Finding Aids

Guide to the

Ed Watson Papers
1996-2001, bulk 1973-1979


Ed Watson, ca.1980s

5.1 linear feet

Collection Number: AR432

Prepared by Bob Rogers and Lori Lawrence
June 2001

CITATION: Ed Watson Papers, AR432, Box number, Folder number, Special Collections Division, The University of Texas at Arlington Libraries.

Table of Contents

Biographical Sketch
Series Description
Scope and Content Note
Provenance Statement
Literary Rights
Note to the Researcher
Container List:
Series I. Subject Files, 1970-1979, n.d.
Series II. Chronological Files, 1972-1979, n.d.
Series III. Texas Constitutional Convention, 1973-1974 
Series IV. Personal Files, 1966-2001, n.d 
Series V. Photographs 
Series VI. Oversize 

Biographical Sketch

Ed R. Watson was born July 20, 1920, in Wallisville, Texas, to Raymond and Ella Watson. He graduated from Anahuac High School in Anahuac, Texas, and briefly attended San Jacinto College and the University of Houston. On May 7, 1948, he married Susan Geraldine (Jerry) Eaves with whom he had four children and one foster child.

In 1947, Ed Watson went to work for Shell Oil as an oil field operator, staying until his retirement in 1984. During this period, he was a member of the Oil Chemical and Atomic Workers International Union, Local 3-467, serving as both Vice-President and President. Mr. Watson also served as a member of the Executive Board of the Harris County Chapter of the AFL-CIO.

Ed Watson served in the US Navy during World War II (1942-1945) and the Korean War (1950-1951). For his service, he received the European Theater Medal with 2 stars, the Asian Theater Medal with 2 stars, and the Good Conduct Medal.

Mr. Watson was a Texas Delegate to the Democratic National Convention in 1968, and served as a member of the Democratic Caucus. He began his career as a public official in 1972, when he was elected to the Texas House of Representatives for District 17. His tenure as a Representative lasted through eight two-year terms. During this time he served on the House Labor Committee, Committee on Environmental Affairs (14 years), Committee on Employment Practices (10 years), and the Liquor Regulation Committee (6 years). Ed was a "man of the people" and did not hesitate to let his constituents know when he disagreed with them.

In addition to his political duties, Ed Watson serves many civic and charitable functions as well. He is a member of the Chamber of Commerce, American Legion, Eagles, and Lions. He was Finance Chair for an alcohol and drug rehabilitation center, worked with Interfaith Helping Hands Food Bank, and was a Volunteer Fireman for fourteen years.

After his defeat for Representative in 1988, he served as a liaison for State Senator Chet Brooks. He currently resides in Houston and is serving as a liaison for Congressman Ken Bentsen.

Sources:

Series Description

Series I. Subject Files, 1970-1979, n.d. 2.10 linear feet. (5 document boxes).

Arranged by subject, then chronologically within subject. Material includes items related to public opinion on proposed legislation and other issues of concern to the public. Series includes constituent correspondence on a variety of subjects, proposed bills, news releases, reports, clippings, speeches, and a style and drafting manual.

Series II. Chronological Files, 1972-79, n.d. 1.25 linear feet (3 document boxes).

Chronological arrangement. Material includes items related to public opinion on proposed legislation and other issues of concern to the public. Series includes constituent correspondence, proposed bills, petitions, pamphlet "Texans for Equitable Taxation," map of Houston area freeways, Harris County Delegation minutes, and newsletter. Note to researcher: While many files contain the same kinds of material present in the subject files, Watson’s method of filing has been preserved in this series.

Series III. Texas Constitutional Convention, 1973-1974. .8 linear feet, (2 document boxes).

Arranged by subject, then chronologically within subject. Material includes official and unofficial correspondence regarding planning, rules, and proposed changes to the Texas State Constitution. Series includes pamphlets and studies regarding proposed changes and their affects on the Constitution.

Series IV. Personal Files, 1966-2001, n.d. .52 linear feet (1.5 document boxes).

Arranged by subject, then chronologically within subject. Series include awards presented to Ed Watson, newsletters sent to constituents, press clippings about Ed Watson's family, speeches given to civic groups and the information collected in the preparation of those speeches, and legislators' voting records. Materials include certificates, newsletters, clippings, press releases, correspondence, speeches, questionnaires, and pamphlets.

