Autobiography by Samuel A. Carlson - Meeting Adolf Hitler

Samuel A. Carlson, circa 1900

Continuing with the post from Feb. 26, 2011 regarding the 1943 Autobiography of former Mayor of Jamestown, Samuel A. Carlson (1868–1961).

I thought I'd jump ahead in the book a little bit and present the passage in Carlson's Autobiography where he discusses his encounter with Adolf Hitler. The meeting took place during the summer of 1933 when Carlson - along with a group of other U.S. mayors - toured nearly every major country in Europe. The purpose of the trip was to promote municipally owned/operated utilities and services. 

Carlson first mentions his meeting with Hitler on page 46 of his autobiography. The section is entitled, "Hitler True to Form." I think it was most likely written in 1942 or early 1943. The mayor is, as expected, highly critical of the German leader.  

Autobiography by Samuel A. Carlson - Part 3

Continuing with the post from Nov. 8, 2010 regarding the 1943 Autobiography of former Mayor of Jamestown, Samuel A. Carlson (1868–1961).

Much of this passage deals with the establishment and improvement to Jamestown's water system. In addition there is mention to Carlson's efforts to establish a Natural Gas Plant and a Telephone Plant. I think one of the most interesting parts of this section, however, is Carlson's feelings on partisan elections, and his endorsement for the removal of party affiliation on the ballots. This portion of the section can be located at the end under the sub-heading, "Non-Partisan Election."

Samuel A. Carlson, Circa 1900

Autobiography by Samuel A. Carlson - Mayor Emeritus
and Comments on His Fifty Years of Public Service

[Page 9 - 12]

Autobiography by Samuel A. Carlson - Part 2

Continuing with the post from Oct. 31 regarding the 1943 Autobiography of former Mayor of Jamestown, Samuel A. Carlson (1868–1961).

Here, Mayor Carlson discusses the first time he was elected mayor of the city and his unwillingness to toe the party line. He also talks about the city's purchase of the local Niagara Power System, under his administration, which led to an enormous savings to the city while also providing affordable electricity to every resident in Jamestown.

Samuel A. Carlson, Circa 1900

  Autobiography by Samuel A. Carlson - Mayor Emeritus

and Comments on His Fifty Years of Public Service

[Page 5 - 9]

Autobiography by Samuel A. Carlson - Part 1

Last week I was visiting a few local antique shops and came across a signed copy of the Autobiography of former Jamestown Mayor Samuel A. Carlson (1868–1961). Carlson was the longest-serving mayor in Jamestown's history and he compiled an impressive 50 years of public service to the city. As a result of his various municipal projects,including the effort to provide affordable electricity to the residents and businesses within the city, he's considered one of the most prominent and influential people in Chautauqua County's history and is one of the 200 people who will be featured in next year's Bicentennial Biographies project. 

To celebrate his milestone of 50 years in public service, and at the urging of various friends and colleagues, Carlson wrote and published his autobiography in 1943, printed by the Liberty Printing Company of Jamestown, N.Y.

Since several people have told me they'd be interested in reading the book, I thought it may be best to offer as much of the biography as time would allow on my blog. So from time to time I'll enter passages of the book. Also, anyone interested in borrowing the book and reading it can do so by contacting me. It's only 72 pages long, making for a fairly quick read.

Samuel A. Carlson, Circa 1900

Autobiography by Samuel A. Carlson - Mayor Emeritus
and Comments on His Fifty Years of Public Service

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