Dorothy
Houghton
“Dorothy
Houghton... never took the view that everything was better
in the good old
days. Always her thoughts seemed to be on the future and how
to make this world a better one.”
— The Des Moines Register, 1972
Dorothy
Houghton was the first female president of the Electoral College
Board. Especially remembered as the "club Women's club woman" for
her activities as national president of the General Federation of
Women's Clubs, her public service covered a broad spectrum.
In 1949, she was designated Iowa's most distinguished citizen.
In 1953, President Eisenhower appointed her director of the Office
of Refugees, Migratory and Voluntary Assistance, where she served
for five years, coordinating services for 40 million refugees.
In 1964, she received The University of Iowa's Distinguished
Service Award, honoring her 12-year tenure on the Iowa Board
of Regents. Houghton was also a strong Women's rights advocate.
Born in Red Oak, Iowa in 1890, she died in 1972. Houghton was
inducted into the Iowa Women's Hall of Fame in 1978.
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