Gardner Cromwell papers, 1971-1972

Overview of the Collection

Creator
Cromwell, Gardner 1921-2010
Title
Gardner Cromwell papers
Dates
1971-1972 (inclusive)
Quantity
1.0 linear foot
Collection Number
Mss 902
Summary
This collection contains materials created by and compiled by Gardner Cromwell related to the activities of the 1971-1972 Montana Constitutional Convention. The collection shows the extensive and in-depth drafting and revision processes that occurred. It also provides information about Gardner Cromwell's role as a legal consultant to the convention and shows the numerous contributions and critiques he made on various proposals and drafts.
Repository
University of Montana, Mansfield Library, Archives and Special Collections
Archives and Special Collections
Maureen and Mike Mansfield Library
University of Montana
32 Campus Dr. #9936
59812-9936
Missoula, MT
Telephone: 406-243-2053
library.archives@umontana.edu
Access Restrictions

Researchers must use collection in accordance with the policies of Archives and Special Collections, the Maureen and Mike Mansfield Library, and The University of Montana-Missoula.

Languages

Biographical NoteReturn to Top

Gardner Cromwell was born in Saint Maries, Idaho, in 1921. He attended high school in Helena, Montana, and continued his education at Columbia University before enlisting in the Marines during World War II. During the war, he spent most of his time stationed in the South Pacific. After the war, he studied law at the University of Montana before traveling the country and pursuing multiple careers. Cromwell was offered a full time teaching position at University of Montana School of Law in 1957 where he worked for 25 years. Some of Cromwell's most noted accomplishments include his involvement in drafting the Montana Air Quality Act and serving as a legal consultant to the 1972 Montana Constitutional Convention.

Upon his retirement, Cromwell returned to St. Maries, Idaho, and was actively engaged in his local community. He passed away on December 5, 2010 at the age of 89.

Content DescriptionReturn to Top

The Gardner Cromwell collection contains a variety of materials produced at the 1971-1972 Montana Constitutional Convention. Serving as a legal consultant, Cromwell provided notes and advice on proposals and drafts from numerous committees and individuals. The majority of Cromwell's contributions were to the Committee on Style, Drafting, Transition, and Submission. In general, his feedback and notes concerned legal terminology, formatting, and general clarity of the given drafts and proposals.

The collection contains a significant amount of drafts, proposals, reports, correspondence, clerical materials, news clippings, publications, and personal records of Cromwell's participation. Cromwell's notes and feedback are seen in approximately 40 percent of the materials contained in the collection.

Use of the CollectionReturn to Top

Restrictions on Use

Researchers are responsible for using in accordance with 17 U.S.C. and any other applicable statutes. Copyright was not transferred to the University of Montana.

Preferred Citation

Gardner Cromwell Papers, Archives and Special Collections, Maureen and Mike Mansfield Library, The University of Montana-Missoula.

Administrative InformationReturn to Top

Arrangement

The materials in this collection were organized alphabetically during processing.

Custodial History

The Gardner Cromwell papers were held by the Montana Historical Society prior to their transfer to the University of Montana Archives. They were given to UM because of Cromwell's affiliation with the university.

Acquisition Information

This collection was donated to the University of Montana in 2016.

Processing Note

During processing materials were foldered and the folders arranged alphabetically. Notes and materials housed within booklets and originally stapled or paper clipped together have been left intact. Duplicate materials were removed.

Detailed Description of the CollectionReturn to Top

Container(s) Description Dates
Box/Folder
1/1 Articles of the Constitution 1971
1/2 Adoption Schedule circa 1971-1972
1/3 Ballots, Drafts and official 1972
1/4 Bill of Rights Committee 1971-1972
1/5 Clerical Materials 1971-1972
1/6 Clippings 1971-1972
1/7 Clippings 1971-1972
1/8 Constitution, Drafts, Proposals and Official 1971-1972
1/9 Correspondence 1972
1/10 Education and Public Lands Committee 1971-1972
1/11 Executive Committee 1971-1972
2/12 Gardner Cromwell Personal 1971-1972
2/13 General Government and Constitutional Amendment Committee 1971-1972
2/14 Judiciary Committee 1972
2/15 Legislative Committee 1972
2/16 Letterhead circa 1971-1972
2/17 Local Government Committee 1972
2/18 Montana Constitutional Convention Studies Booklet 1971-1972
2/19 Memoranda 1972
2/20 Natural Resource and Agriculture Committee 1972
2/21 Preamble circa 1971-1972
2/22 Public Health, Welfare, Labor and Industry Committee 1972
2/23 Publications 1971-1972
2/24 Revenue and Finance Committee 1972
2/25 Style, Drafting, Transition and Submission Committee 1972

Names and SubjectsReturn to Top

Personal Names

  • Cromwell, Gardner, 1921-2010--Archives

Corporate Names

  • Montana. Constitutional Convention--(1971-1972)

Geographical Names

  • Montana--Politics and government--20th century

Occupations

  • Law teachers--Montana$zMissoula

Finding aid prepared by Patrick Swart
2018

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