It was on November 13, 1898 that John Foster and Rosetta Elizabeth Wallace Bennett became parents of their first child, Wallace Foster Bennett. Wallace attended the Salt Lake public schools and the L.D.S. High School. He later attended the University of Utah. In 1918 he enlisted in the army and upon completion of his training, was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant. He did not see active duty as the war ended at about the time of his commission. He returned to Salt Lake and in 1919 completed his AB degree in English at the University of Utah.
Upon graduation he became the principal of the San Luis Stake Academy in Manassa Colorado which was operated by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He returned to Salt Lake in 1920 and began his career at Bennett's Glass and Paint, the family business.
In 1922 he married Frances Grant the youngest daughter of Mormon Church president Heber J. Grant. They became the parents of five children, Wallace Grant, David Wells, Robert Foster, Rosemary [Fletcher] and Frances [Jeppson].
In 1917 a formal trust document had been signed by John F. Bennett, W. J. Bennett, a brother, and Joseph C. Sharp, an associate, creating the Bennett Association with a lifetime of fifty years. W. J. Bennett became trustee of the Bennett Association in 1928. In 1938 Richard Bennett became the third trustee on the death of his father. This association was a holding company for the Bennett family assets. In 1928 his father's health began to deteriorate and he assumed more responsibility for the Bennett's business interests becoming secretary-Tresurer of Bennett's Glass and Paint. Upon his fathers death in 1938 he became president of Bennett's.
In 1939 he, along with his two brothers, Harold and Richard, and Homer C. "Pug" Warner, received a franchise from Ford Motor Co. to and establish a car dealership, Bennett Motor Co. In the meantime he continued to be active in his church following in his father's footstep and becoming treasurer of the General Board of the Deseret Sunday School Union. He was active in civic affairs. In 1940 he was elected president of the Salt Lake Rotary Club and in 1944 he was selected as the President of the Salt Lake Community Chest.
Over the years he had assumed leadership positions in business organizations. In 1935 he served as Vice President of the National Paint, Varnish and Lacquer Association and in 1937 he became president of the National Glass Distributor's Association. In 1945 he was elected to the Board of Directors of the National Association of Manufacturers and elected President of this organization in 1949) the first time someone from a small business background had been chosen.
It was not surprising perhaps that in 1950 some of the leaders in Utah's Republican Party, in searching for the right candidate to unseat long time Democratic Senator Elbert Thomas, looked favorably upon Wallace Bennett's business, civic and church credentials and nominated him as the Republican candidate. He was successful in unseating Senator Thomas and went on to represent the people of Utah for the next twenty-four years.
This election to the senate caused a change in his business responsibilities and these were assumed for the most part by his brother, Richard. The Senator was listed as Chairman of the Board of both Bennett's Glass and Paint and Bennett Motor Co. He continued to act as a Trustee of the Bennett Association, the family holding company.
In 1962 he had a hard fought campaign against Congressman David King. He won and gradually as he had more seniority he had more responsibilities.
His assignments in the senate included the committees in Finance, Banking and Currency, joint committees on Atomic Energy and Defense Production and he was vice-chairman of the Ethic's Committee. Had the Republican won a majority in the Senate he would have become chairman of either the Finance or Banking and Currency Committee.
His special interest in the senate included the upper Colorado Storage Project, establishing a review process for Medicine and Miecaid payments, and securing federal insurance for share holders of the nation's credit union's. When he left the senate he was characterized by Frank Hewlett who headed the
Wallace F. Bennett died 19 December 1993.
The Wallace F. Bennett papers (1946-1978) concentrate on the period of time when Bennett served as United States Senator from Utah. The bulk of the collection dates from 1965 to 1972. The papers have been divided into five categories: business, family, legislative, personal, and political correspondence.
The business papers consist mostly of correspondence along with some financial statements. These items relate to the Senator's Salt Lake interests: Bennett Motor Company, Bennett's Glass and Paint, Bennett Leasing, as well as various investments made over the years.
The family correspondence is of two kinds. There are the "family letters" which kept his immediate family as well as some close associates in touch with his social, political and legislative activities. They contain his candid expressions about those activities and serve as his diary. A nearly complete set of this correspondence is located in boxes 41-46. In addition, there is other correspondence with individual family members that spans the years 1950-1974. Of this latter kind, those between the Senator and his brother, Richard, are the most useful for learning about family, business, and personal matters.
The legislative section of the collection is the least informative. It is primarily perfunctory correspondence and invitations. The latter items were sampled and only a small portion retained.
The personal correspondence consists of letters to friends, associates, and constituents. Among these are former Michigan Governor, George Romney; former Secretary of Agriculture and Mormon Church Apostle, Ezra Taft Benson; J. Willard Marriott; and Ernest L. Wilkinson.
The political correspondence is limited but in some cases revealing. There are interesting items about former Utah Governor, J. Bracken Lee and former Utah Congressman, Douglas Stringfellow, who had been forced off the Republican ticket in 1954.
The Senator wrote three books during this period. They are
Twenty-four hour advanced notice encouraged. Materials must be used on-site. Access to parts of this collection may be restricted under provisions of state or federal law.
Some original items have been removed and placed in Reserve. Access must be given by the Manuscripts Curator and by appointment. An archivist must remain with the items if being used. Photocopies are available in the collection for research use.
The library does not claim to control copyright for all materials in the collection. An individual depicted in a reproduction has privacy rights as outlined in Title 45 CFR, part 46 (Protection of Human Subjects). For further information, please review the J. Willard Marriott Library's
Collection Name, Collection Number, Box Number, Folder Number. Special Collections, J. Willard Marriott Library, The University of Utah.
Gift of Wallace F. Bennett in 1982.
Gift of Wallace G. Bennett in 2012.
Processed by Nancy V. Young in 1983 and Julia Huddleston in 2012.
Addendum processed by Julia Huddleston in 2012.
Photographs were transferred to the Multimedia Division of Special Collections (P0017).
Senatorial papers are located at Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah. See also the
Correspondence, Financial Statement and an informative memo dated 7/29/54 regarding the Management of the company vis-a-vis its relationship with Ford Motor Co.
October 3, 1954 - History of the Company outlined in
Incomplete run of issues December 31, 1953 to November 4, 1954.
