Description
Book SynopsisUsing a remarkable cache of scrapbooks kept by Albert Haskell, Jr. through his lifetime, Martin A. Sweeny narrates a fascinating story of unwavering dedication to the public good. As a lawyer, politician, civic organizer, and economic developer, Haskell never turned away from an opportunity to do something beneficial for others.
Trade ReviewThe Remarkable Life of Albert Haskell, Jr. adds much to our understanding of how the City of Cortland, NY developed in the 20th century. Readers will learn much about this time period and the crucial role Albert Haskell, Jr. played.
-- Kate O’Connel, City of Cortland Historian
Martin Sweeney’s biography of Albert Haskell, Jr. brings the past to life through his detailed use of scrapbooks compiled by the subject, correspondences, interviews, and other primary sources. Haskell was an important contributor to his community, and Sweeney gets to the heart of the story and builds a compelling narrative that will keep you engaged.
-- Tabitha Scoville, executive director, Cortland County Historical Society,
Once again Martin Sweeney has put to great use his creative writing and investigative skills. The culmination of which is this entertaining and interesting biography about my grandfather, Albert Haskell, Jr. Not only is this volume interesting to me from a personal perspective, as I am Albert’s youngest grandchild, but the book captures the story of Central New York’s proud past as well. It has often been relayed to me that Grandpa Haskell deeply cared about the people of Cortland County, and I believe readers will agree that Martin has captured that affinity very well through his storytelling.
-- William Sweeney, grandson of Albert Haskell, Jr.
Albert Haskell, Jr. was my grandfather. I remember him as a humble and stoic man.
As an 11-year-old kid, I never knew the scope of his law career. This biography
was a real eye opener for me. It is a story that all readers will enjoy.
-- Joseph Haskell, Jr., grandson of Albert Haskell, Jr.
The name Albert Haskell, Jr. was known by all in Cortland County for a large part of the 20th century. As a lawyer, elected official, businessman and a public citizen, he always had the interests of his community foremost in his mind. My first employment as an attorney was in the law firm of Haskell, Foley, Meldrim and Shay. I was fortunate to be associated with the Haskell name. Albert Haskell, Jr. lived a fascinating life, and his story will be enjoyed by all.
-- Marty Mack, colleague of Albert Haskell, Jr.
Table of ContentsList of Figures
Prologue
Acknowledgements
Introduction
Chapter 1: The Formative Years
Chapter 2: The Years of Arts and Letters
Chapter 3: A Young, Aspiring Lawyer
Chapter 4: The Great Cortland Rotary Hijinks
Chapter 5: The New D.A. Goes After Bootleggers with Izzy and Moe
Chapter 6: Bathtub Gin, Bootleggers, and the Black Hand
Chapter 7: The People vs White Slavers, Faith Healers and a Murderer
Chapter 8: Haskell Takes on the Klan
Chapter 9: The Tragic Demise of Alton Howe
Chapter 10: Tubercular Cattle Scandal
Chapter 11: Another Murder Case and Retirement
Chapter 12: A Continued Career in the Law
Chapter 13: The Political Arena
Chapter 14: The Milk Strikes
Chapter 15: Civic Engagement
Chapter 16: Promotion of Economic Expansion in the 1950s
Chapter 17: “Elder Statesman” of Cortland’s Industrial Growth
Chapter 18: A Man of Faith
Epilogue
Chapter Notes
Sources
Index
