The Oregonian Portland vice investigation collection, 1946-1958
Table of Contents
Overview of the Collection
- Creator
- Oregonian (Firm)
- Title
- The Oregonian Portland vice investigation collection
- Dates
-
1946-1958 (inclusive)19461958
- Quantity
- 6.3 cubic feet (14 document cases and 4 flat boxes)
- Collection Number
- COLL 461
- Summary
- This collection contains records of Wallace Turner and William Lambert investigation of corruption into the International Brotherhood of Teamsters between 1946 and 1958. As a result of their reporting for the Oregonian newspaper, Turner and Lambert won the Pulitzer Prize for local reporting in 1957. The collection contains photographs of source documents, recordings and transcriptions, notes, correspondence, legal documents, and newspaper clippings.
- Repository
-
Oregon Historical Society Research Library
1200 SW Park Avenue
Portland, OR
97205
Telephone: 503-306-5240
Fax: 503-219-2040
libreference@ohs.org - Access Restrictions
-
The collection is open to the public.
- Languages
- English
Historical Note
Collection created by The Oregonian newspaper reporters Wallace Turner and William Lambert during their investigation and reporting on corruption in the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Chauffeurs, Warehousemen and Helpers of America. Throughout the 1950s organized crime infiltrated the Brotherhood and began to assert increasing control the over the organizations agenda. In 1957 Turner and Lambert were awarded the Pulitzer Prize for local reporting. Their five-part series focused on Dave Beck, president of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, and exposed widespread corruption within the Brotherhood and in the local government, including an organized crime sponsored plot to exert control of the Oregon State legislature, State Police, and Oregon State Attorney Generals’ office through bribery, extortion, and blackmail. Their work led to investigations into organized crime across the country. Called by some the father of investigative journalism, William Lambert went on to report for Life Magazine after leaving The Oregonian. Wallace Turner went on to work for the Kennedy administration before returning to news reporting for the New York Times.
Content Description
The collection contains photographs and primary source documents compiled by Oregonian newspaper reporters Wallace Turner and William Lambert during their investigation and reporting on vice charges brought against the International Brotherhood of Teamsters in Portland, Oregon. Materials with identifiable dates fall between July 1948 and December of 1958, with a sizeable amount of materials undated.
Use of the Collection
Restrictions on Use
The Oregon Historical Society is the owner of the materials in the Research Library and makes available reproductions for research, publication, and other uses. Written permission must be obtained from the Research Library prior to any use of reproductions. The Society does not necessarily hold copyright to all the materials in the collections. In some cases, permission for use of reproductions may require seeking additional authorization from the copyright holders.
Preferred Citation
The Oregonian Portland Vice Investigation Collection, Coll 427, Oregon Historical Society Research Library
Administrative Information
Arrangement
- Series A: Audio Recordings
- Series B: Documents
- Series C: Negatives
- Series D: Photographs
Acquisition Information
Lib. Acc. 28198
Processing Note
The arrangement of the materials has been retained and noted where possible. However, it should be stated that numerous different arrangements of the materials in this collection have occurred at different times over the collections life span.
For example, the primary source documents were photographed in one sequence now preserved in the strips of negatives contained within the Negative Series. Prints from those negatives were then rearranged by the reporter(s) and grouped into different sequences, some noted by different names and codes. The audio recordings were also arranged and rearranged over time, as noted by the different codes and terms associated with them.
All possible effort was made to retain the arrangement of the materials at the time of accession; however this arrangement is arbitrary and bears little resemblance to the sequence established by the reporters at the time of creation. Wherever possible, at the time of processing, correlations between the recordings and transcripts have been noted at the file level.
Detailed Description of the Collection
-
Series A: Audio Recordings, 1950-1958
2.5 cubic feet (7 document cases)-
Description: Audio Recordings
The audio recordings are comprised of primarily reel-to-reel tapes, along with a handful of Dictaphone and wire recordings. The reel-to-reel tapes are primarily six inches in diameter, with some four inch diameter tapes present as well.
