Ernestine Gilbreth Carey, German-American author (d. 2006)

Ernestine Moller Gilbreth Carey: A Legacy of Laughter and Efficiency

Born on April 5, 1908, Ernestine Moller Gilbreth Carey, often known professionally as Ernestine Gilbreth Carey, was a distinguished American writer whose works captured the hearts of readers with their unique blend of humor, warmth, and insightful observations of family life. She passed away on November 4, 2006, leaving behind a literary legacy primarily defined by her vivid recollections of an extraordinary upbringing.

An Unconventional Childhood Chronicled

Ernestine Gilbreth Carey’s most celebrated contributions to literature are the semi-autobiographical books she co-authored with her brother, Frank B. Gilbreth Jr. Their seminal work, Cheaper by the Dozen, published in 1948, became an instant classic. This humorous and poignant narrative detailed their experiences growing up as two of the twelve children of efficiency experts Frank Bunker Gilbreth and Lillian Moller Gilbreth. Their parents, renowned pioneers in time-and-motion studies and industrial psychology, famously applied their efficiency principles not only to factories but also to the running of their exceptionally large household. The book charmingly illustrates the often comical, sometimes challenging, yet always loving environment in which the Gilbreth children were raised, blending serious academic principles with the chaotic realities of a big family.

The resounding success of Cheaper by the Dozen led to a delightful sequel, Belles on Their Toes, published in 1950. This continuation explored the family's life after the passing of their father, focusing on Lillian Gilbreth's remarkable efforts to raise her eleven remaining children (one had passed away earlier) and sustain her professional career during the challenging era of the Great Depression. Both books were adapted into popular films, further cementing the Gilbreth family's unique story in American popular culture and introducing their tales to new generations.

A Distinctive Voice and Lasting Impact

Ernestine Gilbreth Carey's writing style was characterized by its engaging narrative, clear prose, and an unerring ability to find humor and humanity in everyday situations. Her collaboration with her brother offered readers a rare glimpse into a pioneering American family that stood at the intersection of industrial innovation and domestic life. Their stories resonated deeply, not just as entertaining memoirs but as a testament to resilience, the power of family bonds, and the enduring spirit of ingenuity. Through her work, Ernestine Gilbreth Carey provided a warm, often hilarious, perspective on American family dynamics during the early 20th century, influencing countless readers and leaving an indelible mark on biographical and humorous literature.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ernestine Gilbreth Carey

Q: What was Ernestine Gilbreth Carey's most famous work?
A: Her most famous work is undoubtedly Cheaper by the Dozen, which she co-authored with her brother, Frank B. Gilbreth Jr.
Q: Who were Ernestine Gilbreth Carey's parents?
A: Her parents were Frank Bunker Gilbreth and Lillian Moller Gilbreth, both renowned pioneers in efficiency and industrial psychology, famous for applying their scientific management principles to their large family.
Q: Is Cheaper by the Dozen a true story?
A: Yes, Cheaper by the Dozen is largely a semi-autobiographical account based on Ernestine Gilbreth Carey's actual experiences growing up in the Gilbreth family. While some details may have been embellished for narrative effect, the core events and family dynamics are true to life.
Q: Were her books adapted into movies?
A: Yes, both Cheaper by the Dozen (1950 and a 2003 remake, though the latter is loosely based) and its sequel, Belles on Their Toes (1952), were adapted into popular Hollywood films, further popularizing the Gilbreth family's story.
Q: When did Ernestine Gilbreth Carey live?
A: Ernestine Gilbreth Carey was born on April 5, 1908, and passed away on November 4, 2006, living for 98 years.