10 Facts About Thacher Longstreth

William Thacher Longstreth was a Republican member of the Philadelphia City Council who was perhaps best known for his long tenure and unique image.

William C Longstreth owned the Longstreth Motor Car Company and his family lived in Haverford, Pennsylvania, and was affluent until the Wall Street Crash of 1929.

Thacher Longstreth was a cousin of President Herbert Hoover and his maternal grandmother, Ella Hoover Thacher Longstreth was the president of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union for many years.

Thacher Longstreth was instrumental in the creation of the Greater Delaware Valley Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Thacher Longstreth was predeceased by his half sister, Nella Cameron Downward.

Thacher Longstreth was a two-time Republican nominee for Mayor of Philadelphia, first in 1955, losing to Richardson Dilworth, and again in 1971, losing to Frank Rizzo.

Thacher Longstreth was initially elected to Philadelphia's City Council in 1967, resigning his seat to run for Mayor in 1971.

Thacher Longstreth was again elected to Council in 1983, defeating incumbent councilwoman Beatrice Chernock for the at-large seat he had vacated twelve years earlier to run for Mayor.

Thacher Longstreth was well known for wearing bow ties and argyle socks.

Thacher Longstreth suffered from Parkinson's disease, and died of a pulmonary embolism while on vacation in Naples, Florida.