Guide to Political History

A GUIDE TO ARCHIVES AND MANUSCRIPT COLLECTIONS
in the Special Collections Division
at
The University of Texas at Arlington Libraries

Compiled by Shirley R. Rodnitzky
Edited by Gerald D. Saxon
2000

Arlington, Texas
The University of Texas at Arlington

Texas Political History

Texas Political History Index: A B C D H K M N P R S T V W Y

Guide to the Collections     Historical Manuscripts Collection   Texas Labor Archives
Texas Political History Collection     University Archives     Historical Photographs Collection
Unprocessed Collections    Guide Index

Agnich, Fred J., 1913-: Papers, 1970-1988; 22 boxes (11 linear ft.); Fred Agnich served in the Texas House of Representatives representing House District 33-R, Dallas, Texas, 1970-1986.; Correspondence, clippings, office records, and legislative papers. The papers of Fred J. Agnich were produced during his terms of service in the Texas Legislature. The collection includes materials pertaining to Agnich’s election campaigns, participation in the 1974 Constitutional Convention, legislative duties, and special interests in wildlife and conservation projects.; Gift, 1988.; Finding aid available.; AR350

Andujar, Betty, 1912-1997: Papers, 1960-1975, bulk 1973-1975; 23 boxes (9.6 linear ft.); Betty Andujar was the first woman and also the first Republican to be elected from Tarrant County to the Texas Senate. She represented Senatorial District 12 from 1973 to 1982.; Correspondence, photographs, legislative bills, newspaper clippings, and printed material.; These are the office files from Senator Andujar’s Austin and Fort Worth offices.; Gift, 1976.; Finding aid available.; AR125

Andujar, Betty, 1912-1997: Papers, 1969-1979, bulk 1973-1975; 57 boxes (23.5 linear ft.); Betty Andujar was the first woman and also the first Republican to be elected from Tarrant County to the Texas Senate. She represented Senatorial District 12 from 1973 to 1982.; Correspondence, photographs, legislative bills, newspaper clippings, and printed material.; These are the office files from Senator Andujar’s Austin and Fort Worth offices.; Gift, 1977-1981.; Finding aid available.; AR254

Andujar, Betty, 1912-1997: Papers, 1957-1982, bulk 1973-1975; 61 boxes (25.4 linear ft.); Betty Andujar was the first woman and also the first Republican to be elected from Tarrant County to the Texas Senate. She represented Senatorial District 12 from 1973 to 1982.; Correspondence, photographs, legislative bills, newspaper clippings, and printed material.; These are the office files from Senator Andujar’s Austin and Fort Worth offices.; Gift, 1981-1983.; Finding aid available.; AR272

Avery, Jack P. (Jack Parrish): Papers, 1942-1975; 3 boxes (1 linear ft.); Jack Avery was a machinist at General Dynamics for over twenty-five years. He was active in the Democratic Party in Tarrant County and civic affairs in Fort Worth, Texas.; Correspondence; minutes of Neighborhood Action, Inc., 1967-1973, and the Tarrant County Democratic Organizing Committee, 1961-1973; photograph; voters lists; Neighborhood Action News, 1968-1971; printed material; and memorabilia.; Gift, 1976.; Finding aid available.; AR238

Bailey, Scott: Papers, 1960-1970, bulk 1960-1961; 2 boxes (.83 linear ft.); Scott Bailey, a native of Cisco, Texas, served in the 57th Legislature of the Texas House of Representatives, 1961-1962. He represented House District 76 (Callahan, Eastland, and Shackelford counties.); Correspondence, newsletters, copies of legislation, and printed material. The papers are from Bailey’s Austin office. Also included are campaign materials distributed in his unsuccessful bid for the office of Eastland County judge.; Gift, 1977.; Finding aid available.; AR141

Cannon, Joe B.: Papers, 1958-1966; 1 box (.25 linear ft.); Joe Cannon, an attorney, served three terms in the Texas House of Representatives, representing House District 55 (Falls and Limestone counties), 1959-1964. He was defeated in the fall of 1964 in an effort to gain a seat in the Texas Senate.; Two scrapbooks containing letters, photographs, campaign material, memorabilia, and printed material. The scrapbooks document Cannon’s elections and significant events in his career.; Gift, 1977.; Finding aid available.; AR248

