Corinne Dame

Moved to the Esplanade in 1989; one of the early residents. She moved from a "Cape Cod" house furnished in antiques, on an acre of land to care for in Belmont, to the Esplanade with modern decor and no responsibilities, with her husband Sam until his death in 2009. Son Douglas and wife Kathryn now also live in the Esplanade.

Corinne's Career. Corinne graduated from Brookline High School just after World War II was declared. War is a very frightening experience!! College would wait. She joined the Red Cross Motor Corp where she learned to drive a truck and prepare for an emergency evacuation. She worked at the Watertown Arsenal and then the Charlestown Navy Yard to help the war effort. The war ended, she met Colonel Samuel Dame, and they were married. They purchased a home in Waban. During their two sons’ naptime, Corinne worked with Sam to establish his new lecture management company.

In 1956 women were not entrepreneurs. However, Corinne established her own event planning company.  Working along with Gloria Steinem, they pioneered and opened opportunities for other women into the business world. Her company Dame Associates, Inc., is global and has produced events all over the world. She appreciates and is grateful for the travel, the sights, and the people she was privileged to experience.  In 1982 her company produced the first Glass Machinery Exposition in Beijing, China. The first trip required 38 hours of travel time.  Last year it was a direct fight for 16 hours.  

Changes in the neighborhood. When Corinne first saw the neighborhood, it was for a business meeting in a warehouse. She describes the neighborhood then as neglected industrial and loves the way it has developed.