Mckeldin Built Up Maryland, And Developed Baltimore's Inner Harbor Analysis
Chapter Seventy-SIX
McKeldin Built Up Maryland – And Developed Baltimore’s Inner Harbor
Historic Quote: George Bernard Shaw I am enclosing two tickets to the first night of my new play; bring a friend—if you have one. Churchill replied that he "cannot possibly attend the first night. Will attend the second night - if there is one." Photo via the Maryland State Archives
Have you ever driven to Washington DC by way of I-95? If so, you have to drive through the Harbor Tunnel, the Baltimore Beltway, the Capitol Beltway, and perhaps even the John Hansen Beltway. Along the way, you'll get a glimpse of Baltimore's state office buildings and perhaps visit the Harbor for lunch. These are only some of the products Theodore McKeldin, the Republican …show more content…
But it is not always the case that the individual is considered a genuinely nice person who is beloved at the same time. But McKeldin was the whole package. He was inclusive, forging unprecedented and legendary relationship with African-Americans (“Hello my brother”), Jews and other minorities by championing the cause of civil rights as early as 1950 and for profoundly expressing his affection for the Jewish state, which included numerous visits. He was visionary – daring Baltimore to dream big and proving that dreams can come true. He was idiosyncratic, in a positive way in dress and in speech. His stripe suits (complete with black-eyed Susan in the lapel) and silk-suits would be a hallmark of his wardrobe. And his speeches - Maryland Senator “Mac” Mathias said McKeldin “had a monopoly on charisma before we knew what the term was,” were of the highest order. Most telling of the man was his inclination to know what right was. This led the Baltimore Sun to conclude on his death that, "his major legacy was not physical. It was …show more content…
McKeldin sought the Mayoralty in 1939 but lost to incumbent Howard Jackson. He won the nomination for Governor in 1942 but was beaten by Herb O’Connor, though not badly (52.5-47.5%). The third time proved the charm, however, as McKeldin finally convinced Baltimorians to elect him as Mayor in 1943 and by a wide margin, as he ousted Jackson with 57%. His chief accomplishment may have been getting an airport built, as Friendship Airport (later to be renamed Thurgood Marshall International) was constructed. So was a civic center. Liberty Dam water supply system, a new tuberculosis wing at City Hospital and removing the city's slum. He presided over the revisions of two charters – one in 1946 and another 18 years
McKeldin Built Up Maryland – And Developed Baltimore’s Inner Harbor
Historic Quote: George Bernard Shaw I am enclosing two tickets to the first night of my new play; bring a friend—if you have one. Churchill replied that he "cannot possibly attend the first night. Will attend the second night - if there is one." Photo via the Maryland State Archives
Have you ever driven to Washington DC by way of I-95? If so, you have to drive through the Harbor Tunnel, the Baltimore Beltway, the Capitol Beltway, and perhaps even the John Hansen Beltway. Along the way, you'll get a glimpse of Baltimore's state office buildings and perhaps visit the Harbor for lunch. These are only some of the products Theodore McKeldin, the Republican …show more content…
But it is not always the case that the individual is considered a genuinely nice person who is beloved at the same time. But McKeldin was the whole package. He was inclusive, forging unprecedented and legendary relationship with African-Americans (“Hello my brother”), Jews and other minorities by championing the cause of civil rights as early as 1950 and for profoundly expressing his affection for the Jewish state, which included numerous visits. He was visionary – daring Baltimore to dream big and proving that dreams can come true. He was idiosyncratic, in a positive way in dress and in speech. His stripe suits (complete with black-eyed Susan in the lapel) and silk-suits would be a hallmark of his wardrobe. And his speeches - Maryland Senator “Mac” Mathias said McKeldin “had a monopoly on charisma before we knew what the term was,” were of the highest order. Most telling of the man was his inclination to know what right was. This led the Baltimore Sun to conclude on his death that, "his major legacy was not physical. It was …show more content…
McKeldin sought the Mayoralty in 1939 but lost to incumbent Howard Jackson. He won the nomination for Governor in 1942 but was beaten by Herb O’Connor, though not badly (52.5-47.5%). The third time proved the charm, however, as McKeldin finally convinced Baltimorians to elect him as Mayor in 1943 and by a wide margin, as he ousted Jackson with 57%. His chief accomplishment may have been getting an airport built, as Friendship Airport (later to be renamed Thurgood Marshall International) was constructed. So was a civic center. Liberty Dam water supply system, a new tuberculosis wing at City Hospital and removing the city's slum. He presided over the revisions of two charters – one in 1946 and another 18 years