Resilience in an Era of Recovery
As the world emerged from the shadows of World War II, Hylant pressed forward with strength and purpose. This decade was marked by both personal and professional resilience. Edward P. Hylant passed away in 1943, while his only son, Robert E. Hylant, was wounded in the Normandy invasion. In his absence, his widow, Florence Hylant, made a bold decision—she recruited John T. "Jock" MacLean, a former competitor, to help lead the company. Together, they established a new path forward.
In 1946, Robert returned from military service and joined the family business. With determination and a shared vision, Hylant weathered the economic challenges of the post-war era. By the end of the decade, the company reached $145,000 in premiums and was officially renamed Hylant-MacLean Inc.
Inset photo: John T. "Jock" MacLean;
Background photo: Jeanne Hylant and Robert E. Hylant.
Spotlight: Moments That Mattered
Key Milestones at Hylant
- At least three Hylant employees served in World War II: Robert E. Hylant, H.J. MacKinnon, and Merrell Shephard.
- Robert E. Hylant returned from WWII and joined the company in 1946.
- Hylant reached $145,000 in premiums by the end of the decade.
- The company was officially renamed Hylant-MacLean Inc. in 1947.
- The Board included John T. MacLean, President; Robert E. Hylant, Vice President; Irene Moellenberg, Treasurer; and Laura Young, Secretary.
Photos and Mementos from the ’40s
Clockwise: Edward P. Hylant with Robert E. Hylant. Robert with fellow soldiers in WWII. Robert in uniform with Jeanne. Engagement announcement for Robert and Jeanne.
Clockwise: Photo from Jeanne and Robert E. Hylant's wedding. Jeanne and Robert with first-born son, Robert, Jr. Robert and Jeanne with Florence and her second husband, Maynard Newton.
What Was Happening
In Insurance
- McCarran-Ferguson Act of 1945: This act returned the regulation of insurance to the states.
- War Risk Insurance: During World War II, the U.S. government provided war risk insurance to cover ships and cargoes against war-related losses.
- The Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) was passed in 1946, which, for the first time, allowed citizens to sue the federal government for damages caused by its negligence.
- The first version of the Unfair Trade Practices Act, aimed at protecting consumers from unfair insurance practices, was adopted by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) in 1947.
Around the World
- World War II: Dominated the early 1940s, with significant impacts on American society and economy.
- Toledo’s glass industry produced military-grade glass for WWII aircraft, while Willys-Overland manufactured over 350,000 jeeps for the war effort.
- Mount Rushmore: Completed in 1941, featuring the faces of four U.S. presidents.
- First Computer: ENIAC, the first general-purpose electronic computer, was completed in 1945.
- Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball in 1947.
- Baby Boom: Post-WWII, the U.S. saw a significant increase in birth rates.
The People Who Shaped the 1940s
Robert E. Hylant
Joined in 1946
Joined after WWII; led post-war rebuilding.
John T. "Jock" MacLean
Joined in 1943
Known as "Jock," he helped guide the company through wartime.
Florence Hylant
Joined in 1940s
Key to recruitment and transition after Edward's passing.
Continue the Journey
Continue the journey and explore Hylant's evolution into the 1950s and beyond.