 It was an immediate hit featuring a smart, curious, independent, and thoughtful character that soon became a role model for millions of girls. The woman who gave life to teenage detective Nancy Drew, Mildred Wirt Benson, was born in Ladora on this date in 1905. And that's Iowa Almanac for July 5th. There's more online at IowaAlmanac.com. Until Monday, I'm Jeff Stein.