Edmund S. Muskie Oral History Collection
Document Type
Oral History
Publication Date
12-6-2000
Interview Number
MOH 255
Abstract
Peter N. Kyros, Sr. was born on July 11, 1925 in Portland, Maine. He attended the Portland public schools, graduating from Portland High School in 1943. He went to MIT and enrolled in their Navy V-12 program for engineer officer training. He was then accepted into the United States Naval Academy, graduating in 1947, and serving in the Navy until 1954. After discharge, Peter went on to Harvard Law School, graduating in 1957. He then returned to Portland to practice law. He served as counsel to the Public Utilities Commission (PUC). At around the same time, Peter became active in the Portland Democratic Committee. In 1964, he became chair of the Maine Democratic Party, and in 1966, he successfully ran for Congress. He served in Congress until January of 1975. His legislative accomplishments include the 200 mile fishing boundary. At the time of the interview, he was practicing law in Washington, D.C. He is the father of Peter N. Kyros, Jr., who worked for Senator Muskie (see interviews: MOH 107; MOH 109 and MOH 310).
Use Restrictions
Copyright Bates College. This transcript is provided for individual Research Purposes Only; for all other uses, including publication, reproduction and quotation beyond fair use, permission must be obtained in writing from: The Edmund S. Muskie Archives and Special Collections Library, Bates College, 70 Campus Avenue, Lewiston, Maine 04240-6018.
Recommended Citation
Nicoll, Don, "Kyros, Peter N., Sr. oral history interview" (2000). Edmund S. Muskie Oral History Collection. 201.
https://scarab.bates.edu/muskie_oh/201
Scope and Content Note
Interview includes discussions of: Navy V-12 and Naval Academy; the Great Depression; Navy service 1947-1954; counsel to the Public Utilities Commission (PUC); Dick McMahon; Tom Delahanty; Democratic gathering at the Calumet Club; personal involvement with the Democratic Party; decision to run for Congress; Congressional campaign organization; campaigning with Ken Curtis; Elmer Violette; 1966 campaign; working with the Maine delegation in 1966; Bill Hathaway; failing to seat Adam Clayton Powell; fisheries management legislation; 200 mile fishing limit; fighting for BIW and Portsmouth; environmental legislation and Portland Harbor; Muskie’s integrity; Muskie’s ability to thoroughly examine a bill; Budget bill; Muskie’s staff; campaigning for Muskie; and Muskie’s legacy.