Description
Book SynopsisAn entertaining personal history of the state, told by one of its leading citizens
For an insider’s take on the last eighty years in Minnesota history, sit down with Tom H. Swain’s memoir. It is a personal look at the people and events that shaped the state’s history, written by a civic and business leader—and a true public servant—with a genuine knack for telling a story. From business to athletics, politics to education, Swain is a key player. He’s been a mayor, a University of Minnesota vice president, a chief of staff to former Minnesota governor Elmer L. Andersen, and a member and chair of numerous nonprofit and civic boards. In Citizen Swain: Tales from a Minnesota Life, he brings his vibrant presence and meaningful contributions to life eloquently, giving readers a rare glimpse into the inner workings of institutions and their leaders.
Swain was more than a witness to state history. He helped make it happen. Readers learn what it was like to be a part of Governor Andersen’s administration—including details about the dramatic vote recount that ended his term. Swain’s dedication to education and sports shine through as he speaks of his service at the University of Minnesota. Over the years in positions ranging from ticket manager in the athletic department to vice president, Swain got to know Gopher coach Bernie Bierman and three University of Minnesota presidents—Nils Hasselmo, Mark Yudof, and Robert Bruininks. Twenty-three years at the St. Paul Companies gave him profound insight into the state’s oldest corporation.
Whether he’s describing the hard work behind the scenes of the massive civic celebration of the state’s centennial or growing up in 1930s and 1940s Minneapolis, Swain’s passion for making Minnesota a better place comes through in these remembrances, told with warmth, respect, and not a small amount of wit. Citizen Swain will be an inspiration to anyone seeking to make positive change through active citizenship.
Trade Review"Tom H. Swain is the quintessential Minnesotan. He sallies forth through the ups and downs of life with his unique brand of unflappable, straightforward, and mission-oriented character. His gifts of old-fashioned honor, abiding wisdom, endurance, and a genuine love of people are evident in these stories, always told in his clear and unpretentious voice."—George Latimer
"It’s hard to imagine how many lives Tom H. Swain has touched through his civic and volunteer activities. Citizen Swain is a fitting tribute to a great Minnesotan."—Peter Pearson, President, The Friends of the St. Paul Public Library
"Tom H. Swain shows by example how one person can make a positive difference in people’s lives and in Minnesota history. He has worked hard to leave the campsite better for the next group of citizen adventurers."—Dave Metzen
"Swain’s observations, and more important, the example of his exemplary life should command our attention."—Star Tribune
Table of ContentsContents
Foreword: A Life of Service
Lori Sturdevant
1. “Miss Pep”
2. Student Days
3. Staff Sergeant Swain
4. Back to Campus
5. Mac
6. Holman Field
7. Ticket Man
8. Come to St. Paul
9. A Royal Kiss
10. Floyd and Judy at the Centennial
11. The Wager
12. Showboat
13. Skål, Vikings—and Stay, Twins
14. Elmer for Governor
15. Right Hand to the Governor
16. Recount
17. Insurance Man
18. Minnesota’s Favorite Son
19. St. Paul School Independence
20. Missing in Action
21. DARE
22. “Don’t Leave Home without It”
23. Insurance Encore
24. Health Reformer
25. Gopher Tales
26. Questions
27. Still a Republican
28. Show ’Em the Money
29. Mr. Mayor
30. Things Change
31. Millie’s Ashes
32. All in the Family
33. On Leadership
Chronology
Index
