Archives West Finding Aid

William H. "Bill" Hammond was born April 6, 1908 and grew up in Oregon City, OR. From 1923-1930 he worked part time for the Morning Enterprise newspaper in Oregon City, selling ads and doing a variety of other work. He graduated from the University of Oregon in 1930 with a bachelor of science degree in business administration, studying journalism, pre-law and business. He was a member of Phi Delta Theta. At the University he worked for the Daily Emerald as business manager, and maintained a lifelong interest in newspapers. In 1929 he spent the summer researching for Earl Bunting & Associates Marketing Counselors. Following graduation Hammond served as statistician and special assistant to the Oregon Secretary of State, Hal Elden Hoss.

In 1931 Hammond began working for the State of Oregon, managing the Driver's License Division. He wrote the first manual adopted by the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators on the subject of driver license examination procedure. From 1940-1946 he was on active military service, then resumed work at Driver's License Division until 1947. That year Hammond became Administrator of the Oregon Liquor Control Commission, supervising 500 employees, following the policies set by commissioners. In 1951 he became First Vice President of the National Alcoholic Beverage Control Association. Hammond left public service in 1951 and became a businessman, working for Union Security and Commonwealth, Inc., managing properties and mortgage loan activities. He later moved to Washington State.

His military career began in 1937 at Fort Lewis, WA. In 1940 he was at Fort Ord, CA with the 3rd Division. In 1941 he was back at Fort Lewis, attended training school at Fort Leavenworth, KS, and went on maneuvers at Fort Hunter Liggett, CA with the 41st Division. In 1943 he served in Alaska, with Kermit Roosevelt. When the Western Defense Command was established at the Presidio, under General De Witt, Hammond was there serving as a staff officer. Other military colleagues included the Adjutant of the State of Oregon, Thomas E. Rilea; Gen. Sweeney and Gen. White.

Bill Hammond was active in several organizations including the Oregon Dads, Salem Chamber of Commerce, North Santiam Chamber of Commerce, Salem United Fund, American Legion, Elks, and Alpha Delta Sigma. He was extremely active in the Kiwanis, serving as president of the Salem club and Lt. Governor of the Pacific Northwest region.

Hammond retired to Olympia, Washington, where he passed away on November 19, 2001. Hammond was married and had a daughter born in 1937.