To further his popularity, Johnny Fitzgerald proved himself to be a "regular fellow" to his friends and neighbors of Irish descent in his neighborhood. He had ambition and seemed to know just how to go about elevating his position. He became active in the Ancient Order of Hibernians, as well as the St. Alphonsus Association. He joined the Knights of St. Rose and the Neptune Associates. He worked in the Catholic Union of Boston and many more religious and fraternal organizations.
Councilman Fitzgerald
In spite of this social whirlwind Fitzgerald had created for himself, he managed to earn a living in the insurance business. But it all paid off when he got himself elected to the Boston Common Council. He was now ready to pull all of his ties and associations together for his own personnel advantage. He planned, and was determined, to become the boss of the North End.
A Turkey for a Vote
Advancing his circle of admirers and backers, John Fitzgerald set himself up in a shabby upstairs office. There, he established the "Jefferson Club." It was a place where anyone with a problem could drop in and air their grievances. But his office was more than just a place where friends and acquaintances could pop in and unload their troubles on Johnny's comforting Irish shoulders; much more, in fact.
In John Fitzgerald's shabby upstairs Boston office he kept a special filing system. It included names and other information on anyone in his district who needed a job and which families were especially needy. He even went so far as, at Thanksgiving and Christmas, to hand out food baskets complete with a turkey, further enduring himself to potential voters. Johnny Fitzgerald was aiming for political position and status.
His bounty seemed to have no ending. At weddings the gift from John Fitzgerald held a prominent place of display. He'd even scan the morning papers, taking note of who had died. It's said he never missed a wake. The dead were beyond voting but their grieving and grateful relatives were not.
John Fitzgerald continues with: John Fitzgerald For Mayor.
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