Category: Progressive Era: 1900-1920

Hazen Pingree from the Detroit Historical Society

Born in Denmark, Maine in 1840, Hazen Pingree would go on to become one of the great mayors in American history. His election signaled the beginning of the Progressive Era, a major period of reform that attacked problems created by rapid urban and industrial growth. 

Born on a rocky farm in Maine, he came to Detroit after serving in the Union army during the Civil War. In 1866, he teamed with Charles Smith to start the Pingree and Smith shoe company By the 1890s, the company was the largest show manufacturer in the American West. 

As he prospered, Pingree became part of Detroit’s elite. He was not, however, politically active. It was, therefore, somewhat a surprise when his Republican friends nominated him for mayor in 1889. He won, taking office in 1890.

Once in office, Pingree recognized the need for significant reforms. With unexpected energy and a ferocious temper, he fought corruption and special interests. He fought on behalf of the working poor and was known for creating “potato patches” and vegetable gardens to help feed families during the 1893 Depression.

In 1896, while he was still serving as mayor, he was elected as Governor of Michigan. He tried to hold both offices, but when forced to choose he resigned as mayor and moved to Lansing. He served two terms, leaving office in 1900. 

Hazen Pingree died in England in 1901, at the age of 60.


Harris R. Cooley

From the Encyclopedia of Cleveland History

The link is here

COOLEY, HARRIS REID (18 Oct. 1857-24 Oct. 1936), minister and reform leader, was born to Laura Reid and LATHROP COOLEY† in Royalton, Ohio, graduated with a B.A. from Hiram College in 1877, and with a M.A. from Oberlin College in 1880. Following postgraduate work at Oberlin, he served 1-year pastorates in DISCIPLES OF CHRIST churches in Brunswick and Aurora, Ohio. In 1882, Cooley became pastor of Cedar Ave. Christian Church in Cleveland, retaining that position for 21 years. Among his large congregation was TOM L. JOHNSON†, who became a close friend, especially when Johnson became ill with typhoid fever. They shared ideals in politics and reform, with Cooley being almost alone among the city’s Protestant clergy supporting Johnson’s radical democracy. When Johnson was elected mayor in 1901, he appointed Cooley director of charities and correction, which he held for 10 years. Cooley created the farm colony on 2,000 acres WARRENSVILLE TWP., purchased in 1902 for $350,000, which housed the CLEVELAND WORKHOUSE, the county poorhouse, and a tuberculosis sanatorium. “Cooley Farms” was considered an outstanding example of progressive penology and health care. In 1903, Cooley supervised the opening of the City Farm School, popularly known as the CLEVELAND BOYS’ SCHOOL IN HUDSON, in Hudson, Ohio, which provided a rehabilitative setting where orphaned or incorrigible boys under 14 could be guided by a professional staff. Cooley also served on the City Plan Commission (1915-1934). In 1900, Cooley married Cora Clark, a Hiram College professor and suffragette; they had no children. He died in Cleveland and was buried in WOODLAND CEMETERY.

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