W. Thacher Longstreth

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W. Thacher Longstreth (1921-2003) was a Republican member of the Philadelphia City Council known as much for his influence as his quirky personal style.

Longstreth was a graduate of Princeton University.

Longstreth was an eighth-generation Philadelphian, whose Quaker upbringing led to his early support of Earth Day. In 1970, he led the Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and spear-headed the drive to hold the event in Philadelphia. That event became one of the biggest Earyh Day events in the nation.

During his tenure in office he helped support the efforts of Edmund Bacon to bring an urban renaisaance to Philadelphia.

He enjoyed wearing bow ties and argyle socks. A long time Councilman At Large, he was "Mr. Republician" in a city dominated by Democratic politicians. He died from a pulmonary embolism while on vacation in Naples, Florida.