I wrote this post for the Fielder Museum Facebook page. Many people shared fond memories of Vandergriff, who served as Arlington’s Mayor from 1951 to 1977. Nearly 50 years since he left office, Arlington still remembers his legacy and accomplishments.

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Tom Vandergriff was born on January 29, 1926, in Carrollton, Texas. Today would have been his 100th birthday.

While we often talk about his legacy as Arlington’s longest-tenured mayor, today, we’re just going to remember “Tommy.” This 1941 newspaper photo shows a 15-year-old Tommy Vandergriff as a junior at Arlington High School. The class was about to present a school play with Vandergriff chosen as one of the leads. Little did his classmates know that ten years later, in 1951, Vandergriff would be elected mayor and on a much bigger stage.

Tommy
Fort Worth Star-Telegram – December 11, 1941
Newspapers.com

How different Arlington might be today if Vandergriff had decided to become an actor instead of a civic leader. We’re glad he chose Arlington instead of Hollywood!

Happy Heavenly 100th Birthday, Tommy!

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Blog post by Jason S. Sullivan, 01-29-26