Helen Aberson-Mayer(June 16, 1907 – April 3, 1999)[1][2]was an American children's book author.
Helen Aberson-Mayer | |
|---|---|
| Born | June 16, 1907 Syracuse, New York |
| Died | April 3, 1999(aged 91) |
| Occupation | Children's book author |
| Education | Syracuse University |
| Genre | fantasy |
| Notable works | Dumbo the Flying Elephant |
Aberson-Mayer was best known for co-authoring the story that inspiredWalt Disney's 1941 filmDumbo.[3]In collaboration with her then husband, Harold Pearl, Aberson-Mayer wroteDumbo the Flying Elephantand sold it to Roll-A-Book, the publisher of a kind of novelty toy, although no copies of this original version have been found. The story was later published as a children's book.
Aberson-Mayer may have also authored several other children stories, but they were never published.[4][5]
Early life and education
editAberson-Mayer was born on June 16, 1907, inSyracuse, New York.[1][4][5]Her parents were Anna and Morris Aberson. Her father is listed in city directories as a cigar maker in 1914 and as a grocer in 1930.[4]Her parents wereRussian-Jewishimmigrants.[6]
Aberson-Mayer graduated fromSyracuse Universityin 1929.[1][2][4][5]After graduation she worked in New York City doingsocial work.She returned to Syracuse in 1933 to direct dramatic actives at a children's camp and took a position as director of dramatical activities at a municipal recreational department. In August 1937, Aberson-Mayer started work as aradio commentator.[4]
According to her family, Aberson-Mayer may have written more children's books into the 1960s, but none of them were published.[5]Her niece recalled two of their titles:Sim, the Seal,andOtto, The Otter.[4]
Dumbo the Flying Elephant
editAberson-Mayer met Harold Pearl in October 1937, and theymarriedon February 14, 1938.[4][5][7]They co-wrote theDumbostory and sold it to Roll-a-Book in 1939. No copies of the roll-a-book version have been found, though proofs of the story and examples of earlier versions of the medium indicate it may have existed.[4]
Everett Whitmyre, the Syracuse advertising agent behind Roll-a-Book, sold the story to Walt Disney Productions in 1939. The story was supplemented with illustrations by Helen Durney. Aberson-Mayer may have earned about $1,000, some royalties, and credit rights for the sale. A series of Disney Golden Book versions of the story began publication in 1940.[4][5]
References
edit- ^abcd"Obituary: Helen Aberson Mayer".The Independent.1999-04-12.Archivedfrom the original on 2022-05-09.Retrieved2019-04-07.
- ^abcPace, Eric (1999-04-10)."Helen A. Mayer, Dumbo's Creator, Dies at 91".The New York Times.ISSN0362-4331.Retrieved2019-04-07.
- ^Crowther, Bosley (1941-10-24)."Walt Disney's Cartoon, 'Dumbo,' a Fanciful Delight, Opens at the Broadway -- 'You'll Never Get Rich,' With Fred Astaire and Rita Hayworth, Is Seen at the Music Hall -- New Film at Palace".The New York Times.ISSN0362-4331.Retrieved2019-04-07.
- ^abcdefghiKirst, Sean (2015-10-25)."The tale behind Dumbo, from Dick Case: How the little elephant took off in Syracuse".syracuse.Retrieved2019-04-07.
- ^abcdef"MichaelBarrier -- Essays: The Mysterious Dumbo Roll-A-Book".michaelbarrier.Retrieved2019-04-07.
- ^Kindy, David."The Original 'Dumbo' Story Would Have Had More Twists and Turns".Smithsonian Magazine.Retrieved20 September2021.
- ^"Syracuse Journal (Feb 16, 1938)".newspaperarchive.Retrieved2019-04-07.