Winifred Ada Todhunter (1877, London – September 11, 1961, Ladner, British Columbia) was an educator, translator and founder of the Todhunter School for girls in New York City. Educated at Cheltenham Ladies' College and London Day Training College, she was awarded a Gilchrist travelling studentship by the University of London for distinction in her B.A. degree in 1904. Said to be a graduate of the University of Oxford, she translated Voltaire's historical novel about

Charles XII of Sweden Charles XII, sometimes Carl XII ( sv, Karl XII) or Carolus Rex (17 June 1682 – 30 November 1718 O.S.), was King of Sweden (including current Finland) from 1697 to 1718. He belonged to the House of Palatinate-Zweibrücken, a branch line of t ...

in 1908. After lecturing in history at Stockwell Training College, she succeeded Canon Rowe as Principal of Lincoln Training College for Mistresses in 1912. In 1921 Todhunter purchased and renamed a private school for girls in Manhattan. The Todhunter School became known for being more than just a

finishing school A finishing school focuses on teaching young women social graces and upper-class cultural rites as a preparation for entry into society. The name reflects that it follows on from ordinary school and is intended to complete the education, wit ...

, but provided courses in the arts and a solid preparation for college. When Eleanor Roosevelt learned in 1927 that Todhunter wished to retire to England and needed a buyer for the school, Mrs. Roosevelt proposed a partnership with

Marion Dickerman Marion Dickerman (April 11, 1890 – May 16, 1983) was an American suffragist, educator, vice-principal of the Todhunter School, and a close friend of Eleanor Roosevelt. Birth and early life Born in Westfield, New York, she studied for two y ...

, who was then the school's vice-principal, and Nancy Cook. The school eventually in 1939 became part of

The Dalton School The Dalton School, originally the Children's University School, is a private, coeducational college preparatory school in New York City and a member of both the Ivy Preparatory School League and the New York Interschool. The school is located ...

.Maurine Hoffman Beasley et al, ''The Eleanor Roosevelt encyclopedia'', 2001, p.136

Works

* (transl.) ''Voltaire's History of Charles XII, King of Sweden'', London: JM Dent, New York: EP Dutton, 1908

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Todhunter, Winifred British educational theorists British feminists Education in New York City French–English translators 1877 births 1961 deaths Alumni of the University of Oxford Alumni of the University of London People educated at Cheltenham Ladies' College