Series V. Photographs, n.d. .08 linear feet (4 folders).

Arranged by subject. Series includes photographs with various political figures and dignitaries.

Series VI. Oversized, 1979-1988. .25 linear feet.

Contains oversized prints of Representatives and an unbound scrapbook, containing clippings, cards, letters, snapshots, notices, and pamphlets regarding Ed Watson.

Scope and Content Note

The collection, housed in eleven and a half legal-sized document boxes plus one oversized box, is composed primarily of materials collected and/or produced by Texas Representative Ed Watson during his sixteen years in office, 1972-1988. The records of Mr. Watson's union office are NOT included in this collection. Materials included are correspondence, proposed bills, news releases, reports, clippings, speeches, petitions, pamphlets, maps, minutes, newsletters, certificates, questionnaires, photographs, prints, and an unbound scrapbook

The collection is organized into six series. The first series is the subject files. Ed Watson's original filing scheme separated out correspondence concerning various subjects of importance. These consist primarily of requests for support of, or opposition to, bills on the given subject. In many cases the letter will include a copy of the proposed bill or news clippings on the subject. The second series is the chronological files. It includes all correspondence not included in the subject files. This consists primarily of requests for support of, or opposition to, bills on a wide variety of subjects. There are also invitations for events and congratulatory notes. The third series is the Texas Constitutional Convention files. This series contains official and unofficial correspondence. It includes pamphlets, studies, rules, and planning documents for the organizing and conduct of the Constitutional Convention. The fourth series is the Personal Files. With the exception of voting records and constituent newsletters, these are materials not directly related to his political career. They include awards and certificates given to Ed Watson by civic organizations, biographical questionnaires, and speeches given to civic organizations and schools (including resource materials that he used to create them). The fifth series consists entirely of photographs. These include pictures of committees and photos of Ed Watson with various dignitaries, including Ann Richards, Tip O’Neill, Bill Hobby, Dolph Briscoe, Jim Wright, Walter Mondale and Geraldine Ferraro, and Ted Kennedy. The sixth series includes two oversized prints of legislators and an unbound scrapbook of Watson’s last two years in office.

Newspaper clippings were copies onto acid-free paper and the original clippings were discarded. Original folder titles were kept, but the arrangement was changed, as the records were in very poor order when they arrived.

Top of Page    Table of Contents    Container List    Series I
Series II    Series III    Series IV    Series V    Series VI

Provenance Statement

The Ed Watson Papers were donated to the University of Texas at Arlington, Special Collections Division, by Ed Watson. They came in four separate shipments ranging from 1977 through 2000. The accession numbers were 77-52, 79-30, and 80-15. Ed Watson was the contact person and Dr. George Green was responsible for obtaining the collection.

Literary Rights Statement

Permission to publish material from the Ed Watson Papers must be obtained from the Special Collections Division.

Note to the Researcher

Though idiosyncratic, the original filing system has been retained. The researcher should be aware that files with proper names may be located by given name or by title. For example, any material originating from House Speaker Price Daniel, Jr. would be found in the "Price Daniel" file instead of under the various subject files. In some areas several pieces of correspondence were found grouped together. These have been kept together irrespective of date.

A related collection is the Chris Miller Papers. Ms. Miller was a Democratic Representative in the Texas Legislature and represented parts of Tarrant County and Fort Worth in the 1970s.

CONTAINER LIST

Series I. Subject Files, 1970-1979, n.d.

