Pitrone, Jean
Place of Birth: Ishpeming, MI
Place of Principle Residence: Trenton, MI
Biography:
Jean Amelia Maddern Pitrone was born to Gladys and William Maddern in Ishpeming, MI. Early on in her childhood she has a love for music and writing, a passion that later manifested in her published works. Pitrone graduated from Ishpeming High School in 1938 and in 1940 married her husband, Anthony Pitrone. The couple moved to Detroit where Pitrone enthusiastically pursued historical research, writing many short stories and articles on her findings for a wide variety of publications such as Family Digest and the Chicago Tribune. In addition to her writing, Pitrone served as an organist and music director for different churches, and also served as a short story writing instructor for the Writer’s Digest School. During her time in Detroit, Pitrone was the president of Detroit Women Writers, and worked as a staff member and speaker for the Oakland University Writer’s Conference. Her book, Tangled Web: Legacy of the Auto Pioneer John F. Dodge, appeared on “Kelly & Company,” “Unsolved Mysteries,” and the “Phil Donahue Show.” Pitrone died on March 12, 2008 in Trenton, MI.
Selected Works:
- Hudson’s: Hub of America’s Heartland (1991)
- The Dodges: the Auto Family Fortune & Misfortune (1981)
- Chavez: Man of the Migrants (1972)
- The Great Black Robe (1963)
Awards:
- 1990 Book of Distinction Award, International Society of Automotive Historians
- 1982 Books Across the Sea Selection
- 1970 First Place Award, Friends of American Writers
Critical Reception:
Pitrone has received several awards, including the First Place Award from Friends of American Writers. Her book, Tangled Web: Legacy of the Auto Pioneer John F. Dodge, has appeared on “Kelly & Company,” “Unsolved Mysteries,” and the “Phil Donahue Show.”
Relevance of Place to Author’s Work:
Pitrone spent her whole life in Michigan, the majority of which being in Detroit. She was an active member of the Detroit Womens Writers, and spent much of her time using resources in Detroit to pursue research for her books.