Frederic Christopher "Buck" Dumaine Jr. (September 5, 1903 – March 13, 1997) was an American business executive who served as the president of theNew York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad,Avis Rent a Car System, and theDelaware and Hudson Railroad.[1]
Dumaine was born on September 5, 1903 inConcord, Massachusetts. He graduated from thePomfret School in 1923.[2] Dumaine was a standout hockey player at Pomfret and also played for the Boston Hockey Club and theBoston Athletic Association.[2][3][4][5]
Dumaine began working for his father as an errand boy and eventually became the #2 man in his business empire. Following the elder Dumaine's death in 1951, Frederic succeeded his father as president of theNew York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad and theAmoskeag Company.[2] In 1954, Patrick B. McGinnis won aproxy fight for control of the New Haven and succeed Dumaine as president.[6]
In 1956, Dumaine was part of a group of Boston businessmen who purchased Avis Rent a Car System. He served as the company's treasurer until 1957, when he was elevated to the role of president.[7] In 1962, Amoskeag sold control of Avis toLazard Freres andRobert Townsend succeeded Dumaine as the head of the company.[8]
In 1966, Dumaine was elected chairman of the Delaware & Hudson Company; the parent company of theDelaware and Hudson Railroad.[9] Seven months later he was also given the position of president and chief executive officer.[10] He resigned the following year prior to a vote on a merger with theNorfolk and Western Railway, which a majority of the D&H board supported, but Dumaine opposed.[11]
Dumaine also served as an executive with theAmerican Woolen Company,Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company,Waltham Watch Company,Fanny Farmer,Boston Edison Company,Bangor and Aroostook Railroad,Pittsburg and Shawmut Railroad,Boston and Maine Railroad,Boston Garden-Arena Corporation, andSpringfield and Eastern Street Railway.[12]
From 1963 to 1965, Dumaine was the Chairman of theMassachusetts Republican Party. He put together an aggressive grassroots organization that helped the party win the offices ofGovernor,Lieutenant Governor, andAttorney General in the1964 Massachusetts elections.[12]
Dumaine donated the land for the originalOur Lady of Good Voyage Chapel in Boston.[13]
He died on March 13, 1997 inWeston, Massachusetts.[12]
| Business positions | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Frederic C. Dumaine Sr. | President of theNew York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad 1951–1954 | Succeeded by Patrick B. McGinnis |
| Preceded by William M. Tetrick | President ofAvis Car Rental 1957–1962 | Succeeded by |
| Preceded by John P. Hiltz Jr. | President of theDelaware and Hudson Railway 1967–1968 | Succeeded by Frank W. McCabe |
| Party political offices | ||
| Preceded by | Chairman of theMassachusetts Republican Party 1963–1965 | Succeeded by |