Box 1
Folder Title, Dates, and Description

  1. Abortion, August 1975 – May 1979.  Contains constituent correspondence regarding abortion.
  2. Agency Shop Bill, April – May 1973. Contains constituent correspondence regarding the establishment of union-controlled shops and altering of Right to Work laws.
  3. Air Pollution, c. 1979. Contains proposed legislation and analysis of air quality controls.
  4. Blue Laws, December 1978 – May 1979. Contains constituent correspondence regarding the closing of certain establishments on Sundays.
  5. Clear Lake City, March – April 1979. Contains material concerning the annexation of Clear Lake City to the city of Houston. Includes two copies of The Citizens’ Voice, a sarcastic/cynical newspaper published by anti-annexation parties.
  6. Collective Bargaining for Public Employees Bill, June – November 1973. Contains proposed bill allowing Texas state employees to conduct collective bargaining.
  7. Criminal Justice, February 1978 – January 1979. Contains two reports on pardoning and paroling of prisoners.
  8. Deceptive Trade Practices, March – May 1979. Contains constituent correspondence regarding deceptive trade practices.
  9. Dental HMO, April 1979. Contains constituent correspondence regarding the establishment of dental health maintenance organizations.
  10. District 17 Schools, January – May 1979. Contains official and unofficial correspondence from San Jacinto Jr. College, Anahuac ISD, Friendswood ISD, Pasadena ISD, and Dickinson ISD.
  11. Energy Crisis, December 1973 – May 1974. Contains official and constituent correspondence, clippings, and pamphlets regarding the shortage of oil.
  12. Environmental Affairs Subcommittee on Wildlife – Oysters, March – November 1973. Contains proposed bill and materials regarding the harvesting of oysters.
  13. Environmental Affairs Subcommittee on Wildlife – Predator Control, April 1972 – c. 1973. Contains official and unofficial correspondence and reports on the controlling of coyotes and other predators.
  14. Equal Rights Amendment, April – May 1977. Contains constituent correspondence regarding the consideration of the Equal Rights Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
  15. Funding, State Library System, January – May 1979. Contains constituent correspondence regarding changes to the funding of Texas State libraries.
  16. Gasoline Tax Revenues, undated. Contains a draft report on changing the usage of gasoline taxes.
  17. Generic Drug Bill, March – May 1979.  Contains correspondence, reports, and survey on allowing the sale of generic drugs.
  18. Governor Briscoe, November 1973 – June 1977. Contains several letters between Ed Watson and Governor Briscoe. Includes transcripts of Briscoe’s speeches on health care and remarks to the Texas Constitutional Convention.. 
  19. Hotel and Motel Bill, February – March 1973.Contains constituent correspondence and proposed bill to regulate hotel and motel reservations and leases.
  20. Impoundment Suit, January 1974. Materials relating to a suit by the State of Texas against the U.S. government over water pollution and sewage treatment.
  21. Jury Pay, January – May 1975. Constituent correspondence and proposed bill for increasing juror pay.

Box 2
Folder Title, Dates, and Description
  1. Labor Committee, July 1973 – January 1979. Contains official correspondence concerning meetings and agendas of the House Labor Committee. Also includes a paper by Oliver W. Sumerlin, a Texas pastor, regarding the "Marxist" influence/control within the United Farm Workers and Texas Farmworkers Union.
  2. Law Enforcement, December 1973 – c. 1977. Contains official and unofficial correspondence and resolutions regarding law enforcement issues.
  3. Malpractice, September 1975 – March 1977. Contains reports, constituent correspondence, clippings, and telegrams concerning medical malpractice.
  4. Natural Resources Committee, December 1973 – November 1976. Contains official and unofficial correspondence, reports, and proposals regarding Texas natural resources. Also contains materials regarding the energy crisis of 1973 – 1974.
  5. Natural Resources Subcommittee on Underground Water Districts, October 1975 - November 1976. Contains official correspondence, reports, and proposed bill for the amending of Texas water and irrigation districts.
  6. 1974 Special Session, May – July 1974. Contains official and unofficial correspondence regarding financial issues in the 1974 Special Legislative Session. Includes concerns of public employees and educators.
  7. 1976 Special Session, April 1976. Contains questionnaire regarding public utilities legislation for the 1976 Special Legislative Session.
  8. 1978 Special Session, April – August 1978. Contains official and unofficial correspondence regarding the 1978 Special Legislative Session. Bulk of material concerns finances, school funding, and taxes.
  9. Overtime Pay for State Employees – Bill, February – May 1973. Contains constituent correspondence and proposed bill for state employees.
  10. Private Employment Agencies, February – March 1979. Contains official and unofficial correspondence and proposed bill for the regulation of private employment agencies.
  11. Proposed Rules and Regulations for Pressure Vessel Law, c 1973. Contains two proposed bills for the regulation and licensing of pressure vessels.
  12. Public School Finance, February 1975 – July 1977. Contains official correspondence, reports, and speeches regarding the financing of public schools.

