Jessie Ida Jolley (1885-1982): The Socialite

An ad for H. E. Pearson's shop in the
April 27th, 1905 edition of the Appleton Post Crescent.

Jessie Ida Jolley is the younger sister of my 2nd great-grandmother, Rose. Rose was six years younger and she and Jessie were raised in Appleton, Wisconsin, by their mother, Mary Woodruff Peshek Jolley. They lived at 815 Morrison St. Rose went to school to become a teacher and then was married and left home in 1900. Jessie worked as a milliner at H.E. Pearson's piano and millinery shop.

from the 1908 Appleton City Directory

January 15th, 1906 Appleton Post Crescent

While researching the Jolleys, I came across Jessie mentioned in the Appleton Post-Crescent social pages at least 15 different times! She was always either visiting friends and relatives, or attending parties and functions. When she isn't working to support herself and her mother, Jessie had a lively and active social life. Her friends included the Misses Matilda, Sue, and Millie Schumacher, John Van Ryzin and his sisters, Helen and Marie Van Ryzin, Lillian Taggert, and Clara Stein.

August 8th, 1908 Appleton Post Crescent

November 1st, 1910 Appleton Post Crescent

July 26th, 1906 Appleton Post Crescent

March 20th, 1909 Appleton Post Crescent

1910 Appleton City Directory

In 1910, 22-year old Jessie is now working as a clerk at a local dry goods store called "the Fair".

An ad for the Fair Dry Goods Company in the December 24th, 1924 edition of the Appleton Post Crescent.

After the death of her mother in 1920, Jessie lodges with her friend Helen and her family, the Van Rizyns. By this time, she has been promoted to a manager.

Eventually, Jessie former socialite, now career woman, leaves Appleton in pursuit of bigger and better things. In 1927, she is living in Evanston, Illinois and working as a buyer for Lord's Department Store.

1927 Evanston City Directory

That same year, Jessie visits Appleton to attend her friend Helen's wedding.

September 27th, 1927 Appleton Post Crescent

Soon after Jessie falls for ad man Dick Whitney, they marry September 15th, 1930 and move out to California.

My great-grandmother is named Jessie. I like to think that her mother Rose named her after her vivacious and independent little sister, Jessie Ida Jolley, the Socialite and Career Woman.

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