Dickhaut, Florence Lillian Smith, 1887-1972

Florence Lillian (Smith) Dickhaut was born in Chicago, Illinois, on May 10, 1887, the daughter of Charles Edwin and Alvira (Woodward) Smith. She obtained her early education in Chicago's public schools. Between 1905 and 1909 she attended Northwestern University and earned a B.A. degree in Liberal Arts. During her years as an undergraduate, Dickhaut was active in many student affairs as a member of the Calethia Literary Society and the Dramatic Club, as president of her junior class, and as a contributor of both poetry and prose works to the Northwestern Magazine . She compiled a distinguished academic record and was elected to membership in Phi Beta Kappa.

Between her graduation from Northwestern and 1913 Dickhaut taught in Evanston elementary schools. In 1913 she accepted a position at Ohskosh (Wisconsin) State Normal School and remained there until 1918, when she became supervisor of the Training School, State Normal School of San Diego. Dickhaut worked as a teacher in San Diego until 1922. In 1923 she took an M.A. degree in English from the University of Chicago, and returned to California in 1924 as an instructor and, later, professor of English and Journalism at San Diego State College.

In 1934 she became engaged to and later married Charles Adam Dickhaut, a Los Angeles businessman. She died on July 9, 1972. For additional information, see also: Northwestern University Archives' Alumni Biographical Files, College of Liberal Arts, Class of 1909, Series 51/2, Box 39.

From the guide to the Florence (Smith) Dickhaut (1887-1972) Papers, 1905-1951, (Northwestern University Archives)