This series of letters begin with Bennett having undergone surgery in December 1951; a description of Christmas, the return from army service of Wallace Bennett Jr. and his wife, Theda, to Salt Lake; the return to Washington and resumption of the Bennett's activities. The tone of the letters is newsy and filled as much with happenings in their daily lives as Bennett's senate activities. He made speeches before audiences around the County-Such of Rotary clubs, Insurance correspondes and Chamberss of Commerce. The Bennetts redecorate their apartment, Frances Bennett graduated from Wellesly and makes plans for her marriage to Lawrence Jeppson.
This year's letters continued to deal with happenings of several members of the family, church activities and some public issues, Particulary speeches he made to conservative audiences.
This folder contains a copy of David's "Missionary Farewell" program, dated May 30, 1948; correspondence which indicates he was a seminary teacher for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; and, that a daughter, Amy was born March 24, 1954.
March 25, 1954 - The Beginning of Senator Joseph McCarthy's downfall as described by Bennett following an informal meeting with other Republican Senators: Goldwater, Dickson, Knowland, Bricker and McCarthy.
Letters sent to persons celebrating Golden wedding anniversary,s significant birthdays, Eagle Scout status. These simply give some indication of Bennett's constituent correspondence.
Folders 19-23 contain Imigration and Naturalization Bills which Bennett sponsored attempting to gain citizenship for those sponsered. These were selected from a much larger number representing about twenty-five percent of the total.
Over a period of years, during the month of June, Bennett arranged with ZCMI to fly in Utah Strawberries for his Strawberry Days in the senate. This folder contains selected "thank you" correspondence from other senators as well as some logistics correspondence with those responsibletes and shipments. One original letter has been removed and placed in Reserve. A photocopied version is available in the collection for access purposes. Access to the original must be given by the Manuscripts Curator and by appointment. An archivist must remain with the item if being used.
One original letter has been removed and placed in Reserve. A photocopied version is available in the collection for access purposes. Access to the original must be given by the Manuscripts Curator and by appointment. An archivist must remain with the item if being used.
January 8 and January 13, 1954 - Analysis of Bennett's Senatorial role. Correspondence between Bennett and David A. Robinson.
Correspondence about the Reiser's British Mission Presidency and some information about Bob Bennett's mission.
Interesting exchange of views about the 1954 Utah election and the roles played by Bennett and Ezra Taft Benson in the resignation of Rep. Douglas String-fellow's.
This correspondence deals primarily with Beneett's personal automobile rather than Bennett Motor Co. business.
Bennett's Glass and Paint "Brush Marks"
Incomplete run January 13-June 16 of the Bennett's employee newsletters.
Correspondence between Richard S. Bennett and Wallace Bennett about Bennett's paint business.
March 28, 1955 - David wrote to "Dear Family" and expressed his ideas about philosophy and his problem with mathematics. He wrote about his grave concern that man's math skills had outshipped his social skills.
May 4, 1955 - Senator Bennett congratulated Harold upon receiving the "Retailer of the Year Award."
Correspondence is all from Senator Bennett to son, Robert, who was serving a British Mission for the Mormon Church. Senator and Mrs. Bennett visited him in England.
September 20, 1955 - Glendon Johnson wrote to Wallace G. Bennett. re: Senator Bennett's 1956 re-election campaign.
One original letter has been removed and placed in Reserve. A photocopied version is available in the collection for access purposes. Access to the original must be given by the Manuscripts Curator and by appointment. An archivist must remain with the item if being used.
December 12, 1955 - Neal Maxwell, a member of Bennett's staff, discussed leaving after the 1956 election to work for
Primarily Bennett's contributions to the Church, Ward Budget and Tithing.
Itinerary, schedule, correspondence for European Trip from August 24 to October 7. This appeared to be primarily a personal rather than an official Senate Trip.
January 26, 1955 - Bennett write to Mrs. James B. Keister updating her on his family and his brothers and sisters.
This correspondence provides more information about the resignation of congressman Douglas Stringfellow and also some limited data on Utah's historical voting patterns. There was speculation about whether sitting Governor J. Bracken Lee would run for a third term.
In 1955 Governor Lee attacked President Eisenhower's loyalty to the Republican Party. Bennett denounced Lee's attack. Materials in this folder provide some background in this matter.
There is extensive memo correspondence from Richard D. Bennett to Harold and Wallace Bennett about the management and finance of aspects Bennett Motor Co. which was the umbrella Co. for Bennett Ford and Bennett Leasing.
Colorizer paints and the Bennett's company's seventy-fifth anniversary are discussed.
Incomplete run - 11 issues
The cash position of the association is noted.
Letter to family in which he expressed some of his ideas about mathematics - December 2, 1956
Correspondence about her Harper family genealogy.
Some correspondence between Richard and Wallace Bennett about the Wallace family Genealogy - their mother's family.
Lon Lee, daughter of J. Bracken Lee, is associated in University of Utah Student government with Bob Bennett. Reference is made to a story about them in the
Bennett presented an overview of his activities -political, religious, legislative and personal from March to June in his letter of June 2. The Senate campaign and its aftermath is the subject of the family letter of December 4.
Mr. Michaud was a disabled veteran with many problems which Bennett's staff attempt to ameliorate. The correspondence is arranged beginning with the most recent correspondence. The dates are 1956-1958. It has been included to indicate the type of constituent service provided by Senator Bennett's office.
This 11 page paper is entitled, "Summary of Accomplishments of Senator Wallace F. Bennett" and may have been used as a campaign hand-out.
March 8 - Letter from President Eisenhower to Bennett thanking him for support of administration policies and for Bennetts "kind comments about the upper colorado legislation. One original letter has been removed and placed in Reserve. A photocopied version is available in the collection for access purposes. Access to the original must be given by the Manuscripts Curator and by appointment. An archivist must remain with the item if being used.
Miscellaneous letters from correspondents whose last names begin with A covering a variety of topics--some political.
The financial matters of the Bennetts are the subject of most of this correspondence.
Greeting cards and thank-you letters primarily.
A list of several hundred persons with addresses to whom the Bennetts send Christmas Greetings. The list includes the prominent and not so prominent in Utah and Washington.
Primarily correspondence with and reports from the Edward L Burton investment company.
Bennett's notes for teaching his lessons as well as the Lesson handbook for 1956.
