Hendrickson's Political and Diplomatic Legacy
The political career of Hendrickson was marked by a steady ascent through local, state, and national governance, complemented by distinguished military service and international diplomacy. From his early days in local administration to his tenure in the United States Senate, Hendrickson navigated the complexities of the Republican Party during a transformative era in American history.
Key Facts
- State Leadership: Served as President of the New Jersey Senate in 1939.
- Financial Stewardship: Appointed as New Jersey State Treasurer from 1942 to 1949.
- Military Service: Reached the rank of Colonel, serving as chief legal officer of the Fifth Army during the invasion of Italy.
- National Office: Elected to the United States Senate in 1948.
- Diplomacy: Served as the U.S. Ambassador to New Zealand and Samoa under President Eisenhower.
Rise Through New Jersey State Politics
Hendrickson began his public service at the local level, serving as a member of the Gloucester County Board of Chosen Freeholders (the county's primary governing body) from 1929 to 1934. During this period, he also served as the city solicitor for Woodbury in 1931.
His transition to state-level politics occurred in 1933 when he was elected to the New Jersey Senate representing Gloucester County. He served two three-year terms between 1934 and 1940, eventually rising to the position of Senate President in 1939. Additionally, he held a long-term role as the vice chair of the Commission on the Delaware River Basin from 1936 to 1951.
In 1940, Hendrickson sought the governorship. While he successfully defeated former governor Harold G. Hoffman in the Republican primary, he lost the general election to Charles Edison, the former U.S. Secretary of the Navy, by approximately 64,000 votes out of 1.9 million cast. Although the campaign was unsuccessful, it helped elevate his campaign manager, Alfred E. Driscoll, to senate majority leader.
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State Treasury and Military Service
Despite their rivalry in the 1940 election, Governor Edison appointed Hendrickson as the state treasurer in 1942. He held this position until 1949, serving under three different governors: Edison, Walter E. Edge, and Alfred E. Driscoll.
Hendrickson's commitment to public service extended to the military. In 1943, while still serving as state treasurer, he rejoined the Army as a major. He was appointed the chief legal officer of the Fifth Army during the Allied invasion of Italy, where he focused on the re-establishment of local courts, civil rights, denazification programs, and the care of displaced persons. He retired from this service as a colonel in 1946, though he was called back to active duty for the Korean War in 1951.
Tenure in the United States Senate
Hendrickson entered the race for the U.S. Senate on February 13, 1948, backed by 17 of 21 county Republican leaders. This move was supported by Governor Driscoll and other party leaders who sought a more moderate candidate than the incumbent, Albert W. Hawkes. After Hawkes withdrew from the race on March 5, Hendrickson defeated Harry Harper in the April primary and narrowly won the general election against Archibald S. Alexander.
During his time in the Senate, Hendrickson distinguished himself by opposing Joseph McCarthy. He was one of the few Republicans to sign the committee report censuring McCarthy for his conduct. He also focused on social issues, heading a subcommittee of the Committee on the Judiciary from 1953 to 1955 to study juvenile delinquency. This work culminated in the 1956 book Youth in Danger, co-authored with journalist Fred J. Cook.
Diplomatic Service and Retirement
After retiring from the Senate in 1955, Hendrickson was appointed by President Dwight D. Eisenhower as the Ambassador to New Zealand and Samoa. He served in this diplomatic capacity until November 20, 1956, when he resigned to return to his private law practice in Woodbury.
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Career Summary
| Period | Role | Jurisdiction/Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 1929–1934 | Board of Chosen Freeholders | Gloucester County, NJ |
| 1934–1940 | Senator (President in 1939) | New Jersey Senate |
| 1942–1949 | State Treasurer | State of New Jersey |
| 1943–1946 | Chief Legal Officer (Colonel) | U.S. Army (Fifth Army) |
| 1949–1955 | United States Senator | U.S. Congress |
| 1955–1956 | Ambassador | New Zealand and Samoa |
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Hendrickson enter the U.S. Senate race?
Hendrickson entered the race in February 1948 with the support of the majority of county Republican leaders and Governor Driscoll, who wanted a more moderate alternative to the incumbent, Albert W. Hawkes.
What was Hendrickson's role during World War II?
He served as a colonel and the chief legal officer of the Fifth Army during the invasion of Italy, where he managed denazification, the restoration of civil rights, and the care of displaced persons.
What was Hendrickson's stance on Joseph McCarthy?
Hendrickson was one of the few Republicans in the Senate to oppose Joseph McCarthy, and he signed the committee report that censured McCarthy for his conduct.
What was the focus of the book "Youth in Danger"?
The book, written with Fred J. Cook and published in 1956, was the result of Hendrickson's leadership of a Judiciary Committee subcommittee studying juvenile delinquency.
Which diplomatic posts did Hendrickson hold?
President Dwight D. Eisenhower appointed Hendrickson as the United States Ambassador to New Zealand and Samoa.