Edward Lawrence Bader

Edward Lawrence Bader (June 8, 1874 – January 29, 1927) was an American politician who served as Mayor of Atlantic City, New Jersey for much of the Roaring Twenties, when the city was arguably at the peak of its popularity as a vacation spot. Bader was known for his contributions to the construction, athletics and aviation of Atlantic City.

Early life Bader grew up on an farm in West Philadelphia, born to German immigrant Daniel Bader and Scottish immigrant Sarah Bader (née Boyle) in 1874. He had a brother, Harry Bader.

Until he turned 13, he attended Boon's Dam School, though he recalled skipping a good deal of class. He worked a number of chores on the family farm, and he credited this rural labor with building his athletic physique.

Bader sold newspapers, after leaving school, then worked for his father's new contracting business where he drove a six-horse team. He was married in 1899 to Katherine Holvick and enrolled in college. First he attended dental school, then the veterinary school, and finally the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. He formed Atlantic City High School's band and encouraged high school athletics. Construction of it was underway at the time of his death.

Filmography Series Buster Brown (1916–1930) The Teenie Weenies (1917–1922)

Death Bader was stricken by a stomach ailment in mid-January 1927. Doctors, originally, did not properly diagnose it as appendicitis because his appendix was on the left, rather than the right side of his torso. Initially asked to rest at home, he was later moved to the City Hospital and underwent surgery. In an effort to speed his recovery, city policemen fanned out along the street in front of the hospital to prevent any unnecessary noise.

His body lay in state at St. Nicholas of Tolentine Church, of which he was a member, and it was then carried out in a five-mile-long procession down the White Horse Pike to Holy Cross Cemetery. Mourners of diverse racial background mourned his death and all businesses in the city closed for two hours during the funeral as a mark of respect.

In popular culture Bader was played by actor Kevin O'Rourke in the HBO television series Boardwalk Empire.