Box 3
Folder Title, Dates, and Description
  1. Public Utility Legislation, October 1973 – November 1974. Contains official and unofficial correspondence and reports concerning public utility legislation.
  2. Public Utility Legislation, March 1975 – July 1979. Contains official and unofficial correspondence and reports concerning public utility legislation. Also includes proposed bill for regulating public utilities.
  3. Public Utility Legislation – News Articles, February – December 1974. Contains new clippings regarding the regulation of public utilities.
  4. Resolutions, March 1973 – May 1975. Contains legislative resolutions honoring constituents.
  5. San Jacinto College Bill, c. 1974. Contains proposed bill for granting supplemental funding for San Jacinto College.
  6. School Semester Bill, February – April 1979. Contains official correspondence and analysis of a bill to change Texas schools to a semester system.
  7. 70 MPH Bill, November – December 1976. Contains letter by Ed Watson to Houston Chronicle and proposed bill raising speed limit to 70 MPH.
  8. Ship Channel Area Fire Protection, September 1976. Contains report describing fire protection along and within the Houston Ship Channel.
  9. Shrimpers Vinson Bait Camp Petitions, undated. Contains petitions against several House bills regarding shrimping operations.
  10. Speaker of the House, November 1972 – July 1977. Contains official and unofficial correspondence and news clippings regarding the Speaker of the House.
  11. Special Committee on Houston Ship Channel, May - November 1976. Contains official and unofficial correspondence, proposals, and news clippings regarding fire fighting and safety within the Houston Ship Channel.

Box 4
Folder Title, Dates, and Description
  1. Speech by Ralph A. Massey, ILA [International Longshoremen. Association], AFL-CIO to Texas Labor Committee, Against Right-to-Work Law, Undated.
  2. Speed Limit, January 1977 – May 1979. Contains constituent correspondence regarding changing the 55 MPH speed limit.
  3. Subsidence, December 1972 – May 1974. Contains official and unofficial correspondence and news clippings regarding use of ground water and associated problems.
  4. Supply and Waste Water Disposal, October 1974. Contains recommendations for altering water and sewage disposal districts.
  5. Teacher Retirement System, January – October 1973. Contains official and unofficial correspondence and statements regarding changes to the teacher retirement system.
  6. Teacher Retirement, March 1977 – May 1979. Contains constituent correspondence regarding changes to the teacher retirement system.
  7. Texas Bar Association, December 1973 – May 1979. Contains correspondence from legal professionals regarding the Texas Bar Association.
  8. Texas Bureau of Labor Statistics, c. 1970 – 1973. Contains correspondence and pamphlets regarding labor-related issues. Also contains proposed bill for Texas Minimum Wage Act.
  9. Texas Congress of Parents and Teachers, December 1973. Contains recommendations for legislative changes regarding education from Texas Congress of Parents and Teachers.
  10. Texas Public Employees Association, December 1973 – July 1974. Contains correspondence and position papers from the Texas Public Employees Association.
  11. Texas State Employees, March 1973 – c. 1975. Contains proposed bills, recommendations and pamphlet regarding state employee issues.
  12. Texas State Teachers Association, c. 1975 – May 1979. Contains correspondence regarding Texas State Teachers Association.
  13. Trout/Redfish/Red Drum Fishing Bills, February 1977 – August 1978. Contains constituent correspondence regarding changes to commercial fishing and conservation of trout, redfish, and red drum fish.
  14. University of Houston, January – February 1976. Contains official correspondence and news clippings regarding the University of Houston.

Box 5
Folder Title, Dates, and Description
  1. Usury, January – February 19, 1979. Contains constituent correspondence regarding bank loan interest rates.
  2. Usury, February 20 – 28, 1979. Contains constituent correspondence regarding bank loan interest rates.
  3. Usury, March – May 1979. Contains constituent correspondence regarding bank loan interest rates.
  4. Usury (Form Letters), February 1979. Contains constituent form letters regarding bank loan interest rates. Note to researcher: These letters were found in original, unopened envelopes and were bound together. A "Usury Form Letters" note was attached to this bundle.
  5. Utility Rates, April 1979. Contains constituent correspondence regarding public utility regulation.
  6. Water Supply and Waste Disposal Special Interim Committee, August 1973 – c. 1975. Contains official reports, correspondence, and proposed bill for water supply and wastewater disposal.
  7. Water Resources, November 1973 – September 1975. Contains official reports, correspondence, and proposed legislation regarding water conservation. Also contains material relating to flood control in the Houston area.
  8. Watson Sponsored Bills, April 1973 – January 1975. Contains bills sponsored by Ed Watson.
  9. Welfare, November 1973 – April 1974. Contains official and unofficial correspondence regarding welfare.

