Hazel Dixon : Comptometer Operator

Working Woman

Hazel Dixon was, around the time of her first marriage to Harry Wimmer, employed as a clerk in an insurance offfice. (1) Whether she kept that job after their marriage in 1931 is unknown. It seems likely that after their divorce [date currently unknown] she went back to work, and was likely employed at the time of her second marriage, in 1946, to James Sullivan.

Turns out a Comptometer
is an adding machine.
By Ezrdr (Own work)
[Public domain],
via Wikimedia Commons

Hazel's obituary says this: "Prior to 1950, she was employed as a comptometer operator by Diehl Manufacturing Co., Finderne." (2) They made fans, among other things, and were the electronics division of Singer. [A very brief summary, and a nifty worker badge from the 1940's here.]

Was this her "wartime job" during World War II? Did she leave that work after marrying James? Every little bit of information leads to more questions!

International Sewing Machine Collectors International has a great article about Philip Diehl, founder of the company Hazel worked for. The guy was a genius. Seriously. A Great Diehl of Invention. [a bit random and off topic, I know, but really pretty interesting]


Sources

(1) "United States Census, 1930", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:X4F1-D1T : accessed 15 February 2016), Thomas Payne, 1930. ED 61, sheet 7B; household 166. Citing The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration. GS Film Number 2341121, digital folder 004951973, image number 00896.

(2) Hazel Dixon Sullivan obituary, Elizabeth Daily Journal, Elizabeth, New Jersey, 21 May 1957, laminated clippings. Obituary and funeral arrangements.