Henry J. Toepfert Explained

Henry J. Toepfert
Order:31st and 33rd Mayor of the City of Holyoke, Massachusetts
Term Start:1932
Term End:1935
Predecessor:William M. Hart (acting)
Fred G. Burnham
Successor:William P. Yoerg
Term Start1:1940
Term End1:1953
Predecessor1:William P. Yoerg
Successor1:James T. Doherty (acting)
Edwin A. Seibel
Spouse:Minnie O'Connor
Birth Date:March 27, 1876[1]
Birth Place:New York, New York
Death Place:Holyoke, Massachusetts
Party:Republican[2]
Resting Place:Forestdale Cemetery

Henry Joseph Toepfert (March 27, 1876 – March 8, 1953) was an American businessman, inventor, politician, and the thirty-first and thirty-third mayor of Holyoke, Massachusetts, to date its longest-serving officeholder. Entering work as a boy for the White & Wyckoff Manufacturing Company, he would remain with the company for more than three decades, later holding a board position as vice president and general manager.[1] [3] [4] He was also an inventor, holding several patents in machinery, devoted to the manufacture of envelopes and stationery.[5] First elected mayor in 1932, he would briefly serve as the manager of American Tissue Mills during the time he as out of office for several years with the election of William P. Yoerg. Upon his death in 1953, he was described as "universally liked" by the Springfield Union.[1] The Holyoke Housing Authority subsequently named the H. J. Toepfert Apartments after him, and today a plaster model of a medallion by Jerome Connor bearing his likeness resides in the National Gallery of Ireland.[6]

Notes and References

  1. News: Mayor Toepfert of Holyoke Dies; Stricken at 75; Was in 17th Year as City's Leader. 1, 8. March 9, 1953. Springfield Union. Springfield, Mass..
  2. News: Hold Special Holyoke Vote. May 10, 1953. Boston American. 12. Principal interest is whether or not this industrial city, controlled by Democrats in state and national elections over the years, might still select a Republican as chief executive. The late Mayor Toepfert was registered Republican but a strong vote getter in the normally Democratic city..
  3. 69. The Inland Printer. Henry J. Toepfert has been promoted.... 408. June 1922.
  4. February 1927. Gleanings From Many Fields. 12. National Association News. National Association of Stationers and Manufacturers of the U.S.A..
  5. News: H. J. Toepfert Dies, Mayor Of Holyoke. March 9, 1953. 11. Boston Herald.
  6. Web site: Medallion of Henry J. Toepfert, Mayor of Holyoke, Mass.. National Gallery of Ireland. 2021-11-08.