Title
Mourning the death and honoring the memory of W. Thacher Longstreth.
Body
WHEREAS, W. Thacher Longstreth was eighty-three years old when, on April 11, 2003, God in His wisdom took him from our midst, and thus this City, Commonwealth and Country have lost a true friend and a wonderful gentleman; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Longstreth hails from a family that traces its origins to 11th Century England. His forefathers immigrated to Philadelphia in 1699, prospered, and suffered the effects of the Great Depression. From that time on, Thacher Longstreth learned independence and self-sufficiency, working to put himself through the Haverford School by cutting grass, tutoring and waiting on tables. He won a scholarship to Princeton University, continued to support himself, graduated with honors and became not only an All-American football player but also surely one of the team's most loyal fans. He even took days off during his campaigns so as not to miss even one game; and
WHEREAS, His Navy record during the War demonstrates his intelligence and courage. He won two Bronze Stars and participated in eight major naval campaigns. It was after the War, in 1952, that he became active in politics, working on the campaign of Dwight D. Eisenhower. Whether in Kensington or Chestnut Hill, the people loved him. Neither his great sense of humor nor his refusal to take himself too seriously damaged his image; rather, his friendly and courteous manner endeared him to one and all; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Longstreth took over the top administrative post at the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce in 1964. During his tenure, membership tripled. In 1967, he ran for City Council, won, and became a distinguished and independent voice in Council Chambers and around the City. After a hiatus from 1971 until 1983, he ran again, and served until the time of his death; and
WHEREAS, His principles, always strong (he refused to join the Union League until it dropped discrimin...
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