Robert Folsom facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Robert Folsom
|
|
|---|---|
| 52nd Mayor of Dallas | |
| In office 1976–1981 |
|
| Preceded by | Adlene Harrison |
| Succeeded by | Jack Evans |
| Personal details | |
| Born | February 15, 1927 Dallas, Texas, U.S. |
| Died | January 24, 2017 (aged 89) Dallas, Texas, U.S. |
| Spouse | Margaret Folsom (deceased) |
| Residences | Dallas, Texas |
| Alma mater | Southern Methodist University |
| Profession | real estate developer |
Robert "Bob" Folsom (February 15, 1927 – January 24, 2017) was the mayor of Dallas from 1976 until 1981. He was well-known for his strong connections with Dallas businesses.
Contents
Early Life and School Days
Robert Folsom grew up in the Oak Cliff area of Dallas. He went to Sunset High School, where he was a great athlete and student. After high school, Folsom attended The United States Military Academy in West Point, New York. There, he played both football and basketball for the Cadets team.
Playing College Football
During his time at the Academy, Folsom played in two famous college football games. These were called "Games of the Century" in 1945 against Navy and in 1946 against Notre Dame. President Truman even watched the game against Navy! In 1945, Folsom caught a touchdown pass while playing against Michigan in Yankee Stadium. While at Army, Folsom was part of two teams that won national championships.
After two years at West Point, Folsom moved back to his hometown. He transferred to Southern Methodist University (SMU) in Dallas. He became the only person in SMU's history to earn a letter in four different sports: Football, Basketball, Track, and Baseball. He also played alongside three Heisman Trophy winners, who are some of the best college football players ever.
Business Career and Community Work
Bob Folsom was a very successful investor and developer. He made a lot of money by building and developing real estate. He was the chairman of the board for his real estate company, Folsom Properties, Inc.
He also served on the boards of other companies, like BeautiControl Cosmetics and Alcatel USA. Folsom was also involved in education and healthcare. He was the Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Dallas Independent School District. He also chaired the board of Methodist Hospital of Dallas. For his work, he received awards like the Hugh Prather Award for real estate and the Oak Cliff Lions Club Humanitarian Award. He is also a member of the Sunset High School Hall of Fame.
Owning a Basketball Team
Folsom started and owned the Dallas Chaparrals, a professional basketball team. This team was part of the American Basketball Association (ABA). He owned the team with other Dallas businessmen. From 1967 to 1971, the team played in Dallas. It was one of the first 11 teams in the ABA league.
In 1971, Folsom leased the team to Red McCombs for just one dollar for the season. The next year, he sold the team to McCombs for $725,000. McCombs later moved the team and turned it into the San Antonio Spurs, which is still a famous team today!
Serving as Dallas Mayor
Folsom was elected mayor of Dallas in April 1976. He became mayor after Wes Wise resigned to run for Congress. Folsom served as mayor until 1981. During his time as mayor, he helped lead several big projects that were very successful for Dallas. These included:
- The Dallas North Tollway, which is a major road.
- Reunion Arena, a large sports and entertainment venue.
- The Dallas Arts District, an area dedicated to art and culture.
Death
Robert Folsom passed away on January 24, 2017, at his home in Dallas.
