This list contains examples of manuscript collections held in the Mansfield Library's Archives & Special Collections Department that have content relevant to the study of politics and politicians. Many of these collections document activities in western Montana. Additional collections may be found by using the Mansfield Library Catalog or by searching the Northwest Digital Archives. Clicking on the collection title will link you through to a complete guide to the collection when one is available. Please contact Archives & Special Collections for additional information about these materials and our other resources.
Papers of Individuals
Joseph M. Dixon Papers (1772-1944), Mss 55, 70 linear feet
Joseph M. Dixon served in the Montana legislature (1901-1903), the U.S. House of Representatives (1903-1907) and the U.S. Senate (1907-1913), and was governor of Montana (1921-1925). He was also national leader in the Republican and Bull Moose (Progressive National Committee) parties. From 1929-1933 he held the position of First Assistant Secretary of the Interior. This collection contains a large portion of his personal and professional correspondence files, legal documents, financial records, campaign/political materials, photographs, and personal effects.
Paul G. Hatfield Papers (1977-2000), Mss 77, 33.25 linear feet
This collection contains the papers Paul Hatfield generated and collected while serving in the U.S. Senate (1978) and as a Federal judge for the U.S. District Court in Montana (1978-2000). Materials include biographical records, correspondence, legislative and judicial documents, news releases, speeches, research materials, campaign memorabilia, memorials, and a copy of Hatfield's official Senate portrait.
James Watson Gerard Papers (1750-1955) 273.5 linear feet
This collection contains personal and professional papers, photographic materials, and scrapbooks generated and/or collected by James W. Gerard. These materials present a substantial documentation of Gerard's activities as Ambassador to Germany leading up to World War I, American Democratic Party activist, New York City philanthropist, and international mining industry investor.
Juliet Gregory Papers (1925-1991), Mss 192, 2.0 linear feet
Gregory was the first woman mayor of Missoula, Montana, and was also active in the Montana Republican Party. The collection consists of general correspondence between Gregory and the many organizations in which she was involved.
Maggie Smith Hathaway Collection (1893-1954), Mss 224, 1.0 linear foot
Maggie Smith Hathaway worked in education and child welfare in Montana and was one of the first two women to serve in the Montana legislature. The collection contains scrapbooks and the manuscript for a book, Maggie and Montana, written by Harold Tascher.
Mike Mansfield Papers (1903-1990), Mss 65, 2450 linear feet
Mike Mansfield was a Butte, Montana, miner who served in the U.S. House of Representatives (1943-1952), the U.S. Senate (1953-1977), and as the U. S. Ambassador to Japan (1977-1988). The collection consists of his congressional and unofficial ambassadorial papers, along with audio, moving image, and photographic materials, and a collection of art objects.
John Melcher Papers (1969-1988), Mss 231, 700 linear feet and unprocessed
Papers of John Melcher, who served Montana in the U. S. House (1969-1977) and Senate (1977-1988). Materials include bills introduced by Melcher; speeches, writings and press releases; constituent correspondence, photographs, and other documents.
James E. Murray Papers (1934-1961), Mss 91, 483 linear feet
James E. Murray was a Montana Democrat who served in the U. S. Senate (1934-1960). The collection contains Murray's senatorial papers including general correspondence, legislative materials, speeches and writings, clippings, film, and photographs.
Arnold Olsen Papers (1956-1972), Mss 201), 116 linear feet
This collection contains the papers Arnold Olsen generated and collected while serving as U.S. Representative for the western Montana Congressional District (1961-1971), along with a few other materials unrelated to his congressional service.
Leland H. Schoonover Papers (1945-1979), Mss 129, 9.0 linear feet
Schoonover was a Polson, Montana, school teacher and Montana state legislator who was very active in the local and state education community and state and regional conservation efforts. The collection documents his time in the Montana legislature and his involvement in teachers' organizations and the conservation movement.
Richard Gardner Shoup Papers (1968-1974), Mss 198, 96 linear feet
This collection contains the papers Richard Shoup generated and collected while serving in the U.S. House of Representatives for the western Montana congressional district. Materials include incoming and outgoing correspondence, legislative documents, official news releases, speeches, campaign materials, films, newspaper clippings, and photographs.
Steve Waldron Papers (1976-1985), Mss 186), 12 linear feet
Waldron was a member of the Montana House of Representatives from 1977 to 1985, representing Missoula. He focused on issues related to women, workers, and education.
Pat Williams Papers (1979-1997), Mss 239, 87.5 linear feet
Pat Williams was in the U. S. House of Representatives for Montana from 1979 to 1997. This collection consists of the materials generated and collected by Williams' office during his eighteen years in office. Significant subjects include wilderness legislation, education, Native American issues, libraries, the National Endowments for the Arts and Humanities, labor issues, and the environment.
Organizational Records
League of Women Voters of Missoula Records (1946-1991), Mss 632, 7.2 linear feet
This collection consists of the organizational records and subject files of the non-partisan research group established in 1952. The goal of the League of Women Voters of Missoula is to promote political responsibility through informed and active participation of citizens in government.
Local Government Study Commissions Records (1972-1986), Mss 561, 2.5 linear feet
According to the 1972 Montana state constitution, local governments may review their government structure every ten years. The collection consists of city and county reviews from across Montana in 1975-1976.
