Cain, Harry P. (Harry Pulliam), 1906-1979

Harry Pulliam Cain was born on 10 Jan. 1906 in Nashville, Tenn. He attended Hill Military Academy in Portland, Ore., and the University of the South in Sewanee, Tenn. In 1929, he returned to Tacoma and worked in the trust department of the Bank of California. Throughout his tenure at the bank, he was involved with the Washington Banker's Association. He resigned from the bank in 1939 to campaign for mayor. Prior to his campaign, Cain managed the 1939 Washington State Golden Jubilee in Tacoma. In 1940, at age 34, Cain was elected mayor, the youngest in Tacoma history. During his time as mayor, he focused on strengthening his office because under the commissioner form of government the mayor was often seen as a figurehead. Cain strengthened Tacoma's cooperation with the military and took charge of the public welfare, health and sanitation departments of the city. Reelected in 1942, Cain served only a year of his four years because the military drafted him. Cain served with the 18th Airborne Division and rose to the rank of colonel. After returning in 1945, Cain announced he would not run for re-election in 1946. He was awaiting word from the state Republicans as to his status as their candidate for the Senate. In 1946, he won the Senate seat. He served one term and retired in Miami, Florida where he died in 1979.

From the description of Papers, 1933-1952 (bulk 1939-1946). (Washington State Historical Society). WorldCat record id: 71014308

Mayor of Tacoma, Wash.; elected 1940; took leave of absence to serve in World War II, returning in 1945 to finish term as mayor; in 1946 appointed to serve as U.S. senator Mon Wallgren's replacement and was elected to the Senate later that year; ran again in 1952 but lost to Henry M. Jackson; after leaving the senate, was appointed to head the Subversive Activities Control Board but in 1956 resigned and became an advocate for the civil rights of many groups; after retirement, moved to Florida and became involved with real estate.

From the description of Harry P. Cain papers, 1945-1950 (bulk 1948-1949). (Washington State Historical Society). WorldCat record id: 191698816