F.H. LaBaume

F.H. LaBaume became secretary of the Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce in January 1920.

Biography

LaBaume was born in Chicago, Illinois and moved to Aurora when he was 5. Following a degree from Beloit College, he went to work for the Burlington Railway. In 1901, he went to work for the Norfolk & Western Railway and moved to Roanoke. LaBaume resigned from the position in 1918 in order to worl for the war effort.

Comments to Daily Progress

LaBaume wrote the following to the Daily Progress upon taking office.

"I wish to express my gratification at the prospect of being identified with your good citizenship in the work of trying to help develop the community.

Charlottesville appeals to me because of its unusual combination of attractive qualities.

1st. It is a city of real homes and homelike people.

2nd. It's situated in one of the most beautiful and productive spots in Virginia.

3rd. The milk of human kindness seems to flow more freely here.

4th. Modern commercialism, business greed and selfishness have not crept in to warp the humanity of its people.

5th. Its educational advantages are unsurpassed and its atmosphere of culture, human kindness and spontaneous hospitality must appeal to all who would be worthy beneficiaries thereof.

6th. Good climate, excellent transportation and productive soil.

You will gather from the above that I, perhaps, am somewhat of an idealist, and I am, but let me say to you that any city or county is indeed fortunate when it fulfills the requirements of those who cherish ideals and work for their fulfillment.

I should say that Charlottesville's opportunity likes not entirely in the building of factories and smokestacks or the acquirement of a congested industrial population.

Rather, it seems to me, her field lies in the building of character and in the opportunity she furnishes for the establishment of beautiful homes in an ideal environment.

These qualities can be capitalized to your advantage long with the opportunities you offer for the right kind of industrial enterprises and if I can be of some assistance to this end I shall feel that your kindly confidence in me has not been misplaced."