Carter, Margaret B., 1909-1988: Papers, 1926-1976, bulk 1944-1974; 24 boxes (10 linear ft.); Margaret Carter, known as the "Grand Dame of Liberal Texas Politics," served as a behind-the-scenes political strategist for the Democratic Party in Tarrant County for over thirty-five years. She was also on the Texas Democratic Party State Executive Committee. Carter was an active volunteer in several women’s groups and civic organizations in Fort Worth. She was listed in Who’s Who of American Women in 1968, and was nominated by the Fort Worth Press Club as "Newsmaker of the Year" in 1972.; Correspondence, minutes, speeches, reports, newspaper clippings, photographs, printed material, and memorabilia. These materials pertain to Margaret Carter’s political and civic activities. They include campaign materials from husband Jack Carter’s race for Democratic County Chairman of Tarrant County and Texas State Senator, 1944-1946. Also included is a scrapbook about Helen Gahagan Douglas, U.S. Representative from California, 1946-1953. Materials from the following organizations are part of the collection: American Association of University Women, 1938-1966; Democratic Party (campaign and convention materials), 1944-1970; Democratic Organizing Committee, 1956-1959; Democrats of Texas, 1957-1959; Tarrant County Democratic Executive Committee, 1944-1966; Tarrant County Democratic Organizing Committee, 1952-1974; Tarrant County Democratic Women’s Club, 1944-1973; Texas Democratic Women’s State Committee, 1953-1967; Young Democratic Club of Tarrant County, 1945-1948; and Young Democratic Clubs of America, 1945-1946.; Correspondents include: Lillian Collier, Minnie Fisher Cunningham, Sarah T. Hughes, Lyndon Johnson, John F. Kennedy, Eugene McCarthy, Sam Rayburn, Adlai Stevenson, Jim Wright, and Ralph Yarborough. A variety of printed materials from the 1930s through the 1950s explore topics of national interest, such as atomic energy, civil rights, communism, fascism, labor reform, McCarthyism, the United Nations, voting machines, Vietnam, war and freedom, and women’s rights. Essays and analyses about various politicians and the political climate of Texas as well as a wealth of materials concerning local and national issues from Franklin D. Roosevelt to George McGovern are also included.; Gift, 1976.; Finding aid available.; AR239

Carter, Margaret B., 1909-1988: Papers, 1940-1982, bulk 1971-1974; 19 boxes (7.6 linear ft.); Margaret Carter, known as the "Grand Dame of Liberal Texas Politics," served as a behind-the-scenes political strategist for the Democratic Party in Tarrant County for over thirty-five years. She was also on the Texas Democratic Party State Executive Committee. Carter was an active volunteer in several women’s groups and civic organizations in Fort Worth. She was listed in Who’s Who of American Women in 1968, and was nominated by the Fort Worth Press Club as "Newsmaker of the Year" in 1972.; Correspondence, minutes, photographs, speeches, reports, newspaper clippings, printed material, and memorabilia. Includes local and national Democratic Party campaign materials, 1972-1982; Democratic Party rules, 1970-1979; Democratic Party convention materials, 1960-1978; and materials from the following organizations: Americans for Democratic Action, 1968-1974; Democratic National Committee, 1968-1973; Tarrant County Democratic Executive Committee, 1972-1974; Tarrant County Democratic Organizing Committee, 1967-1970; Tarrant County Democratic Women’s Club, 1959-1978; Texas Civil Liberties Union, 1967-1974; Texas Democrats, 1973-1977; and the United Farm Workers, 1967-1975.; Correspondents include Lloyd Bentsen, Minnie Fisher Cunningham, Jim Wright, and Ralph Yarborough. A variety of printed material explores topics of local and national interest such as the equal rights amendment, Israel, Jimmy Carter, George McGovern, the 1972 presidential election, and information on the Fort Worth Urban Ministries, Another Mother for Peace, Human Potential Institute, National Women’s Caucus, and the Citizen’s Association of Reform of Tarrant County. Also included are the publications: New Democrat and Yellow Jaundice.; Gift, 1982.; Finding aid available.; AR265

