Representative Dow Henry Drukker

Dow Henry Drukker (February 7, 1872 – January 11, 1963) was an American Republican Party politician from New Jersey who represented the state’s 7th congressional district in the United States House of Representatives during three terms in office from 1914 to 1919. His service in Congress occurred during a significant period in American history, and as a member of the House of Representatives he participated in the democratic process and represented the interests of his constituents in northern New Jersey.

Drukker was born on February 7, 1872, in Sneek, Netherlands. In the year of his birth he immigrated to the United States with his parents, who settled in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He attended the public schools of Grand Rapids, receiving his early education there while growing up in the American Midwest. This immigrant background and public-school education formed the foundation for his later business and political career.

In 1897 Drukker moved to New Jersey and settled in Passaic. He entered local business life as a businessman and banker and became active in civic affairs. By the early twentieth century he had established himself sufficiently in Passaic County to be elected to the Passaic County Board of Chosen Freeholders, on which he served from 1906 to 1913. He was chosen as director of the board from 1908 to 1912, giving him a central role in county governance and public works. In addition to his public responsibilities, he advanced in the private sector, becoming president of the Union Building and Investment Co. in 1909, reflecting his growing prominence in local financial and real estate circles.

Drukker’s congressional career began with a special election. A member of the Republican Party, he was elected as a Republican to the Sixty-third Congress to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Representative Robert Gunn Bremner. He took his seat on April 7, 1914, representing New Jersey’s 7th congressional district. He was subsequently reelected to the Sixty-fourth and Sixty-fifth Congresses, serving continuously from April 7, 1914, to March 3, 1919. Over these three terms in office, he contributed to the legislative process during a time that encompassed the lead-up to and participation in World War I, engaging in the work of the House and the representation of his district’s interests. He was not a candidate for renomination in 1918, thereby concluding his federal legislative service at the end of the Sixty-fifth Congress.

While still in Congress, Drukker expanded his involvement in journalism and publishing. In 1916 he became publisher of the Herald-News of Passaic-Clifton, a position he would hold from 1916 until 1963. Through this long tenure he exercised significant influence over local public opinion and civic discourse in Passaic and Clifton, New Jersey, even as he continued his activities in business and community affairs. His dual experience in politics and publishing made him a notable figure in northern New Jersey public life for several decades.

In later years Drukker maintained ties to both his adopted country and his native land. In recognition of services rendered during the great North Sea flood of 1953, he was knighted as an Officer of the Order of Orange-Nassau by Queen Juliana of the Netherlands, an honor reflecting his continued engagement with Dutch affairs and humanitarian efforts. He resided in Clifton, New Jersey, and also maintained a residence in Lake Wales, Florida, dividing his time between the two communities in his later life.

Dow Henry Drukker died on January 11, 1963, in Lake Wales, Florida. He was buried in Cedar Lawn Cemetery in Paterson, New Jersey, closing a life that spanned from immigrant beginnings in the Netherlands to prominent roles in American business, journalism, and public office.