K at Elementary School Graduation 1933
Kathleen, the younger daughter of Tom and Lily was born at home In New Dorp, Staten Island, New York. She barely survived – having turned blue, ‘because of a chill’. He father had to hold her over a stove throughout the night: and fearing the worst gave her two drops of brandy. Her first nourishment proved successful.
At the age of four K was sent to kindergarten. The school was three miles from home and reached by steam train, with still another mile to walk from the railway station to the school. Thus began her education through the New York City school system.
K entered the job market in 1940, and in 1943 joined an international oil company that became the Caltex Petroleum Corporation. The operation produced, refined and marketed petroleum products worldwide principally in the eastern hemisphere, but always outside the United States. The Texaco and the Standard Oil Company of California (later Chevron) were joint owners. Bucking the trend of male domination within the oil industry K experienced an intensely busy and exciting career. Her operational title was ‘Procurement Executive’. In 1982 the company, along with K, re-located to Dallas Texas and she owned property there. But, after 41 years service, she retired in 1984 and moved again to San Dimas, California.
Her cousins wrote of her during those years in New York:-
K was the smallest of the Harland clan, never quite making it to five feet in height. But she made up for this by being a bundle of energy , with a constantly active and enquiring mind. For over half a century K travelled extensively. She made her first of many visits to Hillside in 1950.
At the age of four K was sent to kindergarten. The school was three miles from home and reached by steam train, with still another mile to walk from the railway station to the school. Thus began her education through the New York City school system.
K entered the job market in 1940, and in 1943 joined an international oil company that became the Caltex Petroleum Corporation. The operation produced, refined and marketed petroleum products worldwide principally in the eastern hemisphere, but always outside the United States. The Texaco and the Standard Oil Company of California (later Chevron) were joint owners. Bucking the trend of male domination within the oil industry K experienced an intensely busy and exciting career. Her operational title was ‘Procurement Executive’. In 1982 the company, along with K, re-
Her cousins wrote of her during those years in New York:-
K was the smallest of the Harland clan, never quite making it to five feet in height. But she made up for this by being a bundle of energy , with a constantly active and enquiring mind. For over half a century K travelled extensively. She made her first of many visits to Hillside in 1950.
Willie, K, with Granny at Hillside 1950
Because she had corresponded with her grandparents since childhood, these were cherished events. Family members welcomed her back with enormous warmth and enthusiasm and introduced her to the land of her ancestors. Although travel was an addiction, K also played golf, rode horses and did considerable deep-
Once retired and settled in California K did volunteer work. She recorded for the blind and dyslexic, and served in a thrift shop that benefited a home for multi-
Having reached the age of 89 in 2008, K continues to travel abroad annually. She enjoys educational travel with groups to France, Italy and other parts of Europe. She has maintained an abiding interest in the arts, especially music and opera. She reports that nowadays “she lives rather quietly sharing her home and garden with an adored Scottish terrier named Cawder”
