Lorena Hickok was a pioneering American journalist known for her groundbreaking work as one of the first female reporters for the Associated Press. She became America’s best-known female reporter by 1932. She is also remembered for her intimate and devoted friendship with First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt.
In 2026, she would have been 133 years old. She was born Lorena Alice Hickok on March 7, 1893. Her birthplace is East Troy, Wisconsin. She stood approximately 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm) tall. Her weight is not publicly confirmed.
Her major works include Reluctant First Lady and The Story of Helen Keller. She was a reporter for the Minneapolis Tribune and the Associated Press. She later served as chief investigator for the Federal Emergency Relief Administration (FERA). Her estimated net worth is not publicly confirmed.
Lorena Hickok Wiki/Bio
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name / Real Name | Lorena Alice Hickok |
| Date of Birth | March 7, 1893 |
| Date of Death | May 1, 1968 |
| Age in 2026 | Would have been 133 years old |
| Age at Death | 75 years old |
| Birthplace | East Troy, Wisconsin, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Journalist, author, public relations official |
| Category | Journalist |
| Education | Lawrence College (dropped out), University of Minnesota (dropped out) |
| Partner / Spouse | Not publicly confirmed |
| Children | None |
| Career Start | 1912 |
| Notable Employers | Associated Press, Minneapolis Tribune, Federal Emergency Relief Administration |
| Major Works | Reluctant First Lady, The Story of Helen Keller |
| Achievements | First female AP reporter, pioneering journalist |
| Net Worth | Not publicly confirmed |
| Primary Income Source | Journalism, book royalties |
| Social Media | N/A (deceased) |
Lorena Hickok Real Name
Lorena Hickok‘s full birth name is Lorena Alice Hickok. She is professionally known by her real name. She never used a different professional name.
She was affectionately known as “Hick” by her friends and colleagues. This nickname was used by those closest to her, including Eleanor Roosevelt. She has built her career under her real name. It is a point of connection to her family. Her name is now a respected brand in journalism history.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Lorena Alice Hickok |
| Nickname | Hick |
| Professional Name | Lorena Hickok |
| Name Origin | American |
Lorena Hickok Early Life and Education
Lorena Hickok was born in East Troy, Wisconsin on March 7, 1893. She was the daughter of Addison Hickok, a buttermaker, and Anna (Waite) Hickok, a dressmaker. She had two sisters, Ruby Adelsa and Myrtle. Her early life was marked by violence and instability.
Her father was an alcoholic and was not consistently employed. He beat Lorena and her sisters. When Lorena was 10 years old, the family moved to Bowdle, South Dakota. In 1906, when she was 13, her mother died of a stroke. Two years later, her father remarried.
Lorena’s relationship with her father was poor. He was abusive and neglectful towards her. His new wife forced her out of the family home at age 14. She worked as a housekeeper for various families. She saw her father one more time at age 15, but he had no kind words for her.
She attended Lawrence College in Appleton, Wisconsin, in 1912. She was ridiculed by her classmates and flunked out after one year. She later enrolled at the University of Minnesota, but her education ended when the dean tried to force her to live in the women’s dormitory. She never completed a college degree.
| Stage | Details |
|---|---|
| Birthplace | East Troy, Wisconsin |
| Parents | Addison Hickok (buttermaker), Anna Hickok (dressmaker) |
| Siblings | Ruby Adelsa, Myrtle |
| College | Lawrence College (dropped out) |
| College | University of Minnesota (dropped out) |
Lorena Hickok Parents and Siblings
Lorena Hickok‘s father was Addison J. Hickok. He was a dairy farmer who specialized in making butter. He was an alcoholic and was not consistently employed. He was abusive and neglectful towards his children.
Her mother was Anna Hickok (née Anna Adelia Wiate). She was a dressmaker. She died of a stroke in 1906 when Lorena was 13 years old.
She had two sisters. Her sister Ruby Adelsa was born in 1896 and later became Ruby Claff. Her other sister was named Myrtle. Her family background was troubled and unstable.
| Family Member | Relationship | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Addison J. Hickok | Father | Buttermaker, alcoholic, abusive |
| Anna Hickok | Mother | Dressmaker, died 1906 |
| Ruby Adelsa Claff | Sister | Born 1896 |
| Myrtle Hickok | Sister | Sibling |
Lorena Hickok Educational Qualification
Lorena Hickok‘s formal education was limited and interrupted. She finished high school under the guidance of her mother’s cousin, Ella Ellis.
