George M. Rhodes

George Milton Rhodes (February 24, 1898 – October 23, 1978) was an American World War I veteran who served as a Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Pennsylvania for ten terms from 1949 to 1969.

Early life and career George M. Rhodes was born in Reading, Pennsylvania. During the First World War he served in the United States Army.

Early career He worked as a printer for the Reading Eagle Co. from 1913 to 1927, and business manager for the Reading Labor Advocate from 1927 to 1942. He was an A.F. of L. labor representative. He was editor and manager of the Lancaster New Era from 1942 to 1949.

He was President of Federated Trades Council, A.F. of L. Central Labor Union from 1928 to 1951 and a member of the Reading Housing Authority from 1938 to 1948.

Early affiliation with Socialist Party A member of the Socialist Party of Pennsylvania, Rhodes was a delegate to its National Conventions in 1928 and 1932. He ran for local office several times on the Socialist ticket. In 1936, Rhodes was elected to the National Executive Committee of the Socialist Party of America. After he became a Democrat, he was a delegate to the Democratic National Conventions of 1952 and 1956.

Death and legacy He died in 1978 at the age of 80. The George M. Rhodes Apartments in Reading are named after him.