Annette Strauss
A Dallas philanthropist turned mayor who championed the arts and social services, reshaping the city's civic identity.
1924–1998 (age 74)·American politician from Texas·Birthday: January 26·The Greatest Generation
Biography
Annette Strauss, born into a prominent Dallas family in 1924, charted a path from dedicated community volunteer to the city's highest office. Her life was defined by a deep commitment to philanthropy long before she entered politics, with her efforts focused on children's welfare, the arts, and mental health services. This groundwork made her a trusted and familiar figure, paving the way for her 1987 election as mayor. In office, she brought a consensus-building style to a council often marked by division, prioritizing homelessness initiatives and neighborhood reinvestment. Her most enduring legacy, however, may be her unwavering advocacy for Dallas's cultural landscape, a passion immortalized in the downtown arts square that bears her name. Strauss proved that a background in compassionate service could be the most effective preparation for political leadership.
The Greatest Generation
1901–1927
Grew up during the Depression, fought World War II, and built the postwar economic boom. Defined by shared sacrifice, institutional trust, and a belief that hard work and loyalty would be rewarded.
Annette was born in 1924, placing them squarely in The Greatest Generation. The events that shaped this generation — world wars, depression, and rapid industrialization — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Annette Was Born
The biggest hits of 1924
#1 Movie
The Sea Hawk
Annette's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1924Born
First Winter Olympics held in Chamonix, France
President: Calvin Coolidge"It Had to Be You" — Isham Jones
1929Started school
Wall Street crashes, triggering the Great Depression
Gas: $0.21/galPresident: Herbert Hoover"Singin' in the Rain" — Cliff EdwardsBest Picture: The Broadway Melody
1937Became a teenager
Hindenburg disaster; Golden Gate Bridge opens
Gas: $0.20/galPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"A-Tisket, A-Tasket" — Ella FitzgeraldBest Picture: The Life of Emile Zola
1940Could drive
The Blitz: Germany bombs London
Gas: $0.18/galHome: $2,938Min wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"I'll Never Smile Again" — Tommy DorseyBest Picture: Rebecca
1942Could vote
Battle of Midway turns the tide in the Pacific
Gas: $0.20/galHome: $3,175Min wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"White Christmas" — Bing CrosbyBest Picture: Mrs. Miniver
1945Turned 21
WWII ends; atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki
Gas: $0.21/galHome: $4,600Min wage: $0.40/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Sentimental Journey" — Les Brown & Doris DayBest Picture: The Lost Weekend
1954Turned 30
Brown v. Board of Education desegregates US schools
Gas: $0.29/galHome: $8,925Min wage: $0.75/hrPresident: Dwight D. Eisenhower"Little Things Mean a Lot" — Kitty KallenBest Picture: On the Waterfront
1964Turned 40
Civil Rights Act signed; Beatles arrive in America
Gas: $0.30/galHome: $13,450Min wage: $1.25/hrPresident: Lyndon B. Johnson"I Want to Hold Your Hand" — The BeatlesBest Picture: My Fair Lady
1974Turned 50
Nixon resigns the presidency
Gas: $0.53/galHome: $22,600Min wage: $2.00/hrPresident: Gerald Ford"The Way We Were" — Barbra StreisandBest Picture: The Godfather Part II
1984Turned 60
Apple Macintosh introduced
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $59,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"When Doves Cry" — PrinceBest Picture: Amadeus
1994Turned 70
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
1998Died at 74
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
Key Achievements
- Served as the 54th mayor of Dallas, elected in her own right in 1987.
- Spearheaded key initiatives to address homelessness and support Dallas neighborhoods during her tenure.
- Was a driving force in the development of the Dallas Arts District, a major cultural hub.
- Earned a reputation as a bridge-builder who fostered cooperation on a often-fractious city council.
Did You Know?
The Annette Strauss Artist Square, a performance venue in downtown Dallas, is named in her honor.
She was the first woman elected mayor of Dallas in her own right, not initially appointed to the role.
She was only the second Jewish mayor in the city's history.
She earned a master's degree in sociology from the University of Texas at Austin.
“Real change starts in your own neighborhood, with the people you see every day.”
