Karl Homuth

Born in Preston in 1893, Karl Homuth led a distinguished career as a textile manufacturer and politician. Educated in Preston and Galt, Homuth joined textile manufacturer George Pattinson and Company in 1910. In 1917, he joined his father’s firm, Otto Homuth Wool Stock Co. In 1928, following the death of his father, he took over full control of the company.

Homuth had a long and distinguished career in elected office, serving at the municipal, provincial and federal levels for more than three decades. In 1917, at age 22, he was elected to the Preston Town Council. In 1919 he was elected to the Ontario Legislature representing Labour and the United Farmers of Ontario in the riding of Waterloo South. He won re-election three times serving until 1930 when he made an unsuccessful bid for a federal seat. In 1927 he switched from Labour to the Progressive Conservative party. In a federal byelection in 1938, he won Waterloo South for the Progressive Conservatives. He subsequently won re-election in 1940, 1945 and 1949. He died in office in 1951.

Homuth was one of the most respected members of parliament. He was instrumental in establishing political clubs for young people as a way to encourage them to become involved in public life. His election slogan The Door is Always Open reflected his willingness to listen to anyone regardless of race, religion or political affiliation. A gifted public speaker, he was in demand as a speaker throughout the country and gave generously of his time.

Following his death, Progressive Conservative Leader George Drew described Homuth as “a good citizen in all that those words mean.” The Karl Homuth Arena in Cambridge is named in his honour.

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