Dates

• Existence: 1906 - 1998

Biography

Cora Belle Pollock was born in Rolfe, Iowa to Marie Belle Stoakes Pollock and Grant R. Pollock in 1906. Cora Belle Pollock had three sisters and one brother: Robert (Bob) Boyd, Margaret Elize, Mary Mildred and Emma Jean (who went by Jean) Pollock. Pollock attended the Iowa State Teachers College (now the University of Northern Iowa) and graduated from the University of Iowa with a bachelor's degree in zoology in 1935. Pollock worked several years as an elementary school teacher in Iowa towns that included Curlew, Plover, Laurens, Fairfield and Swea City. In 1941 Pollock moved to Chicago and worked as a technician in a medical research laboratory. She eventually returned to Iowa, working as a medical lab technician in Fort Dodge, near her hometown of Rolfe, before taking a position in 1957 at the University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City. In 1968 Pollock returned to teaching by accepting a position as first grade instructor in Monroe, Iowa.

Following her retirement in 1971 Cora Pollock became active in senior citizen activities. She was a charter member and served two years as president of the Johnson County chapter of the National Association of Retired Persons and initiated the chapter?s local newsletter in 1974. Pollock was also president of the local Council of Elders which worked with city officials in planning a senior citizens' center in Iowa City. Pollock served as the senior's information and referral specialist for Johnson County, represented her peers on the Iowa City Housing Commission and served on the SEATS bus committee. In 1980 Pollock was named an "outstanding senior citizen" by the Heritage Agency on Aging Advisory Council. During her retirement Pollock also volunteered at the Iowa Refugee Training Center, tutoring Indochinese students in English. A camera enthusiast, Pollock was an avid photographer and enjoyed her post-retirement membership in the University Camera Club. Cora Belle Pollock died May 6, 1998.

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