Winfield E. Page papers, 1923-1995

Overview of the Collection

Creator
Page, Winfield E., 1904-1994
Title
Winfield E. Page papers
Dates
1923-1995 (inclusive)
Quantity
6.0 linear feet
Collection Number
Mss 520
Summary
Winfield E. Page was a Montana politician who served in the Montana Legislature from 1943 to 1961. He was heavily involved with the Republican Party in Missoula, Montana from the 1920s through the 1950s. This collection contains materials related to his political and professional careers including legislation, clippings, speeches, writing, photographs, and correspondence from his time in office; additionally, there is a small amount of personal material.
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
English.

Biographical NoteReturn to Top

Winfield Emerson Page was born in Owatonna, Minnesota on May 23, 1904. He was the oldest of Hugh and Jessie Page's four children. The family moved to Billings, Montana in 1912. Winfield graduated from Billings High School and attended both the University of Minnesota and the University of Montana.

In 1925, he settled in Missoula, Montana where he would pursue several different careers including working as a clerk at the Missoula Mercantile, as a landscape architect, and as a stock broker. Page married Alice J. Clark in Kalispell, Montana on March 26, 1938. He began actively working to support the Republican Party in 1928 as the Hoover "Minute Man," covering the presidential election. He was active in Young Republican Clubs in Montana, served in various positions in the Republican Party, and served in the Montana Legislature from 1943 to 1961. One of his main interests in his legislative service was higher education in Montana. He served as a member of the Montana state house of representatives from 1943 to 1949; as a delegate to the Republican National Convention from Montana in 1944; and was also a candidate for U.S. Representative from Montana's 1st District in 1954. Page was a member of the Freemasons, the Shriners, and the Knights Templar.

Winfield Page died on July 11, 1994.

Content DescriptionReturn to Top

The collection contains correspondence, 1936-1995; campaign materials, 1934-1964; clippings, 1928-1967; legislation in which he was interested, 1951; speeches and writings, 1926-1989; subject files on legislative interests, miscellaneous photographs, 16 mm film, reel-to-reel audio tape, and audio cassettes. Series IV: Audiovisual Materials contains what was formally a separate collection, OH 160.

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 transferred to the University of Montana.

Preferred Citation

[Name of document or photograph number], Winfield E. Page Papers, Archives and Special Collections, Maureen and Mike Mansfield Library, The University of Montana-Missoula.

Administrative InformationReturn to Top

Arrangement

Papers are arranged chronologically within series.

Series I: Personal, 0.2 linear feet, 1950-1988

Series II: Correspondence, 1.2 linear feet, 1936-1995

Series III: Campaign Materials, 0.5 linear feet, 1934-1964

Series IV: Clippings, 0.5 linear feet, 1928-1967

Series V: Legislation, 0.1 linear feet, 1951

Series VI: Speeches and Writing, 1.8 linear feet, 1923-1989

Series VII: Subject Files, 0.4 linear feet, 1949-1989

Series VIII: Photographs and Scrapbooks, 0.3 linear feet, 1943-1963

Series IX: Audiovisual Materials, 1.0 linear foot, 1938-1954

Custodial History

These materials were in the possession of the creator and his estate until their donation to Archives and Special Collections.

Future Additions

There are no expected additions to this collection.

Processing Note

Materials were refoldered and arranged in chronological order during processing. In 2017, film and audio materials were added to the collection. Additionally, oral history collection OH 160 was added to this collection as portions of Series IV, including the tape counter summaries. OH 160 no longer exists as a separate collection.

In 2021, all motion picture film reels were cleaned, cored, and rehoused for preservation purposes.

Related Materials

Archives and Special Collections also holds recordings of speeches and oral histories given by Winfield Page including OH 104, OH 131, and OH 158.

Detailed Description of the CollectionReturn to Top

Series I:  Personal, 1950-1988Return to Top

0.2 linear feet

This series contains biographical material related to Winfield Page and one folder of Christmas cards designed by Page's wife, Alice.