Top of Page    Table of Contents    Container List    Series I
Series II    Series III    Series IV    Series V    Series VI

Series II. Chronological Files, 1972-79, n.d.
 Box 6
Folder Title, Dates, and Description

  1. 1972-1973. Contains constituent correspondence urging support for or opposition to various legislation and other issues, invitations to events, and congratulatory messages from colleagues. Leaflet encouraging the boycott of Shell Oil and grand jury report on medical malpractice case
  2. 1974. Contains constituent correspondence urging support for or opposition to various legislation and other issues, invitations to events, and congratulatory messages from colleagues.
  3. 1975. Contains constituent correspondence urging support for or opposition to various legislation and other issues, invitations to events, and congratulatory messages from colleagues. Analysis of House Bills 237 and 1072 concerning education finance.
  4. 1976. Contains constituent correspondence urging support for or opposition to various legislation and other issues, invitations to events, and congratulatory messages from colleagues. Pamphlet entitled "Texans for Eqitable Taxation," list of Democratic National Committee members, news releases on medical malpractice, and maps of Houston area freeways.
  5. January 1977. Contains constituent correspondence urging support for or opposition to various legislation and other issues, invitations to events, requests for information, and congratulatory messages from colleagues.
  6. February 1977. Contains constituent correspondence urging support for or opposition to various legislation and other issues, invitations to events, and congratulatory messages from colleagues. Minutes of meeting of Harris County delegation of the Subcommittee on Local Government.
  7. March1977. Contains constituent correspondence urging support for or opposition to various legislation and other issues, invitations to events, and congratulatory messages from colleagues. Minutes of meeting of Harris County delegation of the Subcommittee on Local Government.
  8. April 1977. Contains constituent correspondence urging support for or opposition to various legislation and other issues, invitations to events, and congratulatory messages from colleagues.
  9. May 1977. Contains constituent correspondence urging support for or opposition to various legislation and other issues, invitations to events, and congratulatory messages from colleagues.
  10. June 1977. Contains constituent correspondence urging support for or opposition to various legislation and other issues, invitations to events, and congratulatory messages from colleagues. Letter from Ed Watson to Dolph Bricoe.
  11. July 1977. Contains constituent correspondence urging support for or opposition to various legislation and other issues, invitations to events, and congratulatory messages from colleagues.
  12. August 1977. Contains constituent correspondence urging support for or opposition to various legislation and other issues, invitations to events, and congratulatory messages from colleagues. Requests from colleagues for election support.
  13. September 1977. Contains constituent correspondence urging support for or opposition to various legislation and other issues, invitations to events, and congratulatory messages from colleagues. Information on nursing home abuse.
  14. October 1977. Contains constituent correspondence urging support for or opposition to various legislation and other issues, invitations to events, and congratulatory messages from colleagues.
  15. November-December1977. Contains constituent correspondence urging support for or opposition to various legislation and other issues, invitations to events, and congratulatory messages from colleagues. News reslease on the designation of the flower gardens coral banks as National Marine Sanctuary.

Box 7
Folder Title, Dates, and Description
  1. January-July 1978. Contains constituent correspondence urging support for or opposition to various legislation and other issues, invitations to events, and congratulatory messages from colleagues. Budget from Houston Court of Civil appeals, speech on cancer research, and Texas Employment Commission statistics card.
  2. August-October 1978. Contains constituent correspondence urging support for or opposition to various legislation and other issues, invitations to events, and congratulatory messages from colleagues. News release on Houston magnet schools, and budget effort for criminal justice magnet schools.
  3. November-December 1978. Contains constituent correspondence urging support for or opposition to various legislation and other issues, invitations to events, and congratulatory messages from colleagues. Newsletter for the Texas Democratic Party. Letter from colleague regarding diplomatic relations with China.
  4. January 4 -January 29, 1979. Contains constituent correspondence urging support for or opposition to various legislation and other issues, invitations to events, and congratulatory messages from colleagues. Summary of bills affecting Galveston County.
  5. January 29 - February 15, 1979. Contains constituent correspondence urging support for or opposition to various legislation and other issues, invitations to events, and congratulatory messages from colleagues.
  6. February 16 - February 28, 1979. Contains constituent correspondence urging support for or opposition to various legislation and other issues, invitations to events, and congratulatory messages from colleagues. Newsletter for the Texas Democratic Party.
  7. March 1 - March 7, 1979. Contains constituent correspondence urging support for or opposition to various legislation and other issues, invitations to events, and congratulatory messages from colleagues.
  8. March 9 - March 13, 1979. Contains constituent correspondence urging support for or opposition to various legislation and other issues, invitations to events, and congratulatory messages from colleagues.
  9. March 14 - March 21, 1979. Contains constituent correspondence urging support for or opposition to various legislation and other issues, invitations to events, and congratulatory messages from colleagues. Summary of bills of interest to the Texas Association of School Boards.
  10. March 22 - March 28, 1979. Contains constituent correspondence urging support for or opposition to various legislation and other issues, invitations to events, and congratulatory messages from colleagues.

Box 8
Folder Title, Dates, and Description

  1. March 29 - April 6, 1979. Contains constituent correspondence urging support for or opposition to various legislation and other issues, invitations to events, and congratulatory messages from colleagues. Correspondence regarding unemployment insurance abuse. Analysis of SB 1154, outlining the powers of Clearlake City Water Authority, and SB 1155, concerning the allocation of governmental services.
  2. April 7 - April 16, 1979. Contains constituent correspondence urging support for or opposition to various legislation and other issues, invitations to events, and congratulatory messages from colleagues. Federal legislation of hospital cost containment.
  3. April 17 - April 21, 1979. Contains constituent correspondence urging support for or opposition to various legislation and other issues, invitations to events, and congratulatory messages from colleagues.
  4. April 23 - April 30, 1979. Contains constituent correspondence urging support for or opposition to various legislation and other issues, invitations to events, and congratulatory messages from colleagues. Petition outlining the health hazards of concrete mixing plants.
  5. May 1 - May 8, 1979. Contains constituent correspondence urging support for or opposition to various legislation and other issues, invitations to events, and congratulatory messages from colleagues. Fact sheet from Texas Department of Water Resources on water quality assesment and water quality management for the state.
  6. May 9 - May 10, 1979. Contains constituent correspondence urging support for or opposition to various legislation and other issues, invitations to events, and congratulatory messages from colleagues.
  7. May 11 - May 15, 1979. Contains constituent correspondence urging support for or opposition to various legislation and other issues, invitations to events, and congratulatory messages from colleagues.
  8. May 16 - May 19, 1979. Contains constituent correspondence urging support for or opposition to various legislation and other issues, invitations to events, and congratulatory messages from colleagues.
  9. May 21 - December 1979. Contains constituent correspondence urging support for or opposition to various legislation and other issues, invitations to events, and congratulatory messages from colleagues.
  10. 1986. Letter from State Department of Highways to Mrs. Carlton Trant regardiing access through a borrow pit.
  11. n.d. Contains constituent correspondence urging support for or opposition to various legislation and other issues, invitations to events, and congratulatory messages from colleagues. Includes memo outlining a class-action lawsuit against Texas State Board of Medicine concerning corporation practice in medicine.

Top of Page    Table of Contents    Container List    Series I
Series II    Series III    Series IV    Series V    Series VI

Series III. Texas Constitutional Convention, 1973-1974.

