Jane Thayer

Thayer was the pen name used by Catherine Woolley, a prolific author of children's books.  On August 11, 1904 in Chicago, Illinois to Edward, a newspaperman, and his wife Anna, Woolley entered the world.  She grew up in Passaic, New Jersey and later graduated from UCLA in 1927.  Afterward she worked in advertising in New York City as a copywriter.  Woolley also edited journals and eventually became the public relations writer for the National Association of Manufacturers.  At this time also she began penning books for older children.  With success as an author, Woolley retired from public relations and concentrated on being an author full-time.  So prolific was Woolley that her publisher suggested she take on a pen name for her picture books.  Choosing her grandmother's name, Woolley used Jane Thayer and became famous with both names.  Woolley/Thayer penned over 80 books and taught occasional classes and writing workshops.  Involved in her community and with her writing almost until her death, Woolley/Thayer died on July 23, 2005 at 100 years old.

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