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Godfrey Dewey

1887 – 1977

American sports executive

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About Godfrey Dewey

Lived 1887 – 1977 (aged 90). Godfrey Dewey was an American athlete, known for English spelling reform and Olympics.

Godfrey Dewey (September 3, 1887 – October 18, 1977) was the president of the Lake Placid Organizing Committee and a winter sports facility designer. He was largely responsible for the successful candidature of Lake Placid for the 1932 Winter Olympics. In addition to his role as the U.S. ski team manager he was chosen as the flag bearer for the 1928 Games in St. Moritz, Switzerland. Dewey was elected to the U.S. National Ski Hall of Fame in 1970.

Godfrey Dewey was the son of Melvil Dewey, the inventor of Dewey Decimal Classification, and his first wife Annie Godfrey. He was the father of Katharin Dewey, who, in 1940, piloted her bobsleigh to victory in the US Championships alongside male brakemen; women were subsequently banned from competing with men. Godfrey went on to become the honorary chairman of the Phonemic Spelling Council. His work on World English Spelling may have influenced the development of SoundSpel, as he and Edward Rondthaler corresponded from 1971.

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Important facts

Birth century
Occupation
Nationality
Known for
English spelling reform, Olympics
Education
Harvard University

Family & relationships

Parent
Melvil Dewey

People in Godfrey Dewey's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped Godfrey Dewey's

Frequently asked questions

Who was Godfrey Dewey?

American sports executive (1887–1977)

When was Godfrey Dewey born?

Godfrey Dewey was born on 3 September 1887 in New York City.

When did Godfrey Dewey die?

Godfrey Dewey died on 18 October 1977 in Lake Placid.

What was Godfrey Dewey's occupation?

Godfrey Dewey was an athlete.

What was Godfrey Dewey known for?

Godfrey Dewey was known for English spelling reform and Olympics.

What nationality was Godfrey Dewey?

Godfrey Dewey was American.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Godfrey Dewey

· Wikidata: Q5576418

· DBpedia: Godfrey Dewey

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Godfrey Dewey. https://biography.guide/godfrey-dewey/

MLA: "Godfrey Dewey." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/godfrey-dewey/.

Chicago: "Godfrey Dewey." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/godfrey-dewey/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

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