Cowden, Julianan: Political Collection, 1960-1975; 2.5 boxes (1 linear ft.); Julianan Cowden was district coordinator of the State Democratic Executive Committee from 1960 to 1968; delegate to the state Democratic conventions from 1960 to1966, and a member of the Speaker's Committee of 100. She also attended the National Democratic Convention in 1964.; Correspondence, financial documents, minutes, reports, newspaper clippings, news releases, campaign and convention materials, population data, and pamphlets. This collection reflects Cowden's political involvement with the Democratic Party in Texas.; Gift, 1977.; Finding aid available.; AR354

Democratic Advisory Council: Records, 1946-1957; 7 boxes, 4 inches of oversize material (3 linear ft.); Organized in 1953, the Democratic Advisory Council was appointed by the chairman of the National Democratic Party to sell the Democratic Digest, raise funds, and strengthen the Democratic Party. Seven council officers and ten regional chairmen formed the steering committee. Sixty-two executive committee members and 175 active Democrats were also members of the organization.; Correspondence, memoranda, telegrams, minutes, pamphlets, booklets, newspaper articles, county information, reports, agendas, convention materials, political advertisements, lists, speeches, phonograph records, and film. This collection contains the working papers of the council and provides a good view of the activities of the steering committee. Particularly noteworthy are materials that chronicle the unusual presidential campaign between Gen. Dwight Eisenhower and Illinois Governor Adlai Stevenson in 1952. During this campaign, Texas Governor Allan Shivers broke with his party and led a movement of dissident "Dixie Democrats" in support of distancing of conservative Democrats from the liberal wing of the party that controlled the Democratic National Committee.; Gift, 1978.; Finding aid available.; AR360, OS165

Democratic Party (Tarrant County, Texas): Primary Convention Records, 1974; 2 boxes (.61 linear ft.); Primary conventions were held in all Tarrant County precincts on May 4, 1974. Delegates were elected from each precinct to attend the Democratic County convention in Fort Worth, Texas, on May 11, 1974.; Letters, minutes, delegate and poll lists, precinct chairmen list, and primary convention returns for precincts 1 through 185, Tarrant County, Texas.; The collection is also known as: Tarrant County Democratic Party Primary Convention Records.; Gift, 1978.; Finding aid available.; AR230

Democratic Party (Texas). State Executive Committee: Records, 1956-1964; 1 box (.4 linear ft.); The State Democratic Party Executive Committee endorses a three point party program: to support state and national Democratic Party nominees; to support the Democratic Party Platform adopted in convention; and to reorganize, revitalize, and rebuild the Democratic Party of Texas through its duly elected officers.; Correspondence, financial documents, minutes, newspaper clippings, news release, proceedings, lists, election tabulations and certifications, reports, agendas, resolutions, and proposals.; Gift, 1978.; Finding aid available.; AR250

Ham, Lois: Papers, 1973, 1976; 2 boxes (.63 linear ft.); Lois Ham, a political activist, was a resident of Arlington, Texas. She was a member of the 1976 Democratic National Platform Committee.; Correspondence, statements, reports, articles, and proposals. Includes the AFL-CIO platform proposals, and summaries of regional hearings and other information presented to members of the Democratic National Platform Committee.; Gift, 1977.; Finding aid available.; AR146

Hawn, Joe P., 1915-1973: Papers, 1961-1973; 7 boxes (2.9 linear ft.); Joe Hawn represented House District 33-10, the Pleasant Grove section of Dallas, during the 61st through the 63rd Texas Legislative sessions, 1968-1973. He was a retired captain of the Dallas Fire Department and served six years as manager of the Pleasant Grove Chamber of Commerce before being elected to the Texas House of Representatives.; Correspondence, financial records, minutes, speeches, newspaper clippings, pamphlets, brochures, house bills, news releases, certificates, reports, rosters, biographical data, and scrapbook. Includes campaign records and legislative files as well as personal correspondence. The scrapbook is a photocopy of newspaper clippings and correspondence, which trace Hawn’s political career. The papers include a history and records of Angels, Incorporated, a Dallas area school for mentally retarded children, and a report (which includes a list of persons buried there) of two Wood County cemeteries: Smyrna Cemetery, 1873-1972, and Old Mt. Zion Cemetery, 1893-1972.; Gift, 1975.; Finding aid available.; AR113

Hill, John L., 1923-: Campaign Office Records, Austin, Texas, 1976-1978; 15 boxes (6.25 linear ft.); John L. Hill was born in Breckenridge, Texas. He received a law degree from the University of Texas in 1947, after service in the Navy during World War II. In addition to being a trial lawyer in Houston, he served Texas as secretary of state, 1966-1967, and attorney general, 1973-1978. In May 1978, he defeated Dolph Briscoe for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination, but was defeated by Republican Bill Clements in November.; Correspondence, minutes, financial documents, reports, photographs, speeches, notes, lists, and printed material. The records consist of planning and strategy manuals for Hill’s campaigns, correspondence from prominent Texans urging Hill to run, correspondence to and from campaign coordinators, and correspondence from supporters throughout the state. Also included are publicity files, campaign literature, biographies, and records from the Arlington, Texas, campaign office maintained by George N. Green. Records are included for both the Democratic primary and the gubernatorial races. John B. Rogers was campaign chairman and Lowell Leberman was campaign treasurer.; Gift, 1979, 1985.; Finding aid available.; AR253

Kennard, Don, 1929-: Papers, 1951-1972; 73 boxes (30.2 linear ft.); Don Kennard represented Tarrant County, Texas, House District 30, Place 3, in the Texas House of Representatives, 1953-1962. He was also state senator for Senatorial District 10, 1963-1972.; Correspondence, minutes, financial documents, press releases, speeches, lists, directories, photographs, reports, pamphlets, newspaper clippings, copies of house and senate bills, manuals, leaflets, charts, petitions, maps, newsletters, proclamations, biographical sketches, and campaign materials. These are Kennard’s office files, 53rd-62nd Legislative sessions. They include his campaign files and campaign materials for prominent state and national Democratic Party candidates, 1952-1972; a copy of "Report on the Strike Situation in Starr County, Texas," by Senators Don Kennard, Oscar Mauzy, and A. R. Schwartz, ca. 1968; and materials about the founding of Tarrant County Junior College. Also included are the papers of his wife, Jackie Kennard, during her campaign for Tarrant County Clerk, 1972, and her service on the State Democratic Executive Committee, 1970-1972.; Restricted Access. Written permission is required from Don Kennard before use.; Gift, 1972.; Finding aid available.; AR128

Mauzy, Oscar H. (Oscar Holcombe), 1926-: Papers, 1957-1976, bulk 1966-1976; 103 boxes (42.4 linear ft.); Oscar Mauzy is a Dallas attorney. He served in the Texas Senate representing Senatorial District 23 (southwest Dallas County), 1967-1986 (the 60th-69th Texas Legislative sessions.) He was president pro tempore during the 63rd session and vice-chair of the Judiciary Committee during the Texas Constitutional Convention, 1974.; Correspondence, reports, newsletters, financial records, copies of house and senate bills, lists, census statistics, surveys, minutes, speeches, photographs, resolutions, clippings, booklets, legal documents, voting records, voter registration lists, maps, manuals, tape recordings, and books. These are Oscar Mauzy’s Austin and Dallas office files for the 60th through the 64th Legislatures with special emphasis on the 63rd Legislature. Included is extensive material on constitutional revision and copies of the work completed by all committees of the convention as well as population census maps and statistics for state redistricting, 1970-1971. A biographical sketch of Mauzy is also included.; Restricted access.; Gift, 1974, 1976, 1977.; Finding aid available.; AR218; OS52-OS56

Milford, Dale, 1926-1997: Papers, 1971-1978, bulk 1973-1978; 376 boxes (155.6 linear ft.); Dale Milford, a former meteorologist for WFAA-TV in Dallas, Texas, was elected to the U.S. Congress, House of Representatives, in 1972, and represented the 24th District of Texas for three terms. The 24th District was known as the Mid-Cities District and included parts of Dallas and Tarrant counties as well as Denton County. Milford was a member of/or chaired several subcommittees of the Public Works and Transportation Committee and the Science and Technology Committee, was a member of the Select Committee on Intelligence, and served on the National Transportation Study Commission.; Correspondence, reports, legal documents, financial documents, news releases, speeches, photographs, newsletters, clippings, house bills, maps, appointment calendars, lists, biographical sketches, resumes, certificates, notes, audio recordings, research, and printed materials. These are Milford’s congressional files from the 93rd through the 95th Congress. The bulk of the collection is devoted to legislation, committees, and correspondence with various government administrative departments. Also included are research materials collected for committees, constituent case files, personal materials, campaign files, and office operation files.; The papers are divided into four series: Series 1: 93rd Congress Papers, 1973-1974; Series II.: 94th Congress Papers, 1975-1976; Series III: 95th Congress Papers, 1977-1978; and Series IV: 93rd-95th Congress Papers, 1973-1978. See the following for individual descriptions of each series.; Gift, 1978-1979.; Finding aid available.; AR234

Milford, Dale, 1926-1997: 93rd Congress Papers, 1972-1974, bulk 1973-1974; 40 boxes (16.7 linear ft.); Dale Milford, a former meteorologist for WFAA-TV in Dallas, Texas, was elected to the U.S. Congress, House of Representatives, in 1972, and represented the 24th District of Texas for three terms. The 24th District was known as the Mid-Cities District and included parts of Dallas and Tarrant counties as well as Denton County. Milford was a member of or chaired several subcommittees of the Public Works and Transportation Committee and the Science and Technology Committee, was a member of the Select Committee on Intelligence, and served on the National Transportation Study Commission.; Correspondence, legal documents, financial documents, reports, news releases, speeches, photographs, newsletters, clippings, maps, house bills, lists, notes, certificates, biographical sketches, resumes, and printed material. These are the materials produced and received during Milford’s first term in office. Several files pertain to the impeachment of President Richard M. Nixon and the appointment of Gerald Ford as President.; Gift, 1978-1979.; Finding aid available.; AR234, Series I

Milford, Dale, 1926-1997: 94th Congress Papers, 1972-1976, bulk 1975-1976; 64 boxes (26.3 linear ft.); Dale Milford, a former meteorologist for WFAA-TV in Dallas, Texas, was elected to the U.S. Congress, House of Representatives, in 1972, and represented the 24th District of Texas for three terms. The 24th District was known as the Mid-Cities District and included parts of Dallas and Tarrant counties as well as Denton County. Milford was a member of or chaired several subcommittees of the Public Works and Transportation Committee and the Science and Technology Committee, was a member of the Select Committee on Intelligence, and served on the National Transportation Study Commission.; Correspondence, legal documents, financial documents, reports, news releases, speeches, photographs, newsletters, clippings, maps, house bills, lists, biographical sketches, certificates, notes, resumes, and printed material. These are documents produced and received during Milford’s second term in office.; Gift, 1978-1979.; Finding aid available.; AR234, Series II

Milford, Dale, 1926-1997: 95th Congress Papers, 1973-1978, bulk 1977-1978; 94 boxes (39 linear ft.); Dale Milford, a former meteorologist for WFAA-TV in Dallas, Texas, was elected to the U.S. Congress, House of Representatives, in 1972, and represented the 24th District of Texas for three terms. The 24th District was known as the Mid-Cities District and included parts of Dallas and Tarrant counties as well as Denton County. Milford was a member of or chaired several subcommittees of the Public Works and Transportation Committee and the Science and Technology Committee, was a member of the Select Committee on Intelligence, and served on the National Transportation Study Commission.; Correspondence, legal documents, financial documents, speeches, photographs, newsletters, clippings, maps, house bills, lists, notes, certificates, biographical sketches, resumes, audio recordings, and printed material. These are the documents produced and received during Milford’s last term in office.; Gift, 1978-1979.; Finding aid available.; AR234, Series III

