Betty Gilmore facts for kids

Vera Aleece Elizabeth MacIndoe Gilmore, known by her pen-name Betty Gilmore, was a remarkable woman who founded and led the California Women of Golden West. She was a strong supporter of women's achievements and a talented artist and writer.

Early Life and Education

Vera Aleece Elizabeth MacIndoe was born in Binghamton, New York. She attended Ashley Hall, a boarding school for girls in Charleston, South Carolina. Later, she went to Lady Jane Grey's School for Girls in New York. Betty Gilmore finished her high school education at Binghamton High School. She then continued her studies at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles.

A Busy Career and Many Roles

The Ebell Club in Los Angeles, where Betty Gilmore was a member.

Betty Gilmore was a busy and influential person. She worked as an editor for Deauville Magazine. She also wrote many things, including articles, short stories, and news features.

Beyond writing, Betty Gilmore loved art, music, and drama. She was an artist herself, having studied painting and sketching with great teachers in New York, Paris, and Berlin.

She held important positions in many clubs and organizations. For example, she was the first vice-president of the Los Angeles Woman's City Club. She was also a director for the Matinee Musical Club. Betty Gilmore was involved with the Southern California Woman's Press Club as its press chairman. She also led committees for the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce and the Wilshire Chamber of Commerce.

Founding the California Women of Golden West

In 1929, Betty Gilmore started her most famous organization: the California Women of Golden West. She became its president emeritus, which means she was honored as its lifelong leader. The main goal of this club was to celebrate successful women in California. Each month, the club would hold a special event to honor women who had achieved great things. In its first ten years, the club recognized over 200 amazing women.

Betty Gilmore also founded the Gilmore Los Angeles Evening Salon. She was also the president of The New Deal Club. She was a member of many other groups, including the Ebell of Los Angeles Club, the League of Women Voters, and the American Women Club.

Personal Life

Doris Lee Gilmore, Betty Gilmore's daughter.

In 1883, Betty MacIndoe married George Davidson Gilmore in Denison, Texas. They had one daughter named Doris Lee. Doris Lee later married Alister McAllister Brown.

Betty Gilmore moved to California in 1911. She lived in Los Angeles for many years. In her free time, she enjoyed decorating her home and continuing her writing.

After her first husband passed away in 1944, she married John Wesley Halterman.