Limited materials including brochures, correspondence, and a contributor's list, Additional campaign materials are in Bx 5 Fds 13, 15, and 20.
Typescript, background materials, correspondence, list of autographed copies sent out and reviews. The book was originally published in 1958 as part of a series on religion all entitled
This folder contains various items to which Bennett apparently referred when doing the book. Included are the writings of others, various statistics and reasons why some persons made the decision to join the Mormon Church.
This first version differs significantly from the succeeding and final versions. Only Chapter I and Chapter VIII are included.
Chapters I - V (incomplete)
Chapters VI - X (incomplete)
Chapters XI - XV (incomplete)
Chapters XVI - XX (incomplete)
Chapters XXI - XXIII (incomplete)
This typescript appears to be the same as the published version. It seems to have been well accepted having been reprinted twice. It presents Mormon thought and practices of the 1950s. The priesthood authority is discussed without mention that it was available only to worthy white males. The General authorities of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints were pleased with the book according to their letter to Senator Bennett.
Reviews and lists of persons to whom autographed copies were sent.
There are several memos from Richard S. Bennett on the managment and the financing of Bennett Ford and Bennett Leasing as well as a "Preliminary Report on your various enterprises" listing Bennett Motor and Bennett's gloss Paint co's. profits dated August 6. The new Edsel is previewed in a mailing dated August 23 from Ford Motor Co.
Letters from Senator Bennett to Richard Bennett acknowledging the latter's correspondence.
Incomplete issues between March 21 and November 17.
General Correspondence.
Wallace G. Bennett. Bennett's gloss and Paints co's. insurance, medical, and pension plans as well as a Union settlement are the subjects covered in this correspondence between Wally Bennett and his father, Senator Bennett. See also Box 8 Fds 7-8 for the labor contract and profit sharing plan.
A copy of the group insurance plan. A "welcome" from Senator Bennett as chairman of the Board and a detailed company history policy outline.
Correspondence, proposed retirement program, ledger sheets on profits, balance sheets for Bennett's Paints and the Bennett Association and U. S. Government publication on the regulation for profit sharing plans.
Family - 1957
Letters of January 7 and 14 speculate on his upcoming Senate Committee assignments. Also in the letter of January 14 he comments about his progress in writing
Letters are between Bennett and his mother, his wife, his brothers and daughter-in-law, Theda.
Mr. Wallace was Bennett's uncle whose death is noted by the sons of Utah Pioneers in their newsletter. He was well-to-do and the father of John Wallace later Mayor of Salt Lake and President of Walker Bank.
Bennett's staff and Neal Maxwell, formerly on the staff and at this time with the University of Utah, work closely together to bring to their country Ildy Somogyvary, a Hungarian refugee, the daughter of Frank E. Somogyvary, a University of Utah instructor.
George Tohinaka long-term resident of Salt Lake is granted permanent status in the United States through efforts of Bennetts staff correspondence, affidavits and senate bills.
Senator Bennett often worked with ZCMI to ship Utah fruit to Washington for distribution to senate collegues.
Dixon, Henry Alodus. Letters to him from Bennett. March 16, August 16 and September 6.
Donald, George R. January 5, March 12, 13 and April 5. Taxation of co-operatives is the subject of this correspondence.
Droubay, H. K. General Margins of United Park City Mines is responded to by Bennett on the government's mineral's policy.
Gaddis, Stephen: Segregation problem, March 29, 1957.
Hodson, Paul: Senator Bennett wrote to Hodson about Bob Bennett's career plans, June 17, 1957.
Mrs. Adamson, a long time employee at Bennett's Paint, handled Bennett's personal and financial matters in Salt Lake. Their correspondence is reflective of this relationship. See Folder 3.
Deseret Sunday School Union Board. Address by Elder Adam S. Bennion.
Items are arranged alphabetically rather than chronologically. Correspondents include Wendell J. Ashton and Orval Adams.
This alphabetically arranged correspondence is primarily personal with some of it being constituent.
Correspondence, schedules, speech about trip, miscellaneous items.
January - September issues--incomplete runs.
Bennett's correspondence with Homer Reiser asking for information to be included in his book.
Minutes and financial reports for May.
Bennett's book,
The appointment of Hugh B. Brown as an apostle is noted in the letter of April 17, 1958. Harold Stassen's election defeat is mentioned in the May 22 letter and a description of a party at the J. Willard Marriott farm is provided in the letter of May 26, 1958.
Employment prospects for Bob and David Bennett are mentioned in letters of June 1 and June 9.
Much commentary about Republican politics. The September 10th letter features much information: Dr. and Mrs. Harvey Fletcher, parents of Bennett's son-in-law, celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary, the Arthur Watkins and J. Bracken Lee primary elections is commented upon as well as the general political situation.
Wrote to her extended family about her children.
The Martin Sobell case of Rosenberg-Sobell infamy is one matter of correspondence. Professor Francis Wormuth of the University of Utah has an article in a news sheet about the sobell Case.
These are selected items. About twenty percent of the letters in this section were retained.
Letter from President Eisenhower thanking Bennett for his support of the administrations domestic minerals stabilization plan, August 28, 1958. Bennett, in a
July 11, 1958
This issue primarily devoted to congressional matters
List of staff employees, 1951-1957 and
"Gospel teaching page Dividends" probably appeared in December 1958 issue or early 1959. Correspondence and typescript. Bennett write Mltelt.
Letter from Grant Johannesen. Legal statement deeding property in Big Cottonwood Canyon to Frances Bennett.
Lyle Ward, Bennett's Salt Lake staff person, reported that Sherman Adames, a dishonored assistant to Pres. Eisenhower, was an issue in the 1958 campaign. Senator Arthur Watkins, running for election, faced stiff opposition from some within the Republican party who supported Governor Lee.
Correspondence about the National Car Rental franchise and financial sheets for Bennett Ford.
Minutes and financial documents for May.
The family letters for this year indicate that the Senator became more active in the senate. He was a member of the Financial Committee chaired by Senator Byrd and the Atomic Energy Committee. He participated in background briefings about atomic energy and indicated he did not feel the testing in Nevada would prove to be a problem. He spends a fair amount of time making speeches for the Republican Party.
