Wisconsin Governor John W. Reynolds records, 1954-1964

Author / Creator

Wisconsin. Governor (1963-1965 : Reynolds)

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Summary

Gubernatorial papers of a former Democratic governor (1963-1965), also including some miscellaneous papers pertaining to his tenure as attorney general (1959-1963) and some files pertaining to his ...

Gubernatorial papers of a former Democratic governor (1963-1965), also including some miscellaneous papers pertaining to his tenure as attorney general (1959-1963) and some files pertaining to his political activities and electoral campaigns from 1954 through 1964.

Included are speeches, statements, and writings (some as sound and video recordings) with related reference files; correspondence with constituents, legislators, governmental officials, advocacy groups, political advisors, and others; memoranda and reports from departmental officials, advisors, and legislators pertaining to pending legislation; press releases; appointment files; personal notes; legal files; additional films, sound recordings, and extensive microfilmed biographical clippings.

Subject correspondence includes extensive files on Reynolds' deadlock with the Republican legislature over the budget and the form of taxation to be enacted, the impact of drought on farmers, and the strike of the National Farmers Organization. Legal and appointment files document another of Reynolds' conflicts with the legislature and the ensuing court tests of the governor's appointment powers.

Political files contain planning materials, correspondence, campaign literature, position papers, financial records, and media files on his campaigns from 1958 through 1964 and partially document his relations with party leaders such as John A. Gronouski, John F. Kennedy, Patrick J. Lucey, Gaylord Nelson, and William Proxmire. Reynolds' entry in the 1964 Wisconsin presidential primary against George C. Wallace is extensively documented with correspondence from both Wisconsin and Alabama, as is his vocal opposition to the Republican presidential candidate Barry Goldwater.

Miscellaneous papers pertaining to his career as attorney general include subject files, press releases, schedules, speeches, correspondence with county political leaders, and general correspondence.

Photographs relate to election campaign activities including visits by John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson, official ceremonies and events, and Reynolds' family.

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