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Good Horsekeeping: Elizabeth Iliff's Enduring Legacy of Home Economics

Harvey Hughes

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Published in Good Horsekeeping Elizabeth Iliff

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Elizabeth Iliff, the visionary editor of Good Housekeeping magazine, was a pioneer in the field of home economics. Her work revolutionized the way women managed their households and empowered generations of women to create healthier, more fulfilling lives for themselves and their families.

Good Horsekeeping

by Elizabeth Iliff

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2136 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	304 pages

Early Life and Career

Elizabeth Iliff was born in 1867 in New York City. Her father was a successful businessman, and her mother was a talented homemaker. Iliff grew up in a privileged home, but she was also exposed to the challenges faced by working-class families.

After graduating from Vassar College, Iliff worked as a teacher and a journalist. In 1898, she joined the staff of Good Housekeeping magazine as an assistant editor. Within a few years, she became the magazine's editor-in-chief.

Iliff's Vision for Good Housekeeping

Under Iliff's leadership, Good Housekeeping became more than just a magazine about cooking and cleaning. Iliff believed that home economics was essential for creating healthy, happy families. She expanded the magazine's coverage to include topics such as childcare, health and wellness, and consumer protection.

Iliff also introduced a number of innovative features to the magazine, including the Good Housekeeping Institute. The Institute was a team of experts who tested products and provided consumers with unbiased information about their safety and effectiveness.

Iliff's Impact on American Households

Elizabeth Iliff's work had a profound impact on American households. Her magazine helped to educate women about the latest advances in home economics, and it provided them with practical advice on how to manage their homes and families.

Iliff's work also helped to raise the status of home economics. She showed that home economics was not just a trivial pursuit, but an essential profession that contributed to the well-being of families and society as a whole.

Iliff's Legacy

Elizabeth Iliff died in 1949, but her legacy continues to live on. Good Housekeeping magazine remains one of the most popular and trusted magazines in the world.

The Good Housekeeping Institute continues to provide consumers with unbiased information about products and services. And the Elizabeth Iliff Fund, established in Iliff's honor, provides scholarships to students pursuing careers in home economics.

Elizabeth Iliff was a visionary leader who transformed the field of home economics. Her work empowered generations of women and helped to create healthier, happier families.