Permission required to access materials. Access may be restricted due to condition of original recordings.
Dates: 1950-1958Container: Box Box 1 - 7
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-
Series B: Documents, 1954-1958
1.44 cubic feet (4 document cases and 1 flat box)Documents in the collection include transcriptions and summaries of audio recordings, newspaper clippings, hand written and typed notes, originals and copies of correspondence, document reproductions, and ephemera.
Arranged chronologically, while respecting the original order where possible
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Description: Transcript of recording of conversation between Maloney and McLaughlin
Accompanies audio recording box 3/10
Dates: 1955Container: Box/Folder 8/1 -
Description: Transcript of conversation between Elkins, McLaughlin, Jenkins, & LangleyDates: 1955 August 23Container: Box/Folder 8/2
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Description: Transcript between Maloney, McLaughlin, Elkins, & JenkinsDates: 1955Container: Box/Folder 8/3
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Description: Summary of recordings between Maloney and Plotkin made 1955 September 23 & 24; memo concerning summariesDates: 1955Container: Box/Folder 8/4
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Description: Transcript McLaughlin, Maloney and Elkins Sept 26 & 27 1955
Accompanies audio recording box 3/1
Dates: 1955Container: Box/Folder 8/5 -
Description: Recording Summary Maloney, McLaughlin, Jenkins, & Elkins
Accompanies audio recording box 3/11
Dates: 1955Container: Box/Folder 8/6 -
Description: Transcript of conversation between Austinslinger, Maloney, McLaughlin, and Elkins Oct 10, 1955
Accompanies audio recording box 3/4
Dates: 1955Container: Box/Folder 8/7 -
Description: Transcript of conversation between Bennett, Elkins, Turner, Lambert, & Clark on May 9, 1956
Accompanies audio recording box 6/12
Dates: 1956Container: Box/Folder 8/8 -
Description: Transcript of conversation between Bennett, Elkins, & Turner on May 9, 1956; Memo Pratt concerning Minielly appearance on KGW
Accompanies audio recording box 6/9
Dates: 1956Container: Box/Folder 8/9 -
Description: Transcript of conversation between Ray Clark and Mrs. Allen
Accompanies audio recording box/file 5/13
Dates: 1956Container: Box/Folder 8/10 -
Description: Recording summary between Maloney, Elkins, McLaughlinDates: 1956Container: Box/Folder 8/11
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Description: Recording summary of Langley, Maloney, McLaughlinDates: 1956Container: Box/Folder 8/12
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Description: Oregonian file labeled "Investigation"Dates: 1956Container: Box/Folder 8/13
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Description: Notes concerning contents of tape
Accompanies audio recording box/file 5/13
Dates: 1957Container: Box/Folder 8/14 -
Description: Transcript of conversation between Bennett, Jenkins, and Mrs Jenkins (Ginger)
Accompanies audio recordings box/file 4/3 & 4/4
Dates: 1957Container: Box/Folder 8/15 -
Description: Transcript of conversation between Bennett, Elkins, Turner, & Clark on May 9, 1956
Accompanies audio recording box 6/12
Dates: 1956Container: Box/Folder 8/16 -
Description: Notes concerning contents of tape
Accompanies audio recording box/file 5/4
Dates: UndatedContainer: Box/Folder 8/17 -
Description: Transcript of Interview with Bill Way
Accompanies audio recording box/file 4/5
Dates: UndatedContainer: Box/Folder 8/18 -
Description: Summary of Recording
Accompanies audio recording box/file 4/11
Dates: UndatedContainer: Box/Folder 8/19 -
