The Life and Times of Hammerin' Hank Ward

Sharon Roggenkamp

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English

Braughler Books, LLC
12 October 2024

History of the Americas; Local history; Caravan & camp-site guides

A riverfront underworld, a fearless reporter, Frank Capra's beloved movie hero, Jefferson Smith, and the circus of Kentucky politics share much in common-and all are brought to mind by the adventures and career of a 20th century Kentucky politician nicknamed ""Hammerin' Hank"" Ward.

Travel back in time with Henry T. Ward-a newspaper columnist, state legislator, Park and Highway Commissioner who transformed Kentucky's dilapidated park system into a national model for excellence, then led the Highway Department through the ""go-go"" years of interstate highway construction. As Democratic candidate for Governor in 1967, he promised to ""Be frank with the public, always tell them the truth,"" which sent him speeding down the road to defeat.

For readers seeking assurance it's possible to govern effectively and still keep your principles intact, there is hope in the life story and example of the 5'-7"" dynamo who stood up for Kentuckians-even if it meant refusing to do favors in exchange for votes-""Hell no! You'd be crazy as hell to think I'd do that!""

His Republican opponent Louie B. Nunn later paid tribute-calling him ""the greatest man who never was governor."" Henry's life story is entwined with the reform era of crusading reporting, the massive public works projects of the New Deal, the storied history of America's beloved national and state parks, and the birth of the interstate highway system. Experience it all, as you keep score for the battles Henry won and lost, as he answered the call when Kentucky needed him.

By: Sharon Roggenkamp
Imprint: Braughler Books, LLC
Dimensions: Height: 229mm, Width: 152mm, Spine: 19mm
Weight: 363g
ISBN: 9798893900347
Pages: 268
Publication Date: 12 October 2024
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

Sharon Roggenkamp, a native of Springfield, Ohio, worked as a part-time columnist and community reporter for The Lexington (Kentucky) Herald-Leader, then joined the staff at Scott County Public Library, Georgetown as Media Coordinator from 2012 until 2019. She currently serves as a volunteer docent and social media coordinator for the National Voice of America Museum of Broadcasting in West Chester, Ohio. This book is based on an oral history grant she was awarded from the Kentucky Historical Society, and the personal and professional archive of Henry Ward.

Reviews for The Life and Times of Hammerin' Hank Ward

Henry Ward, a hard charging newspaperman and state legislator from Paducah, left a major mark on Kentucky over twenty years at mid-century. Roggenkamp's much needed biography details his legacy as father of an outstanding park system, and as architect of the Commonwealth's modern road and interstate highway system under four mid-century Kentucky governors. Roggenkamp tells his story with considerable energy and humor. Although he lost the race for governor in 1967, ""Hammerin' Hank"" deserves more recognition for his accomplishments and Roggenkamp delivers that! --George G. Humphreys, Kentucky historian, and author of The Fall of Kentucky's Rock: Western Kentucky Democratic Politics Since the New Deal (2022) Sharon Roggenkamp's persistence brings to us an exceptional Kentuckian's saga, long overdue. Yet, Hammerin' Hank's name would never be sited at the first floor Capitol office where governors preside. Henry Ward was my friend, and his citizenship lessons and ability to trust his own instincts became invaluable gifts. Readers will find notable examples of Henry's vision, intellect, steadfast fortitude and ability to manage. Modernizing Kentucky's highways, building the finest state park system in America, and slamming brakes on improper governmental deal-making were but a few of his achievements, as you will learn. --Thomas L. Preston, Founder & CEO of ForeseeNow Henry Ward-an honorable and progressive public servant-has for too long been overlooked by Kentucky history. Sharon Roggenkamp corrects that oversight with her extensive research and well documented exploration of his tireless efforts to improve the Commonwealth. -- Diana Taylor-Gray, Taylor-Gray Associates; former Lexington Herald-Leader Bureau Chief, Frankfort, Kentucky; Chief of Staff for Kentucky Governor Brereton Jones, (1991-1993)