Daniel Hoan Collection
The collection of Daniel Webster Hoan encompasses the years 1910 to 1953, covering his political life in Milwaukee. Born in Waukesha on March 12, 1881, Daniel Hoan attended public schools in Waukesha. He later attended the University of Wisconsin where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in 1905. Hoan went to law 
school and worked as the attorney for the State Federation of Labor. In April 1910, Hoan was elected city attorney of Milwaukee, where he served until 1916 when he was elected mayor. Hoan was mayor of Milwaukee from 1916 to 1940, the longest consecutive Socialist administration in US History.
Daniel Hoan was a member of the Socialist Party. Throughout his time as mayor he developed the reputation for honest and efficient government. Hoan initiated a number of progressive reforms, including the country’s first public housing project, Garden Homes, in 1923. Hoan was also successful at achieving municipal ownership of the stone quarry, street lighting, sewage disposal and water purification. Hoan was defeated in the mayoral campaign of 1940.
The collection of his papers includes materials relating to his time as City Attorney as well as his time as mayor. The materials cover many areas of interest including, the Great Lakes, St. Lawrence Seaway, US Mayors Conference, Housing, Pan American Conferences, World War I and many others. There are many pieces of correspondence with individuals such as Victor Berger, the La Folette family, Walter Kohler and others. In addition to the manuscript materials, there is an extensive collection of pamphlets which Hoan collected. All of these materials provide a glimpse into the life of one of Milwaukee’s most successful and unique mayors. In addition to providing insight into Daniel Hoan, the papers provide a wealth of knowledge into mayoral life as well as the city of Milwaukee in the early 20th century.
