Elba E. Whittaker (1888-1970) was the daughter of David W. Whittaker (1844-1928) and
Maria McCabe Whittaker (1853-1935). David W. Whittaker was the founder of the
Whittaker Swimming School which operated for almost fifty years on the Milwaukee
River at North Avenue. Elba’s brother, George J. Whittaker (1872-1953) who held
world amateur swimming titles and broke speed records. George succeeded his father
as owner of the School from 1910 until 1921 when Wallace Millard, former proprietor
of Rohn's Swimming School, took over the Whittaker Swimming School. Elba, George and
their siblings Sylvia Whittaker Robinson (1877-1934), Linet W. (1883-1907), David C.
(1887-1961), and Pierre J. (1897-1931) were all involved in swimming and swimming
education. Some served as lifeguards and swimming instructors at public parks and
beaches, and with the YWCA as well as for the Whittaker Swimming School. They
participated in competitions and performed in swimming and diving exhibitions; Elba
taught swimming at Harvard University.
