Summary Information
Arthur R. Hirst Papers
1924
- Hirst, Arthur R., 1881-1932
Micro 1041
1 reel of microfilm (35mm)
Wisconsin Historical Society (Map)
Correspondence, press releases, clippings, and other material pertaining to the unsuccessful gubernatorial campaign of Wisconsin highway engineer Arthur R. Hirst. Prominent correspondents include John Chapple, Ada James, and Francis McGovern.
English
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Biography/History
Wisconsin highway engineer and gubernatorial candidate Arthur Roscoe Hirst was born on Long Island, New York, on March 31, 1881. He was raised in Cambridge, Maryland, and received an engineering degree from the University of Maryland. After graduation Hirst was employed by the Pennsylvania Railroad and by the highway departments of the states of Maryland and New York.
In 1911 Wisconsin created a State Highway Commission and Hirst was hired as chief engineer and head of the Highway Department, although there is some uncertainty about the year when this employment began. He remained in this position until his resignation in 1924. During this period Hirst was responsible for many of the improvements that took Wisconsin to a position of leadership in the highway movement. Among these actions were introduction of a planned system of state, county, and local roads; institution of a system for marking highways; and extensive construction and physical improvements. In 1917, four years in advance of analogous federal highway legislation, Hirst was also largely responsible for the passage of Wisconsin's State Trunk Highway Act.
During the 1920's the Highway Department and the State Highway Commission became a focus of contention between Governor John J. Blaine and the Legislature, and Hirst ultimately resigned in May 1924 over what he interpreted as the governor's attempts to politicize the commission. Shortly thereafter he declared his candidacy for governor against Blaine on the Republican ticket. Although Hirst's candidacy came too late to be a threat to Blaine, he ran a strong campaign, and he attracted some notable supporters such as former Governor Francis McGovern. Unsuccessful in the primary, Hirst turned to engineering with various private firms and with the U.S. Bureau of Public Roads. He died in Madison on August 20, 1932.
Scope and Content Note
The Hirst Papers are a small collection consisting of correspondence, press releases, and newspaper clippings entirely concerning his unsuccessful gubernatorial campaign against Blaine in 1924. Unfortunately, there are no papers relating to his impact on the highway movement in Wisconsin. Researchers interested in this aspect of his career should consult Highway Department records in the State Archives. Although fragmentary, this collection does illumine the complex political issues and rivalries which existed during the Blaine administration, and the clippings provide very complete coverage of the campaign. Prominent correspondents include John C. Chapple, Ada James, and Francis McGovern.
Administrative/Restriction Information
Presented by Anne Hirst, Rock Hill, South Carolina, July 5, 1956.
Prepared for microfilming by Carolyn J. Mattern, 1984.
Contents List
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Correspondence, 1924, undated
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118
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Clippings, 1924
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