J. Millard Tawes

John Millard Tawes (April 8, 1894 – June 25, 1979), was an American politician and a member of the Democratic Party who was the 54th governor of Maryland from 1959 to 1967. He remains the only Maryland politician to be elected to the offices of state treasurer, comptroller, and governor.

Early life and family Tawes was born to James and Alice (née Byrd) Tawes in Crisfield, Maryland. He received his early education in the Somerset County, Maryland, public schools, and later attended Bryant and Stratton Business College where he studied banking and accounting. After college, Tawes earned a living working in lumbering and canning firms that were owned by his father, which later expanded into shipbuilding, baking, and banking. Tawes married Helen Avalynne Gibson on December 25, 1915; with her he had two children.

Maryland political career Tawes' political career began in 1930 when he was elected as clerk of the court for Somerset County, Maryland, narrowly defeating his opponent Harry T. Phoebus by 72 votes.

Many of the themes Tawes began in his first term were continued in his second, including educational reform. The allocation of state aid to educational institutions was recalculated by the legislature during his second term, resulting in increased funds being directed towards the most needy districts. Tawes also managed to establish an educational television network, which he had been campaigning for since his first term.

Following his death, Tawes was reflected upon as a moderate and calm political figure. While publicly seen as weak due to his age and often indirect administration methods, Tawes was capable of pushing legislation through the General Assembly when necessary, though he was not always eager to do so. He was also capable of appealing to both sides of an issue by maintaining a moderate record. Before his death, Tawes noted his proudest accomplishments revolved around leaving a state government that was fiscally sound, and also for improving the education system and establishing community colleges. He is buried in Sunny Ridge Memorial Park in his hometown of Crisfield.

Building dedications The Tawes State Office Building in Annapolis, Maryland. J. Millard Tawes Historical Museum in Crisfield, Maryland. Tawes Fine Arts Building at the University of Maryland, College Park. Tawes Theatre at Washington College in Chestertown, Maryland. J. Millard Tawes College Center at Coppin State University in Baltimore, Maryland The J. Millard Tawes Gymnasium on the campus of University of Maryland Eastern Shore. Tawes Hall at Frostburg State University in Frostburg, Maryland The Tawes Building, Spring Grove Hospital Center

In popular culture In the film Hairspray (1988), Leo Rocca plays an unnamed Governor of Maryland. The film is set in 1962 during Tawes' first term. The character was left out of the musical stage adaptation of the film.