Don't call me boss : David L. Lawrence, Pittsburgh's Renaissance mayor / Michael P. Weber.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Weber, Michael, author.

Series:

Pittsburgh series in social and labor history.

Pittsburgh series in social and labor history

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Lawrence, David Leo, 1889-1966.

Lawrence, David Leo.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (xvi, 392 pages) : illustrations

Edition:

1st ed.

Other Title:

Dont Call Me Boss

Pittsburgh series in social and labor history.

Pittsburgh Series in Social and Labor History

Place of Publication:

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania : University of Pittsburgh Press, [1988]

Summary:

The death of David Leo Lawrence in 1966 ended a fifty-year career of major influence in American politics. In a front-page obituary, the New York Times noted that Lawrence, the longtime mayor of Pittsburgh, governor of Pennsylvania, and power in Democratic national politics, disliked being called Boss. But, the Times noted, "he was one anyway."Certainly Lawrence was a consumate politician. Born in a poor, working-class neighborhood, in the present-day Golden Triange of Pittsburgh, he was from boyhood an astute student of politics and a devoted Democrat. Paying minute attention to every detail at the ward and precinct level, he revived the moribund Democratic party of Pittsburgh and fashioned a machine that upset the long-entrenched Republican organization in 1932.When "Davy" Lawrence, as he was affectionately known, won the gubernatorial election in 1958, he became the first Roman Catholic governor of Pennsylvania and the oldest. But he achieved his greatest public recognition as mayor of Pittsburgh. Taking office in 1945, at the close of World War II, this stalwart Democrat formed an alliance with the predominantly Republican business community to bring about the much acclaimed Pittsburgh Renaissance, transforming the downtown business district and persuading many large corporations to retain their national headquarters in Pittsburgh. In 1958 the editors of Fortune magazine name Pittsburgh as one of the eight best administered cities in America. Don't Call Me Boss examines the lengthy career of this remarkable politician. Using over one hundred interviews, as well as extensive archival material, Michael Weber demonstrates how Lawrence was able to balance his intense political drive and devotion to the Democratic party with the larger needs of his city and state. Although his administration was not free of controversy, as indicated by the city's police and free work scandals. Lawrence showed that it was possible to make the transition from nineteenth-century political boss to modern municipal manager. He was one of the few politicians of the century to do so. When the undisputed bosses of other American cities - the Curleys, Pendergasts, and Hagues - were out of power and disgraced, Lawrence was elected governor of Pennsylvania.More than twenty years after his death, David L. Lawrence and his success in rebuilding the city of Pittsburgh continue to serve as an example of effective urban leadership.

Contents:

Intro

Contents

Preface

Biographical Sketches

Growing Up: An Education in Politics 1889-1919

Friends, Family, and Work 1919-1929

Crumbs No More 1929-1934

Building an Organization

Expanding the Network 1934-1935

Exercising Power: A Little New Deal and a Ripper 1935-1938

The Empire Crumbles 1938-1940

Years of Trauma 1940-1942

Policies, Principles, and Procedures

The Interlude 1942- 1945

A City in Trouble 1940-1945

From Political Boss to Civic Statesman 1945-1946

Creating a Renaissance: The Environment 1946-1950

Creating a Renaissance: Bricks and Mortar 1946-1959

Social Concerns and Other Matters 1946-1959

A Bit of Tarnish: Graft and Corruption 1946-1959

Politics as Usual 1946-1959

Return to Harrisburg 1959-1963

In Service to the Nation 1963-1966

Epilogue

Appendix A. Pittsburgh Renewal Projects

Appendix B. David L. Lawrence: Significant Dates

Notes

Index.

Notes:

Description based on online resource; title from PDF title screen (Science Direct viewed September 20, 2022).

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

9780822970255

0822970252