Description: Transcript Maloney, McLaughlin
Accompanies audio recordings box/file 7/5 & 7/6
Dates: UndatedContainer: Box/Folder 8/20 -
Description: Summary of recording Maloney & unknown
Accompanies audio recording box/file 7/9
Dates: UndatedContainer: Box/Folder 8/21 -
Description: Photos of Local 223 Application Blanks; photos of newspaper clippingsDates: 1953Container: Box/Folder 9/1
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Description: Mimeograph copy of receipt from Congress HotelDates: 1954Container: Box/Folder 9/2
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Description: Mimeograph of letter to Mayor from C. CrosbyDates: UndatedContainer: Box/Folder 9/3
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Description: Newspaper clipping; typed notes on members of Teamster building assoc., Delmar Corp., Local 255, Joint Council #37Dates: 1956Container: Box/Folder 9/4
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Description: US Dist Court of OR Motion for Dismissal Langley vs. Thornton et al.Dates: 1956Container: Box/Folder 9/5
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Description: State vs. Crosby testimony transcript skippetsDates: 1956Container: Box/Folder 9/6
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Description: Inventory of Oregon Collection 331.8805 Oregon TeamsterDates: 1957Container: Box/Folder 9/7
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Description: Copies of newspaper clippings mentioning Schrunk; typed interview notes with J. McLaughlinDates: 1958Container: Box/Folder 9/8
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Description: Documents photographs: letter to the OR editor, National Congress of Parent and Teachers, US Dept of Army RecordDates: 1958Container: Box/Folder 9/9
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Description: Crosby deposition notes
Mentions "Party Room"
Dates: 1958Container: Box/Folder 9/10 -
Description: Transcripts and notes on tape 24Dates: 1958Container: Box/Folder 9/11
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Description: Transcripts and notes on tape 69Dates: 1958Container: Box/Folder 9/12
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Description: Photos of Local 223 Application BlanksDates: 1958Container: Box/Folder 9/13
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Description: Newspaper clippings; photo of Local 223 Application Blank with note "Check this out!"
Photo of Local 223 Application Blank with notation, "Check this out!"
Dates: UndatedContainer: Box/Folder 9/14 -
Description: Crosby Case notesDates: 1958Container: Box/Folder 9/15
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Description: Mimeograph of documents, handwritten notes
Probable explanations to be offered in testimony, with handwritten notes attached concerning "Crosby"
Dates: 1958Container: Box/Folder 9/16 -
Description: Notes
Handwritten notes mentions "sound effect filter-" "Glitch phasing"
Dates: 1958Container: Box/Folder 9/17 -
Description: Notes
Handwritten notes mentions "Party Room", "Crosby",
Dates: 1958Container: Box/Folder 9/18 -
Description: Misc. Documents
mug shot, newspaper clippings, perpetual calendar
Dates: UndatedContainer: Box/Folder 9/19 -
Description: Photographs of Application Blanks and newspaper clippingsDates: UndatedContainer: Box/Folder 9/20
-
Description: Senate Transcript 1480; handwritten notes concerning "Elkins"Dates: UndatedContainer: Box/Folder 9/21
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Description: Notes on Crosby v. The OregonianDates: UndatedContainer: Box/Folder 9/22
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Description: Notes
Handwritten notes concerning failures.
