Blackwell, Betsy Talbot, 1905-1985

Betsy Talbot Blackwell (1905-1985) was an editor for several women's fashion magazines. She was an assistant fashion editor at Charm magazine from 1923-1928 before becoming fashion editor at Mademoiselle magazine from its inception in 1935 and then editor-in-chief from 1937-1971. As an editor at Mademoiselle, Blackwell led and changed the industry by altering the magazine's focus to that of the young career woman. She instituted the annual practice of bringing in thirteen college women (including Sylvia Plath) to write and publish an issue each summer. She was also responsible for including a literary aspect in the magazine, publishing the works of authors such as Eudora Welty, Truman Capote, William Faulkner, and Joyce Carol Oates, among others. She was a recipient of the Neiman Marcus Fashion Award in 1942, and was the first woman elected to the board of Street & Smith Publications in 1949. She married James Madison Blackwell III in 1930 and had one son and a stepdaughter.

From the guide to the Betsy Talbot Blackwell papers, 1925-1973 (bulk 1940-1971), (University of Wyoming. American Heritage Center.)

Betsy Talbot Blackwell (1905-1985) was an editor for several women's fashion magazines. She was an assistant fashion editor at "Charm" magazine from 1923-1928 before becoming fashion editor at "Mademoiselle" magazine from its inception in 1935 and then editor-in-chief from 1937-1971. As an editor at "Mademoiselle", Blackwell led and changed the industry by altering the magazine's focus to that of the young career woman. She instituted the annual practice of bringing in thirteen college women (including Sylvia Plath) to write and publish an issue each summer. She was also responsible for including a literary aspect in the magazine, publishing the works of authors such as Eudora Welty, Truman Capote, William Faulkner, and Joyce Carol Oates, among others. She was the first woman elected to the board of Street & Smith Publications in 1949.

From the description of Betsy Talbot Blackwell papers, 1925-1973. (University of Wyoming, American Heritage Center). WorldCat record id: 29527791

Magazine editor; interviewee married James Madison Blackwell.

From the description of Reminiscences of Betsy Talbot Blackwell : oral history, 1982. (Columbia University In the City of New York). WorldCat record id: 309721260