- Walter Sims
Walter Arthur Sims (
September 19 ,1880 –November 26 ,1953 ) was an American politician.Born in
Dawson County, Georgia , (near Ballground), he was the son ofJohn Newton Sims (1848 – 1919).The family moved to Buckhead in 1892, and Walter was educated in public schools.He graduated from the
University of Georgia in 1899 and began a twenty-five-year law career inAtlanta .In 1903, he marriedEdna Belle Cheshire daughter ofNapoleon Cheshire .He served as councilman of the Ninth Ward.He was twice elected mayor of Atlanta (both times defeating James Key) promising to clean up the police department after a gambling scandal.During his tenure, the
Spring Street Viaduct was completed, the north half of which still stands after the southern half was rebuilt in 1996.He also built two new schools, not from bonds but from general revenue, and he also paid off a $1,000,000 deficit left over from the previous Key administration.In 1923, he proposed building an airport, sending alderman
William Hartsfield to find a suitable location.Candler Field proved to be the best, and in 1925 the city leased it (the first five years were free) and the next year won a lucrativeU.S. Mail route.In 1924, he opened the city's Municipal Market (today'sSweet Auburn Curb Market ). He is buried inArlington Memorial Park , inSandy Springs, Georgia .
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