His personal life continued to be satisfactory. New grandchildren are born. He taught his Sunday School Class and continued his membership on the Sunday School Board. He noted the problem of age associated with the First Presidency of the Mormon Church. His son, David, completed his graduate work in Philosophy at Columbia. Both Bennett's traveled to Europe under the auspice of the Atomic Energy Committee. Mrs. Bennett provided a travel log. The Bennett's social life was well. He provided delightful accounts of Senator Byrd's apple blossom luncheon and a visit to J. Willard Marriott's farm. He described an unhappy encounter with Reed Benson, Ezra Taft Benson's son.
There are several cases in this folder including that of Dr. Aziz S. Atiya, August - October, 1959.
These are selected invitations about thirty percent of the total was retained.
These are selected invitation about twenty percent were returned.
List of members of Senator Bennett's staff, September 17, 1959.
Bennett makes a statement to the Senate Interior Committee favoring Hawaiian Statehood, March 2, 1959.
"God of Power" a hymn whose lyrics were written by Bennett is the subject of correspondence with J. Spencer Cornwall.
Limited correspondence with Ivy Baker Priest, Rocco Sicliano and I. Daniel Stewart.
Two brief items of correspondence.
As a former assistant to Bennett, Maxwell maintained a close relationship with the Senator. They exchanged letters about the political system in Utah. A friend sends Bennett a copy of a speech delivered by Maxwell, "The Constitutional Convention Revisited."
Correspondence includes items about Bennett Ford, Bennett Leasing and National Car Rental. There are some financial reports.
Five issues, January - July
Correspondence, Profit sharing plan and agenda for Bennett's Directors Meetings.
Agenda, Minutes and financial statements.
Newsletters, 1960-1961 and correspondence, 1948, 1960-1961.
The possible sale of Main Street property owned by the Bennett's and the John Wallace family is the main subject of this correspondence.
Harold Bennett, as president of ZCMI, is featured in a
Bennett Motor, Bennett's glassed Paint and the Bennett Association are the subjects in the correspondence between Richard and Wallace Bennett.
Miscellaneous subjects discussed--business and some political happenings including the dispute between Mayor J. Bracken Lee and the police chief. Cleon Skousen whom Lee had fired.
Bennett's letters are mostly about minor financial matters having to do with various family members.
December 1, 1960 - Letters from Allen Dulles to Senator Bennett about the status of Frances Gary Powers.
The Hatch Act is the subject of letters to John D. Schone, September 9 and Leonard J. O'Keefe, October 26.
Routine correspondence thanking others for small courtesies, well wishes and reminders about general congressional matters and invitations to some senate get-togethers.
These have been sampled - about 20 percent were retained.
These invitations have to do, primarily, with his role as a senator--a small number being more personal. Most of the invitations from Utah organizations were saved while only about twenty percent of the remainder were retained.
Letters, Memos and schedules.
Potential Utah Political appointments are listed in correspondence with Vernon Romney, August.
Gifts are made to various charities, his church and a scholarship.
Minutes and Correspondence.
Lyman Hunter, a vice president at Bennett's glass of Paint was interested in purchasing an automobile in Germany on a forthcoming trip. Bennett attempted to enlist the aid of his friend Heinrich Eberhard.
Itinerary for the Spanish portion of the Bennett's European Trip.
Aviation Club of Utah Membership Roster for 1960.
J. Bracken Lee is the subject of letters between Bennett, George Hatch and Elwood Winters, February 1960.
May 1, 1960 - Letter from W. La Mar Webb about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints selling their interest in Zions First National Bank.
June 1960 - Letters and news articles about the rumored sale of ZCMI - all denied.
Utah Oil Refining Co. had come to a corporate end. It was incorporated into American Oil Co. Bennett had been a board member and wrote his "associations of 22 years which followed my father's association of an even longer period now comes to an end," December 22, 1960.
Bennett wrote to Dr. Kenneth S. Bennion that "there was a flurry of interest when it [the book] came out [in 1957] which seems largely to have disappeared."
Correspondence and some financial reports.
List of stock holders, directors and officers, January 13, 1961. Strategy for Bennett's 1962 re-election campaign was the subject of letters, February 21 and February 22 to Richard S. Bennett from the Senator.
March 17 - Report of the operation of the profit sharing and retirement plan for 1960.
November 13, 1961 - Lists of employees and changes to be inserted in Bennett's Manual.
Incomplete run of issues, February - December.
June 19 - Letter to John W. McGovern, President of NAM from Dillard Mumford about a speech made by Senator Barry Goldwater in which he questioned the effectiveness of the NAM vis-a-vis its relations with Congress.
Kennedy Administration. Bennett appeared in many of these issues. As a post president of the NAM he was invited to many of their meetings. He was accused by political opponents as being to closely associated with the group.
The up-coming senate campaign, settlement of Rose Wallace Bennett's estate and Bennett Motor Co. matters are the subjects of this correspondence.
Miscellaneous Correspondence - May 27 - Letter in which there is evidence of the Senator's concern that Bob was not yet married.
Correspondence, Probate Decree
Correspondence about the 1962 Senate Campaign business matters at Bennett's glass of paint.
The highlights of Senator Bennett's year as reported in the family letters which cover the period from January - September were his up-coming Senate Campaign; the illness of brother Richard; Mrs. Bennett's assumption of the presidency of the Congressional Club; and Bennett's increased responsibilities in the Senate.
Selected items - List of Bennett's speeches, September 24 - December 7.
November 28, 1961 - Senator Everett M Dirksen wrote to Bennett about advise given to J. Bracken Lee to "Leave the senate race alone."
Invitations to the Inaugural Ball, concert mass and the Inaugural ceremony of John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson.
The invitations retained in these 3 folders represent about 20 percent of those marked declined for 1961. More Utah invitations were retained because of their probable research value and interest.
March 11 - G. Homer Durham-invitations to his inauguration at Arizona State was declined but with well wishes.
An itinerary and calendar schedule sheet. This is the first example of the Senator office scheduling.
Correspondence Concern expressed about the portrayal of a Mormon Utah Senator in the book
Deseret Sunday School Union--Correspondence and sample kit.
February 27 - Maurice Abravanel informed Rotary Club members of symphony financial needs and Bennett wrote to the Maestro.
