Elinor of Wellwood Rockefeller: A Pioneer in Home Economics and Philanthropy

Elinor of Wellwood

by Laurel A. Rockefeller

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3210 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	60 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

Early Life and Education

Elinor Dorrance Rockefeller was born on March 21, 1886, in Bristol, Rhode Island. She was the daughter of John T. Dorrance, the founder of the Campbell Soup Company, and Mary Dorrance, a prominent philanthropist. Elinor grew up in a wealthy and privileged home, but she was also taught the importance of hard work and giving back to the community.

Elinor attended Miss Porter's School in Farmington, Connecticut, and then Bryn Mawr College in Pennsylvania. She graduated from Bryn Mawr in 1906 with a degree in history. After graduating from college, Elinor worked for a time as a volunteer at the Henry Street Settlement in New York City. It was there that she first became interested in home economics.

Career

In 1914, Elinor married John D. Rockefeller, Jr., the son of John D. Rockefeller, Sr., the founder of Standard Oil. John Jr. was a successful businessman and philanthropist, and he shared Elinor's interest in improving the lives of others.

After her marriage, Elinor became increasingly involved in home economics. She served on the board of directors of the American Home Economics Association, and she helped to found the Good Housekeeping Institute. She also wrote several books on home economics, including "The Homemaker's Handbook" (1924) and "The Art of Living" (1937).

Elinor's work in home economics had a profound impact on the lives of countless Americans. She helped to promote the use of modern appliances and techniques in the home, and she taught women how to manage their finances and raise their children. Her work helped to make life easier and more fulfilling for millions of families.

Philanthropy

In addition to her work in home economics, Elinor was also a generous philanthropist. She supported a wide range of causes, including education, healthcare, and the arts. She was a major donor to the Rockefeller Foundation, the Rockefeller University, and the Museum of Modern Art.

Elinor's philanthropy was motivated by a deep belief that everyone deserves a chance to succeed. She believed that education was the key to breaking the cycle of poverty, and she worked to ensure that all children had access to quality education. She also believed that healthcare was a fundamental right, and she supported programs that provided affordable healthcare to low-income families.

Legacy

Elinor of Wellwood Rockefeller died on March 20, 1975, at the age of 88. She left behind a legacy of service and philanthropy that continues to inspire today. Her work helped to improve the lives of countless Americans, and her example continues to challenge us to make the world a better place.

Sources

* [Elinor of Wellwood Rockefeller: A Biography](https://www.rockefellerarchive.org/exhibitions/online/elinor-rockefeller/biography) * [The Homemaker's Handbook](https://archive.org/details/homemakershandbo00rockgoog) * [The Art of Living](https://archive.org/details/artofliving00rockgoog) * [The Rockefeller Foundation](https://www.rockefellerfoundation.org/) * [The Rockefeller University](https://www.rockefeller.edu/) * [The Museum of Modern Art](https://www.moma.org/)

Elinor of Wellwood

by Laurel A. Rockefeller

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3210 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	60 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE