Photograph was edited for publication purposes. Leonard K. Firestone was born June 10, 1907 in Akron, Ohio. He joined the family business, Firestone Tire and Rubber Company, after graduating from college in 1931 and became president of the company's operations in California in 1943. He retired from Firestone Tire and Rubber in 1970. Firestone was active in Republican politics and was appointed U.S. ambassador to Belgium by President Richard Nixon in 1974, serving until 1976. Firestone was involved in many charities, especially those associated with alcohol abuse, and he co-founded the Betty Ford Center in 1982. He died on December 24, 1996. Charles Luckman was an architect and businessman. Benjamin F. Fairless was president of U.S. Steel Corporation. Photograph caption dated April 27, 1956 reads "Civic leader is presented bronze plaque by Charles Luckman, left, and Benjamin F. Fairless of U.S. Steel Corporation." The award, presented by the National Conference of Christians and Jews, was given at the eighth annual Brotherhood Testimonial dinner at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills. Firestone was honored for his work in promoting good will among people of all religions and races. The men are wearing tuxedos, holding the plaque.
Type
image
Format
1 photographic print :b&w ;29 x 36 cm. Photographic prints
Firestone, Leonard K.--(Leonard Kimball),--1907-1996 Firestone, Leonard K.--(Leonard Kimball),--1907-1996--Awards Luckman, Charles,--1909-1999 Fairless, Benjamin F.--(Benjamin Franklin),--1890-1962 Firestone Tire and Rubber Company Beverly Hilton Hotel (Beverly Hills, Calif.) National Conference of Christians and Jews Philanthropists--United States Businessmen--United States Architects--United States Plaques, plaquettes--California--Beverly Hills Awards--California--Beverly Hills Hotels--California--Beverly Hills Men--California--Beverly Hills Beverly Hills (Calif.) Los Angeles Evening Herald Express photographs Herald-Examiner Collection photographs
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