Eleanor Bolles Parker
(1904-1988)
Eleanor Bolles Parker was born on October 31, 1904, in Fayette, Iowa, to James Donaldson Parker and Nellie Klemme Her father was 36 years old at the time of her birth, and her mother was 33.
She married Robert Lee Fox on December 27, 1931, in her hometown of Fayette, Iowa.
Education and Academic Career
Eleanor graduated from Upper Iowa University in 1926. She taught school for one year before pursuing advanced study, earning a master’s degree in drama from Northwestern University.
She went on to a distinguished teaching career, serving at several institutions. From 1928 to 1930, she taught at the Francis Shimer School in Illinois, followed by Illinois Wesleyan College from 1930 to 1931. She then taught at Mary Baldwin College in Staunton, Virginia, from 1931 to 1933.
From 1935 to 1941, Eleanor taught at Robert College in Istanbul, Turkey, reflecting a period of international academic engagement.
Later Life
Eleanor returned to the United States in 1941. Following the Second World War, she lived in Baltimore, Maryland, where her husband was employed with the Army Chemical Corps.
Siblings
Eleanor Bolles Parker had two siblings:
- Hugh Klemme Parker (1894–1974)
- Dorothy Lakin Parker (1896–1966)
Later Years and Legacy
Eleanor Bolles Parker died on February 19, 1988, in Honolulu, Hawaii, at the age of 83. She was laid to rest in Grandview Cemetery in Fayette, Iowa.