In 1912, she enrolled in Lawrence College in Appleton, Wisconsin. She was ridiculed by her classmates and flunked out after one year. She later enrolled at the University of Minnesota. Her college education ended when the dean tried to force her to live in the women’s dormitory. She never completed a college degree.
| Education Level | Institution | Details |
|---|---|---|
| High School | High School in Battle Creek, Michigan | Completed |
| College | Lawrence College | Dropped out after one year |
| College | University of Minnesota | Dropped out |
Lorena Hickok Before Fame
Lorena Hickok started her journalism career in 1912. Her first job was with the Battle Creek Evening News in Michigan. She covered train arrivals and departures and wrote personal interest stories for $7 a week.
She joined the staff of the Milwaukee Sentinel as its society editor. Bored by society assignments, she convinced her editor to assign her to the city desk. She quickly made a name for herself as a skilled interviewer.
She transferred to the Minneapolis Tribune in 1917. She later moved to New York City to pursue her hopes of covering World War I. She was fired after a month and returned to Minneapolis to rejoin the Tribune.
In 1928, the Associated Press hired her to write feature stories for its wire service. She quickly made a name for herself by covering politics and dramatic stories like the Lindbergh baby kidnapping. She surpassed her male colleagues and won the coveted right to have her name appear as a by-line atop her articles.
| Period | Activity | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1912 | Battle Creek Evening News | First job, $7 a week |
| 1910s | Milwaukee Sentinel | Society editor, then city desk |
| 1917 | Minneapolis Tribune | Transferred |
| 1919 | Minneapolis Tribune | Sunday editor |
| 1928 | Associated Press | Hired as feature writer |
Lorena Hickok Career
Lorena Hickok‘s career was groundbreaking. She became America’s best-known female reporter by 1932. She was one of the first women hired by the Associated Press (AP).
In 1932, she was assigned to cover Franklin D. Roosevelt’s presidential campaign. She suggested that someone be assigned to cover Eleanor Roosevelt. The AP resisted the idea until very late in the campaign. In October 1932, she was assigned exclusively to Mrs. Roosevelt.
Her friendship with Eleanor Roosevelt compromised her ability to continue her work. She resigned from the Associated Press in late June 1933. She began work as Chief Investigator for the Federal Emergency Relief Administration (FERA) in August 1933.
For three years, she visited thirty-two states and provided detailed reports on New Deal policy. She resigned from FERA in late November 1936. She later promoted the 1939 New York World’s Fair. She served as executive secretary of the Women’s Division of the Democratic National Committee.
She authored several books. Her works include Reluctant First Lady and The Story of Helen Keller. Her career was cut short by her health issues and the limitations of her time.
| Year | Career / Achievement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1928 | Associated Press | Hired as feature writer |
| 1932 | Presidential Campaign | Covered FDR and Eleanor |
| 1933 | Resigned from AP | Due to compromised objectivity |
| 1933 | FERA | Chief Investigator |
| 1936 | Resigned from FERA | End of investigation role |
| 1937 | Director of Promotion | New York World’s Fair |
Lorena Hickok Family
Lorena Hickok never married. She had no children. She kept her personal life private. Her most significant relationship was with Eleanor Roosevelt.
She had a long-term friendship with Eleanor Roosevelt. Their relationship has been widely debated. Over 3,000 of their mutual letters were discovered, confirming some level of physical intimacy. She was known to be a lesbian.
Her family relationships were difficult. Her father was abusive and neglectful. She was forced out of her family home at age 14. She saw her father only once more in her life.
She lived mostly at the White House. She had a conjoining room with the First Lady. Her family was the one she built with Eleanor Roosevelt.
| Family Member | Relationship | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Eleanor Roosevelt | Close friend/partner | Long-term relationship |
| Spouse | None | Never married |
| Children | None | No children |
Lorena Hickok Husband or Partner
Lorena Hickok never married. She had no husband. She was known to be a lesbian. Her most significant relationship was with Eleanor Roosevelt.
She was a long-term friend and possibly romantic partner of Eleanor Roosevelt. The nature of their relationship has been widely debated. After 3,000 of their mutual letters were discovered, it was confirmed that there was some level of physical intimacy.
She had no other public partners. Her relationship with Eleanor Roosevelt was her only significant one. She kept her personal life private. She focused on her career and her friendship with Eleanor.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Marital Status | Never married |
| Partner | Eleanor Roosevelt (close friend/partner) |
Lorena Hickok Age, Height, Weight and Physical Appearance
Lorena Hickok was 75 years old when she died. She was born on March 7, 1893. She died on May 1, 1968. In 2026, she would have been 133 years old.
