Background
Guggenheimer, Elinor was born on April 11, 1912 in New York City. Daughter of Nathan and Lillian (Fox) Coleman.
commissioner lawyer author Civic leader
Guggenheimer, Elinor was born on April 11, 1912 in New York City. Daughter of Nathan and Lillian (Fox) Coleman.
Student, Vassar College, 1931. Bachelor, Barnard College, 1938. Doctor of Humane Letters (honorary), Marymount-Manhattan College, 1987.
Doctor of Humane Letters (honorary), City University of New York Graduate Center, 1993.
An urban planner, she became the first woman to join the New York City Planning Commission in 1961. In 1969 she ran unsuccessfully in the Democratic Party primary to be their candidate for president of the New York City Council. Her activism in the Women"s movement led her to create the New York Women"s Forum in 1973, and she served as commissioner of consumer affairs in the 1970s.
In 1979, Guggennheimer founded the Council of Senior Centers and Services of New York City and served as its first Executive Director.
Later, Guggenheimer founded the New York Women"s Agenda in 1992 and the Council of Senior Centers and Services. Her philanthropy focused on women, the elderly, and Jewish causes.
Guggenheimer wrote the books Planning for Parks and Recreation in Urban Areas and an instructional manual for entertaining called The Pleasure of Your Company. Her 1983 musical Potholes had a short run off-Broadway.
Guggenheimer died in Manhattan.
Board of directors Community Svc. Society, since 1953, Jewish Association Superior vena cava syndrome to the Aged,1968-. President New York Women's Agenda, since 1991.
Member Business & Professional Women, Cosmopolitan Club, Women's City Club, City Club of New York (board directors 1978-1985), Lexington Democratic Club, International Women's Forum (board directors, founder, former president).
Married Randolph Guggenheimer, June 2, 1932. Children: Charles, Randolph Junior.