Milford, Dale, 1926-1997: 93rd-95th Congress Papers, 1973-1978; 178 boxes (72.1 linear ft.); Dale Milford, a former meteorologist for WFAA-TV in Dallas, Texas, was elected to the U.S. Congress, House of Representatives, in 1972, and represented the 24th District of Texas for three terms. The 24th District was known as the Mid-Cities District and included parts of Dallas and Tarrant counties as well as Denton County. Milford was a member of or chaired several subcommittees of the Public Works and Transportation Committee and the Science and Technology Committee, was a member of the Select Committee on Intelligence, and served on the National Transportation Study Commission.; Correspondence, reports, speeches, lists, maps, and legal documents. There are three subseries: constituent case files, personal files, and legislative research materials. These materials were maintained together and overlap during the three congressional sessions in which Milford served.; Finding aid available.; AR234, Series IV

Miller, Chris, 1926-1995: Papers, 1964-1979; 62 boxes (26.83 linear ft.); Chris Miller served three terms in the Texas House of Representatives, from 1972 to 1978, as the Democratic representative for Tarrant County, House District 32-1. She was known for her interests in women's issues, water quality control, prison reform, constitutional revision, extension of the homestead exemption for singles, and state-funded assistance for hemophiliacs. Miller's interest in social justice was reflected in her accomplishments as a state legislator and her participation in many civic organizations.; She also served as moderator for the television production, Voter’s Digest, in 1965; was advertising manager of the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, 1967-1968; coordinator of neighborhood services and community health for the Tarrant County Community Action Agency, 1968-1969; and owner of a public relations and advertising agency, Chris Public Relations, 1969- 1972.; Correspondence, photographs, press releases, newsletters, speeches, reports, bills and amendments, newspaper articles, statistics, questionnaires, and certificates. The Chris Miller Papers include materials for the period preceding her election to the Texas legislature; campaign materials, 1972-1976; legislative files for the 63rd through the 64th sessions; and files for the many women's organizations of which she was a member. These include the American Women in Radio and Television, Institute for Women, League of Women Voters, Mayor's Committee on the Status of Women, National Organization for Women, Texas Commission on the Status of Women, Texas Federation of Business and Professional Women's Clubs, Texas Women's Equity Action League, Texas Women's Political Caucus, Women in Communications, Women's Haven, and Zonta.; Gift, 1976-1979.; Finding aid available.; AR381

Nichols, R. C., 1928-: Papers, 1968-1982, bulk October 1971-March 1972; 6 boxes (1.7 linear ft.); R. C. Nichols was a labor unionist and prominent legislator who served in the Texas House of Representatives, 1968-1976. He was first elected to the legislature in June 1968, from House District 23, Place 1, Houston, Texas, to fill a seat that had been vacated. He was re-elected from the same district in 1970. During his first two legislative terms he served on the following committees: Labor, Elections, Motor Transportation, Penitentiaries and Youth. He was also a member of the "Dirty Thirty" coalition that was pledged to honesty and reform in state government. In 1972, Nichols was re-elected from a new single member district, District 98. He was then appointed to serve on the Insurance, Labor and Election Committees. In 1974, he was re-elected from the same district. He left office in 1976.; Correspondence, minutes, photographs, press releases, newspaper clippings, ballots, posters, maps, questionnaires, and reports. The collection consists of materials that reflect the legislative career and political interests of R. C. Nichols. They also include information on the "Dirty Thirty" coalition. The bulk of the collection is newspaper clippings, October 1971-March 1972, in which Nichols is mentioned or quoted. However, there are also clippings that refer to Nichols’ interests, such as auto insurance and unions. Campaign materials, 1968-1976, include press releases, ballots, and posters. Nichols’ legislative papers, 1969-1974, contain correspondence, press releases, minutes, questionnaires, legislative maps, and legislative reports. Although not extensive, there are files on Bob Eckhardt and Ralph Yarborough. Photographs, although undated, include images of Nichols in session at the state capitol. An undated group photograph shows Nichols with one of the house committees on which he served.; Gift, 1994.; Finding aid available.; AR393, OS123