Correspondence with J. Reuben Clark prior to his death and also his funeral notice, October 10, 1961.
March 10-24 - Several letters between Bennett and G. Homer Durham about a controversial loyalty oath.
October 3 - Richard L. Evans and Bennett correspond about the book
March 7 and 24 - Correspondence from the Senator to Mr. Roh contains interesting comments about the Bennett family, his role in the senate and his business interests. The Paint business is growing but reports from Bennett Motor are less satisfactory.
Incomplete run of issues of this Rotary Club newsletter. See issues on Bennett May 5 and May 12.
Correspondence and Program for her Bountiful Homecoming, January 30, 1961.
Limited correspondence about Senator Bennett's 1962 Senate Compaign.
Correspondence, one issue of
May 14 - Bennett wrote in some anger to James D. Hammond about being the beneficiary of an NAM survey and this fact perhaps coming to the attention of his senate opponent, Congressman King.
Incomplete run of seven issues from January to October 1962.
January 15, 18, 30 - Correspondence between Harold and Wallace about Harold being made president of the National Retail Merchants Association.
Much of the correspondence here has to do with settling the problem of the ownership of Bennett Motor Co? Complex meaning Bennett Ford, National Car Rental and Bennett Leasing. The solution seemingly agreed to is that the Bennett Association would assume ownership of these companies by buying out the equities of others such as Grace Warner.
Some correspondence about the Senator's re-election campaign in which he assisted.
Mr. Bennett, unrelated to the Senator, developed a correspondence with him.
July and August - Several items of correspondence between Bennett and Apostle Richard L. Evans about the possibility of the book,
The most generous gift made by Senator Bennett is to B. Y. U. and the most interesting to the Joe Hill House.
These are undoubtedly a very few of the financial contributions that were made to Bennetts re-election campaign.
This folder contains interesting correspondence about Bennett's 1962 Senate race.
January 4 - Bennett became an honorary member of Basin Post No. 64, American Legion. This membership was faithfully renewed in the years following.
November 16 and December 19 - Exchange of notes between Richard M. Nixon who lost governship race in California and Bennett who won in Utah.
May 5 - Brief description of the construction of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints storage vaults.
January 24 - Doris Fleeson's analysis of the possibility of Congressman David king upsetting Bennett in their senate race.
Bennett promoted the Institute's program with his senate colleagues.
Seven issues, February 16 - May 11.
Correspondence about jewelry purchased by Senator Bennett for Mrs. Bennett.
Bennetts Republican primary opponent was former Governor J. Bracken Lee and in the final campaign it was Congressman David King. Although the Senator wrote to various people that he believed the campaign would be close he was confident that he would win. He attributed his eventual victory to being "better organized over a broader base with more people than COPE...[and] all of our people were volunteers....we can identify nearly 15,000 people around the state who participated in specific and planned programs...as a result of this win he became the ranking Republican in the Banking and Currency Committee. Very limited material including a few items of correspondence and a short list of finance company officers who contributed financially.
Congratulations, November 7 - December 19. These congratulations came from business, financial and campaign supporters. They substantiate the fact that the basis of his support came from conservative elements of the community.
October 4 - Bennett was a strong advocate of the multiple use concept for the National Parks System as he indicated in a letter to George Anderson.
October 30 -
Harold Bennett's family, children, spouse and many grandchildren are pictured on their family card.
March 20 - Richard Bennett wrote to Senator Bennett's son, Robert, about employment possibilities at Bennett's Glass and Paint and provides an overview of the Bennett family holdings and their management.
September 4 - Bennett wrote to his German friend, Dr. H. Eberhood giving a brief synopsis of the trip.
Correspondence, Information Sheets, Lists of Nominees, Test results are included in this chapter. The material was sampled; about 30 percent was retained.
November 13 and 16 - Friendly correspondence exchanged between the Senator and President Lyndon B. Johnson for Bennett's birthday.
Senator Bennett had previously taken a position in favor of the YAF [see Box 16 Fd 2]. These articles from
There is little material about the Bennett business interests in 1965 except for some in information about tax problems that had developed as a result of the Bennett Association, the family holding company, having absorbed Bennett's Galss and Paint. Bennett Motor Co. was reorganized "to conform to the Ford Motor Company's ever changing dealer policy."
There is also little material about Senator Bennett's immediate family. He did note in a letter to a friend that son Bob was a political representative for J. C. Penney and Company based in Washington D. C. Bob married a granddaughter of Mormon Church president David O. McKay. The Senator was pleased to have this family connection.
One of the Bennetts daughters, Rosemary Bennett Fletcher is married to Robert Fletcher, brother of University of Utah President James C. Fletcher. They had been long time residents of New Jersey but were transferred during the year to Albuquerque New Mexico where he became vice president for research of the Great Sandy Corporation--responsible for producing U. S. Atomic weapons.
His senate duties continued to grow. He was appointed by the Vice president, Hubert Humphrey, to be a member of the senate Ethics Committee - known officially as the "select Committee: Standard and Conduct. His other committee assignment included Finance, Banking and Currency and the Joint Committees--Atomic Energy and Defense Production. Tom Korologos became his cheif Administrative Assistant replacing Ralph Mecham who had become a Vice President of the University of Utah.
1965 found the Republicans in Utah at somewhat of a low ebb. Bennett and Republican Laurence Burton are the only two major republicans in office. Democrat's Senator Moss and Congressman King hold the other two National offices and the governship was held by newly elected Calvin Rampton. Sherman Lloyd is mentioned as the most likely cnadidate to challenge King for his congressional seat.
April 21 - Tax problems are reviewed with attorney, John K. Mangum.
Six issues of Bennett's Glass of paint newsletter, January - July (incomplete)
August 23 - Harold Bennett wrote an informative letter to Senator Bennett about the development of the Granger Shopping Mall vis-a-vis ZCMI and the part played by real estate developer, Graham Doxey.
June 8 - The Senator wrote to Wallace G. asking his assistance in completing some family genealogy sheets. Some of therelationships between the Heber J. Grant and Daniel Wells families are suggested.
These are selected items of correspondence, about 20 percent has been retained.
April 26 - Bennett wrote to Myrtle Adamson and in an aside noted that the Bennett Association and Bennett's as a company "are identical."
