Harrison Spangler papers , 1946-1964

Overview of the Collection

Creator
Spangler, Harrison E. (Harrison Earl), 1879-1965
Title
Harrison Spangler papers
Dates
1946-1964 (inclusive)
Quantity
5.5 linear feet, (7 containers)  :  3 record storage boxes, 4 clamshell boxes
Collection Number
Ax 399
Summary
Harrison Spangler (1879-1965) was a Spanish-American war veteran who later served as a committee member and National Chairman of the Republican Party during the 1930-1940's, and after WWII became involved with Oregon politics. The collection consists of five major series: Wayne Morse, Robert Taft, Richard Neuberger, the Republican Party, and Harrison Spangler personal records.
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

Born in Iowa in 1879, Harrison Spangler was a Spanish-American War veteran. Upon returning from the war, he studied law and was admitted to the Iowa bar in 1905. Active in the Republican Party he served on the National Committee as a member from Iowa from 1932-1952. He served as National Chairman of the party in 1943-1944.

As a conservative member of the party he was known not only for his opposition to liberals such as Franklin Roosevelt and Harry Truman, but also more moderate members of his own party like Thomas Dewey. He was a strong supporter of Robert Taft against Dwight Eisenhower for the 1952 Republican nomination.

After moving to Portland, Oregon following WWII, he became involved in Oregon politics. He was best known for his opposition to Senator Wayne Morse. In 1962 Spangler published a book titled "The Record of Wayne Morse." Democrats claimed that the book was campaign literature and sued to find out where Spangler received his contributions. Spangler was still embroiled in the controversy when he died in 1965.

Content DescriptionReturn to Top

The collection consists of five major series: Wayne Morse, Robert Taft, Richard Neuberger, the Republican Party, and Harrison Spangler personal records.

Files on Wayne Morse include subjects such as foreign policy, Hells Canyon, labor, party switch, voting records and Spangler's research and writings on Morse.

The Republican Party material includes correspondence, minutes, convention files and committee reports.

Also included is a section of Spangler's personal papers. Significantly missing from the collection is material from Spangler's early activities, especially his period as Republican Party National Chairman during 1942-1944.

Administrative InformationReturn to Top

Detailed Description of the CollectionReturn to Top

Names and SubjectsReturn to Top

Subject Terms

  • Authors, American--Oregon
  • Conservatism--United States
  • Conservatives--Oregon
  • Political campaigns--Oregon
  • Politicians--Iowa
  • Politicians--Oregon

Personal Names

  • Morse, Wayne L. (Wayne Lyman), 1900-1974
  • Neuberger, Richard L. (Richard Lewis), 1912-1960
  • Spangler, Harrison E. (Harrison Earl), 1879-1965
  • Taft, Robert A. (Robert Alphonso), 1889-1953

Corporate Names

  • Republican Party (Or.)
  • Republican Party (U.S. : 1854- )

Geographical Names

  • Oregon--Politics and government
  • United States--Politics and government--20th century

Form or Genre Terms

  • Correspondence
  • Reports