Archive Record
Metadata
Collection |
Donald M. Macaulay Collection |
Object ID |
MAC |
Title |
Donald M. Macaulay Collection |
Creator |
Macaulay, Donald M. |
Object Name |
Archival materials |
Scope & Content |
This collection is comprised of materials pertaining to Donald M. Macaulay, WWI pilot, politician, lawyer, and judge, acquired in August 1984 from Laura B. Macaulay. Donald M. Macaulay was born in Springfield, Massachusetts on April 20, 1896, the son of Angus D. and Emily (Morrison) Macaulay. He received his bachelors degree from Dartmouth in 1918, then went on to earn a law degree from.Northeastern University, Springfield Division (now Western New England College) in 1924. In 1956 he received an honorary degree of Doctor of Law from Western New England College. During World War I, Macaulay graduated from aviation ground school at M.I.T. in July, 1917. He received his flight training at Naval Aviation Station, Pensacola and was given the rank of Ensign. He served as an American Naval Aviator with the Royal Naval Air Service, and transferred to the U.S. Navy Air Force when he became one of three Navy aircraft test pilots at the Naval Air Station, Pauillac, France. Before returning horne in 1918, the French Aviation Forces bestowed a commendation upon him. Macaulay started a private law practice in Springfield in 1924; and during his days as a lawyer, he served as Assistant City Solicitor of Springfield, 1926-1928 and as City Solicitor, 1934-1938 and 1944-1946. In addition to his activities in Springfield politics, he served as council for eleven Western Massachusetts towns at various times. He was a Republican and was chairman of the Republican City Committee, 1932-1934, and the Republican Candidate for Mayor of Springfield in 1939 and 1941. He was defeated both times by Roger Putnam. He was appointed Judge of Probate of Hampden County on March 17, 1948 and Associate Justice of the Superior Court on January 5, 1956. Macaulay's most famous case was the 1965 ruling involving the book, "Fanny Hill." He ruled it pornographic, prohibiting it from public sale. The ruling was later overturned by the United States Supreme Court. In 1961 Macaulay became a member of the National Conference of State Trial Judges. He was a member of the South Congregational Church in Springfield; the American, Massachusetts, and Hampden County Bar Associations, and also a Trustee of Western New England College. He was a member of the Longmeadow Country Club, the Colony Club, and the Reality Club of Springfield, and a non-resident member of the Union Club, Boston. Macaulay was a past master of a Masonic Lodge, but his most cherished membership was in the Early and Pioneers Naval Aviation Association. He retired on May 1, 1971 after 47 years in the legal profession and 23 years as Judge for the Massachusetts Superior Court. He spent time in many quiet pursuits until his death in 1980 at age 84. His only surviving relative was his wife, Laura, of 55 years. He had no children. The Collection is organized into five series, as follows: Series 01 -- Personal Material; Series 02 -- Correspondence; Series 03 -- Judicial Material; Series 04 -- Memorabilia; Series 05 -- Photographs. |
Size |
8 document cases and 3 oversize boxes = 7 linear feet |
People |
Macaulay, Donald M. |
Related |
Air forces Air pilots Air warfare Judges Lawyers Massachusetts. Superior Court. Politicians Politics & government United States. Naval Aviation Corps United States. Navy United States. Navy--Airmen World War, 1914-1918 World War, 1914-1918--Military personnel World War, 1914-1918--Veterans |
Search Terms |
Air forces Air pilots Air warfare Judges Lawyers Massachusetts. Superior Court. Politicians Politics & government United States. Naval Aviation Corps United States. Navy United States. Navy--Airmen World War, 1914-1918 World War, 1914-1918--Military personnel World War, 1914-1918--Veterans |