Governor Walter Wolfkiel Bacon

WALTER WOLFKIEL BACON was born in New Castle, Delaware, on January 20, 1879. He was educated in the public school system of New Castle. After completing his education, Bacon began working at the Delaware Iron Works as a timekeeper. He eventually became assistant secretary at General Motors in the Buick division. Bacon entered politics as mayor of Wilmington, a position he held from 1935 to 1940. He won the 1940 Republican gubernatorial nomination and was elected Delaware’s52nd governor. He was reelected to a second term in 1944. During his tenure, he directed Delaware in its war effort by strengthening the State Council of Defense; limiting the use of gas, oil, and other items; and raising volunteers for active duty. Bacon also advocated for education reform, new hospital construction, and rehabilitation programs for veterans. His term ended on January 18, 1949, and he retired from public service. Governor Walter W. Bacon died on March 18, 1962, and is buried at the Old Drawyer’s Presbyterian Churchyard in Odessa, Delaware.