W. Thacher Longstreth

Infobox Person
name = W. Thacher Longstreth


image_size =
caption =
birth_name =
birth_date = birth date|1920|1|1|mf=y
birth_place = Philadelphia
death_date = Death date and age|2003|4|11|1920|1|1
death_place = Naples, Florida
death_cause = pulmonary embolism
resting_place =
resting_place_coordinates =
residence =
other_names =
known_for =
education = BA, Princeton University
employer = Philadelphia City Council
occupation = Councilman
party = Republican
boards =
religion = Quaker
spouse = Anne (Divorced)
partner = Melanie Hopkins

W. Thacher Longstreth (1920-2003) was a Republican member of the Philadelphia City Council known as much for his influence as his quirky personal style. Longstreth was a graduate of Princeton University.

Longstreth was an eighth-generation Philadelphian, whose Quaker upbringing led to his early support of Earth Day. In 1970, he led the Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and spear-headed the drive to hold the event in Philadelphia. That event became one of the biggest Earth Day events in the nation.

He was the Republican nominee for Mayor of Philadelphia in 1955, losing to Richardson Dilworth, and again in 1971, losing to Frank Rizzo.

During his tenure in office he helped support the efforts of Edmund Bacon to bring an urban renaisaance to Philadelphia.

He enjoyed wearing bow ties and argyle socks. A long time Councilman At Large, he was "Mr. Republican" in a city dominated by Democratic politicians.

He suffered from Parkinson's Disease [ [http://www.fact.on.ca/news/news0303/pi030313.htm Longstreth abused, nurses say ] ] and died from a pulmonary embolism while on vacation in Naples, Florida. [ [http://www.northeasttimes.com/2003/0416/longstreth.html Longstreth remembered as 'just a good guy', Tom Waring Northeast Times] ]

ee also

*

External links

* [http://slick.org/deathwatch/mailarchive/msg01012.html Obituary]
*http://www.phillygop.com/Candidate/thacher-longstreth.htm
*http://www.phila.gov/citycouncil/longstreth/
*http://www.phila.gov/phils/Docs/Inventor/graphics/archser/S060-2.htm

References