Container(s) Description Dates
Box/Folder
1/1
Biographical
1950s
10/9
Christmas cards
1952, 1986-1988

Series II:  Correspondence, 1936-1995Return to Top

1.2 linear feet

This series contains correspondence from throughout Page's life and career. This series is arranged chronologically.

Container(s) Description Dates
Box/Folder
1/2
Correspondence
1936
1/3
Correspondence
1937
1/4
Correspondence
January 1938-October 1938
1/5
Correspondence
November 1938-December 1938
1/6
Correspondence
January 1939-June 1939
1/7
Correspondence
July 1939-August 1939
1/8
Correspondence
September 1939-October 1939
1/9
Correspondence
November 1939-December 1939
1/10
Wendell Willkie
1940
1/11
Herbert Hoover
1940
1/12
Correspondence
1940
1/13
Correspondence
1941
1/14
Correspondence
1943
1/15
Thomas E. Dewey
1944
1/16
Wendell Willkie
1944
1/17
Correspondence
1944
1/18
Correspondence
1945
1/19
James A. McCain
1946
1/20
Robert Taft
1946
1/21
Correspondence
1946
1/22
Thomas J. Davis
1947
1/23
Correspondence, Herbert Hoover
1947
1/24
James A. McCain
1947
1/25
George A. Selke
1947
2/1
Correspondence
1947
2/2
Thomas J. Davis
1948
2/3
Roland R. Renne
1948
2/4
Harold E. Stassen
1948
2/5
Robert Taft
1948
2/6
Correspondence
1948
2/7
Thomas J. Davis
1949
2/8
Education
1949
2/9
James A. McCain
1949
2/10
Roland R. Renne
1949
2/11
George A. Selke
1949
2/12
Correspondence
1949
2/13
Thomas J. Davis
1950
2/14
Roland R. Renne
1950
2/15
George A. Selke
1950
2/16
Robert Taft
1950
2/17
Correspondence
1950
2/18
Thomas J. Davis
1951
2/19
James A. McCain
1951
2/20
Correspondence
1951
2/21
Thomas J. Davis
1952
2/22
James A. McCain
1952
2/23
Correspondence
1952
2/24
Thomas J. Davis
1953
2/25
Roland R. Renne
1953
2/26
Correspondence
1953
2/27
Harold E. Stassen
1954
2/28
Correspondence
1954
2/29
Correspondence
1955
3/1
Correspondence
1956
3/2
Roland R. Renne
1957
3/3
Correspondence
1957
3/4
Roland R. Renne
1958
3/5
Burton K. Wheeler
1958
3/6
Correspondence
1958
3/7
Correspondence
1959
3/8
Correspondence
1961
3/9
Correspondence
1962
3/10
Correspondence
1963
3/11
Correspondence
1964
3/12
Correspondence
1966
3/13
Correspondence
1969
3/14
Correspondence
1970
3/15
Correspondence
1974
3/16
Correspondence
1979
3/17
Correspondence
1984
3/18
Neil Bucklew
1985
3/19
James A. McCain
1985
3/20
Correspondence
1985
3/21
James A. McCain
1986
3/22
Neil Bucklew
1986
3/23
Correspondence
1986
3/24
James A. McCain
1987
3/25
Correspondence
1987
3/26
Correspondence
1988
3/27
Correspondence
1989
3/28
Correspondence
1990
3/29
Correspondence
1995

Series III:  Campaign Materials, 1934-1964Return to Top

0.5 linear feet

This series contains campaign materials from Page's various political activities and interests. Materials are arranged chronologically.

Container(s) Description Dates
Box/Folder
3/30
1934
3/31
1936
3/32
1938
3/33
1940
3/34
1942
3/35
1944
3/36
1945
3/37
1946
3/38
1947
3/39
1948
3/40
1949
3/41
1950
4/1
1951
4/2
1952
4/3
1954
4/4
1958
4/5
1960
4/6
1962
4/7
1964
Box
OS
Poster
undated

Series IV:  Clippings, 1928-1967Return to Top

0.5 linear feet

This series contains clippings from Page's various activities and interests. Materials are arranged chronologically.

