Jo Hays

Of State College, Jo Hays was born in Newberry Twp., York County on December 27, 1898, the son of Morris M. and Sarah Krone Hayes. He attended public schools, North York High School, Shippensburg State Teachers College, 1918; Pennsylvania State University (A.B. 1923); Harvard University (M.Ed. 1930); delegate to the 1956 Democratic National Convention; principal of State College High School, 1924; belonged to the NEA; held a weekly newspaper column and radio show; Mayor of State College, 1973-1977; superintendant of State College Schools, 1927-1956; headed the Bureau of School Audits (State Auditor General’s office), 1964-1966; and belonged to numerous civic, fraternal, and professional clubs and associations. During his Senate term, Jo was instrumental in passage of the “School Consolidation Act.” He married first, Helen N. McKain deceased, and second Sara (Light) Lomberger. Jo Hays died September 11, 1987; interred in Pine Hall Cemetery, near State College.