Box 9
Folder Title, Dates, and Description
  1. Branch Banking, January – May 1974. Contains constituent correspondence urging support for or opposition to various legislation and other issues, invitations to events, and congratulatory messages from colleagues. Constituent correspondence regarding changes to branch banking.
  2. Chiropractors, January – February 1974. Contains constituent correspondence regarding qualifications of doctors of medicine.
  3. Constitutional Convention Constituent Reports, c. 1974. Contains reports from Ed Watson to his constituents regarding progress on the revision of the Texas State Constitution.
  4. Constitutional Convention Rules, October 1973. Contains procedural rules for the Constitutional Convention.
  5. Correspondence, February – July 1974. Contains constituent correspondence regarding the revision of the Texas State Constitution.
  6. County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas, January 1974. Contains concerns of county judges and commissioners regarding the revision of the Texas State Constitution.
  7. Convention Budget, January 1974. Contains the proposed budget for the Constitutional Convention.
  8. Daylight Savings Time, January 1974. Contains official correspondence regarding daylight savings time.
  9. Democratic Party Information, January – February 1974. Contains correspondence, clippings, and fliers regarding Texas Democratic Party and Harris County Democrats.
  10. Education/Equal Opportunity, December 1973 – July 1974. Contains official and unofficial correspondence regarding Texas schools and equal opportunity within.
  11. Environment, May – June 1974. Contains official and unofficial correspondence regarding environmental issues.
  12. Garnishment of Wages, c. 1974. Contains correspondence regarding garnishment of wages for child support.
  13. Inter Office Memoranda, March 1973 – January 1974. Contains correspondence regarding changes to articles, scheduling, and reports from committees.
  14. Judiciary Committee – Article II, Article V, March – June 1974. Contains official and unofficial correspondence and reports regarding the judiciary and criminal justice sections of the Texas State Constitution.
  15. Medical Profession, January – May 1974. Contains constituent correspondence regarding changes to the practice of medicine.
  16. Memoranda, January – July 1974. Contains official news releases and reports regarding progress of the Constitutional Convention.
  17. Municipal Utility Districts, January 1974. Contains correspondence pertaining to a lawsuit regarding de-annexation of property near Lake Houston by the City of Houston.
  18. Natural Resources – Water Districts, January – May 1974. Contains official and unofficial correspondence regarding the exclusion of water districts from the revised constitution.
  19. News Services, January – February 1974. Contains information regarding news releases, record keeping, and distribution of reports.
  20. Pari-mutuel Racing, May – July 1974. Contains constituent correspondence regarding pari-mutuel gambling.
  21. Price Daniel, Jr., February – May 1974. Contains official and unofficial correspondence to and from Governor Price Daniel, Jr.
  22. Public Information Committee, January 1974. Contains official correspondence regarding the making of a documentary on the constitutional revision process.
  23. Questionnaires, August 1973 – March 1974. Copies of questionnaires used by other representatives.

Box 10
Folder Title, Dates, and Description
  1. Recommended Advisers From District 17, May 1973. Contains a list of recommended advisers from District 17 who were to give advice regarding the revised Constitution.
  2. Retired Senior Volunteer Program, March – May 1974. Contains letters from Texas Senior Citizens Association thanking Ed Watson for his efforts regarding tax exemptions for senior citizens.
  3. Rights and Suffrage Committee, January – February 1974. Contains official and unofficial correspondence regarding voting rights.
  4. Right to Work, December 1973 – January 1974. Contains official and unofficial correspondence regarding the inclusion of "Right to Work" in the Constitution.
  5. Right to Work, February – July 1974. Contains official and unofficial correspondence regarding the inclusion of "Right to Work" in the Constitution.
  6. Sponsor/Co-Sponsor Proposals, March 1973 – January 1974. Contains proposed changes sponsored/co-sponsored by Ed Watson.
  7. Style and Drafting Committee Article XI, May 1974. Contains a Style and Drafting Manual.
  8. Texas Constitutional Revision Commission, July 1973 – January 1974. Contains correspondence regarding the establishment of the Constitutional Revision Commission. Includes correspondence from Speaker of the House Price Daniel, Jr.
  9. Texas Constitutional Revision Commission Correspondence, June. 1973 – January 1974. Contains official and unofficial correspondence from special interest groups and citizens regarding inclusion of their agendas into the Constitution.
  10. Texas Constitutional Revision Commission News Supplement, May 1973. Contains newspaper clippings on Constitutional Revision Committee hearings and constituent impact.
  11. Texas Constitutional Revision Commission Planning Committee, July 1973 – January 1974. Contains correspondence regarding planning and execution of the proposed Convention and basic ground rules to be followed. Includes correspondence from Speaker of the House Price Daniel, Jr.
  12. The University of Texas System, January 1974. Contains statement and letter from University of Texas officials regarding the Permanent University Fund.

Top of Page    Table of Contents    Container List    Series I
Series II    Series III    Series IV    Series V    Series VI

Series IV. Personal Files, 1966-2001, n.d.

