About Mildred
Mildred Gilman Wohlforth’s career exemplified many of the prominent trends in early female journalism. As a stunt reporter, sob sister, novelist, foreign correspondent, and advocate for women's issues, Wohlforth made a name for herself in the New York literary scene.
A Sob Sister
The term sob sister was originally intended to be a disparaging one, first used in 1907 by Irvin Cobb during the Harry Thaw murder case to describe the coverage by women reporters. Sob sisters were female reporters who specialized in dramatic stories and the emotional 'woman's angle.' While some men used this term to diminished the work of women reporters and deny them serious editorial spaces, this stereotype created a space for women to begin their careers. Mildred Gilman Wohlforth capitalized on this space in various dramatic murder trials, such as that of the "Torch Killer" in 1929. She even penned a novel called 'Sob Sister,' which was made into a Hollywood film in 1931.
A Stunt Girl
Another space which early female journalists made their own was adventure or stunt reporting. Nellie Bly, who wrote in the late 19th century is known for beginning this trend. These women put themselves in dangerous and unfeminine situations, attracting huge reading audiences to learn about their shocking adventures. Wohlforth dove to the bottom of Hackensack River in antique diving equipment, and made the first radiotelephone call from an airplane to chase a story.
Writer of the 'Woman's Angle'
Female journalists were often expected to report on the woman's angle of any story. Mildred Wohlforth was even given the assignment to write the woman's angle the day of the 1929 stock crash, publishing the headline "Wives, Show Girls, Teachers, Stenos- All Hit by the Market." Wohlforth made this genre her own, advocating for women's education on birth control, family planning, and sexual pleasure, with advice columns and researched pieces.
Planned Parenthood Advocate
Later in Wohlforth's career, she moved from sensational journalism to a focus on the work of planned parenthood. She worked closely with Margaret Sanger in the work of the organization, and published a huge number of pieces on family planning and birth control.
One of Eleanor Roosevelt's Girls
Mildred Wohlforth benefited from Eleanor Roosevelt's initiative to employ woman journalists, and was brought to the white house on numerous occasions to report on the New Deal, WWII, and other major stories. She developed a deep admiration of Eleanor Roosevelt and wrote of her frequently throughout her career.
Algonquin Round Table Member
Wohlforth was also a core member of the Algonquin Round Table, a group of New York City writers, actors, critics, and artists. She kept many of the letters exchanged with other members, and some are included here, and many more of which are accessible at the Princeton University Library.