33) Frank Springer: Elected mayor for the City of Welland in 1933, 1934 & 1935

Vital statistics

Birth: May 22, 1874 at Humberstone, Ontario, Canada

Death: December 11, 1948 at Welland, Ontario, Canada (age 74)

Burial place: Fonthill Cemetery (Find a Grave)

Parents: Henry / Cynthia (née Michener)

Spouse: Amelia M. (née Dohn)

Children: Helen Amelia

Occupations: Foreman / Carpenter

Religion: Methodist

Political affiliation: Liberal

Community affiliations: Chairman of Welland Public School Board / Chairman of Welland Hydro Commission / President and Treasurer of Welland City Liberal Association / Merritt Masonic Lodge / Welland Volunteer Fire Company

Profile

Frank Springer was born May 22, 1874 in Humberstone Township to Henry and Cynthia (née Michener) Springer. He was educated at Humberstone, then moved to Welland around 1890 and apprenticed with the J. E. Cutler Company, with whom he later became the superintendent for many years.

His earliest roles in civic administration was with the public school board and the volunteer fire company. it was when he was fifty five years old in 1929 that he was elected as councillor, and he would be elected as such six times in total from 1929 to 1938. He was elected as mayor in 1933, 1934 and 1935, those years of course were all in the Great Depression. In his 1934 inaugural address Frank pointed to the imperative need for economy. He wanted to put Welland on as near a “pay as you go” basis as possible, meaning no more long term debentures, except for the necessary debentures for unemployment relief. In the first 1936 council meeting after Frank did not run for re-election as mayor, it was said “the past year was one of progress and our overdraft was paid off. Such a situation speaks well for the efforts of former Mayor Springer… and I trust that at the end of 1936 our record will be equally as good…”

He was a staunch Liberal, but “he was always ready to discuss national affairs in a friendly way. This tolerant attitude was predominant in all his dealings with his fellowmen. He had his opinions and the courage of his convictions, but he never engaged in acrimonious debate.”

Frank died on December 11, 1948 at the Welland County General Hospital from complications following an operation, he was at the time Chairman of Welland Hydro Commission. The current mayor Harry Diffin said after his death: “He was a gentleman at all times and in his long and honorable record of public service his constant aim was to achieve harmony and promote the betterment of the community” also saying Frank was the type of citizen Welland could ill afford to lose. William Watterson, the hydro electric commissioner said Frank was a man of the highest principles and very agreeable to work with: “We shall miss him greatly both as a warm friend and a devoted public servant.” Frank was survived by his wife Amelia and his daughter Helen, and hundreds of people from the community attended his funeral service. The pastor at his eulogy Fred R. Hendershot said “One is inclined to ask what it was in him that gave him such an influence in the life of his church and community – the answer one would stress is his common and good judgment; his friendliness and love of people, but, perhaps, more surely, it was his Christian character and integrity. He loved deeply and was greatly beloved.”

Sources

“Committees Are Named At Forst Council Meeting.” Welland-Port Colborne Evening Tribune, January 13, 1936.
“Hundreds Attend Funeral Service For Frank Springer.” Welland-Port Colborne Evening Tribune, December 15, 1948.
“Passing Of Frank Springer Is Deeply Mourned – Funeral To Be Held Tuesday.” Welland-Port Colborne Evening Tribune, December 13, 1948.
“Served His Generation Well.” Welland-Port Colborne Evening Tribune, December 14, 1948.
“Welland Council Down To Business.” Welland-Port Colborne Evening Tribune, January 11, 1934.
“Welland’s 1934 Tax Rate.” Welland-Port Colborne Evening Tribune, March 22, 1934.