Democratic Party of Oregon records , 1952-1968

Overview of the Collection

Creator
Democratic Party (Or.)
Title
Democratic Party of Oregon records
Dates
1952-1968 (inclusive)
Quantity
6 linear feet, (4 containers)
Collection Number
Bx 168
Summary
Caroline Wilkins, who served as the State Chairperson of the Democratic Party of Oregon, presented the University of Oregon Library with the party files in October of 1972. The files span the period between 1952 and 1968; however, the major portion is from the early 60s. Included in the collection is correspondence with political figures and general citizenry. Much material deals with funding, finances, and organization, as well as contemporary major issues. Campaigns, conventions, conferences and committees make up a large part of the collection. Major correspondents are Martha A. Adelsheim; John Allen; John B. Bailey; John C. Beatty, Jr.; Robert A. Boyer; Harriet G. Civin; Edith Green; Beulah J. Hand; Hubert H. Humphrey; Howard Morgan; Wayne L. Morse; Maurine B. Neuberger; Merlyn W. Smith; E. Dennis Spencer; Jack F. Thompson; Albert C. Ullman; Blake Whipple.
Repository
University of Oregon Libraries, Special Collections and University Archives
UO Libraries--SCUA
1299 University of Oregon
Eugene OR
97403-1299
Telephone: 5413463068
spcarref@uoregon.edu
Access Restrictions

Collection is open to the public. Collection must be used in Special Collections and University Archives Reading Room. Collection or parts of collection may be stored offsite. Please contact Special Collections and University Archives in advance of your visit to allow for transportation time.

Additional Reference Guides

See the Current Collection Guide for detailed description and requesting options.

Languages
English
Sponsor
Funding for encoding this finding aid was provided through a grant awarded by the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Historical NoteReturn to Top

Oregon began as a Republican state due to the migration of union partisans who created a Republican stronghold. The New Deal and the Great Depression marked the beginning of Democratic influence in Oregon as people came to work in the forests and shipyards. However a competitive Democratic party did not emerge until the 1950s.

Content DescriptionReturn to Top

The collection contains the files of the Oregon Democratic Party and spans the period between 1952 and 1968; however, the major portion is from the early 1960s. The files lack the continuity one expects from a professional organization. It is apparent that they were filed poorly and spasmodically, with little funding and support for proper record keeping. In other words, the collection reflects an organization dependent upon voluntary support for maintenance of its records.

Included in the collection is correspondence with political figures and general citizenry. Much material deals with funding, finances, and organization, as well as contemporary major issues. Campaigns, conventions, conferences and committees make up a large part of the collection. Major correspondents are Martha A. Adelsheim; John Allen; John B. Bailey; John C. Beatty, Jr.; Robert A. Boyer; Harriet G. Civin; Edith Green; Beulah J. Hand; Hubert H. Humphrey; Howard Morgan; Wayne L. Morse; Maurine B. Neuberger; Merlyn W. Smith; E. Dennis Spencer; Jack F. Thompson; Albert C. Ullman; Blake Whipple.

Administrative InformationReturn to Top

Detailed Description of the CollectionReturn to Top

Names and SubjectsReturn to Top

Subject Terms

  • Political campaigns--Oregon
  • Political conventions--Oregon

Personal Names

  • Adelsheim, Martha Ann
  • McCarthy, Eugene J.
  • Morse, Wayne L. (Wayne Lyman), 1900-1974
  • Neuberger, Maurine B. (Maurine Brown), 1907-2000

Corporate Names

  • Democratic Party (Or.)

Geographical Names

  • Oregon--Politics and government--1951-