Container(s) Description Dates
Box/Folder
4/8
1928
4/9
1934
4/10
1935
4/11
1938
4/12
1940
4/13
1941
4/14
1942
4/15
1943
4/16
1944
4/17
1945
4/18
1946
4/19
1947
4/20
1947-1949
4/21
1948
4/22
1949
4/23
1950
4/24
1951
4/25
1952
4/26
1952
4/27
1952
5/1
1953
5/2
1953-1954
5/3
1954
5/4
1958-1959
5/5
1960
5/6
1961
5/7
1962
5/8
1964
5/9
1966
5/10
1967

Series V:  Legislation, 1951Return to Top

0.1 linear feet

This series contains bills from Page's time in the Montana State Legislature. Materials are arranged chronologically.

Container(s) Description Dates
Box/Folder
5/11
Bills Introduced by Page
1951
5/12
State Controller Bill
1951

Series VI:  Speeches and Writing, 1923-1989Return to Top

1.8 linear feet

This series contains various writings and speeches by Winfield Page. Materials are arranged chronologically.

Container(s) Description Dates
Box/Folder
6/1
Early Speeches and Ideas
1923-1958
6/2
Prohibition
1926
6/3
Hoover Minute Man, KGVO radio
1928
6/4
Dixon Homecoming Dinner
1932
6/5
Hoover Campaign
1932
6/6
U. S. Academy of Statesmanship
1933
6/7
Various
1934
6/8
The Five Great Valleys
1937
6/9
Graduating Class in Clinton
1938
6/10
Young Republicans Convention
1938
6/11
Behalf of Thorkelson
1948
6/12
Polson
1939
6/13
Speeches and Writings
1939
6/14
Speeches and Writings
1940
6/15
Speeches and Writings
1942
6/16
Speeches and Writings
1944
6/17
Speeches and Writings
1947
7/1
Speeches and Writings
1948
7/2
School Equalization
1949
7/3
Speeches and Writings
1949
7/4
Speeches and Writings
1950
7/5
Controller Bill, HJM2
1951
7/6
Rotary Club
1951
7/7
Controller and Reorganiization
1951
7/8
Controller and Reorganization
1951
7/9
Speeches and Writings
1951
7/10
History of UM Field House
1952
7/11
Lincoln Day Address
1952
7/12
Kalispell Women's Republican Club
1952
7/13
Page for Congress
1952
7/14
Zales Ecton Introduction
1952
7/15
Wellington Rankin Introduction
1952
7/16
Zales Ecton Reelection
1952
7/17
McIlwain Introduction
1952
7/18
Livingston, Butte
1952
7/19
Service Clubs
1952
7/20
Whitehall Rotary
1952
7/21
Speeches and Writings
1952
7/22
Masonic Commandry
1952-1961
8/1
Speeches and Writings
1953
8/2
Young Republicans
1953
8/3
Lincoln Day Address
1953
8/4
Reorganizing Montana State Government
1953
8/5
Service Clubs
1953
8/6
Service Clubs
1953
8/7
Service Clubs
1953
8/8
League of Women Voters
1954
8/9
Masonic Bodies
1954
8/10
Helena Rotary Club
1954
8/11
Campaign
1954
8/12
Speeches and Writings
1954
8/13
Speeches and Writings
1955
8/14
Speeches and Writings
1958
8/15
Speeches and Writings
1959
8/16
Speeches and Writings
1960
8/17
Speeches and Writings
1962
8/18
Speeches and Writings
1963
8/19
Speeches and Writings
1964
8/20
Speeches and Writings
1965
8/21
Speeches and Writings
1966
8/22
Speeches and Writings
1967
8/23
Speeches and Writings
1968
8/24
Speeches and Writings
1971
9/1
Kiwanis Club
1972
9/2
Speeches and Writings
1981
9/3
Speeches and Writings
1985
9/4
Speeches and Writings
1986
9/5
Speeches and Writings
1987
9/6
Speeches and Writings
1988
9/7
Eulogy to Forrest Anderson
1989
9/8
Speeches and Writings
1989
9/9
Active Club, Spokane
undated
9/10
Active International
undated
9/11
Constitution of the U. S.
undated
9/12
Missoula Kiwanis Club
undated
9/13
Ronan
undated
9/14
International Affairs
undated
9/15
Townsend Club
undated
9/16
Young Republicans
undated
9/17
Miscellaneous
undated

