Frank J. Corr, American lawyer and politician, 45th Mayor of Chicago (d. 1934)

Frank J. Corr: Navigating Chicago's Political Landscape as Acting Mayor

Frank J. Corr (January 12, 1877 – June 3, 1934) holds a unique, albeit brief, place in Chicago's political history. An American politician and a steadfast member of the Democratic Party, Corr stepped into the pivotal role of the 45th mayor of Chicago, Illinois, albeit in an acting capacity, during a moment of profound crisis for the city.

The Unexpected Ascension: Following a National Tragedy

Corr's specific tenure as acting mayor, documented from March 15, 1933, until April 8, 1933, was directly precipitated by one of the most shocking events in American political history: the assassination of Mayor Anton J. Cermak. Cermak, a powerful and influential figure in Chicago politics, was tragically shot on February 15, 1933, in Miami, Florida, during an attempted assassination of President-elect Franklin D. Roosevelt. While the primary target was Roosevelt, Mayor Cermak was critically wounded in the attack and ultimately succumbed to his injuries on March 6, 1933.

At the time of Mayor Cermak's untimely death, Frank J. Corr served as Chicago's Corporation Counsel, a significant legal and administrative role within the city government. According to the city's charter at that period, the Corporation Counsel was designated to assume the duties of acting mayor in the event of the mayor's incapacitation or death. This established constitutional provision ensured continuity of government and administrative stability during such an unforeseen emergency, allowing for a smooth, albeit temporary, transfer of power in the immediate aftermath of Cermak's demise.

A Brief But Critical Tenure

Frank J. Corr's period as acting mayor was undeniably crucial for Chicago, despite spanning just over three weeks. His primary responsibility during this tumultuous time was to maintain governmental stability and ensure the continuous, smooth functioning of vital municipal operations. This interim leadership was particularly vital for a city as dynamic and complex as Chicago, especially given the concurrent challenges of the Great Depression and the widespread public grief and uncertainty following Mayor Cermak's shocking death.

As a seasoned Democratic Party member and a key legal official within the city's administration, Corr provided steady, albeit temporary, leadership. His essential role was to bridge the leadership gap until the Chicago City Council could officially elect a permanent successor. This process culminated with the selection of Edward J. Kelly on April 8, 1933, marking the formal conclusion of Corr's brief yet historically significant acting term.

Frequently Asked Questions about Frank J. Corr's Mayoral Term

When did Frank J. Corr serve as Acting Mayor of Chicago?

Frank J. Corr served as the acting mayor of Chicago from March 15, 1933, until April 8, 1933. His tenure was an interim one, directly following the death of the incumbent Mayor Anton Cermak.

Why was Frank J. Corr designated as an "acting" mayor?

Corr assumed the role of acting mayor because the sitting Mayor, Anton Cermak, was assassinated. As Chicago's Corporation Counsel at the time, Corr was constitutionally next in line according to the city charter to temporarily fill the mayoral vacancy, ensuring governmental continuity until a new mayor could be officially elected by the City Council.

What was the significance of Mayor Anton Cermak's assassination?

Mayor Anton Cermak's assassination on March 6, 1933, was the result of an attempted assassination of President-elect Franklin D. Roosevelt in Miami, Florida, on February 15, 1933. While Roosevelt was unharmed, Cermak was fatally wounded. This event sent shockwaves across the United States, underscoring the vulnerabilities of public figures and leading to heightened security measures for elected officials.

Which political party did Frank J. Corr belong to?

Frank J. Corr was a prominent member of the Democratic Party.

Who succeeded Frank J. Corr as Mayor of Chicago?

Following Frank J. Corr's brief acting term, Edward J. Kelly was officially elected by the Chicago City Council on April 8, 1933, to become the next permanent Mayor of Chicago, serving until 1947.