Progressive Party (U.S. : 1948): Photographs and Recordings Collection, 1946-1948; 5 items; The Progressive Party was established by former U.S. Vice President Henry A. Wallace. Wallace and Glen H. Taylor were the Progressive Party candidates for president and vice president in 1948.; Photographs and cassette recordings. Includes portraits of Henry A. Wallace and Glen H. Taylor as well as speeches by them and skits and documentary recordings presented by the Progressive Party. Also includes a CIO Political Action Committee program recording. The collection was assembled by Hardy and Verna Scott.; The collection is also known as: Hardy and Verna Scott Collection of Progressive Party Photographs and Recordings.; Gift, 1977.; Finding aid available.; AR155

Rainey, Homer Price: Film, 1946; One 16mm film that documents the 1946 Texas governor’s race of Homer Price Rainey.; Gift, 1991.; 91-19

Sewell, James C., 1912-1976: Papers, 1950-1972; 4.5 boxes (2 linear ft.); James C. Sewell was an attorney and judge. He was elected to the Texas House of Representatives in 1949 to fill the unexpired term of George O. Nokes, Jr. He represented House District 58, Navarro County, in the 51st and 52nd legislatures, serving on the Public Health, Education, and Judiciary committees. Sewell was appointed County Judge for Navarro County in 1951, and served until January 1, 1957. In 1956, he was elected District Judge for the 13th Judicial District of Texas, a position he held until 1972. Judge Sewell was active in Democratic Party politics and served as chairman of the Democratic Advisory Council of Texas, 1952-1955.; Correspondence, clippings, political advertisements and campaign materials, printed material, and photographs. The papers are the personal files of Judge James C. Sewell of Corsicana, Texas, the bulk of which are general correspondence files, 1950-1972. Some letters were written to or by Sewell’s wife, Janet. Present are materials pertaining to Sewell’s election campaigns of 1956, 1968, and 1972 for district judge, as well as correspondence stemming from his judgeships, his tenure in the Texas Legislature, and his political activities. Prominent correspondents include Ralph Yarborough, Maury Maverick, Maury Maverick, Jr., Olin Teague, Dolph Briscoe, Ben Barnes, and Preston Smith. Sam Rayburn, Lyndon Johnson, and Allan Shivers were occasional correspondents and the subjects of clippings and letters. Other names found in the papers include those of such local and national Democratic figures as Paul Butler, Gabe Garrett, D. B. Hardeman, Hilda Heinert, Stephen A. Mitchell, George Nokes, Adlai Stevenson, and Kathleen Voigt. The papers also contain newspaper clippings concerning campaigns and elections, legislative issues, party politics, and biographical information on Sewell; newsletters, business correspondence, and by-laws of the Navarro County Action Committee, Inc.; and ten photographs of Sewell, shown at times with, Dolph Briscoe, George Nokes, and Allan Shivers.; Gift, 1976.; Finding aid available.; AR132

Texas Constitutional Convention: Collection, 1974; 4 items; The members of Texas’ 63rd Legislature convened as a constitutional convention early in 1974 to draft a proposed new constitution for submission to voters. After months of deliberating, the convention killed the proposed new constitution by a vote of 118 to 62.; Souvenir magazine cover, historical essay, roster, and gavel. Artifacts from the constitutional convention including souvenir magazine cover with delegates’ signatures; roster of delegates signed by Mark W. White, secretary of state; gavel used by Price Daniel while presiding over the convention; and a one page essay on the historical background of the souvenir magazine cover. The items were collected by representative Winthrop C. Sherman of Fort Worth.; Gift, 1979.; Finding aid available.; AR246, OS162

