Wallace H. Savage

Wallace Savage (November 21, 1912 – June 19, 2000), attorney, was mayor of Dallas 1949–1951.

Wallace Hamilton Savage
Mayor of Dallas
In office
1949–1951
Preceded byJ. R. Temple
Succeeded byJean Baptiste Adoue
Personal details
Born(1912-11-21)November 21, 1912
Houston, Texas, U.S.
DiedJune 19, 2000(2000-06-19) (aged 87)
Dallas, Texas, U.S.
Resting placeMoore Cemetery, Arlington, Texas
Nationality USA
Political partyDemocratic
Spouse(s)Dorothy Minnie Harris
ChildrenVirginia and Dorothy
Alma materUniversity of Virginia, Harvard Law School
OccupationAttorney
Military service
Branch/serviceNavy
RankCommander

Biography

Savage was born in Houston, Harris, Texas to Homer Hamilton Savage and Mary Wallace. He married Dorothy Minnie Harris, daughter of William R. and Lillie E. Harris on September 17, 1940 in Dallas. They had two daughters: Virginia and Dorothy.

He was in the first graduating class of Woodrow Wilson High School in Dallas. In an oral history interview, Wallace Savage described his mother's influence on his college and career choice. She was from Virginia, attended school in Galveston and graduated from the University of Texas. She received a law degree and was a member of the Texas Bar and American Bar Associations. It was at her suggestion that he attended the University of Virginia and pursue a career in law. He first attended Southern Methodist University, graduated of University of Virginia and later graduated from Harvard Law School.[1][2]

Savage, assigned to the Eighth Naval District, New Orleans, served in the Pacific during World War II and reached the rank of commander. He served as supply officer on the aircraft carrier USS Manila Bay. He was a member of the American Legion, and Veterans of Foreign Wars.[3]

He became a partner of the law firm of Runge, Lane and Savage in 1946.[4]

During this time, city council elected the mayor from among those councilmen elected by the electorate. The Citizens Charter Association greatly influenced city government. Savage had served as Mayor Pro Tem during the preceding term of office.[5] As mayor, he eliminated the city's segregated ambulance service and sought fair treatment of Dallas' black citizens. The need for more housing for African Americans was an issue of the city council. During his term of office, Central Expressway, the first major freeway in Dallas, was opened.

Salvage resigned as chairman of the Dallas county Democratic party to become a candidate for U.S. Representative from Texas 5th District, 1954. He lost to Republican Bruce Alger.[6][7] He and his wife, Dorothy, lead efforts to preserve the Swiss Avenue Historic area. Mrs. Savage's helped to organize Preservation Dallas which focuses on historic Dallas buildings.

Savage died in Dallas, Texas and was interred at Grove Hill Cemetery, Dallas.[8][9]

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References
  1. Wallace Savage. Wallace Savage, an oral history interview conducted by Alan Mason on September 18, 1980. Dallas Mayors Oral History Project (Series); no. 27. 1983
  2. "Mrs. Savage Rites Planned." The Dallas Morning News. November 11, 1955, page 18.
  3. "Five Seek Council Place 5, Largest Group in Any Race." The Dallas Morning News. March 29, 1949, pg 18.
  4. "W. H. Savage Becomes Partner in Law Firm." The Dallas Morning News. 20 Jan 1946, pg 12.
  5. "Unity of New Council Shattered; Savage, Not Adoue, to be Mayor." The Dallas Morning News. 17 Apr 1949, pg 1.
  6. "Savage to Tell Congress Plan." The Dallas Morning News. 17 Apr 1954, pg 1.
  7. "Bruce Alger Upsets Savage." The Dallas Morning News. 3 Nov 1954, page 1
  8. "Wallace Savage, former mayor, died." The Dallas Morning News, June 22, 2000, page 21A, 28A.
  9. Social Security Death Index. Wallace H. Savage. June 20, 2000
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