Box 11
Folder Title, Dates, and Description
  1. Awards and Certificates, 1968 – 1990, n.d. Contains awards and certificates presented to Ed Watson.
  2. Biography – Ed Watson, 1976 – 2001. Contains biographical data compiled by Ed Watson.
  3. Newsletters, 1973 – 1979. Contains Ed Watson’s newsletters to constituents. Includes newsletters from Constitutional Convention.
  4. Personal Questionnaires, 1975 – 1978. Contains biographical information and forms for various "Who’s Who"- type publications.
  5. Press Clippings, August 1968 – February 1984, n.d. Contains press clippings regarding both Ed Watson and activities of the Texas State Legislature.
  6. Press Releases – Ed Watson, 1974 – 1978. Contains press releases from Ed Watson.
  7. Re-election Support, 1972 – 1988. Contains fliers and correspondence from Ed Watson regarding his re-election to office.
  8. Speech Info – Right to Know, 1983 – 1988. Contains background information on "Right to Know" bill, which gives the employee the right to know about workplace exposure to possibly hazardous materials.
  9. Speech Information, 1985 – 1988. Contains jokes and limited background speech material.
  10. Speech Materials (Jokes), 1975 – 1987. Contains joke file.
  11. Speeches, 1972 – 1979. Contains notes and speeches on primarily legislative accomplishments.
  12. Speeches, 1980 – 1987. Contains notes and speeches on primarily legislative accomplishments.
  13. Speeches, 1988. Contains notes and speeches on primarily legislative accomplishments.
  14. Speeches – Hazardous Waste, 1984 – 1988. Contains notes and speeches regarding hazardous waste storage and processing

Box 12
Folder Title, Dates, and Description
  1. Speeches - Labor, n.d. Contains notes and speeches on union and labor issues.
  2. Voting Record – Ed R. Watson, 1966 – 1980. Contains official and unofficial voting records, clippings, and pamphlets regarding the voting record of Ed Watson or his predecessor in District 17.
  3. Voting Record – Ed R. Watson, 1980 – 1985. Contains official and unofficial voting records, clippings, and pamphlets regarding the voting record of Ed Watson.
  4. Watson’s Wisdoms, March 12, 1978. Contains sayings of Ed Watson.

Top of Page    Table of Contents    Container List    Series I
Series II    Series III    Series IV    Series V    Series VI

Series V. Photographs, n.d.

Box 12
Folder Title, Dates, and Description
  1. Photos of Ed Watson, Undated. Contains photographs of Ed Watson. Includes official photos, snapshots, and group photos of committees. Most unidentified.
  2. Photos of Environmental Affairs Committee, 63rd (1973) and 70th (1987) Legislature.
  3. Photos of Labor Committee, 63rd (1973) and 64th (1974) Legislature.
  4. Photos of Natural Resources Committee, 63rd (1973) and 64th (1974) Legislature.
  5. Photos of Political Dignitaries, Undated. Contains photos of Ed Watson with political dignitaries. Includes Ann Richards, Tip O’Neill, Bill Hobby, Dolph Briscoe, Jim Wright, Walter Mondale and Geraldine Ferraro, and Ted Kennedy.

Top of Page    Table of Contents    Container List    Series I
Series II    Series III    Series IV    Series V    Series VI

Series VI. Oversized. 1979-1988.

Oversize Box 368
  1. Print, 1979. "House of Representatives, Sixty-sixth Legislature." Photo of all Representatives.
  2. Print, 1983. "House of Representatives, Sixty-eighth Legislature." Photo of all Representatives.
  3. Scrapbook, 1986 – 1988. Contains clippings, cards, letters, snapshots, notices, and pamphlets regarding Ed Watson. Note: pages are unbound and require preservation.
  4. Photos of Ed Watson, 1985 – 1987, n.d. Contains official photos of Ed Watson, individual and within groups. Most undated and unidentified. Note: photos mounted on heavy cardboard and require preservation.
  5. Photos of Political Dignitaries, 1979 – 1981, n.d. Contains official photos of Ed Watson with Speakers of the House Bill Clayton and Gib Lewis. Also one identified group photo of several political figures.

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Special Collections
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This page last update on Wednesday, June 25, 2003