Hortense Herman, Journalist

Hortense Sophia Herman was born in Clark County, Ohio in 1908 to Henry L. Herman and his wife, the former Jennie Schadel. For almost fifty years, H.L. Herman owned and operated a jewelry store in downtown Sandusky.  Hortense Herman graduated from Sandusky High School in 1926.

Image from 1926 SHS Fram

She went on to study at the Ohio State University. She was a well known journalist in the Chicago area for many years. Below is a transcription of an obituary for Hortense Herman Kaye, which appeared in the Chicago Tribune of October 11, 1999. 

Hortense Herman Kaye, age 90, dear sister of Ruth Ach Bernard; preceded in death by one brother. David Herman; and her parents Henry and Jenny Herman; also survived by her loving nieces, nephews, cousins and devoted friends. Services Monday, October 11, 1999, 4 p.m. at The Piser Chapel, 5206 N. Broadway, Chicago. 

Interment will take place in Sandusky, OH. Mrs. Kaye was an accomplished journalist and a pioneer in her field. She was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for her work in newspaper journalism. Among her credits include The Chicago Tribune "Feminique" section (which she co-developed); the Chicago Editor for Home Furnishings Daily, Architectural Digest and House and Garden Guide.

Hortense Herman Kaye, aka Hortense S. Herman, was buried at the Oheb Shalom Cemetery in Sandusky, Ohio, near her father and mother.

Photo credit: J. Mazza