Amory Houghton

Amory Houghton was a prominent American politician and businessman who served in the United States House of Representatives and the New York State Assembly. He was a member of the Republican Party and was known for his work in the glass industry, particularly with the Corning Glass Works. Houghton was also a strong supporter of education and the arts, and he served on the boards of several institutions, including the Corning Museum of Glass and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. He was a close friend and advisor to several notable figures, including Dwight D. Eisenhower and Nelson Rockefeller.

● Early Life and Education

Amory Houghton was born in Corning, New York, to Alanson B. Houghton and Laura DeKay Houghton. His father was a United States Ambassador to Germany and a United States Ambassador to the United Kingdom, and his family had a long history of involvement in politics and diplomacy. Houghton attended Harvard University, where he studied economics and history, and later graduated from the Harvard Business School. He also studied at the University of Cambridge, where he was a member of the Pembroke College, Cambridge. During his time at Harvard University, he was a member of the Hasty Pudding Club and the Fly Club, and he was friends with several notable figures, including John F. Kennedy and Joseph P. Kennedy Jr..

● Career

Houghton began his career in the glass industry, working for the Corning Glass Works, which was founded by his ancestor, Amory Houghton Sr.. He quickly rose through the ranks of the company, becoming a vice president and later the president of the company. During his time at Corning Glass Works, he worked closely with several notable figures, including Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. He was also a member of the National Academy of Sciences and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and he served on the boards of several companies, including the New York Central Railroad and the Bank of New York. Houghton was a strong supporter of research and development, and he worked to establish several research institutions, including the Corning Museum of Glass and the Sloan Kettering Institute.

● Politics

Houghton's entry into politics began when he was elected to the New York State Assembly in 1918. He served in the assembly for several years, representing the Steuben County district. In 1932, he was elected to the United States House of Representatives, where he served for several terms, representing the 37th congressional district of New York. During his time in Congress, he worked closely with several notable figures, including Franklin D. Roosevelt and Harry S. Truman. He was a member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and the House Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce, and he played a key role in the passage of several important pieces of legislation, including the Glass-Steagall Act and the FDIC.

● Personal Life

Houghton was married to Laura Richardson, and they had two children together, Alanson B. Houghton Jr. and Laura Houghton. He was a close friend and advisor to several notable figures, including Winston Churchill and Charles de Gaulle. Houghton was also a strong supporter of the arts, and he served on the boards of several institutions, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the New York City Ballet. He was a member of several social clubs, including the Knickerbocker Club and the Union Club of the City of New York, and he was a frequent guest at several notable events, including the Academy Awards and the Tony Awards.

● Legacy

Amory Houghton's legacy is still felt today, particularly in the glass industry and in the world of politics. He is remembered as a strong supporter of research and development and as a champion of education and the arts. The Corning Museum of Glass, which he helped to establish, is one of the largest and most comprehensive glass museums in the world, and it attracts visitors from all over the globe. Houghton's work in Congress also had a lasting impact, particularly in the areas of foreign policy and economic development. He was a close friend and advisor to several notable figures, including Dwight D. Eisenhower and Nelson Rockefeller, and he played a key role in shaping the United States's foreign policy during the mid-20th century. Today, the Amory Houghton Award is given annually to recognize outstanding contributions to the glass industry, and the Houghton Hall at Harvard University is named in his honor. Category:American politicians