic Arts Council of Cleveland, serving as executive secretary (1959-1961) and president (1962). Herrick then became a partner in the advertising firm of Carpenter, Lamb & Herrick, Inc., serving as president until its 1973 merger into Watts, Lamb.
Grandson of CIVIL WAR veteran JOHN FRENCH HERRICK, he was president of the EARLY SETTLERS ASSOCIATION OF THE WESTERN RESERVE and the CLEVELAND RESTORATION SOCIETY. Herrick also served on the 1976 Greater Cleveland Bicentennial Commission's executive committee. In 1971 Herrick was appointed to the newly-created Commission on Cleveland Historical and Architectural Landmarks, serving as chairman, 1976-1977.
Herrick authored But It's So! (1934), Cleveland's Rich Heritage (1974), and Gags in Thyme (1983). His Cleveland Landmarks (1986) received the Western Reserve Architectural Historians Award.
Herrick married Ruth Eleanor Penty on 27 April 1935. They had two children, Clay III and Jill. Herrick, a Presbyterian, is buried in Knollwood Cemetery.