Early Life
Joyce Diane Bauer, born October 21, 1927, grew up in Queens, New York. Her parents, Morris Bauer and Estelle Rapport, were both attorneys who placed high value on education. The ambition to succeed was passed on to Joyce, who entered Cornell University in 1944 at the age of 16. She graduated from the College of Human Ecology with a double major in psychology and home economics in 1947 and went on to receive her Ph.D. in psychology from Columbia University in 1953. In 1950, she met and married Dr. Milton Brothers (Cornell University class of 1948), and she gave birth to her daughter Lisa in 1953.
Cornell University Studios. Graduation portraits, 1947.
Cornell University Orientation 100 term paper, “What I want from my education,” 1944.
This term paper is a window into the mind of a visionary 17-year-old Dr. Brothers. Here she gives a remarkably detailed plan for her education and lays out what it takes to be successful. View more pages.
Jewelry designed by Joyce Brothers, circa 1940s.
To make extra money as a teenager, Dr. Brothers sold original jewelry designs. As part of her agreement, she would receive a sample of the jewelry once it was made. These are examples of her designs.
On loan from Lisa Arbisser.
Dr. Brothers’ registrar card for the College of Human Ecology, 1947, showing classes taken as well as grades. Though her grades may not seem high by today’s standards, they were above average for the time.
“Lil Herbie” Cornell mascot, circa 1940-1950.
Joyce D. Brothers. "An Investigation of Avoidance, Anxiety and Escape Behavior In Subjects as Measured by Action Potentials in Human Muscle.” Genetic Psychology Monographs. 1956 Feb; 53(1):75-118.