Her height is not publicly confirmed. Her weight is not publicly confirmed. Her physical appearance is not widely documented. She was known for her professional and determined presence.
Her eye color is not publicly confirmed. Her hair color is not publicly confirmed. She does not focus on her appearance. She focuses on her work. Her presence is commanding and professional.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Age at Death | 75 years old |
| Age in 2026 | Would have been 133 |
| Height | Not publicly confirmed |
| Weight | Not publicly confirmed |
| Eye Color | Not publicly confirmed |
| Hair Color | Not publicly confirmed |
| Build | Not publicly confirmed |
Lorena Hickok Social Media Presence
Lorena Hickok does not have a social media presence. She died in 1968, long before the internet. Her legacy lives on through her writing and historical records.
Her books and articles are available on Amazon and other platforms. Her work is studied in universities. The Lorena Hickok Papers are held at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library. Her correspondence with Eleanor Roosevelt is a valuable historical resource.
Fans and scholars share her work online. Her quotes are posted on social media. Her influence continues to grow. She is a timeless icon. Her legacy is preserved by her writing.
| Platform | Presence |
|---|---|
| Fan pages, tributes | |
| Quotes and mentions | |
| Fan pages | |
| Wikipedia | Comprehensive article |
Lorena Hickok Awards and Achievements
Lorena Hickok received recognition for her pioneering work. She was America’s best-known female reporter by 1932. This was a significant achievement for a woman in journalism.
She was one of the first women hired by the Associated Press. She surpassed her male colleagues and won the coveted right to have her name appear as a by-line. This was a rare honor for a woman at the time.
She covered major stories. These included the Lindbergh baby kidnapping. She also covered politics and sports. Her work was groundbreaking.
Her legacy is preserved through the Lorena Hickok Papers at the FDR Library. Her correspondence with Eleanor Roosevelt is a valuable historical resource. Her achievements are a testament to her talent and determination.
| Category | Year(s) | Award / Recognition | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| AP Reporter | 1928 | First female AP reporter | Pioneering achievement |
| Best-known female reporter | 1932 | National recognition | America’s best-known |
| By-line | 1930s | Rare honor for women | Surpassed male colleagues |
Lorena Hickok Net Worth
Lorena Hickok‘s net worth is not publicly confirmed. Reliable sources do not provide an estimate. She earned a living as a journalist and author. Her income came from her writing and book royalties.
She worked for major publications. These included the Minneapolis Tribune and the Associated Press. She also published several books. Her work was widely read. Her financial details are private.
She lived modestly. She was not a wealthy celebrity. Her wealth was in her legacy. Her contributions to journalism are priceless. She is a legendary figure.
| Income Source | Details |
|---|---|
| Journalism | Newspapers and wire services |
| Book Royalties | Reluctant First Lady, The Story of Helen Keller |
| Public Relations | FERA, New York World’s Fair |
Lorena Hickok Nationality and Religion
Lorena Hickok was American by nationality. She was born in East Troy, Wisconsin. She was proud of her American identity. Her journalism represented American values. She was a pioneering American voice.
Her ethnicity is not publicly confirmed. She was of American descent. Her background is a key part of her identity. She embraces her heritage.
Her religion is not publicly confirmed. She keeps her beliefs private. She focuses on her work and writing. Her personal faith is her own matter. She respects all beliefs.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Nationality | American |
| Religion | Not publicly confirmed |
| Ethnicity | Not publicly confirmed |
Lorena Hickok Public Image
Lorena Hickok is known as a pioneering journalist. She was one of the first female reporters for the Associated Press. Her image is that of a trailblazer. She is seen as a determined and courageous woman. She is a powerful and influential figure.
She is also known for her relationship with Eleanor Roosevelt. Their friendship is one of the most famous in American history. She was a devoted friend and mentor. This unique connection sets her apart. She is a true original.
She is also seen as a private person. She kept her personal life guarded. This earns her public respect. She is not a tabloid figure. She maintains a clean reputation.
She is admired by journalists worldwide. She is a role model for women in journalism. Her peers hold her in high esteem. Her public image is very positive.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Personality | Determined, courageous, private |
| Journalism Style | Pioneering, trailblazing |
| Reputation | First female AP reporter |
| Public Perception | Respected, influential, trailblazer |
Lorena Hickok Legacy and Impact
Lorena Hickok‘s impact on journalism is profound. She was one of the first women to break into the male-dominated world of journalism. She paved the way for other women. Her influence is undeniable.
