Barbara Landstreet Frye

By Peggy Macdonald

Journalist (Tallahassee)

Years: 1922–1982

Remembered for: United Press International Capitol Bureau Chief in Tallahassee for 38 years

Why you should know her:

In college, Barbara Landstreet Frye envisioned herself working as a journalist for a few years before marrying and becoming a housewife. Instead, she broke off an engagement upon graduation when she was offered a job with United Press Associations (now United Press International), a position she kept for decades. “I just couldn’t resist an offer from a big wire service,” she explained.

Born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania in 1922, Barbara Landstreet moved with her family to Georgia as a child. After starting her college education at Georgia State Women’s College (now Valdosta State University), she transferred to the University of Georgia, where she graduated in 1943 with a degree in journalism. According to her obituary, Landstreet picked up a soft drawl and Southern manners that helped her disarm politicians into revealing more than they intended during interviews.

In 1949, Barbara Ann Landstreet married Earle Frye in Tallahassee. Frye later served as executive director of the Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission. They had two children. Barbara balanced career, family and community service. She was active with the Capital Press Club, Tiger Bay Club and Junior League. In 1976, Barbara and Earle divorced.

Barbara Landstreet Frye served as UPI’s Tallahassee bureau manager for 38 years, covering the administrations of 11 governors, state government and the courts. She was nicknamed the “dean” of Florida’s capital correspondents and served as a mentor to new political reporters. In 1982, she died at age 60 after a lengthy bout with cancer.

Featured image: Barbara Frye