Caroline "Lynka" Isaacson (14 September 1900 – 23 January 1962) was a Jewish journalist and editor in Melbourne, Australia.
Caroline Isaacson | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Isaacson in the Australian Women’s Army Service, 1943 | |
| Born | Caroline Jacobson 14 September 1900 Vienna, Austria |
| Died | 23 January 1962 (aged 61) Genoa, Italy |
| Other names | Lynka Isaacson, Viola |
| Family | Peter Isaacson (son) |
| Awards | Australian Media Hall of Fame |
Early life and education
editCaroline Jacobson was born in Vienna, Austria on 14 September 1900, daughter of Bettina (née Lipmann) and shipping manager Emile Jacobson. She was taught at home by a governess who coined the name "Lynka", and later completed her education at Highbury in London.[1] She commenced medical training at King's College London, but left after her marriage to Lieutenant Arnold Isaacson (born 29 March 1881)[2] on 30 March 1919.[3] He was an Australian soldier in the AIF who had survived the Gallipoli landing.[1]
Career
editIsaacson began contributing articles as a freelance journalist in London. Following her marriage and the birth of two children, Peter and Joan, she and her husband returned to Australia in 1926, where he found work as an agent for a printing press manufacturer. Two years later, following the failure of that business, Isaacson sought work as a reporter for The Age. Commencing as a women's social writer, she was promoted to women's editor of that paper, soon transferring to its weekly, The Leader, as women's editor.[1][4] She also contributed articles and, as Viola, started The Spare Corner Club which published readers' contributions. She produced several editions of The Leader Spare Corner Book, a compilation of hints and recipes from those columns.[5]
On the outbreak of World War II, Isaacson was made foreign news editor at The Age, but in July 1942 she joined in the Australian Women's Army Service. Later she was moved to the Directorate of Public Relations where she was promoted to rank of captain. Her work included accompanying women journalists and photographers on tours of military installations and acting as public relations officer to two generals, Thomas Blamey and Stanley Savige. She was discharged in September 1943.[1][4]
Next, Isaacson worked for Vogue on its fashion pages and wrote feature articles for The Argus. In 1945 she was appointed editor of the women's pages of The Argus, but in 1948 she bought, edited and wrote for The Dandenong Ranges News, which ceased publication in October 1949.[6]
In 1953 she became a director of her son's company, Peter Isaacson Publications
She was posthumously inducted into the Australian Media Hall of Fame.[4]
References
edit- ^ a b c d White, Sally A., "Isaacson, Caroline (Lynka) (1900–1962)", Australian Dictionary of Biography, Canberra: National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, retrieved 13 April 2023
- ^ "Lieutenant Arnold Isaacson". Australian War Memorial. Retrieved 31 August 2023.
- ^ "Family Notices". The Argus (Melbourne). No. 22, 724. Victoria, Australia. 31 May 1919. p. 11. Retrieved 13 April 2023 – via National Library of Australia.
- ^ a b c Clarke, Patricia. "Caroline Isaacson". Melbourne Press Club – Hall Of Fame. Retrieved 13 April 2023.
- ^ Matthews, Sarah (17 May 2019). "The Spare Corner Club". State Library of Victoria Blog. Retrieved 31 August 2023.
- ^ "News Suspends Publication". Mountain District Free Press. Vol. 4, no. 167. Victoria, Australia. 28 October 1949. p. 8. Retrieved 1 September 2023 – via National Library of Australia.