Feature on Ida Boyer. Topic: WOMEN & PEOPLE
Written by Rich Wallace in June,
1997
SHELBY COUNTY WOMAN IS FIRST FEMALE ARCHITECT IN OHIO...Pg 2 |
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| The longer she stuck it out, the more respect
she earned. Toward the end of her tenure at Ohio State, the students had to compete in an
all-day design project. She struggled alone to understand what the professor was
expecting. Suddenly, two senior male students appeared by her side. To her relief, they
helped her conclude the project. Between her junior and senior years, she worked in the summer for Joseph Bradford, the architect for the university. India's dream was to continue to work for the university and him after graduation. The spring of 1930 finally arrived. 1,450 students qualified for graduation. Only 11 received degrees in architecture. India was the only woman. It was with a great amount of pride that she accepted her diploma. Her plans of working for Joseph Bradford never materialized. The great depression was upon the country and there was no opportunity at Ohio State. Business conditions also ruled out her plan to pursue a graduate degree at Columbia University in New York City. It was back to the family home in Perry Township for India Boyer. Her task was a daunting one. Not only was there little or no work during the depression, but she was trying to gain a foothold in a profession where there were no other women. India searched for work with Shelby County builders and found little. She struggled here for four years, and finally gave up. After taking an examination for a position with the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, she was given a six month temporary appointment there. India was cautiously optimistic. |
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