Dorothy Fuldheim: First First Lady of Television News [Hardcover]

Patricia M. Mote (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0963308351 | ISBN-13: 978-0963308351 | Publication Date: June 1997

For the first time, the true picture of the legendary Queen of the News, the incomparable redhead who reigned supreme for 37 years at the first television station between New York and Chicago. Carefully researched and annotated. Thirty-two pages of photos, some never before published.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"...ample evidence of sound research and a very engaging authorial tone." -- Jeanne Somers, Curator, Kent State University Archives

"...an impressive hit. I commend [the author] for the way in which she captured Dorothy Fuldheim." -- Ohio Writer, Fall 1997

"...comes closer to capturing the real Dorothy than any of the many who've tried. Impressive detail from research." -- Donald Perris, president of Scripps Howard Broadcasting (ret.)

About the Author

Patricia Mote is an author and publisher whose background is in history and political science as well as in English. She is co-author of Showers of Blessings: A Journal of Ohio Valley Life with Alma Demaree Hall.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 252 pages
• Publisher: Quixote Pubns (June 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0963308351
• ISBN-13: 978-0963308351
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #519,797 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Scores an impressive hit., July 30, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Dorothy Fuldheim: First First Lady of Television News (Hardcover)

Mote succeeds in weaving together elements from all areas of Fuldheim's life, her own books, her commentaries and her many television interviews as well as her many conversations with society's elite. Fuldheim's life represents a footnote in the history of broadcasting and it is in this area that Mote's book excels. Anyone looking for a good overview of television during its formative stages can find it by reading about how Fuldheim managed to get hired in an industry where experience was non-existent.

...I commend Patricia Mote for the manner in which she captured Dorothy Fuldheim.

From a review in Ohio Writer by Ted Henry, news anchor at WEWS-TV Cleveland.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Cleveland's First Lady of TV News, June 25, 2010

By 

Reader & Writer (Ohio) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Dorothy Fuldheim: First First Lady of Television News (Hardcover)

I grew up with Dorothy Fuldheim in my living room. (On the TV--not literally.) Mote's book fleshed out the picture that began to form in my mind and heart as a child, teen, and young woman. (I guess that gives away my age.) This commentator was a Cleveland institution and a trailblazer.

In the memoir group I teach, many likewise have fond memories of her. I brought the book to class and watched how people handled it - with curiosity and respect.

Was Fuldheim overdressed...even flamboyant? Of course, and the book will tell you why. Did she speak with a flair? Sure, and you'll find out how she got it. Opinionated? Would you want a commentator that wasn't? She spoke her mind on the events of the day with a degree of insight neither too lofty nor lowbrow. One did not need to agree...just to think. The book's research is a definite strength.

Mote shares childhood experiences integral to who Dorothy Violet Schnell became. This poor daughter of immigrants would eventually brush shoulders with public figures near and far. Before pioneering on TV, she offered well-attended book reviews, taught school, acted in little theater. She interviewed Hitler and Albert Speer...Helen Keller...many U.S. presidents...and many others.

I read about Fuldheim's heartfelt commentary in response to the Kent State University tragedy of May 4, 1970 and the divided public reaction. I recall the look in her eyes (on TV) following the death of her own daughter--one of those things I never forgot. The book includes other losses as well and stimulated enough curiosity that I intend to examine KSU archives to read more of the commentaries; a few are in the text.

For my taste, the book is written with just a bit more "enthusiasm" than necessary. That's the only flaw as I see it--but one can't fault Mote too much. The facts of this amazing life speak for themselves.

The most surprising chapter is the one suggesting Fuldheim's spiritual questions. Of the pictures included, my favorite is her firm handclasp with the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Fuldheim was smart, blunt, elegant -- like the type of aunt one regards with awe and keeps a bit at a distance. The details of her life as a celebrity are juxtaposed with her sad decline in her final years following emergency surgery.

Her career on TV began at the age of 54 ... and continued until she was 91. In an era in which women on newscasts and as commentators is taken for granted, I enjoyed rewinding the reel. Recommended for media students, history buffs, Clevelanders, and anyone seeking a good "rags to riches" story.