Harry F. Curvin, shown at left, was the longest serving Speaker of the House in the General Assembly's history. Born in Pawtucket on August 21, 1898, he received his education at St. Mary's Parochial School and Kinyon's Business College. A contracting painter and decorator by profession, he was director of public safety for the city of Pawtucket from 1937 to 1946, and director of public works from 1951 to 1954. Elected to the House of Representatives in January 1931, he served as Speaker of the House from 1941 to 1964.

At right is Roy Rawlings of Richmond, who served as Speaker of the House from 1927 to 1933. Born in Franklin, Illinois on March 8, 1883, he graduated from Whipple Academy, Emerson College of Oratory, and De Paul University. A farmer by profession, he was Richmond's tax assessor in 1922. He was elected to the House of Representatives in January 1923.