WALTER, PAUL WILLIAM (18 April 1907-4 Nov. 1992), arbitration lawyer, served on the National War Labor Board and chaired the regional Steel Inequity Panel during WORLD WAR II. He was a Republican candidate for the Ohio House of Representatives (1930s) and for the U.S. Congress (1953). Walter was born in Cleveland to Carl Frederick and Leda A. (Schneidemantel) Walter. He graduated from West High School (1924), Western Reserve University (WRU, 1928), and WRU School of Law (1932). That year, with D. Rusk Haverfield, he formed the Walter, Haverfield & Poe law firm, which, by 1992, had become Walter, Haverfield, Buescher & Chockley. He later served as solicitor for both CUYAHOGA HEIGHTS and SOLON.
An activist, Walter organized the Municipal Light Plant Association, a citizens' group (1937), and the Friends of the Car Riders (late 1930s) to fight for buses in addition to streetcars. He worked in Robert A. Taft's senatorial campaigns (1938, 1944, 1950) and helped secure his nomination for U.S. President (1952). Walter's business interests included the local Manners Big Boy restaurant chain and Sheet Metal Products of Willoughby. While a student, Walter began volunteering at HIRAM HOUSE, where he met both his law partner and his wife. He chaired the settlement from 1940 until his death. In 1961, in recognition of 25 years of board service, the local YMCA named its North Woods Camp lodge for Walter. Among many other activities, Walter chaired the WESTERN RESERVE HISTORICAL SOCIETY (1980-89), served as a trustee for the CLEVELAND METROPARKS ZOO, helped found the CLEVELAND INTERNATIONAL PROGRAM (1962-64), and advocated for international peace as president of the United World Federalists (1961-64).
In 1938, Walter married Susan E. Hamilton (d. 1983). The couple had 2 children, Susan E. and Paul W., Jr. (Timmy).
