Louise Kennedy Papers
Scope and Contents
This collection contains clippings, pamphlets, and other material relating to Houston elections and local issues from 1952 through 1975.
The papers document the work of organizing within the Democratic party and for general elections. There is particular emphasis on elections at the state and local level. Especially noteworthy are typed, handwritten, and annotated precint analyses from a time before computer analysis was common. There are also mailing lists for precinct workers, information about polling places, and other materials focused on the logistics of a campaign and election.
A significant portion of the collection consists of newspaper clippings.
It also features League of Women Voters pamphlets and Voter's Guides. Many of the pamphlets focus on how to be active in support of a candidate. There is also printed material from other sources, such as the U.S. Department of Labor and the Institute of Public Affairs at the University of Texas.
There is small amount of personal memorabilia including cards and invitations from political figures. Finally, a section of environmental articles concerning garbage and water supplies rounds out the collection.
Dates
- 1952-1975
Access Restrictions
This collection is open for research.
Use Restrictions
Permission to publish or reproduce materials from MSS 0001 Louise Kennedy Collection must be obtained from the Houston Metropolitan Research Center or the appropriate copyright holder.
Biographical Note
Mrs. Louise Kennedy was long a member of the League of Women Voters and active in Democratic party politics at the precinct level in Houston. She was involved in races featuring Houston Mayors Roy Hofheinz and Cutrer, as well as Texas Governor John Connally.
Kennedy's husband, Paul B. Kennedy,had been with the City Refuse Department for twenty years when Louie Welch became mayor in 1964. Mr. Kennedy was removed from his office when it became known that his wife worked for Welch's opponent, and that both Kennedys were critical of the Welch patronage replacements. The Kennedys took their case to the Civil Service and to the courts and eventually won, but Mr. Kennedy was given a small office with no facilities where he remained until his retirement.
Extent
2.5 Linear Feet (5 boxes)
Language of Materials
English
Arrangement
The collection is arranged primarily by election years.
Acquisition Information
Donated by Mrs. Louise Kennedy in July 1974.
Processing Information
Processed in 1975.
- Democratic Party (Houston, Tex.) Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
- Elections -- United States Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
- Local elections -- Texas -- Houston Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
- Political campaigns -- Texas -- Houston Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
- Title
- Louise Kennedy Papers
- Status
- Updates Needed
- Date
- 1975
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Repository Details
Part of the Houston Metropolitan Research Center Repository
