Taylor, Dorothy Rhodes

Dorothy was born in Serbia where her British father was employed as a mining engineer; the family migrated to New South Wales in 1892. She studied at Abbotsleigh College Parramatta, and from 1924 to 1927, at the University of Sydney from which she graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Science in 1928. Although she took the first year examination in only one subject, geology, the Faculty of Science gave her permission to take the subjects Geology II and Geography I in her second year. The University of Sydney appointed Taylor to a demonstratorship in Geography in 1924. Previously, in 1921-1922, the University Geography Dept had employed her as an attendant and map drawer. Following the resignation of her brother, T Griffith Taylor, as Head of the Geography Dept, she was appointed acting lecturer (January to August 1929). Subsequently until Feb 1931, she continued in the position of demonstrator. In 1948, 1950 and 1953, she was employed as a temporary assistant in Fisher Library. Former secretary of the Geology Dept Molly Breckenridge remembered that Taylor was a friend of Fisher Librarian Beatrice Wines and did much voluntary work for the Library. Niece Charmion Evan (Patty) Taylor remembered that her aunt taught at Redlands school in Sydney.

Record of Taylor's matriculation to the University has not been located. Evidence for Taylor's matriculation is the University Calendars for 1925 and 1926 list of undergraduates; in this list, non-matriculated students are identified by an asterisk - Taylor is not. From 1924 to 1927, Taylor studied geology and geography at the University of Sydney from which she graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Science in 1928. In 1927, she was awarded a High Distinction for Geography III as a "special student". In her first year, Taylor took the first year examination in only one subject : geology. Documentation regarding her exemption from examinations in 4 subjects required by the Faculty by-laws has not been located. The minutes of the 15th April 1925 meeting of the Faculty of Science record that Faculty gave Taylor permission to take the subjects Geology II and Geography I in her second year.

The University of Sydney appointed Taylor to a demonstratorship in Geography in 1924. Previously, in 1921-1922, the University Geography Dept had employed her as an attendant and map drawer. Following the resignation of her brother, T Griffith Taylor, as Head of the Geography Dept, she was appointed acting lecturer from January to August 1929. Subsequently, she continued in the position of demonstrator until 28th February 1931. She co-authored with her brother "The Geographical Laboratory" published by the Sydney University Union in 1925; this volume was a "Practical Handbook for a two years course in Australian Universities".

Taylor's University staff history cards record that for periods in 1948, 1950 and 1953, Taylor was employed as a temporary assistant in Fisher Library. Former secretary of the Geology Dept Molly Breckenridge said she had learnt from Taylor's friend Flo Quodling (academic with the Geology Dept 1924-1962) that Taylor was also a friend of Fisher Librarian Beatrice Wines and did much voluntary work for the Library.

Descendants of Taylor were contacted for further biographical information. Niece Charmion Evan (Patty) Taylor told me that Dorothy was born in Majdenpek Serbia where her British father was employed as a mining engineer; the family migrated to New South Wales in 1892; Dorothy was a pupil-teacher while at Abbotsleigh, and a sometime teacher of geography at Redlands private school in the Sydney suburb of Cremorne; for some time, Dorothy cared for her aging mother; she was active in the Congregational Church, especially with groups of older children; her work for her brother T Griffith Taylor received much emphasis.

The archivist at Redlands was unable to provide any information on Taylor as staff files pre-1950 have not survived. On the suggestion of great nephew Graham Taylor* I telephoned Miss Alison Hattersley; she thought that Taylor taught at Redlands during World War II - information learnt through a former student of Taylor now resident in North Queensland.

References used in compiling these biographical notes:-
University of Sydney records: student card, staff history cards, Salaries Register vol 7, Calendars, Examinations Registers, Faculty of Science minutes. Also Manuals of Public Examinations NSW.
*Letter rcvd from Graham Taylor on Uni file 45/0114.