Bess Streeter Aldrich

Bess Streeter Aldrich (1881–1954) was an American novelist and short-story writer celebrated for regional fiction set in the Midwest and Great Plains. Born in Cedar Falls, Iowa, she later lived in Nebraska, experiences that shaped her portrayals of small-town life, family bonds, and pioneer-era change. Aldrich published widely in popular magazines and built a readership with stories that emphasized community, resilience, and everyday heroism. Her best-known novel, *A Lantern in Her Hand* (1928), follows a woman’s life on the Nebraska frontier and became a lasting favorite. Aldrich’s work remains associated with nostalgic, character-driven depictions of American heartland history.