The remarkable Fletcher family of scientific note are related to Bennett through the marriage of his daughter, Rosemary, to Robert Fletcher, son of Harvey Fletcher and brother of University of Utah president, James C. Fletcher.
June 15 - Charles H. Bradford, former Bennett staffer, was appointed as deputy chief of research for the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
October 27 - Letter to T. DeGroat and enclosure of a biographical sketch on Senator Bennett's father, John Foster Bennett, prominent business and church leader in Utah.
September 1-7 - Correspondence with Marriner Eccles about the Vietnam War.
February 26 - Senator Bennett wrote to Horace H. Fisher about his recently completed dissertation, "competition and Concentration in the Brewing Industry" based on his research and work history at the Fisher Brewing Co. of Ogden, Utah.
August 13 - Correspondence with Frank Jonas, University of Utah professor of political science, about Bennett's position on eliminating silver from dimes and quarters, the organization, if any, of western senators, Northwest Governors Conference and, finally gossip about happenings in the University of Utah Department of Political Science.
January-June - Correspondence with David M. Kennedy about the appointment of Edwin Brown Firmage as a "White House Fellow."
March 10 - A biographical sketch of Senator Bennett appears in an attachment to a letter to Arno H. Luehman.
Primarily correspondence about a claim against a policy held by Senator Bennett with Utah Home Fire Insurance Company.
Mr. Howell, a Utah businessman and supporter of Senator Bennet, was a frequent correspondent with the Senator.
Mecham left Senator Bennett's staff where he had been his top chief assistant, to become assistant to the president at the University of Utah.
Mr. Roh and the Senator, as well as the Senator's father John Bennett, had been closely associated in the paint business in past years. The Senator kept in touch with Roh writing him several times a year, often about family members. His letters offen provide a brief over view of the Bennett family. Mr. Roh died the end of December.
John Wallace is a again to the Senator. The Wallace and Bennett families shared some property interests. Mr. Wallace was chairman of the Board of Walker Bank. His wife, Glenn Walker Wallace, is one of Salt Lake's foremost civic and charity leaders.
This book by Bennett was reprinted in a paperback edition by Beacon Press. There are several items of correspondence about the reprint as well as with Deseret Book Co. which had previously been one of the book's publishers. Bennett continued to send copies to those whom seem interested in Mormonism. New statistics about church growth were featured in later editions.
Mr. Edward Wiener, a manufacturer of fine jewelry and his daughter, Arline became frequent correspondents with the Senator. Mr. Wiener made several pieces of jewelry for the Bennetts and Arline worked in the Senators office.
September and October - Several letters about back room Republican politics. The correspondents are Senator Bennett, Kent Shearer, long time republican party stalwart, and William A. Lang, Republican gadfly
Ward worked as a part-time Utah aide to the Senator and the correspondence is primarily political.
The business correspondence for 1966 is useful in helping to better understand the many Bennett interests. Bennett Leasing had problems with both taxes and the Valley Music Hall. Bennett Ford is in the process of being transferred to Richard Warner. The Bennett Association invests in the Almaden Winery.
His legislative duties were sometimes frustrating. He wrote to Gweneth Gates in January that "I am usually on the losing side [but] to this time I am not ready to quit." Later in January he attended an International Balance of Payments Conference in England and in April a conference in New Zealand.
He noted the passing of an old friend, Charles Roh. "His passing leaves a real hole in the list of older men who helped me so much when I was getting started in the business." In July and August the Senator was hospitalized for his ulcer condition.
During the year he wrote to David Lawrence McKay urging him to have his father, LDS President David O. McKay, disassociate himself from an implied endorsent of the John Birch Society suggested by Ezra Taft Benson.
Primarily correspondence with Richard L. Warner who was in the process of buying out Bennett Motor and who had assumed its management.
January - Senator Bennett made a speech before a group of businessmen at a conference in Chandler Arizona. A copy of the speech which had to do with the manufacturing and distribution of paint, and filled with some levity, is included.
Business, Family and political matters are intermingled in this correspondence. The Bennett Association, Bennett Leasing, Bennett's Glass and Paint and various political matters are the main subjects of the correspondence between the Senator and his brother, Richard.
The investments, assets and tax problems of the Association and Leasing company are explained in some detail. The Political matters concern financial contributions made to various Republican candidates and indignation at the political manuvering of Congressman David King. John Mangum, attorney for the Bennett interests, son-in-law of Ernest L. Wilkenson, and republican leader is mentioned often throughout this correspondence.
April 27 - In a letter to Mrs. Frank E. Jacobsen Senator Bennett recalled some of his, as well as Mrs. Bennett's, church activities. He had earlier studied and sung under the direction of J. Spencer Cornwall and written the words to the Mormon hymn "God of Power, God of Right." He noted that Mrs. Bennett was active in the Primary Association at the Ward and Stake level and had been a member of the Primary General Board.
Senator Bennett continued to be a personally generous supporter of many local Utah groups. In addition he had been contacted by Mr. Edward Ball an industrialist and philanthropist connected by marriage to the DuPont family, for suggestion about Utah charities and causes to which Mr. Ball and his sister Mrs. DuPont could make donations.
September 23 - Bennett worte to Mark A. Dalton outlining his attitude on the rights of Blacks.
July 1 - In a letter to Adaline Fuller the Senator wrote about possible presidential candidates and pronounced his fondness for Michigan Governor, George Romney.
February 4 - Bennett worte letter of condolence to Alice Kasai, widow of Henry Kasai, who had been a leader in Utah's Japanese-American Community. Mr. Kasai's obituary is included.
January 21 - Bennett wrote to David Lawrence McKay urging him to have his father, L. D. S. Church president David O. McKay disassociate himself from an implied endorsement of the John Birch Society suggested by Ezra Taft Benson.
October 21 - Bennett sent condolense letter to the widow of former Republican Douglas Stringfellow.
Senator Bennett was hospitalized for an ulcer condition in late July until the third week in August. About twenty percent of the cards were retained.
About twenty percent of the correspondence was retained.
Mr. Jensen had been sending first-day covers and stamps for many years to Senator Bennett who in turn passed them on to his friend, C. J. Roh. Upon Mr. Roh's death, he passed them on to his nephew, Richard Winters.
August 18 - Vietnam policy memo from Senator Bennett for potential presidential candidate Gov. George Romney sent by way of J. Willard Marriott.
