Wisconsin History Day By Day


Related Web Sites:
Lee S. Dreyfus (Wikipedia)

Gov. Dreyfus' Red Vest


Read More About It

"Lee Sherman Dreyfus" Wisconsin State Journal, September, 10, 1978

"Dreyfus inaugural speech text" The Capital Times, January 4, 1979


Vocabulary:

effectiveness
grass-roots


Interesting Fact:

Dreyfus was a flamboyant campaigner, traveling in an old school bus decorated to look like a train, making "whistestops" while being backed-up by his "Rag Tag Band."


Study Questions:

  • What piece of clothing became a Dreyfus trademark?
  • What were the major achievements of Dreyfus while he was governor?
  • Why did Dreyfus choose not to run for re-election?


    U.S. historical events that occurred on June 20:

    1863: West Virginia becomes the 35th state.



  • June 20

    Wisconsin Governors

    June 20, 1926: Lee S. Dreyfus, Wisconsin's 40th governor, was born on June 20, 1926 in Milwaukee. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a Ph.D in communications. Dreyfus served in the Navy during World War II. He served as general manager for WHA television and was a faculty member at the University of Wisconsin. From 1967 to 1969, Dreyfus was the president of Wisconsin State University at Stevens Point. Dreyfus was elected governor in 1978 due to his effectiveness in communicating and his grass-roots campaign style. He chose not to seek re-election.


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