1886-1977
Marguerite MacDonald Carpenter was an early lawyer who was admitted to the Bar in 1928. She was a secretary of the NJ Civil Service Commission in Newark, also teaching night classes in typing and stenography at Central High School. She was active for women’s rights, appearing before the State Constitutional Committee in 1948. She received an honorary Doctorate in Law from Rutgers.
Marguerite was born in New York City in 1886 and lived with her mother in East Orange before moving to Newark after her marriage in 1931. Of her job she said, “I feel like it’s more fun to work. I feel like I’ve had a very rich and very full life.”
Marguerite began working in Civil Service around 1919 and by 1949 headed an office of 30. She attended law school during the nights, so she could learn more for the Civil Service office, entering the bar in 1928. She consulted lawyer George Carpenter on a divorce case, and they ended up marrying in 1931. She said, “I believe that without Civil Service political privilege would be abused and no one would have security in their jobs.” She retired in 1956 after 40 years and received a citation from the Governor.
Marguerite was also an expert swimmer and was offered a contract to do underwater swimming in a movie, which she turned down, instead teaching swimming for some time in the Newark Public Schools. In 1949 she still swam daily.
Marguerite had been a former president of the NJ Women Lawyers Club, the Business and Professional Women’s Club of the Oranges, and the Altruse Club of Essex County. She was also a member of multiple other clubs including legislative chairman of the NJ Business and Professional Women’s Club. In Newark she lived at 140 Roseville Avenue and 33 Beaumont Place. She lived in Newark until moving to a nursing home shortly before her death.
Bibliography
Lester, Eleanore, “A real career girl…” Star Ledger May 15, 1949
“Mrs. Carpenter, 90, ex-official, attorney” Star Ledger Jan 12, 1977
NJ marriage index, 1931
“Carpenter – MacDonald” Montclair Times Sept 15, 1931
1920 census – Clifford St, East Orange
1950 census – 140 Roseville Ave
1940 census – 33 Beaumont Place
“Marguerite MacDonald and GE Carpenter Will Wed” Newark News Sept 12, 1931
“Clubwoman Named Legislative Head” Newark News Sept 21, 1940
MoGelever, Morris “The State We’re In” The News April 15, 1956
“Honored for 40 years in State Government” Newark News April 17, 1956