Cappaert, LeRoy.

LeRoy Cappaert was born in 1923 in Silvis, Illinois. His family was the only white family in the neighborhood which primarily consisted of Mexican-American families. The experience had a profound impact on his life. As an adult, he became a vocal supporter of civil rights.

In 1949 he received his AB degree from Augustana College, Rock Island, Illinois. He received his MA in American history from the University of Wisconsin in 1950. In 1953, he began teaching at Tappan Junior High School in Ann Arbor, and in 1959 he became the principal of Pattengill Elementary School. He remained there until 1968, when he became principal of Mack Elementary School.

He served on the Ann Arbor City Council for six years, 1964-1970, and as Mayor Pro-tem in 1969. He was elected as a delegate from Washtenaw County to the Democratic National Convention in Chicago in 1968.

After retiring, he became actively involved with the Coalition for Peace in Central America. The activities of this group focus on aiding Ann Arbor's sister city, Juigalpa, Nicaragua.

Lael Cappaert was a public librarian in Ann Arbor. She was active as well in various political and community organizations.

From the guide to the Leroy and Lael Cappaert papers, 1947-2002, (Bentley Historical Library University of Michigan)