Elmer Robinson

Who was Elmer Robinson?

Elmer Edwin Robinson was the 33rd mayor of San Francisco, California. A Republican, he served as San Francisco's mayor from January 1948 until January 1956.

Robinson was born in the Richmond District of San Francisco, but primarily grew up in the northern California town of Fort Bragg. He moved back to San Francisco to attend night law school, after which he was admitted to the bar in 1915. He served as a deputy district attorney of San Francisco County, 1915 to 1921. He worked for 15 years, as a civil and criminal attorney in private practice.

In 1933, President Franklin D. Roosevelt appointed Robinson to direct adjustment of claims of World War I veterans, at the request of the Disabled American Veterans.

In January 1935, he became a Municipal Court judge, nine months later a Superior Court judge. Elected to two six-year terms on the San Francisco County Superior bench, 1936 and 1942.

During World War II, Judge Robinson served as California State Chairman of a national salvage committee.

Elmer Robinson was elected mayor of San Francisco in November 1947, taking office the following January. He was reelected to another four-year term as mayor in 1951.