She was America’s best-known female reporter by 1932. She covered major stories and won the right to have a by-line. She set new standards for women in journalism. She inspired generations of reporters.
Her relationship with Eleanor Roosevelt is also part of her legacy. Their correspondence provides a unique window into history. It reveals the intimate side of a First Lady. Her legacy is both professional and personal.
She is a symbol of courage and determination. She overcame a difficult childhood to become a successful journalist. Her legacy is one of resilience. She will be remembered as a pioneering journalist.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Journalism Influence | Pioneering female reporter |
| Cultural Impact | Relationship with Eleanor Roosevelt |
| Legacy | Trailblazer for women in journalism |
| Representation | Women in media |
Lorena Hickok Future Plans and Goals
Lorena Hickok was still writing in her later years. She authored Reluctant First Lady and The Story of Helen Keller. She was planning more writing. She was determined to continue her work.
She died in 1968 at age 75. She was living in Hyde Park, New York. She was buried in Rhinebeck Cemetery. Her plans were cut short. Her death was a loss.
She had likely planned more books. She was still creative and productive. She may have planned more writing. She was a dedicated journalist. Her potential was immense.
Her legacy lives on through her work. Her writing continues to inspire. Her contributions are still celebrated. She is remembered as a great journalist. Her future plans remain a mystery.
| Plan | Details |
|---|---|
| Writing | Continuing to write books |
| Journalism | Potential new projects |
Lorena Hickok Books and Publications
- Reluctant First Lady (1962) – A biography of Eleanor Roosevelt
- The Story of Helen Keller (1958) – A biography of Helen Keller
- The Story of Eleanor Roosevelt (1962) – A biography of Eleanor Roosevelt
- Articles – Various newspaper and magazine articles
Lorena Hickok Lesser-Known Facts
- Her full name is Lorena Alice Hickok.
- She was known as “Hick” by her friends and colleagues.
- She was born in East Troy, Wisconsin.
- Her father was a buttermaker and an alcoholic.
- Her mother was a dressmaker.
- She had two sisters, Ruby and Myrtle.
- Her mother died when she was 13 years old.
- She was forced out of her family home at age 14.
- She worked as a housekeeper for various families.
- She flunked out of Lawrence College after one year.
- She was one of the first women hired by the Associated Press.
- She was America’s best-known female reporter by 1932.
- She covered the Lindbergh baby kidnapping.
- She won the right to have her name appear as a by-line.
- She resigned from the AP because she could no longer be objective.
- She was the chief investigator for FERA.
- She had a close relationship with Eleanor Roosevelt.
- Over 3,000 of their mutual letters were discovered.
FAQs
Q: How old would Lorena Hickok be in 2026?
A: She would have been 133 years old in 2026. She was born on March 7, 1893.
Q: What was Lorena Hickok’s net worth?
A: Her net worth is not publicly confirmed. Reliable sources do not provide an estimate.
Q: Who was Lorena Hickok’s partner?
A: She had a close relationship with Eleanor Roosevelt. The nature of their relationship has been widely debated.
Q: Did Lorena Hickok have children?
A: No, she did not have children. She never married.
Q: What was Lorena Hickok’s most famous work?
A: Her most famous works are Reluctant First Lady and The Story of Helen Keller.
Q: What was Lorena Hickok’s height?
A: Her height is not publicly confirmed.
Q: What was Lorena Hickok’s profession?
A: She was a journalist, author, and public relations official.
Conclusion
Lorena Hickok is a pioneering journalist and a symbol of resilience. Her journey from a difficult childhood to becoming America’s best-known female reporter is inspiring. She was born Lorena Alice Hickok on March 7, 1893 in East Troy, Wisconsin. She died at 75 years old in 1968. She would have been 133 years old in 2026. Her height and weight are not publicly confirmed.
Her career began in 1912 at the Battle Creek Evening News. She achieved fame as one of the first female reporters for the Associated Press. She covered major stories and won the right to have a by-line. Her books include Reluctant First Lady and The Story of Helen Keller. Her estimated net worth is not publicly confirmed.
She was a devoted friend to Eleanor Roosevelt. She is a trailblazer for women in journalism. Her legacy as a pioneering journalist is secure.
This mirrors the inspirational and detailed structure of the previous profiles, highlighting Lorena Hickok‘s journey from an abused child in Wisconsin to a pioneering journalist and confidante of a First Lady.
