Steen, Richard E., 1915-2002

Dates

• Existence: 1915 - 2002

Biography

Richard Enoch “Dick” Steen was born in Chicago, Illinois on December 18, 1915, to Enoch and Nora (nee Edwards) Steen. His father was born in Arendal, Norway and his mother was born in Chicago, Illinois. The Steen family lived in Wilmette, Illinois until 1942 when they moved to Evanston, Illinois. The family owned and operated a few small clothing companies over the years and in 1955 Steen moved to Washington D.C. to take charge of the family business there; he would spend the rest of his life in Washington, D.C. Steen attended New Trier Township High School from 1930 to 1934. At New Trier he was a member of the glee club, orchestra, basketball, and the school newspaper. He became an Eagle Scout in the 1930s. Steen attended Northwestern University from 1934 to 1938. He was in the School of Commerce and received a Bachelor of Science in Commerce in 1938. At Northwestern, he was a member of Sigma Chi and Phi Mu Alpha and was the manager of the A Cappella Choir. In 1937, he performed with the A Cappella choir at Carnegie Hall in New York City. After graduation, from June to November 1938, Steen traveled around Europe visiting about 11 countries. According to his son, Steen was proud of making the trip when he did, having “captured the face of Europe before it was changed.” Steen joined the United States Navy on November 11, 1942. In 1944, he was made Chief Flight Instructor. He was on the Torpedo Bombing Squadron #6 stationed at Corry Field, Pensacola, Florida. Steen married Ruth (nee Mitchell) Steen in 1947 and had two sons William and James. Steen was the president of the Lewis and Thos. Saltz menswear stores in the D.C. area from 1955 until he sold the firm in 1977. In 1971, Steen was named Northwestern Alumni Regent of the Washington D.C. area, a role he served for several years. Steen died on November 26, 2002 at the age of 86.

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