Theodore McKeldin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Theodore McKeldin
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| 53rd Governor of Maryland | |
| In office January 10, 1951 – January 14, 1959 |
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| Preceded by | William Preston Lane Jr. |
| Succeeded by | J. Millard Tawes |
| 40th Mayor of Baltimore | |
| In office May 19, 1963 – December 1967 |
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| Preceded by | Philip H. Goodman |
| Succeeded by | Thomas D'Alesandro III |
| In office May 16, 1943 – May 16, 1947 |
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| Preceded by | Howard W. Jackson |
| Succeeded by | Thomas D'Alesandro Jr. |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Theodore Roosevelt McKeldin
November 20, 1900 Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. |
| Died | August 10, 1974 (aged 73) Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. |
| Resting place | Green Mount Cemetery Baltimore, Maryland |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Honolulu Manzer |
| Children | 2 |
| Alma mater | University of Maryland, Baltimore (LLB) |
Theodore Roosevelt McKeldin (November 20, 1900 – August 10, 1974) was an American politician. He was a member of the Republican Party. McKeldin served as mayor of Baltimore twice. His first term was from 1943 to 1947, and his second was from 1963 to 1967. He was also the 53rd Governor of Maryland from 1951 to 1959.
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Early Life and Education
Theodore McKeldin was born in Baltimore, Maryland. His father worked as a stonecutter and later became a police officer. Theodore had ten brothers and sisters.
He went to Baltimore City College at night while working as a bank clerk during the day. This school was then located at North Howard and West Centre Streets. McKeldin later graduated from the University of Maryland Law School in 1925. He then became a lawyer in Maryland.
Two years later, he started his political career. He worked as a secretary for Mayor William Frederick Broening. Mayor Broening was one of the few Republican mayors of Baltimore at that time. McKeldin also helped start Santa Claus Anonymous in 1934. This charity helped children in need during the "Great Depression". This showed his care for others early on.
Political Journey
McKeldin wanted to serve the public. He first ran for Mayor of Baltimore in 1939 but lost. He then ran for Maryland Governor in 1942 but was defeated again. Maryland was a state that mostly supported the Democratic Party back then.
First Term as Mayor
McKeldin kept trying and was elected mayor of Baltimore in 1943. As mayor, he helped build Friendship Airport. This airport is now known as Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport.
After World War II, Baltimore faced challenges. The inner city needed improvements, and there were issues with fairness for all people. McKeldin ran for governor again in 1946 but lost to William Preston Lane Jr..
Governor of Maryland
McKeldin ran for governor a third time in 1950. This time, he won against William Preston Lane Jr. As governor, McKeldin worked to make the state's roads better. He helped create the Baltimore Beltway (I-695) and the Capital Beltway (I-495). He also supported the John Hanson Highway (US 50).
McKeldin believed in states working together. He once said, "I rode by train over several state borders. I carried no passports. No one asked me to identify myself. No one had the right to. This is America." He also strongly supported civil rights for African Americans. He was also a supporter of Israel.
In 1952, McKeldin played a big role in helping Dwight D. Eisenhower become the Republican candidate for president. Eisenhower was a famous general from World War II. McKeldin gave the main speech to nominate Eisenhower at the 1952 Republican National Convention in Chicago.
In 1954, McKeldin was re-elected as governor. He won against Curley Byrd. After his second term, McKeldin left the governor's office in 1959. He went back to being a lawyer in Baltimore. J. Millard Tawes became the next governor.
Second Term as Mayor
Four years later, in 1963, McKeldin became mayor of Baltimore again. He focused on improving the Baltimore Inner Harbor. In 1964, he supported Lyndon B. Johnson for president. He did this because the other candidate, Barry Goldwater, voted against the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This act aimed to end unfair treatment based on race.
McKeldin served his second term as mayor until 1967. He is the last Republican mayor of Baltimore to date. He is also one of only two Republican governors in Maryland to be re-elected. The other is Larry Hogan, who was reelected in 2018.
Personal Life
Theodore McKeldin married Honolulu Claire Manzer on October 17, 1924. They had two children, Theodore Jr. and Clara.
He passed away on August 10, 1974. He is buried in Greenmount Cemetery in Baltimore.
Places Named After Him
Many places are named in honor of Theodore McKeldin. These include:
- McKeldin Center at Morgan State University
- McKeldin Library and McKeldin Mall at the University of Maryland, College Park
- Theodore McKeldin Gymnasium at Bowie State University
- McKeldin Building at Springfield Hospital Center
- McKeldin Beltway, also known as the Baltimore Beltway
- McKeldin Area, Patapsco Valley State Park
- McKeldin Planetarium at St. John's College
