Mary Schenck Woolman

Mary Raphael Schenck Woolman (April 26, 1860 – August 1, 1940) was an American educator known for her advocacy of vocational education and consumer education, particularly for women. She was one of the first woman faculty members at Teachers College in New York City. She was the founder of Manhattan Trade School for Girls, the first vocational school for women in the United States. She was the author of several books and lectured around the country.

Early life

Mary Raphael Schenck was born in Camden, New Jersey, on April 26, 1860. She was the daughter of John Vorhees Schenck and Martha (née McKeen) Schenck. Her father was a prominent physician who was once president of the Medical Society of New Jersey. Her grandfather, Ferdinand Schureman Schenck, was also a physician and represented New Jersey in Congress.

She was educated at the Quaker Mary Anna Longstreth School in Philadelphia. She attended the University of Pennsylvania from 1883 to 1884, before the school granted degrees to women.

She married Franklin Conrad Woolman on October 18, 1883. He was an attorney who served one term in the New Jersey Legislature in 1890. Her husband was also a member of a prominent family in New Jersey and in Philadelphia, tracing their lineage back to the Quaker preacher John Woolman. Franklin D'Olier was their nephew.

Move to New York

Woolman's father died in 1882 at age 58 from typhoid fever. This event, followed by serious illnesses for her mother and husband, forced Woolman to become both household manager and family health care provider. Having to learn additional skills such as cooking, care for invalids and budgeting impressed upon her the inadequacies of the training in practical matters provided to women at the time.