Vecchio, James S.: Papers, 1960-1976, bulk 1973-1974; 12 boxes (4.79 linear ft.); James Vecchio was Texas state representative for House District 33-J, Grand Prairie, Dallas County, Texas, during the 63rd Legislature. He was vice-chair of the Executive Branch Committee during the Texas Constitutional Convention, 1974.; Correspondence, reports, news releases, newspaper clippings, programs, schedules, delegate roster, agendas, fact sheets, proposals, bills, briefs, directory, manuals, journals, constitutions, and printed material. These are James Vecchio’s papers from the 63rd legislative session, but are primarily his records of the Constitutional Convention, including: an annotated Texas constitution, constitutions of other states, rules of the convention, background information on constitutional revision in Texas, official committee reports, and the official journal of the convention.; Gift, 1976.; Finding aid available.; AR130

Watson, Ed, 1920-:     Papers, 1966-2001 (bulk 1973-1979); 13 boxes (5.1 linear ft.)
    Ed Watson was a member of the Texas House of Representatives from 1972 to 1988. He was a Democrat and served from District 1, which includes Deer Park a city near Houston. He served on the Labor Committee, the Natural Resources Committee, and others. He was also a delegate to the unsuccessful Texas Constitutional Convention of 1974. This was an attempt to modernize and revise the Texas State Constitution. A long-time member of the Oil, Chemical, and Atomic Workers International, Local 3-467, Ed Watson was friendly to union activity and issues within the Legislature.
    Official and unofficial correspondence (including constituent concerns), newspaper clippings, reports, proposed legislation, photographs, and scrapbook. The bulk of the collection is constituent correspondence, 1973-1979, and Ed Watson's answers to their concerns. There is also correspondence and new3slettes from the failed Texas Constitutional Convention of 1974. The newspaper clippings are primarily concerned with activities of both Ed Watson and issues before the Texas Legislature. The photographs are of Ed Watson and associated state politicians with some national Democratic politicians. The scrapbook, 1986-1988, contains Ed Watson memorabilia, such as snapshots, letters, and pamphlets.
Preservation Note: Scrapbook is unbound and fragile. Please handle with care: Gift, 1977, 1979, 1980, and 2001.; Finding aid available.; AR432, OS368

Weaver, Paulia P., 1931-: Papers, 1952-1969, bulk 1955-1966; 11 boxes (4.58 linear ft.); Paulia Weaver was a secretary for the Amalgamated Meat Cutters and Butcher Workmen of North America, active in local, state, and national Democratic Party organizations: president of the Dallas County Young Democrats, National Committeewoman for and president of the Young Democratic Clubs of Texas, and delegate to the Third Atlantic Conference of Young Political Leaders.; Correspondence, reports, minutes, constitutions, speeches, convention materials, manuals, kits, lists, newsletters, newspaper clippings, newspapers, articles, resolutions, photographs, party platforms, directories, and booklets. These papers include Paulia Weaver’s personal correspondence as well as correspondence with national Democratic party officials, members and officers of other Young Democratic Clubs, politicians, and legislators. Materials are included for local and national party candidates. Also included are records of the Young Democratic Clubs of America, the Young Democratic Clubs of Texas, the Young Democratic Club of Dallas County, the Dallas County Democrats, and the Democratic National Committee.; Gift, 1976.; Finding aid available.; AR147

Yarborough, Ralph W.: Collection, 1952-1983, bulk 1952-1970; 8 boxes (3.21 linear ft.); Ralph Yarborough was born in 1903 in Chandler, Texas. He was a lawyer, assistant attorney general of Texas, district judge, and U.S. Senator. He campaigned for governor of Texas unsuccessfully three times, 1952-1956.; Correspondence, newspaper clippings, newsletters, press releases, financial documents, programs, speeches, campaign handouts and materials, booklets, and a biography. The materials are from the files of the Texas AFL-CIO, Austin, Texas, and deal primarily with Yarborough’s political campaigns for governor and later the U.S. Senate.; Gift, 1970.; Finding aid available.; AR47

Texas Political History Index: A B C D H K M N P R S T V W Y
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