Elinor Mettler started her writing career covering fashion for a magazine of the shoe industry in New York City. In 1947, she married veterinarian Dr. John J. Mettler Jr. and moved to the upper Hudson Valley. There, she raised six children and founded the Roe Jan Independent, a weekly newspaper serving five towns. She edited and published the Independent for thirteen years. She founded the Roeliff Jansen Historical Society, serving as president and organizing exhibits. In 2000, the New York Parks and Conservation Association granted her the Greenway and Community Trail Spark Plug Award, recognizing her commitment and achievement in developing and promoting greenways and community trails. In 2009, Mrs. Mettler was named Copake Community Day Grand Marshal. Previous publications include The Fagan Sisters: A History of Life in a New York Country Village (Arcadia) and Love Always, a collection of World War II letters (self-published).