Correspondence between Bennett and Mecham, two "University of Utah News" releases about Mecham's appointments, and a
Correspondence between Mortimer and Bennett regarding a forthcoming Utah Symphony concert at Carneige Hall. Mention is also made of the legal problems of a mutual friend, DeWitt Paul.
Mr. Nelson kept Bennett informed about local Utah issues.
These letters deal primarily with the efforts Bennett was making to secure a job for Robinson's granddaughter, Chari LaRue, with the Utah Parks Co?? There is also mention made of family and friends and some senate business. These are letters of old friends.
Dr. Levi Reynolds who headed the Salt Lake City Sertoma Club is the originator of most of the Sertoma correspondence. In addition to correspondence there are newspaper articles, a printed program, list of finalists for the Sertomas Essay Program and a declaration from Utah governor Rampton's office declaring the week February 20 through February 26 as "Freedom Week."
Senator Bennett was asked to help locate any papers of Senator Reed Smoot which might have been in Washington. They were to be forwarded to Brigham Young University, which had been designated the repository for all Smoot Family materials.
Announcements of forthcoming meetings, membership list from 1913 - 1964, summary of finances, 1957 - 1965 and some correspondence. The purpose of the Timpanogas Club appears to have been to meet for dinner and to listen to speakers. To quote from the club's material:
September 5 - November 10 - Several items of correspondence are exchanged between Bennett and University of Utah Professor of Political Science, Frank Jonas about the resignation of former Utah Congressman Douglas Stringfellow from the Republican ticket.
Correspondence between Bennett and Lloyd about Lloyd's Utah congressional race.
Several items of correspondence regarding the organizational aspects of Utah's Republican politics.
Post cards, correspondence and Festival Report.
January 23 - Obituary and condolence letter to Mrs. Heary Aldous Dixon upon the death of her husband former Congressman Dixon.
November 28 - In a letter to C. J. Ehlers Bennett related talks about his family relationship with the Bennett and Wallace families.
September 28 - Black people and Banking is the subject of letters between Bennett and Dennis L. Gibson.
September 28 - Bennett explained why he wanted to be a Senator in a letter to Douglas Mortensen.
September 27 - Correspondence from Sally R. Quinn and attached article from the
February 28 and April 24 - Admiral H. C. Rickorer reports on ??? a new nuclear submarine.
October-December - Several items of correspondence about the forward Maxwell had asked Bennett to write for his new book,
June 22 - Bennett commented about his part in the Senate hearing on Thomas Dodd as well as about his own re-election bid in 1968.
This correspondence has to do primarily with jewelry Wiener made for the Bennett's.
Bennett's correspondence with Wilkinson deals primarily with Wilkinson's concern about the Black riots of that year.
Information is primarily about Romney's try for the 1968 GOP presidential nomination.
Bennett's correspondence indicates some of the preparations made for the forthcoming 1968 campaign.
Ward is Senator Bennett's representative in Utah. Most of the correspondence has to do with the Senator's 1968 re-election bid.
March 8 - Senator Bennett wrote to Congressman Sherman Lloyd about Elizabeth Ann Lloyd being Utah's representative at the annual Cherry Blossom Festival.
March 7 - Senator Sennett wrote to Senator Brooke encouraging him to accept a speaking engagement at Brigham Young University.
February 12 - Bennett supplied material for an article on "Peace" to be published in the Mormon Church publication,
December 23 - Edward Ball through Senator Bennett made substantial contributions to Utah organizations. These are listed in a letter to Ball from Bennett.
October 16 - Richard Boss and Senator Bennett correspondended about the eventual placement of the Senator's papers at the University of Utah Libraries.
January 15 - In a letter to William Caffey, Bennett outlined his thinking on a number of public issues such as Vietnam, appropriate age for voting, school prayers and public spending.
March 27 - Marriner Eccles continued to forward Anti-Vietnam material to Senator Bennett.
January 4 - Senator Bennett supplied an article for the
Johnson accepted a new position in Houston Texas with the Great southern Life Insurance Company. The friendship between the Bennetts and Johnson remained strong. Senator Bennett described it as "an intimate personal and business relationship."
April 30 - In a letter to Mecham Bennett noted disapproval of a statement by columnist Jack Anderson about the position of the Mormon Church vis-a-vis the problems of the poor.
Correspondence and invoices--primarily about jewelry purchase.
Invitation to the ribbon cutting, certificate showing Senator Bennett to have been and "honorary ribbon cutter," and a brief sketch with pictures of ZCMI spanning its first 100 years of service.
There are only a few items of correspondence.
August 26 and September 5 - Interesting correspondence between Senator Bennett and University of Utah political science Professor,Frank Jones, regarding the possible campaign tactics to be used by Bennett's opponenets. During the campaign, Jonas offered to be of service when he wrote, "I shall try to listen to their [opponents] plans so that I can forward them to you."
February 20 - Correspondence between Richard and Wallace F. Bennett about the Johnson Land Co. which changed its name to Terracor.
April 28, 30 - Correspondence between Richard and Wallace Bennett about the "Lalique Angels" purchased by John Wallace as a gift to be placed in the new L. D. S. Church Office Building. Because the angels had wings making them theologically incorrect the church felt they could not be used.
April 30 - Senator Bennett recieved the George Washington award for distinguished public service. A copy of the address given at the dinner by Cecil H. Underwood, former governor of West Virginia is included in the folder.
Correspondence, brochures and other background information on various Utah groups to which Senator Bennett suggested that philanthropist Edward Ball and his sister Mrs. DuPont might wish to contribute. A final list of recipients is also enclosed.
June 10, 20 - Bennett became an official member of the University of Utah Emeritus Club.
March 20 and April 10 - Two perfunctory letters from President Richard M Noxon to Bennett.
January 7 - In a letter to Hawell, Senator Bennett characterized Milton Weilemann, his opponent in the 1968 senate race.
This correspondence shows the close relationship between the Bennetts and Johnsons. The Johnsons are recipients of the Bennett family letter.
Mr. Judd is Mrs. Bennett's nephew. In the past he has helped in Bennett's election campaigns. There is an easy familiarity between the two.
Summary Report, correspondence calendar, pamphlet, list of participants etc are among the items from this organization which sponsored a number of conferences throughout each year attended by people of influence. Bennett attended many of these sessions.
