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3 unusual facts about William Emmett Dever


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Following exposure of several scandals tied to his political organization, Thompson sat out the 1923 contest, with the result that reformer William E. Dever, a Democrat, was elected mayor.

William Emmett Dever

Dever's term in office saw many improvements to the city's infrastructure, including the completion of Wacker Drive, the extension of Ogden Avenue, the straightening of the Chicago River and the building of the city's first airport, Municipal Airport.

In 1923, Democratic party boss George E. Brennan selected Dever as having the best chance of defeating incumbent mayor William "Big Bill" Thompson.



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