A new era of change had erupted on the American landscape, as World War I and the nasty flu pandemic of 1918 subsided.
In Buffalo, N.Y., an east-side beer brewer entered the political arena. Popular among the working class, but derided by the elite "high hats" of society, this dark horse candidate was elected mayor of the city. Once inaugurated, Mayor Frank X. Schwab immediately initiated an open-door policy for all visitors to his office and home. He reached out to the downtrodden who came to his office for help. Also, the famous stopped by his office for a chat and a souvenir key to the city.
The Ku Klux Klan targeted the first Catholic mayor of Buffalo. In so doing, the Klan met their match.
Mayor Schwab left behind a legacy full of reforms and accomplishments. Most of all, Frank X. Schwab became best known as the champion of the "plain people" of Buffalo.