Clara E. (Clara Elizabeth) Laughlin

Born in New York City on August 3, 1873, and raised in Chicago, Clara Elizabeth Laughlin built an unusually wide-ranging literary career without following a conventional academic path. She began young in journalism, worked as a literary editor in Chicago, and went on to become known as an author, lecturer, and broadcaster.

Laughlin wrote more than 35 books across several genres, including fiction, biography, household writing, and travel. She became especially associated with travel writing through her "So You're Going To..." guides, which introduced destinations in an inviting, practical way for general readers.

Later in her career, she also appeared on radio, adding a new audience to the one she had already reached through magazines and books. She died in Chicago on March 3, 1941, leaving behind the record of a versatile writer who moved easily between journalism, popular nonfiction, and cultural commentary.