Dolbey, Dorothy Nichols, 1908-1991

Dorothy N. Nichols Dolbey (April 28, 1908 – February 12, 1991) was an American politician who served as Mayor of Cincinnati for six months in 1954, and was the first woman to serve in this position.

Born in Cincinnati, Dolbey graduated from the University of Cincinnati and Columbia University with a degree in child psychology. After marrying James Dolbey in 1935, she became a stay-at-home mother, raising two children, but also served as Cincinnati Council of Church Women United's president. In 1951, she first ran for city council, one of two women to do so, but failed to win a spot. Dolbey ran again in 1953, this time winning election to city council. Entering the next council term, her Charter Party had a 5-4 advantage over the Republican Party in council, and as such they were able to appoint the next mayor. Edward N. Waldvogel was named mayor while Dolbey was named vice-mayor.

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