Bonnibel Butler Explained

Bonnibel Butler Weston (September 22, 1885 – March 7, 1983) was an American children's book illustrator in the early 20th century. She also provided designs and illustrations for magazines, like St. Nicholas.^[1]

Personal life

Butler was born in Frankfort, Michigan. Her father, Digby Bell Butler, was a lumber salesman. In 1916, she married Frederick Weston in Frankfort.^[2] The couple had a son, Frederick Jr., and two daughters, Nancy and Ruth. Frederick Jr. died of meningitis in 1930, aged 10.^[3] The youngest daughter, Ruth, married as her second husband New York State Senator Warren M. Anderson.^[4]

In 1948, her husband, who was working as the publicity director of Rosenbaum's department store in Pittsburgh, was killed in an automobile accident in that city.^[5] Bonnibel died in 1983 in Bridgeville, Pennsylvania.^[6]

Career

Butler worked for the P. F. Volland Company. She illustrated William MacHarg's Let's Pretend, Some Adventures of the Golden Age of Nursery Land, which was published by Volland in 1914.^{[7] [8] [9]}

She called illustrating "perhaps the most fascinating occupation possible."^[10]

Selected publications

• Butler, Bonnibel. The Baby's Record of Mental and Physical Growth and Her Horoscope. Chicago: Published by M.A. Donohue & Co, 1913.
• MacHarg, William with ill. by Butler Let's Pretend, Some Adventures of the Golden Age of Nursery Land P. F. Volland, 1914.
• Rice, Wallace, and Frances Rice with decorations by Butler. Cupids & Kisses; A Book of Delights. [Chicago]: M.A. Donohue & Co, 1914.
• Butler, Bonnibel. Mother Goose favorites. Chicago; New York: M.A. Dohohue & Co., 1930.
• Smith, Mary Estella; and Butler, Bonnibel. Holland Stories. New York: Rand, McNally, 1932.

Notes and References

1. Web site: St. Nicholas. 23 January 2019. Scribner & Company. Google Books.
2. News: Weddings . February 5, 2024 . . November 12, 1916 . 44 . subscription.
3. Pennsylvania, U.S., Death Certificates, 1906-1970
4. News: Ruth Butler Anderson . February 5, 2024 . . October 13, 2023 . A5 . subscription.
5. News: Weston, Store Official, Dies in Auto Smashup . 5 February 2024 . . October 22, 1948 . 1 . subscription.
6. News: Death Notices . February 5, 2024 . . March 9, 1983 . 16 . subscription.
7. Web site: Let's Pretend, Some Adventures of the Golden Age of Nursery Land: William Mac Harg, Bonnibel Butler: Amazon.com: Books. www.amazon.com.
8. Web site: LET'S PRETEND by WILLIAM MAC HARG, BONNIBEL BUTLER. Aleph-Bet Books.
9. Web site: Story Book Sundays - Alice In Wonderland Illustration by Bonnibel Butler.
10. Book: The Lyre of Alpha Chi Omega . 1914 . Alpha Chi Omega . 581 . 5 February 2024 . en.