Alfred Eastlack Driscoll

Early Life and Education

Alfred Eastlack Driscoll was born on October 25, 1902, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and grew up in Haddonfield, New Jersey. He earned his Bachelor of Arts from Williams College in 1925 and went on to graduate from Harvard Law School in 1928. His strong academic background and commitment to public service guided his future political career.

Early Political Career

Driscoll began his public service as mayor of Haddonfield before being elected to the New Jersey State Senate in 1939. As a senator, he became known for his progressive Republican ideals, support for infrastructure development, and commitment to government efficiency.

Governorship and Key Reforms

Elected as the 43rd Governor of New Jersey in 1946 and re-elected in 1949, Driscoll served from 1947 to 1954. His tenure coincided with the adoption of the 1947 New Jersey State Constitution, which modernized the structure of state government, strengthened the executive branch, and improved the judicial system.

Driscoll championed massive infrastructure projects, including the creation of the New Jersey Turnpike and the Garden State Parkway, transforming the state’s transportation system. He also expanded public education, promoted economic growth, and advanced civil rights legislation.

Later Career and Public Service

After leaving office, Driscoll became president of Warner-Lambert Pharmaceutical Company, where he served until his retirement. He continued to be active in civic and charitable organizations, contributing to New Jersey’s development well beyond his governorship.

Legacy

Alfred E. Driscoll is remembered as one of New Jersey’s most transformative governors, reshaping the state’s constitution, infrastructure, and public institutions. His leadership left a lasting impact on the state’s economic and governmental foundations.