Montana's Visionary Mayor
Willard E. Fraser
by Lou Mandler
published by Montana Historical Society Press
- Willard Edward Fraser (1907-1972) was mayor of Billings, Montana, during the turbulent Vietnam War era, but his reach and impact lay far beyond the borders of the Magic City. Fraser brought vision and energy to the mayor’s office, using it as a platform to promote Billings and Montana to the world. He tackled air and water pollution, cleaned up urban blight, and ensured that women, youth, and minorities were not marginalized. He championed Montana’s history, cultural heritage, and tourism potential. A true humanitarian, Fraser was equally comfortable rubbing elbows with high level politicians and celebrities—like his father-in-law Robert Frost—and hobnobbing with the “bums” of Skid Row. He followed his conscience even when it meant bucking the party line. No stranger to tragedy or defeat, Fraser served the people and the state he loved with optimism, dedication, and panache.
366 pages, 7 x 10, Perfect Bound
softcover
ISBN 10:
ISBN 13: 9781940527918
$26.95
RELEASE DATE
9/7/2022
- * 102 B&W photos
* Index
* Bibliography
| Montana's Visionary Mayor
Willard E. Fraser |
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| Lou Mandler, native of Plentywood, Montana, graduated from Montana State University and went on to a career in education. She received her master’s degree from the Bread Loaf School of English at Middlebury College, where she met her husband. She has published a memoir This Storied Land and articles on Ernest Hemingway in The Hemingway Review and Montana the Magazine of Western History (article in Autumn 2011). Lou currently lives in Connecticut although she retains her connection to Montana through friends, family, and part ownership of the family farm. Lou is retired from a career as a teacher and administrator in private secondary education. | |