William H. (W.H.) Brett was born in Cleveland, Ohio in 1893. Brett was the son of William Howard Brett who introduced the “open shelf” concept to libraries allowing books to be more freely accessed. The senior Brett’s work in Cleveland became a model for other library systems throughout the country.
W.H. Brett served in the Army during World War I and attended Dartmouth College before returning to Cleveland as a businessman. He was appointed as the 29th Director of the U.S. Mint by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1954. Brett succeeded Nellie Tayloe Ross after her retirement from the U.S. Mint serving five full terms.
W.H. Brett was a guest on the television game show “What’s My Line” that aired on November 25. 1956. Making this episode interesting is the reference to Ivy Baker Priest who also previously appeared on the show.
Appearing on the show as a panelist is Burgess Meredith who was on Sen. Joseph McCarthy’s “Red List” accused of being a communist sympathizer because of Meridith’s support of labor unions.
Actor and director Charles Laughton was the mystery guest on this episode.
W.H. Brett died in 1989. He was 95 years old.