CHAPTER 505
STATE OF DELAWARE
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT
DOVER
EXECUTIVE ORDER NUMBER FORTY-SEVEN
TO: Members of the Building Commission for the State Office Building at Dover
SUBJECT: Designation of new State office building at Dover
WHEREAS, death, which comes to all of us in the course of time, has taken from Delaware one of her most illustrious, loved and venerated men in the person of John Gillis Townsend, Jr.; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Townsend brought unequalled wisdom and dedication to public office in a long and distinguished career of service as a member of the House of Representatives of the General Assembly in 1901, as World War Governor of the State from 1917 to 1921 and as United States Senator from Delaware from 1929 to 1941; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Townsend carved out many careers in the business, banking and agricultural life of the state to the ultimate economic benefit of all of its citizens; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Townsend participated in negotiations leading to the establishment of the United Nations at the personal request of his friend the President of the United States, Harry S. Truman; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Townsend walked for all of his 93 years in our midst, ever maintaining. "the common touch" that made his friendliness universally warm to all who knew him and left him with deep and spiritual humility in spite of great honors and unprecedented achievement; and
WHEREAS, this devoted Delaware was "a living legend" in his own time; and
WHEREAS, by letter of April 15, 1964, the John G. Townsend, Jr. Memorial Commission was appointed by me to recommend an appropriate memorial in his honor; and
WHEREAS, by letter of December 21, 1964, the Commission has recommended to me that the new State office building authorized and to be built in Dover, be named the John G. Townsend, Jr. Memorial Building; and
WHEREAS, it is my belief that such a Memorial would be a highly fitting and proper commemoration of the friendly and dynamic leadership and contributions which he so generously provided our fortunate state during his life with us;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Elbert N. Carvel, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Governor of the State of Delaware, do hereby designate the new State office building authorized and to be built in Dover as the John G. Townsend, Jr. Memorial Commission.
APPROVED this 6th day of January, 1965.
(GREAT SEAL)
ELBERT N. CARVEL By the Governor
Attest: ELISHA C. DUKES, Secretary of State