William H. McNichols Jr.
William H. McNichols Jr. | |
---|---|
President of the United States Conference of Mayors | |
In office 1978–1979 | |
Preceded by | Lee Alexander |
Succeeded by | Richard Carver |
Personal details | |
Born | William Henry McNichols Jr. April 11, 1910 Mount Olivet Cemetery Wheat Ridge, Colorado |
Political party | Independent |
Military service | |
Allegiance | United States |
Branch/service | United States Army |
Battles/wars | World War II |
Awards | Purple Heart |
William Henry McNichols Jr. (April 11, 1910 – May 29, 1997) served as the mayor of
Biography
Born in Denver, McNichols was the son of Cassie and William H. McNichols Sr. His father served as Denver's City Auditor from 1931 until 1955. His younger brother,
During World War II, McNichols at age 33, enlisted in the Army and served in the 4th Armored Division (United States) engaged in the Siege of Bastogne. On April 4, 1945, the 4th armored Division liberated Ohrdruf concentration camp, the first Nazi camp liberated by U.S. troops. McNichols received three battle stars and the Purple Heart.
Political career
Appointed by
During his fourteen years in office, several construction projects changed the landscape of the city, including:[5]
- 16th Street Mall
- McNichols Sports Arena
- Denver Center for the Performing Arts
- Auraria Campus
- The North Building addition to the Denver Art Museum
- Expansions of Mile High Stadium
- Twenty new pools and recreational center
From 1978–1979, McNichols served as president of the United States Conference of Mayors.
In 1985, McNichols received the Citizen of the West Award, given by the National Western Stock Show to those who personify the spirit and determination of the Western pioneer.[6]
McNichols died at his home on May 29, 1997. He is buried in
In 1999, the city's old Carnegie library building in
References
- ^ "McNichols/Career," Denver Post, May 30, 1997, p. A17.
- ^ Michael O'Keeffe, "Bill McNichols Dies at Home," Rocky Mountain News, May 30, 1997, p. 4A.
- ^ Mark Stevens, "14-year reign ends for `Mayor Bill'," Rocky Mountain News, May 18, 1983, p. 7.
- ^ Denver 1982 Christmas blizzard
- ^ Arthur Hodges,"Ex-mayor McNichols dies at 87," Denver Post, May 30, 1997, p. A1.
- ^ "Former Mayor McNichols gets Western honor," Rocky Mountain News, November 9, 1984, p. 47.
- ^ "Services for McNichols this morning at basilica," Denver Post, June 3, 1997, p. 4B.
- ^ Tom Noel, "A Civic Center gem revamped," Denver Post, November 18, 2012, p. 4D.