Leadership in Maryland:
Career After UMD
Following his resignation from the presidency and his unsuccessful run for the Maryland governorship, Byrd turned his attention in earnest to various charitable, civic-service, and business endeavors. He had a long history of civic involvement, taking the lead in the founding of the College Park Rotary Club in 1935 and aiding in the incorporation of the City of College Park ten years later. He was a member of the Harmony Masonic Lodge in Washington, DC, for over 50 years and also belonged to the Knights Templar, Almas Temple, Royal Order of Jesters, Tall Cedars of Lebanon, and the Boumi Temple, fraternal service organizations related to the Masons. In addition, Byrd was deeply involved in the activities of the Loyal Order of Moose, both on the local and national levels, and served as the organization's Supreme Governor, the national president, from 1961 to 1962.
After 1954, Byrd combined his business ventures in banking, real estate, construction, publishing, and advertising with campaigns for elected office and service as a gubernatorial appointee on several commissions. In 1959, Governor J. Millard Tawes appointed Byrd as chairman of the Tidewater Fisheries Commission. During his nine-year tenure in this position, the group took on broadened responsibilities and became known as the Commission on Chesapeake Bay Affairs. Byrd also served as a Maryland Commissioner on the Potomac River Fisheries Commission and as a member of the Maryland Commission for the New York World's Fair from 1964 to 1965.
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Certificate recognizing Byrd’s selection for membership in the Almas Temple.
From the personal papers of Harry Clifton Byrd.
Certificate commemorating “Curley Byrd Night” at the Boumi Temple in Baltimore, in recognition of his service to the organization.
From the Sterling Byrd Collection and the personal papers of Harry Clifton Byrd.
One of Byrd’s more colorful activities was his involvement with the Royal Order of Jesters, a Masonic-related organization.
From the Sterling Byrd Collection and the personal papers of Harry Clifton Byrd.
Ticket for “Curly” Byrd Day at the Masonic Temple in Byrd’s hometown of Crisfield, Maryland, 1950.
From the Sterling Byrd Collection.
Byrd was deeply involved in the activities of the Loyal Order of Moose, a fraternal and service organization, for many years, rising through the ranks to become Supreme Governor, the national president, for 1961-1962.
From the Sterling Byrd Collection.
Medallion recognizing Byrd’s service as Supreme Governor of the Moose from 1961 to 1962.
From the Sterling Byrd Collection.
Byrd on the steps of the Moose Lodge in Newark, NJ, October 24, 1961.
From the Sterling Byrd Collection.
During his year as Supreme Governor of the Moose, Byrd traveled extensively across the United States, visiting many chapters of the organization. He received a warm welcome wherever he went and was often given the key to the city. Top image is the key to the city of Newark, NJ. Bottom image is the key to the city of Lakeland, FL.
From the Sterling Byrd Collection.
Following his term as Supreme Governor, Byrd remained active in the Moose until near the end of his life.
From the Sterling Byrd Collection.
Life membership card, Baltimore Legion No. 10, Legion of the Moose, for Harry Clifton Byrd.
From the Sterling Byrd Collection.
Byrd worked for Baltimore Contractors Inc. in the 1950s. Here he inspects one of the construction projects in which he was involved, a race track in Puerto Rico.
From the Sterling Byrd Collection.
Citation recognizing Byrd’s contributions to the College Park Rotary Club, 1950.
From the personal papers of Harry Clifton Byrd.
Byrd’s appointment to the Maryland Commission for the New York World’s Fair, 1963.
From the Sterling Byrd Collection.