Josephine CULBERTSON

(1898-1956)

Josephine (Mrs. Ely) CULBERTSON of USA, stood in her own right as a renowned bridge teacher, player and writer, member ACBL Hall of Fame.

She was born Josephine Murphy in Bayside NY (now part of New York City). Her interest in bridge commenced when she became secretary to Wilber C. Whitehead. In June 1923 she married Ely Culbertson and collaborated with him in the development and teaching of the Culbertson or Approach-Forcing systems of auction and contract bridge. Through the twenties and into the thirties, Culbertson was known as 'the modern miracle - the woman who can play on even terms with the best men.' She was the first woman to achieve highest championship caliber, and as such was unique in her times, before the advent of Helen Sobel Smith and others. As a member of The Bridge World team, with Waldemar Von Zedtwitz as her partner and later Michael Gottlieb and Albert Morehead, Culbertson won several national and international championships including the Schwab Cup 1934. Paired with her husband she played many high-stake set games, won international matches in England and France, and achieved national fame in the Culbertson-Lenz Match, 1931-1932.

She was co-founder of The Bridge World, 1929, and inaugurated its 'Pro et Contra' department, which appeared under her name until her death. She was often on radio bridge shows, including two long series with her husband. She participated briefly in motion pictures made by her husband. Jo, as she insisted she be called by her close friends, was as glamorous as a movie star - the world of bridge was at her feet as was the world of fashion. Every paper, every smart magazine sung her praises and quoted not only her success at the bridge table, but also her beautiful clothes and the chic with which she wore them. Josephine and Ely Culbertson were divorced in 1938, though they continued as business partners and co-editors. She died on 23 March 1956, of a cerebral stroke, 87 days after Ely's death.