Julia Child

 JULIA CHILD 

By Teegan

Julia Child is known for being a chef... but is there more to her story? Read this to find out how she was a spy in World War II, opened a cooking school, and even invented shark repellant! Today we are talking about Julia Child’s childhood, friends and family, her experience in World War II, and her cooking career. 

First up: Julia Child’s childhood, friends and family. Julia Carolyn McWilliams was born on August 15, 1912, in Pasadena, California. She was the oldest of three. She had a younger brother, John, and a younger sister, Dorthy. Julia was a tomboy as a child. She loved pulling pranks, and she wanted to play sports instead of cooking. 

Now, we’re going to talk about Julia's experience in World War II. Julia volunteered in the US spy agency, in the office of strategic services (OSS). The OSS sent her to Sri Lanka, where she helped spies, soldiers, and generals. That’s also where she created a shark repellant. Yes, shark repellant! It was used to rid sharks away from army ships so they wouldn't damage them. After the war, in 1946, Julia Carolyn McWilliams became Julia Carolyn Child, by marrying Paul Child. He used to design maps, charts, and even a secret war room for the generals during the war. 

Finally, we are going to talk about Julia Child’s cooking career. In the fall of 1948, Julia and her Paul had to move to France for his work. In France, Julia loved trying French food. From Tournedos Rossini to Soupe à l'oignon, Julia ate every French entreé, side, and dessert she could get her hands on! She tried to make a very fancy dish for Paul one night... and, well, let’s just say it didn’t turn out great. They ate cheese and crackers instead. But after that, Julia was determined to learn how to make a proper French meal. So, she took some cooking classes. She was at the top of her class! A little while later, Julia and two friends (Simone Beck, and Louisette Bertholle) decided to open a cooking school: L’Ecole des Trois Gourmandes translating to: The School of the Three Hearty Eaters. They later made an American cookbook for French food called Mastering the Art of French Cooking. Julia Child did a demonstration of her cookbook on television, and people loved it! It was later made into a TV show called The French Chef. It was streaming on what is now PBS from 1963 to 1973. The French Chef becomes very famous.  

Julia Child died on August 13, 2004, at age 91, 2 days before her 92nd birthday. This shows that Julia Child was a very fascinating person. From writing a cookbook to starring in her own TV show, Julia Child has done it all. 

Bibliography: 

• National Women’s History Museum 

• Bon Appétit! By Jessie Hartland 

• Born Hungry By Alex Prud'homme