As a well-known breeder of champion Cocker Spaniels, Gladys raised hundreds of cockers registered with the AKC under her breeder name, Stillmeadow Farm. At one time, the children counted 37 cockers in the kennels and the house!
Gladys loved her cocker puppies so much, that she had difficulty parting with them! She lost many sales that way which she realized was one reason she was making almost no money as a breeder, but Gladys knew how to live a good life and she was not going to sell a puppy who had won her heart
She loved all animals, actually, especially Irish Setters, many breeds of cats, and even made friends with 2 wild skunks. During World War II, she raised chickens for their eggs, but the hens were not destined for the cook pot! Her friend Eleanor, who lived with her after both their husbands were gone, told Gladys that the only reason they didn’t have a horse, was because Gladys would want to bring it inside the house!
Gladys had an indomitable spirit and was able to meet the troubles of the world during her lifetime with an unflagging attitude. She lived through two world wars, each expected to be the war to end all wars, and carried on through both the Korean war and the Vietnam war. She made do during the Great Depression and for most of her life, even while married, was the major income earner in her home.
She was very well-educated, receiving her B.A. degree from Wellesley College (now Wellesley “University”) in 1920 and her M.A. degree from Lawrence College (now Lawrence “University”) in 1921.
She spent a number of years teaching, first at Randolph-Macon Woman’s College (now Randolph College) where she taught English Composition. When she, her husband and daughter moved from Virginia to New York City, she studied toward her Ph.D. at Columbia University. There she taught English as a second language, composition writing and “USA living skills” to new immigrants.
Do you know?
Gladys was a hugely successful and highly regarded writer whose biography was included in a number of books listing prominent people in a particular field. One such book is American Novelists of Today, published in 1951. Another is Current Biography 1952 which includes people in government, business, medical professionals, athletes, educators, jurists, entertainers, architects, engineers and so on. This type of book gives a snapshot of who was notable during that year.
The entry for Gladys was quite long, and is displayed here for a cursory look, along with the nice photo they used.
To learn more about the Friends of Gladys Taber (the FOGT),
please click the tab above, “About the FOGT.”