Object 2 [of 66] – Cordon Bleu Diploma

Julia enrolled at Le Cordon Bleu in 1949. She was 37 years old, and received a birthday copy of the Larousse Gastronomique — the "Bible" of French cooking —from Paul. She qualified for the school by virtue of her service during World War II, when the United States government paid tuition for G.I.'s who wanted the training offered by the school as thanks to American veterans for their aid in liberating France. As the only woman in her class, she was a rarity, but she completed the school's rigorous training regime, finally receiving her diploma in 1951.

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Julia went to France in 1948, accompanying Paul to his State Department appointment. Enroute to Paris, a dinner in Rouen was a transforming experience. Read More

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