Governor of Oregon. Born in Canisteo, Steuben County, New York, Robert D. Holmes moved to Oregon following his high school graduation. He received a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Oregon in 1932, and began a career in newspaper journalism and advertising with the “Oregon Journal” and the “Oregonian.” Later, he switched to broadcast journalism, becoming the General Manager of radio station KAST in Astoria, Oregon. Holmes was always interested in civic affairs, and was elected to both the local and the county school boards. In 1948 he was elected to the first of two terms in the Oregon State Senate, and he served from 1949 until 1957. While in the Senate he authored bills which supported civil rights, outlawed discrimination and created fair employment practices. In 1956, Holmes was elected Governor of Oregon, and he served from January 14, 1957 until January 12, 1959. During his term in office, Holmes reduced taxes, restructured the state government to increase efficiency, created laws to improve wages and conditions for workers and authored legislation to raise the quality of education in Oregon. He was defeated for reelection in 1958. Holmes then became a public relations consultant and a television host. He later served on the State Board of Higher Education for five years, and also worked with a commission to revise the Oregon Constitution. He died on June 6, 1976.
Governor of Oregon. Born in Canisteo, Steuben County, New York, Robert D. Holmes moved to Oregon following his high school graduation. He received a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Oregon in 1932, and began a career in newspaper journalism and advertising with the “Oregon Journal” and the “Oregonian.” Later, he switched to broadcast journalism, becoming the General Manager of radio station KAST in Astoria, Oregon. Holmes was always interested in civic affairs, and was elected to both the local and the county school boards. In 1948 he was elected to the first of two terms in the Oregon State Senate, and he served from 1949 until 1957. While in the Senate he authored bills which supported civil rights, outlawed discrimination and created fair employment practices. In 1956, Holmes was elected Governor of Oregon, and he served from January 14, 1957 until January 12, 1959. During his term in office, Holmes reduced taxes, restructured the state government to increase efficiency, created laws to improve wages and conditions for workers and authored legislation to raise the quality of education in Oregon. He was defeated for reelection in 1958. Holmes then became a public relations consultant and a television host. He later served on the State Board of Higher Education for five years, and also worked with a commission to revise the Oregon Constitution. He died on June 6, 1976.
Bio by: Ernest
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