Charles F. Hurley
Charles F. Hurley was the 54th Governor of Massachusetts and is the first Irish Governor of Massachusetts. He only served one term from January 7, 1937, to January 5, 1939. He represented the Democratic Party.
Since tomorrow is Saint Patrick's Day, I thought it would be interesting to learn more about Massachusetts first Irish Governor.
Things I learned about Charles F. Hurley:
- Graduated from Boston College in 1913
- Was the Massachusetts State Treasure for three terms and was the first to step up from that position to governorship.
- He won 47.62% of the votes in the Massachusetts Governor Race in 1936.
- Under Gov. Charles F. Hurley the state budget was $70,117,030
- Has three Daughters Nancy, Ellen Sarah, Betty and a son Charles F. Jr.
- As Governor he received a kidnap threat against his daughters.
- Two days later Edmund E. Farrell was arrested for sending the letters. He admitted to sending the letter.
- Was one of the few Democratic Governors to have concerns about the "New Deal" by President Franklin Roosevelt
- He authorized a minimum wage for women and children
- The Fair Trade Laws were passed - which allowed manufactures to set the minimum retail price on goods.
- He was that the dedication of the Paul Revere statue in the North End.
- Inherited a forty-acres estate in Ireland by his Uncle Timothy.
- Lost at a chance for a second term to former Governor James Michael Curley in the gubernatorial nomination.
- He died on March 24, 1946
Charles F. Hurley Building
Obviously was named after the former Governor. It is the only monument/building to honor the former governor.
- Designed by Shepley, Bulfinch, Richardson, and Abbott.
- Constructed by the Vappi Construction Company
- Building also known as the "Health, Welfare and Education Service Center for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts"
- Opened in 1971
- The front of the building was used in the movie 'The Departed' as the entrance to the Police Station.
Charles F. Hurley Painting
The painting in the hallway of the Massachusetts State House.
You can see the painting of Charles F. Hurley, and other Massachusetts governors at the Massachusetts State House. Charles F. Hurley painting is on the third floor between the Secretary of State office and the State Library. You have to go up the stairs and all the way in the back of the building.
I learned that the sitting Massachusetts Governor can put any hallway painting in the Executive Office. They decorate the office with paintings of past Governors that they admire.