Elsie Wollheim: Difference between revisions
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'''Elsie Balter''' (1910-1996) was, | '''Elsie Balter Wollheim''' (June 26, 1910-February 9, 1996) was co-founder of DAW books, the first publishing company devoted solely to fantasy and science fiction. She typed DAW's very first contract, drawing on her work for a law firm, paid royalties and devoted herself to her writers. | ||
The daughter of Russian immigrants, she studied at Hunter College in the late 1920s and early 1930s and worked as a bookkeeper, stenographer, and typist. Her father was a jeweler, and in 1929, Elsie took over as his bookkeeper. Then she worked in a law office for [[Rosalind Cohen]], who introduced her to the early fandom group called the [[Futurians]]. Members included [[Judith Merril]], [[Doris Baumgardt]] (aka Leslie Perri), [[Mary Byers]], and Donald A. Wollheim, whom she married in 1943. While Don worked for publishers, she managed her father's jewelry factory. | |||
She gave birth to their daughter [[Betsy Wollheim]] in 1951. While a stay-at-home mom until co-founding DAW, she was active in the [[League of Women Voters]] and an avid follower of theater, opera and poetry. | |||
She died in 1996 after a five-year struggle with cancer. | |||
Photo: | Photo: | ||
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==References== | ==References== | ||
* [[Damon Knight]]'s book [[The Futurians]]. | * [[Damon Knight]]'s book [[The Futurians]]. | ||
* [http://www.alamo-sf.org/lonestarcon2/hugo/file770-112.html Obituary, File 770: 112] | |||
{{DEFAULTSORT:Balter, Elsie}} | {{DEFAULTSORT:Balter, Elsie}} | ||
Revision as of 19:16, 17 February 2009
Elsie Balter Wollheim (June 26, 1910-February 9, 1996) was co-founder of DAW books, the first publishing company devoted solely to fantasy and science fiction. She typed DAW's very first contract, drawing on her work for a law firm, paid royalties and devoted herself to her writers.
The daughter of Russian immigrants, she studied at Hunter College in the late 1920s and early 1930s and worked as a bookkeeper, stenographer, and typist. Her father was a jeweler, and in 1929, Elsie took over as his bookkeeper. Then she worked in a law office for Rosalind Cohen, who introduced her to the early fandom group called the Futurians. Members included Judith Merril, Doris Baumgardt (aka Leslie Perri), Mary Byers, and Donald A. Wollheim, whom she married in 1943. While Don worked for publishers, she managed her father's jewelry factory.
She gave birth to their daughter Betsy Wollheim in 1951. While a stay-at-home mom until co-founding DAW, she was active in the League of Women Voters and an avid follower of theater, opera and poetry.
She died in 1996 after a five-year struggle with cancer.
Photo: http://www.midamericon.org/photoarchive/92soon01.JPG