Series VII:  Subject Files, 1949-1989Return to Top

0.4 linear feet

This series contains information on various topics. Materials are arranged alphabetically by folder title.

Container(s) Description Dates
Box/Folder
9/19
Annual Legislative Sessions
1949
9/20
Budget Director/Controller
1951-1959
9/21
Budget Director/Controller
1951-1959
9/22
Field House, Bozeman
1957-1986
9/23
Field House, Missoula
1947-1961
9/24
James A. McCain, UM President
1987
10/1
Jeannette Rankin
1966-1986
10/2
Masonic Orders
1951-1986
10/3
Purchasing Department Investigation
1958-1959
10/4
Sewer Improvement District, Missoula
1957
9/18
Six Mill University System Levy
various
10/5
University of Montana Adams Field House
1947-1989
10/6
University System Financing
1949
10/7
University System Mill Levy
1948, 1978, 1988
10/8
Young Republicans

Series VIII:  Photographs and Scrapbooks, 1943-1963Return to Top

0.3 linear feet

This series contains photographs and a scrapbook of Winfield Page, mostly concerning his political career.

Container(s) Description Dates
Box/Folder
10/10
Photographs
1950s and undated
10/12
Scrapbook, Legislature
1943-1963

Series IX:  Audiovisual Materials, 1938-1954Return to Top

1.0 linear foot

This series contains 16mm films, audio cassettes, and reel-to-reel audio tape of campaign speeches given by Winfield Page and others as well as a reel of 16mm film depicting the stadium at Montana State University.

Container(s) Description Dates
Box/Folder
10/11
Tape Counter Summaries
Correspond to some cassettes and reel-to-reel audio. Formerly OH 160
1938-1954
film
1
Old MSU Stadium
black and white, no sound
undated
2
President Eisenhower Speaking for the Winfield E. Page Campaign
color, sound
1954
3
The Year of the Big Decision, Citizens for Eisenhower. Campaign Speech by Winfield E. Page for the First Congressional District
color, sound
1954
Box
11
Cassette 1: Various Speeches by Winfield Page
Page for ThorkelsonPage for CongressMary Wilson and Page
1938-1940
11
Cassette 2: Various Speeches
Davis and PageSilver Dollar TalkEisenhower for PagePage on Bozeman Fieldhouse
1952-1954
11
Reel-to-Reel 1: Unidentified
undated
11
Reel-to-Reel 2: Unidentified
undated
11
Reel-to-Reel 3: Winfield Page Speech to Kiwanis and Rotary-Bozeman
Summary available in collection.
1952
12
Reel-to-Reel 4 - Part 1: Winfield Page on Education
1949
12
Reel-to-Reel 4 - Part 2: Winfield Page on Education
1949
11
Reel-to-Reel 5: Page for Congress
Tom J. Davis speaking on behalf of Winfield Page.
undated

Names and SubjectsReturn to Top

Subject Terms

  • Education and state--Montana
  • Legislators--Montana
  • Political campaigns--Montana--Missoula

Personal Names

  • Page, Winfield E., 1904-1994--Archives

Corporate Names

  • Montana. Legislative Assembly. House of Representatives
  • United States. Congress. House--Elections

Geographical Names

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

Form or Genre Terms

  • Campaign speeches--Montana
  • Speeches, addresses, etc., American--Montana

Occupations

  • Legislators--Montana
  • Political candidates--Montana