Hugh Baillie papers , 1933-1959

Overview of the Collection

Creator
Baillie, Hugh, 1890-1966
Title
Hugh Baillie papers
Dates
1933-1959 (inclusive)
Quantity
4 linear feet, (4 containers)  :  2 record storage boxes and 2 manuscript boxes.
Collection Number
Ax 631
Summary
Hugh Baillie (1890-1966) worked at United Press first as a reporter, then general news manager, and then became president during 1935-1955 , and was also a published author. The collection contains manuscripts, including versions of his autobiographical work, High Tensions, correspondence, memoranda, news stories, publicity, published work and periodicals.
Repository
University of Oregon Libraries, Special Collections and University Archives
UO Libraries--SCUA
1299 University of Oregon
Eugene OR
97403-1299
Telephone: 5413463068
spcarref@uoregon.edu
Access Restrictions

Collection is open to the public. Collection must be used in Special Collections and University Archives Reading Room. Collection or parts of collection may be stored offsite. Please contact Special Collections and University Archives in advance of your visit to allow for transportation time.

Additional Reference Guides

Paper finding aid with additional information is available in Special Collections & University Archives.

See the Current Collection Guide for detailed description and requesting options.

Languages
English
Sponsor
Funding for production of this finding aid was provided through a grant awarded by the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC).

Historical NoteReturn to Top

Hugh Baillie (1890-1966) was a reporter, then general news manager, and finally, president of United Press (1935-1955). He was also an author of at least seven books. His book, High Tensions, is a recollection of his work at United Press.

Content DescriptionReturn to Top

The collection contains manuscripts, including two versions of his autobiographical work, High Tensions, correspondence, memoranda, news stories, publicity, published work and periodicals.

This collection is organized by accession/addendum.

The initial donation of 1969 includes manuscripts, publicity and photographs, stories and articles, notebooks, and correspondence.

Manuscript material for High Tension includes a partial manuscript described as an "early version," unpublished materials concerning an interview with Neville Chamberlain (1939), an interview with Baille concerning the book, and correspondence.

Also included in this donation is a manuscript of Two Battle Fronts (1943).

There is a folder containing stories, dispatches and photographs regarding WWII and after, a notebook from the Sicilian Campaign (1943), and a notebook from the Korean War (1950).

A small section of correspondence (1936-1956) includes letters exchanged with Baille's wife, Earl Johnson (UP General News Manager, the Duke of Windsor, and Roy W. Howard of Scripps-Howard. There is also a section of correspondence and news articles submitted to Lord Beaverbrook regarding the marriage of Edward VIII to Wallace Simpson, a confidential memo, and letters received from Lord Beaverbrook.

The addendum of 1979 includes manuscripts, correspondence, memorandums, periodicals and books.

This addendum includes another manuscript of High Tension described as an "early draft before collaborator Martin Mayer worked with Baille." The manuscript is organized by episodes. Also included is a foreward, notes, pre-writings and revisions.

This addendum contains a much larger amount of correspondence than the previous. Outgoing correspondence (1933-1958) is organized by date and the bulk of the correspondence is from 1952-1958. Enclosures include a memo regarding a manuscript, a memo about Baille's father, and a manuscript correction.

Incoming correspondence is organized alphabetically by last name or title. There are many publishers represented including the Associated Press and notables such as Walter Cronkite.

There is a section of memoranda written by Baille during the time he was president of UP. These were used as resource material for High Tension. They are organized by date, 1936-1953. Many concern WWII.

Also included are five periodicals and a published copy of High Tension.

Accession 85.16x.M contains manuscripts, correspondence, notes and travel diaries, publications, and photographs.

Manuscript material includes drafts, reviews, and comments regarding High

There is also personal correspondence from 1935-1951, that includes letters (one each) from Presidents' Eisenhower and Truman.

There are two envelopes that contain notes taken in diary form regarding a trip around the Pacific Ocean during the 1940s, a trip with the Inter-American Press Association, and notes titled "diary of a war correspondent" (1936).

Miscellaneous material includes publications and photographs.

Administrative InformationReturn to Top

Detailed Description of the CollectionReturn to Top

Names and SubjectsReturn to Top

Subject Terms

  • Autobiography--Authorship
  • Journalists--United States
  • News agencies--United States--History--20th century
  • Reporters and reporting--United States--History--20th century
  • War correspondents--United States
  • World War, 1939-1945--Journalists
  • World War, 1939-1945--Personal narratives, American
  • World politics--20th century

Personal Names

  • Beaverbrook, Max Aitken, Baron, 1879-1964
  • Chamberlain, Neville, 1869-1940
  • Cronkite, Walter
  • Eisenhower, Dwight D. (Dwight David), 1890-1969
  • Howard, Roy Wilson, 1883-1964
  • Johnson, Earl J., 1900-1974
  • Truman, Harry S., 1884-1972
  • Windsor, Edward, Duke of, 1894-1972

Corporate Names

  • Associated Press
  • United Press International

Form or Genre Terms

  • Autobiographies
  • Correspondence
  • Diaries
  • Manuscripts for publication
  • Memorandums
  • Photographs