| Description | This handwritten document is a draft copy of the reminiscences which Elizabeth Taylor Cadbury wrote to feature in the 'Birmingham Mail' in 1948. In these reminiscences Taylor Cadbury describes the history of Cadbury in Bournville, referring to her involvement in her husband George Cadbury's plans to develop 'a Village' around the Cadbury factory. Taylor Cadbury describes early tenants in Bournville, many of whom had lived in the centre of Birmingham and had 'never had a garden', remarking on their enjoyment of Bournville's 'healthy surroundings'. She also remarks that she had welcomed new families on their arrival in Bournville for over twenty years.
Taylor Cadbury provides an overview of other notable events in her life, describing her foreign travels including her schooling and philanthropic work in Europe. She also remarks on her visits to America, Canada, North Africa and India, representing the International Council of Women, as well as her work with the Young Women's Christian Association (Y.W.C.A.) and the National Peace Council. Taylor Cadbury writes that she had 'made very real friends' in India and refers to delivering a broadcast on international relations in Calcutta. She also describes her European travels representing the Free Church Council during the 1920s.
Taylor Cadbury refers to many of the friends she had made with her husband George Cadbury in these reminiscences, remarking on their 'help and inspiration'. With reference to the Society of Friends and the foundation of Woodbrooke Quaker College, Taylor Cadbury refers to the support she had received from her cousin Rufus Jones and the first principal and director of the College, Dr. Rendel Harris. She also comments on her close association with various principals of the University of Birmingham and their families, such as Sir Oliver and Lady Lodge who she describes as 'very special' friends. In addition, Taylor Cadbury remarks on her friendship with people 'working for the good of the Country, irrespective of party politics'.
Taylor Cadbury refers to her acquaintance with prominent political figures from the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, including Gladstone, Asquith, Lloyd George, Stanley Baldwin, Ramsey Macdonald and Neville Chamberlain. She also remarks on her 'very great' friendships with Dame Henrietta Barnett and Sir George Newman, as well as her close relationship with women involved with the National Union of Women Workers. Taylor Cadbury concludes these reminiscences with references to people she had known who were associated with 'the establishment of the League of Nations'.
Concluding her reminiscences, Taylor Cadbury writes that she would like to live her life again, as long as the many friends she had known and worked with could do the same. |