John Davis Lodge records

Born: October 20, 1903, Washington, D.C.

College: Harvard, 1925; Harvard Law School, 1929.

Political Party: Republican.

Offices: U.S. Congress, 1947-1951; Governor of Connecticut, 1951-1955; U.S. Ambassador Spain, 1955-1961; Argentina, 1969-1974; Switzerland, 1981-1985.

Died: October 29, 1985, New York City.

The Republican's control of the governor's office in Connecticut ended with the term of John Lodge. He was the first governor to serve a four-year term, but when he left office in 1955 the Republicans would only hold it in four of the next thirty-six years. Lodge came from a long line of political leaders, including his grandfather, Henry Cabot Lodge, and his brother, Henry Cabot Lodge, Jr. Lodge received his law degree from Harvard in 1929, but spent several years as a movie actor in Europe where he made fourteen films. In World War II he was a Naval officer. Married to Francesca Braggiotti of Italy in 1929, they had two children.

Lodge entered Connecticut politics in 1947 when he was elected to the U.S. Congress. In 1950 he defeated Governor Bowles in the first election of a Connecticut governor for a four years term. Much of his time in office was impacted by the Korean War (1950-53) as the state received numerous military contracts. Lodge had legislation passed to increase benefits for the unemployed and for injured workers. Bonding was secured to help in the construction of new state facilities.

At the end of his term Lodge sought reelection, but was defeated and left office in January of 1955. He later served as U.S. Ambassador to several countries. He attempted to become a U.S. Senator in 1964, but lost to Thomas Dodd. Lodge died in 1985. His house in Westport still stands and is privately owned. The Connecticut Turnpike (Route 95) is named in his honor.