WILLIAM E. POTTER

William E. Potter was born in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, July 17, 1905 Son of William and Arlie Potter. Graduated from the Military Academy at West Point United States in 1928 and that same year he was promoted to second lieutenant of the Army of the United States. He graduated in civil engineering from MIT in 1933 Potter married Ruth Elizabeth Turner in 1936.

From 1929 to 1932, Potter was assigned to research a canal in Nicaragua; he taught tactics and military-grade science at Ohio State University from 1937 to 1940; appointed Officer of 25 Engineer Regiment Group Armed and Engineering 1138 Armada 1940-1943; assistant plans and operations of the ETO and Communication Zone from 1943 to 1945; District Engineer of Kansas City from 1945 to 1948; and Assistant Chief of Engineers for Civil Works Department of the Army in Washington, from 1949 to 1951; Engineer in charge of the Division of the Missouri River in Omaha, Nebraska until 1953.

Potter was advancing in grades up to Major General in 1956, that year was promoted to Governor of the Panama Canal Zone which was marked by the completion of a large number of projects until 1960 when his term ended. Some of his accomplishments as governor were the initiation of the project to build the Bridge of the Americas, initially called Thatcher Bridge, at a cost of $ 20 million; plans to expand the channel to cause a minimum of 500 feet; Corte Culebra lighting to allow transit operations 24 hours a day; and community improvements such as the creation of special education programs for disabled children.

Under the terms of the 1955 treaty with the Republic of Panama, Potter also oversaw the introduction of a wage system should not discriminate nationalities and transfer to Panama of $ 28 million in property, including the Washington Hotel in Colon. Additionally, Potter oversaw the closure of all facilities that were offering supplies and services and since then could be provided by Panama.

Potter Governor rejected the construction project for a new governor's residence, noting that the existing house be restored to be preserved for its historical value. Almost all the material for this restoration was obtained in Panama. Ms.. Potter a gardening enthusiast, led much of the work of the gardens of the residence.

Potter In 1968 the family moved to Orlando, Florida, where the governor stood out for its contribution to the infrastructure of Disney World. Potter died on December 5, 1988.