Lila Acheson Wallace facts for kids

Lila Bell Wallace (born December 25, 1889 – died May 8, 1984) was an American woman who helped create and run a magazine. She was also a generous person who gave a lot of money to good causes. With her husband, DeWitt Wallace, she started the famous magazine Reader's Digest. Their first magazine came out in 1922.

Lila's Early Life and Schooling

Lila Bell Acheson was born in Virden, Manitoba, Canada. Her father was a minister. When she was a child, her family moved to the United States. She grew up in Park River, North Dakota.

In 1917, Lila graduated from the University of Oregon in Eugene, Oregon. After college, she taught at schools for two years. Then, she worked for the Young Women's Christian Association. She also studied at Ward–Belmont College in Nashville, Tennessee.

Starting Reader's Digest

In 1921, Lila married DeWitt Wallace in Pleasantville, New York. Together, they had an exciting idea. They decided to start a magazine called Reader's Digest.

The very first issue of their magazine came out in 1922. For many years, Reader's Digest was the most popular magazine in the United States. It was read by millions of people.

Helping Others with Her Money

Lila Wallace was also known for her kindness. She gave away about $60 million during her life. This money helped many different projects.

One big project she supported was the Metropolitan Opera National Company. This group helped bring opera shows to people all over the country. She kept supporting them until 1967.

Awards and Lasting Impact

Lila Bell Wallace passed away on May 8, 1984, at the age of 94. She died in Mount Kisco, New York.

Her memory lived on through an award called the Lila Wallace Reader's Digest Writers Award. This award was given to writers from 1990 to 2000.

Lila also received several important awards for her work and generosity.

• In 1966, she received the Golden Plate Award from the American Academy of Achievement.
• On January 28, 1972, President Richard Nixon gave her the Presidential Medal of Freedom. This is one of the highest awards a civilian can get in the United States.
• In 1992, after she passed away, she was given the National Medal of Arts. This award honors people who have made great contributions to the arts.