DR. JULIET THORNER

By Juliet Thorner School 

Native of  Indianapolis

B.S. Stanford University

Graduate Stanford School of Medicine 1934

Opened practice in Bakersfield 1939 in Pediatrics (only 35 doctors in all of Bakersfield).

Worked in field of hyperkinetics helping emotionally and physically impaired children.

Worked in Bakersfield schools from 1940’s, leading PTA sponsored after-school talks for girls and mothers on sex education.

Did much for the cause of children; also worked toward educating medical community on the problems of child abuse and neglect; and giving advice on “poison proofing” homes.

Retired from private practice in 1975, then worked part time at Kern County Health Department.  She died February 8, 1988, at age 77.

Because Dr. Juliet Thorner gave so much to the children of Bakersfield for over 35 years, it is only appropriate that this beautiful new school be named in memory of her.  That the school be named to honor her memory was urged by the Weill Memorial Child Guidance Clinic Board, the district’s teacher’s union, the Junior League of Bakersfield, and the Theta Chapter, Alpha Delta Kappa.

Thorner is quoted as writing to a friend in 1985:

“If I ever had a wish, besides wishing I had grandchildren, it would be to have a school, named after me at sometime or another, but who doesn’t.  I know this would be too much to expect, but wishing is cheap.”

Excerpted from:

The Bakersfield Californian 2-10-88 (obit)

“            “                 “      “    9-27-89 (article about School name