Dates

• Existence: 1924-

Biography

Betty Boller was born in 1924 and grew up in East Des Moines. Her father died during the Great Depression when she was young, so money was tight in the household. She, her mother, and her brothers all held jobs during this time. She did not ever consider college, but she found work soon after finishing high school in 1942. In 1943 she married Don Boller, a high school classmate.

In the interview, Betty Boller discusses the economics of dating when money was very scarce. She describes the secretarial work she did and compares it with the variety of jobs women could find during the war, such as welding jobs. Upon war's end the men retrieved such jobs.

Boller describes her marriage to Don Boller, with whom she had two children. Don Boller worked out of the home, while Betty Boller stayed home to raise the children. She provided leadership for many Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops.

When asked if she regretted anything, Boller stated that she wishes she had spent time in the work force, had gained more education, and had studied music. She envies today's young women for the opportunities they have to become self-supporting. Boller instilled the values of a strong work ethic, honesty, religious belief, and citizenship with her children. Her main advice to today's children is to get a good education.

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