Dates: UndatedContainer: Box/Folder 9/23 -
Description: Reproductions of newspaper clippingsDates: 1954-1957Container: Box/Folder 10/1
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Description: Copies of court indictment in OR vs. Elkins et. al.Dates: 1955Container: Box/Folder 10/2
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Description: Handwritten notes concerning Crosby movementsDates: 1955Container: Box/Folder 10/3
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Description: Newspaper clippingsDates: 1956-1957Container: Box/Folder 10/4
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Description: Handwritten questions to ask Elkins; copy of newspaper article concerning CrosbyDates: 1956Container: Box/Folder 10/5
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Description: Transcript of T.V. Interview of Clyde C Crosby by Tom Lawson McCall on Program "ViewPoint"
Accompanies audio tape in box/file 4/6
Dates: 1958Container: Box/Folder 10/6 -
Description: Copies of Grand Jury charges in US vs. C. CrosbyDates: 1958Container: Box/Folder 10/7
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Description: Typed notes concerning checks with descriptions, people, dates, and amountsDates: 1955-1958Container: Box/Folder 10/8
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Description: Copies of letters from I.B.T. Board of Monitors
Covering rules governing conduct of local nominations
Dates: 1958Container: Box/Folder 10/9 -
Description: Notes on Beck trialDates: 1958Container: Box/Folder 10/10
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Description: Affidavits of Lauren StoneDates: UndatedContainer: Box/Folder 10/11
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Description: Typed list of witnesses in court cases
OR vs. Crosby; OR vs. Maloney; OR vs. Langley; US vs. Elkins & Clark
Dates: UndatedContainer: Box/Folder 10/12 -
Description: Invoices and ReceiptsDates: 1954-1958Container: Box/Folder 10/13
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Description: Hand written notes and chartsDates: UndatedContainer: Box/Folder 10/14
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Description: TranscriptionDates: 1946Container: Box/Folder 11/1
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Description: Hand written notesDates: 1956-1958Container: Box/Folder 11/2
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Description: Notes and article draftsDates: 1955-1957Container: Box/Folder 11/3
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Description: Robert Notson CorrespondenceDates: 1956-1957Container: Box/Folder 11/4
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Description: Crosby vs. OR memo; Oregonian indexDates: 1955Container: Box/Folder 11/5
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Description: General CorrespondenceDates: 1956Container: Box/Folder 11/6
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Description: Legal recordsDates: 1957-1959Container: Box/Folder 11/7
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Description: Telex and wire reportsDates: 1957Container: Box/Folder 11/8
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Description: TelegramsDates: 1957Container: Box/Folder 11/9
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Description: AccoladesDates: 1957Container: Box/Folder 11/10
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Description: Newspaper clippingsDates: 1957-1958Container: Box/Folder 11/11
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Description: Gambling reportDates: UndatedContainer: Box/Folder 11/12
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Description: Newspaper clippings
Copies and original newspaper clippings from the Oregonian and Oregon Journal. Wallace Turner and Portland Crime Investigation noted on original wrapping surrounding the articles. Note, "Do NOT destroy Jan 1962" and "Hold for Casscadden indefinitely."
Dates: 1956Container: Box 12
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Series C: Negatives, 1946-1958
Approximately 220 negative stripsThese are the negatives of the primary source documents represented as prints in boxes 16, 17, & 18. Individual negative rolls are numbered and coded, however up to four different coding systems have been identified. The meaning and relationship of the different coding systems has not been identified. There is a relationship between the codes used on the negatives and for the prints.
Original arrangement unknown.
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Description:1.08 cubic feet (3 flat box)
Approximately 200 rolls of photographic negatives. These are the negatives of the primary source documents represented as photographic prints in boxes 16, 17, & 18. Individual negative rolls are numbered and coded, however up to four different coding systems have been identified. The meaning and relationship of the different coding systems has not been identified. There is a relationship between the codes used on the negatives and for the prints.
Dates: UnknownContainer: Box Box 13-15
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Description: Series D: Photographs1.08 cubic feet (3 document cases)
As much as possible original arrangement and grouping maintained.
Photographs of primary source documents used by the reporters during the investigation. Photographs are found either stapled or grouped together by type, date, or in sequence. The photographs were arranged by the reporters. Each grouping of photographs is coded and numbered, some multiple times. The origin and meaning of the coding was unknown at the time of processing.
Dates: 1946-1958
Names and SubjectsReturn to Top
Subject Terms
- Crime--Oregon--Portland
- International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Chauffeurs, Warehousemen, and Helpers of America--History.
- Newspapers--Oregon--Portland
- Pulitzer Prizes.
Personal Names
- Elkins, Jim, -1968
Corporate Names
- Oregonian (Firm)
Geographical Names
- Portland (Or.)--Newspapers
Form or Genre Terms
- Audiotapes
- Photographs
- Transcripts
Other Creators
-
Personal Names
- Lambert, William (creator)
- Turner, Wallace, 1921-2010 (creator)
