Modernist Milwaukee (and its Socialist Mayors)

Bernie Sanders, a self-professed socialist, won the Wisconsin Democratic primary yesterday. Despite his professed socialism, Sanders spent most of his career — including his time as Mayor of Burlington, VT — as an independent, rather than associating with any party. The last Socialist (Party) Mayor of a major American city was Frank Zeidler, who served Milwaukee from 1948–60, capping a half century when three Socialists were elected Mayor of the city (including one who served for 24 years.)

Ironically, in spite of its socialist history, Milwaukee was one of two counties that supported Sanders’ opponent, Hilary Clinton, in last night’s primary.

The name of Milwaukee’s last socialist mayor adorns the Municipal Building, pictured above, a beautiful modernist structure in downtown Milwaukee. I took this picture on a visit last summer.