Dorothy Frooks facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Dorothy Frooks
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| Born | February 12, 1896 Saugerties, New York, U.S.
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| Died | April 13, 1997 (aged 101) New York City, U.S.
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| Occupation | Author, publisher, lawyer |
| Known for | Political and social activism |
| Spouse(s) | Jay P. Vanderbilt (m. 1986) |
Dorothy Frooks (February 12, 1896 – April 13, 1997) was an amazing American woman who lived to be over 100 years old! She was a writer, a publisher, a military officer, and a lawyer. She also worked hard for women's rights, helping them gain the right to vote. Dorothy even ran for Congress twice, once in 1920 and again in 1934.
Dorothy wrote for the New York Evening World newspaper. She also started her own newspaper called the Murray Hill News in 1952. She wrote a pamphlet called Labor Courts Outlaw Strikes, which suggested creating special courts to help solve problems between workers and businesses.
As a lawyer in Peekskill, New York, Dorothy wrote many books. Some of her books were fiction stories, and others were non-fiction. Her books included The Olympic Torch, The American Heart, and her own life story, Lady Lawyer.
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Dorothy's Early Life and Law Career
Dorothy Frooks was born on February 12, 1896, on a farm near Saugerties, New York. She was one of ten children. Her father, Reginald Frooks, was a successful businessman. Her mother, Rosita Siberz, was a well-known socialite from London.
Dorothy and her nine brothers and sisters grew up on a 400-acre farm in the beautiful Hudson Valley. In the winter, they would stay in the famous Waldorf Hotel. When she was only 11 years old, Dorothy started giving speeches on street corners. She was asked to do this by her mother's friends from London society.
Dorothy studied hard and graduated from Hamilton Law School in Chicago. She then earned her master's degree from New York University. By the early 1920s, she became the first full-time lawyer for the Salvation Army, a well-known charity organization.
Dorothy's Military Service
Dorothy Frooks served her country in two major wars. During World War I, she was a chief yeoman in the United States Navy. This meant she helped with important office work and communications.
Later, during World War II, she served in the United States Army. She worked as a judge advocate, which means she was a lawyer for the military.
After her service, Dorothy became the National Commander of the Women World War Veterans. She also worked with other groups like the Veterans of World War I and the Retreads. The Retreads was a special group for veterans who had served in both World War I and World War II.
Dorothy in the Movie Reds
In 1981, Dorothy Frooks appeared in a movie called Reds. The film was directed by and starred Warren Beatty. Dorothy was one of the "Witnesses" in the movie.
She appeared alongside other very old and wise people, like Scott Nearing and George Seldes. These "Witnesses" were people who had lived through important historical events. Dorothy, Scott, and George had all seen firsthand the "red-baiting" and "McCarthyism" of the 1950s. These were times when people were unfairly accused of being communists during the Cold War.
Dorothy's Passing
Dorothy Frooks passed away in 1997. She was 101 years old when she died. She was buried at Calverton National Cemetery.
