|
A
Long History of Leadership | Sportsman’s
Paradise
A Long History of Leadership
When people think of Louisiana, many think of New
Orleans and its Mardi Gras, many think of the Cajuns and their
food, and others think of Louisiana’s famous politicians.
And when they think about Louisiana politics, what comes to mind?
Well Winnfield, of course! (And if it doesn’t – it
should!) You see, Winnfield is the birthplace of politics in
Louisiana for it is the home of three governors – Huey
P. Long, Earl K. Long, and Oscar K. Allen.
Huey P. Long, also known as the Kingfish, was born
in 1893. He was first elected Railroad Commissioner in 1918.
After serving as Governor from 1928 until 1932, he became
a United States Senator. Huey Long was actually Governor and
Senator at
the same time. He is credited as being the originator of the
populist movement with the creed “Every Man a King,” also
known as his “Share the Wealth” plan. Many feel that
he would have challenged Franklin F. Roosevelt for the White
House. Huey P. Long was assassinated in 1935 at the state
capitol that he is credited with building.
View
a QuickTime movie of Huey Long's famous political speech,
“Hi-Poppa-Lowerum.”
Oscar K. Allen was born in 1882 and elected governor
in 1932. “O.K.,” as he was known, loaned Huey P. Long
$500 for Long to finance his first political campaign in 1921.
Allen served as Chairman of the Louisiana Highway Commission
and was elected to the State Senate in 1928. Allen was elected
to the United States Senate after the death of Huey P. Long,
but died before taking office.
Earl K. Long, Huey’s brother, was born in
1895. He has the distinction of holding more state jobs than
any other Louisiana native. “Uncle Earl,” as he was
better known, was elected governor in 1939, 1948 and again
in 1958.
He was elected to the United States Congress in 1960, but
died 10 days after his victory.
Earl was known for his down-home ways and for his
love of hog hunting. The annual Uncle
Earl’s Hog Dog Trials are held the forth weekend of
March in Winnfield. This is the largest Hog Dog competition in
the world.
|
