Jeannette Edris Rockefeller, From Seattle's High Society to Arkansas's First Lady
Jeannette Rockefeller was best known as Arkansas's First Lady during her husband Winthrop Rockefeller's time as governor. She successfully raised funds to build the Museum of Fine Arts (now Arkansas Arts Center) and worked with numerous mental health organizations over the years.
Jeannette Edris Barragar Bartley McDonnell Rockefeller was born July 13, 1918, in Seattle, Washington. David Skinner, Jeannette’s grandfather, founded the Skinner & Eddy Shipyard, a shipyard known for the building of World War I naval vessels. David Skinner became a wealthy man due to the shipyard’s success. Because of family wealth, Jeannette spent a privileged youth in Seattle. She participated in the debutante world of parties, luncheons, and charity work.
In the late 1940s, Jeannette moved to New York City and began her charity work with troubled adolescents. During her time in New York, she met Winthrop Rockefeller, grandson of John D. Rockefeller, Sr., and the future thirty-seventh governor of Arkansas (1967-1971). On June 11, 1956, Jeannette married Winthrop at the summer home of her father, William Edris, in Hayden Lake, Idaho. That summer, the couple moved to Winrock Farms on Petit Jean Mountain in central Arkansas. With Winrock Farms as her base, Jeannette became an arts promoter, social activist, and First Lady of Arkansas.
(Jeannette’s papers are available as a part of the Winthrop Rockefeller Collection (ualr.ms.0001). Find out more by visiting the finding aid online.)
Life at Winrock Farms
Jeannette enjoyed rural life at Winrock Farms, located atop Arkansas's picturesque Petit Jean Mountain, and took an active interest in the farm’s management and the surrounding community. She participated in the annual cattle sale, arranged for the comfort of visiting guests, and supported the local school. Jeannette’s early years in Arkansas were her most carefree and relaxed. She relished time with her children and new husband. Soon, she would delve into leadership positions as Arkansas Arts Center President, the National Association for Mental Health President, and First Lady of Arkansas.
(Jeannette’s papers are available as a part of the Winthrop Rockefeller Collection (ualr.ms.0001). Find out more by visiting the finding aid online.)
Arkansas Community Service
In September 1956, Jeannette began her Arkansas community involvement by speaking to Little Rock's Fine Arts Club on the subject of Colonial Williamsburg, her famous in-law's passionate project. She also raised money for Arkansas's U.S. Savings Bond program. From these modest beginnings, she co-led with her husband a successful statewide fundraising campaign for the Museum of Fine Arts (now the Arkansas Arts Center). As a result of the couple’s leadership, the state raised a total of $1,500,000, which ensured the project’s success. In 1960, she assumed the role of president of the Arkansas Arts Center Board of Trustees, a position she held until 1968. Also during the 1960s, she served as president for the Arkansas and National Associations for Mental Health, and as trustee for the Research Foundation of the National Association for Mental Health, Finch College in New York City, and Philander Smith College in Little Rock.
(Jeannette’s papers are available as a part of the Winthrop Rockefeller Collection (ualr.ms.0001). Find out more by visiting the finding aid online.)
In the Limelight!
Despite enjoying a rural lifestyle on Arkansas's remote Petit Jean Mountain, Jeanette and her family could not escape the people's curiosity thanks to the famous Rockefeller last name. National news reporters kept track of the famous couple by conducting home interviews and photographing them at glamorous events.
Such publicity allowed Jeannette to promote her passionate commitment to educating the American public on the seriousness of mental illness. She gave numerous speeches and made many pubic appearances away from the comfort of Winrock Farms to promote the National Alliance for Mental Illness, Inc., among other causes.
(Jeannette’s papers are available as a part of the Winthrop Rockefeller Collection (ualr.ms.0001). Find out more by visiting the finding aid online.)
The Governor's Wife
Perhaps Jeannette is best known for her role as First Lady of Arkansas during Winthrop Rockefeller’s two terms as governor (1967-1971). She also stood by Winthrop during difficult times as she loyally campaigned with her husband during the unsuccessful gubernatorial campaigns of 1964 and 1970.
The Rockefeller’s marriage suffered under the strain of a failed third-term gubernatorial campaign and Winthrop Rockefeller’s alleged problem with alcohol. The couple divorced in 1971. Shortly thereafter, Jeannette Rockefeller established residency in Palm Springs, California. During her time in Palm Springs, she continued her volunteer work and raised funds for AIDs victims. Jeannette passed on December 7, 1997, and is buried in Lake View Cemetery, Seattle, Washington.
The Palm Springs Walk of Stars honored Jeannette one year after her death for her fundraising efforts on behalf of those suffering from AIDS.
(Jeannette’s papers are available as a part of the Winthrop Rockefeller Collection (ualr.ms.0001). Find out more by visiting the finding aid online.)