Arthur Summerfield

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Arthur Ellsworth Summerfield (March 17, 1899 – April 26, 1972) was an American politician who served as the United States Postmaster General from 1953 to 1961 under President Dwight D. Eisenhower. He was a prominent figure in the Republican Party and played a significant role in modernizing the United States Postal Service.

Early Life and Career[edit | edit source]

Arthur Summerfield was born in Pinconning, Michigan. Before entering politics, he was a successful businessman in the automotive industry. He owned and operated several General Motors dealerships in Flint, Michigan.

Political Career[edit | edit source]

Summerfield's political career began in Michigan, where he became active in the Republican Party. He served as the chairman of the Michigan Republican Party and was a delegate to the Republican National Convention.

Postmaster General[edit | edit source]

In 1953, President Dwight D. Eisenhower appointed Summerfield as the United States Postmaster General. During his tenure, Summerfield was instrumental in implementing several key reforms and innovations within the United States Postal Service. He advocated for the use of zip codes, which were introduced in 1963, and promoted the use of airmail to expedite the delivery of mail.

Summerfield also oversaw the introduction of new mail sorting technologies and the expansion of postal services to rural areas. His efforts helped to modernize the postal system and improve its efficiency.

Later Life and Legacy[edit | edit source]

After leaving office in 1961, Summerfield continued to be active in public life. He wrote a book titled U.S. Mail: The Story of the United States Postal Service, which detailed his experiences and the history of the postal service.

Arthur Summerfield passed away on April 26, 1972, in West Palm Beach, Florida. He is remembered for his contributions to the modernization of the United States Postal Service and his dedication to public service.