George Damm Explained

George Damm
Birth Date:February 23, 1896
Birth Place:Roxbury, Massachusetts, U.S.
Death Date:March 19, 1964
Death Place:Arlington, Virginia
State Delegate:Virginia
District:Arlington
Term Start:1946
Term End:1954
Preceded:Charles R. Fenwick
Succeeded:C. Harrison Mann
Party:Democratic
Alma Mater:Emerson Institute
National University School of Law
Spouse:Edna Martha Thelander
Allegiance: United States
Branch:United States Army
Unit:111th Field Artillery, 29th Division
Battles:First World War

George Damm (February 23, 1896 – March 19, 1964) was a civil engineer and later attorney who served as a Democratic member of the Virginia House of Delegates representing Arlington County from 1946 to 1954.

Early and family life

Damm was born in Roxbury, Massachusetts on February 23, 1896. He was educated in the Boston Public Schools, and graduated from the Emerson Institute in Washington, DC. Damm was a World War I veteran, who served in the 111th Field Artillery, 29th Division. He married Edna Martha Thelander March 29, 1923; they ultimately adopted a son and daughter.

Career

In 1926, the Damms moved to Arlington, Virginia, where George Dam became Assistant Superintendent during construction of the Lincoln Memorial Bridge across the Potomac River. When the job was completed, he found another as Chief Deputy to Arlington's Commissioner of Revenue.

1944, Damm obtained his law degree from the National University School of Law.[1]

Damm practiced law in Arlington, Virginia. In 1945, after Arlington's delegate Charles R. Fenwick was elected to the Virginia Senate, Damm ran for the open Arlington House of Delegates seat (a part-time position) and was elected. He served alongside J. Maynard Magruder for four terms, but did not seek re-election as the Massive Resistance crisis began in 1953, when C. Harrison Mann was elected to succeed him.

Damm was very involved in civic organizations, including the Masons, the American Legion, Kiwanis Club, the Arlington County Democratic Club, and the Social Hygiene Society of Arlington. He was also Vice-chairman of the Arlington Red Cross.

Death and legacy

Damm died of cancer on March 19, 1964, and was interred at Arlington National Cemetery in his adopted home. He was survived by an adopted a son, Lawrence J. Stamp, and a daughter, Cecile Alice Stamp.

Notes and References

  1. Manual of the Senate and House of Delegates, Clerk of the House of Delegates. 1948.