Albert, Carl Bert, 1908-2000

From 1971 to 1976 Carl Albert served as Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, the highest elected public office held by an Oklahoman. On May 10, 1908, Albert was born at the Bolen-Darnell mining camp near McAlester to Ernest Homer and Leona Ann Scott Albert. He was the oldest of five children. A few years later the family moved to a farm near Bugtussle (also called Flowery Mound), and Albert attended primary school. In 1923 he enrolled at McAlester High School, his worn overalls belying a sharp mind and strong determination. He excelled in school. When he graduated in 1927 he was student body president, valedictorian, and the Midwest Oratorical Contest winner, for which he won a three-month European tour. His classmates nicknamed him "Little Giant" in reference to his accomplishments and to his small physical stature. Arriving with ten dollars, Albert entered the University of Oklahoma (OU) in fall 1927. He paid for his education with odd jobs the first year, but then he won another oration contest that awarded him a trip to Hawaii, fifteen hundred dollars, and several invitations to speak to civic groups. One such offer came from Thomas Pryor Gore, who needed a driver and an introductory speaker on his Oklahoma campaign stump. It was Albert's first real political experience. Excelling in college, he was a member of Kappa Alpha fraternity, Reserve Officers' Training Corps, and the debate team. Other honors included student council president, Dads' Day Cup for outstanding male student, and a Phi Beta Kappa key.

After graduating from OU with a bachelor's degree in government, in 1931 Albert received a Rhodes scholarship and left for England. At Oxford he studied law for three years and journeyed throughout Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East, pursuing his interests in travel and foreign languages. With two law degrees, Albert returned to the United States in 1934. The nation was deep in the Great Depression, and work was scarce. His first job was as a legal clerk for the Federal Housing Administration in Oklahoma City. Then followed several years of legal work in the oil industry in Oklahoma and Illinois.

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