OR

source:wikipedia.org
20 Oct, 1925
28 May, 2002
Lung Cancer
American
Journalist
76
Born on July 10, 1905, Mildred Augustine Wirt Benson was a renowned American journalist and children’s book writer. She penned some of the first Nancy Drew mysteries and shaped the detective’s fun-loving personality. Mildred Benson, writing under the pseudonym Carolyn Keene, was the author of 23 out of the first 30 Nancy Drew mysteries, many of which became bestsellers.
It’s possible that her older brother played a role in sparking her interest in athletics and exploring at a young age. From the very young age, Mildred had a clear goal of becoming an author. In June 1919, at the age of thirteen, her first published work was a short story called “The Courtesy” in a children’s publication.
She successfully obtained her English degree from the University of Iowa in 1925. She became a pioneer for students during that time by earning a master’s degree in journalism in 1927. Benson began her career by selling short stories to magazines such as St. Nicholas and Lutheran Young Folks, and also held different jobs while studying. She worked under editor George Gallup at The Daily Iowan during her college days and later wrote for the society pages at the Clinton Herald after graduation.
Asa Alvin Wirt entered her life when she was attending the University of Iowa. They married in Chicago on March 4, 1928. Their daughter, Margaret Joan Wirt, came into the world in 1936. Following Asa’s passing, she wed George A. Benson, an editor at The Times. He also passed away eight years later.
In addition to her work with the Stratemeyer Syndicate, Mildred authored numerous series under her own name and various pseudonyms from the 1930s to the 1950s. Her productivity was remarkable, having written over 130 published books under more than a dozen pen names. She wrote an exceptional series in 1930 -1931 featuring Ruth Darrow, a daring pilot involved in thrilling adventures, advocating for women’s abilities.
Her real name was used to write the Penny Parker stories between 1939 and 1947. Parker had the qualities of both Nancy Drew and Benson, as she was the daughter of a newspaper editor and eagerly delved into mysteries and dangerous situations. Benson’s favourite subject to write about was Parker because she had control over the character, unlike Nancy Drew. She went as far as to say that Parker is a better Nancy Drew than Nancy herself.
In 1964, at fifty-nine years old, Mildred achieved her commercial pilot’s license. During the 1990s, she initiated a weekly column titled “On the Go” for the Toledo Blade. Mildred Wirt Benson, the original Carolyn Keene, made national headlines in 1993 when she was an honored guest at a Nancy Drew conference. On May 28, 2002, at the age of ninety-seven, she peacefully passed away.
Mildred Benson
Carolyn Keene
Female
Lung Cancer
Ladora, Iowa, U.S.
Toledo, Ohio, U.S.
Adventurer: Flexible and charming artists, always ready to explore and experience something new. Mildred Benson was known for her adventurous spirit, independence, and creativity, as reflected in her work on the Nancy Drew series and her personal life experiences.
She wrote over 130 books across various genres, including mysteries and children’s literature.
Benson maintained a lifelong interest in travel and adventure
he continued writing and remained active in her community well into her later years.
Toledo Blade’s Lifetime Achievement Award for an Outstanding Journalist in 1998.