June 16 - The business policy of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints of possibly disposing of some of its corporate holdings was the subject of this letter from Bennett to O'Rourke.
Even though these have been selected very few invitations were apparently accepted during January and March. This may have been because Mrs. Bennett was hospitalized with his surgery.
In preparation for Senator Bennett's appearance in a pamphlet, "Leaders in Profile: The United States Senate," some background material was prepared by his staff.
During 1970, Terracor which had formerly been the Johnson Land Co., founded by Glendon and Franklin Johnson, experienced some financial problems. The Bennett's had been involved in helping to finance the Johnsons venture.
November 3 - Bennett in wrote to John Harmer about the over protection of members of the L. D. S. Church from worldly evils.
In June L. Ralph Mecham announced his resignation from the Four-corners Regional Commission. He moved to the Anaconda Co.
November 17 - Bennett wrote to President Nixon about being the recipient of Social Security benefits.
The relationship between the Bennett and Johnson families continued to be warm and friendly and there is no mention made in this personal correspondence about the financial problem of Terracor, a company owned by the Johnsons and in which the Bennetts invested. (See box 23 folder 6).
As the ranking member of the Senate's Finance Committees Bennett assumed more responsibility and power. He was responsible for the Nixon Administration's tax bill which proved to be an arduous assignment. According to his administrative assistant, Robert Wolthius, the "long and difficult floor fight on the tax bill" caused his ulcer condition to worsen and he was forced, on December 2, to undergo surgery. Wolthius replaced Tom Korologos who had moved on to the Whote House to become a special whote House assistant to President Nixon. As a member of the Banking Committee, Bennett also had a leading role to play in the monetary reform measures that came about in 1972.
Mrs. Bennett successfully underwent surgery at the beginning of 1971 to replace her hip joint. A sad note for Bennett was the death in March of his sister, Mary Bennett Smith.
Some of Senator Bennett's business interests apparently prospered. Bennett Motor Company showed a substantial profit increase and on December 4, 1971, Bennett Ford officially became Rick Warner Ford. The Bennett Association investment in Terracor, the company founded by his close friend Glendon Johnson, was in some jepordy.
The Bennetts took several trips because of his senate responsibilities. In May they were in Munich for the International Banking Conference; they later traveled to Paris in June for the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) conference which was tied to his Finance Committee work; in September they went to Geneva for the United Nations Atomic Energy Conference.
Senator Bennett was the recipient of two honorary degree-the first from Northeastern University in Boston and the second from his Alma Mater the University of Utah.
December 4, 1971 - Bennett Ford announced the change of its corporate name to Rick Warner Ford.
October 18, 1970 and February 10, 1971 Correspondence between David and his father. He mentuned the various institutions to which he might leave his papers.
Mrs. Smith, the sister of the Senator, died in March. Bennett described her as "a wonderful, kind and quiet woman who did much to alleviate the burden of many."
Correspondence, delegation list, invitations to events, itinerary and staff guide are included.
February 3, 1971 - Bennett congratulated Wayne Owens on becoming Administrative Assistant to Senator Frank Moss.
This material includes invitations to Senate hearings, official Congressional happenings as well as lunches, receptions and dinners and even a "shower" for prospective father--Senator Stom Thurmond--March 16, 1971.
Statements by Senator Frank Moss and Bennett and Fletcher including Fletcher, Biography and correspondence.
Correspondence, Bennett's brief life sketch, commencement program.
Congressional invitations were selected and place in a separate folder and the remaining invitations represent about twenty percent of the whole.
He continued to accept invitations from the "Conference Board" banking and Utah groups. There are no invitations after October 26. This may have to do with the Senator's health and heavy work load (he was operated on December 2 for his ulcer condition) or they just may not have been included in these files.
June 6-9, 1971 - Invitations, background information schedules, objectives and issue papers are among the items included.
October 31, 1971 - Frank Hewlett in a
Bennett's contributions range from small amounts to substantial donations. The Utah Symphony and Ballet West were recipients of some of his larger gifts. Contributions made to the Mormon Church and Republican party are to found in their respective files.
Mr. Edward Ball, brother of Mrs. DuPont who had in previous years made substantial contributions to Utah Organizations, wrote that she had died in late 1970 and there would be no gift for the coming year as her estate was being probated. Mr. Ball sent $25,000 of his money for Bennett to distribute.
June 21 and February 1, 1971 - Bennett's Salt Lake Senate office is referred to in correspondence between the Senator and Tess Anderson.
November 15, 1971 - Bennett contratulated Rex E. Lee on becoming Dean of the new Law School at Brigham Young University. Attached to the letter is a news article about Dean Lee's appointment.
April 23, 1971 - John P. O'Keefe invited Bennett to join the NAACP. Bennett declined.
November 24, 1971 - In a letter to Orrin D. Parker, Bennett outlined his senate activities during 1971.
April 27, 1971 - Bennett sent condolences to Governor Calvin L. Rampton on the death of his mother Janet Campbell Rampton.
February 5, 1971 - Letters from Senator Wallace Bennett to Mr. Bennett Wallace about the possibility of a family connection.
The tone of this correspondence is warm and friendly indicating the close feelings between the Bennett's and the Johnson's.
At the White House Conference on Again, Monday November 29, 1971, Senator Bennett who had been making a luncheon speech, collapsed and was hospitalized. On Thursday, December 2, he was operated on to correct the ulcer condition that had developed, only about 10 percent of the correspondence was retained.
Most of the correspondence has to do with Republican fund raising efferts but it is not substantive.
There were major changes in the business enterprises of the Bennetts namely Richard Warner completed his buyout of Bennett Ford and changed its name to Rick Warner Ford." Various property transfers by the Bennett's in back of their First South Store allowed for the development of Arrow Press Square.
The Bennetts have recovered their health but there were ups and downs in their family. Robert Bennett was associated to an unknown degrees in the Watergate drama. Wallace and Theda continued to serve the LDS Church in a mission presidency in England. The Fletcher grandchildren are coming of age and there is some insightful correspondence from two of them. Lawrence Jeppson published a book,
Bennett served as ranking member of the Financial Committee and also had seniority on the Banking Committee. In addition he was on the Housing and Urban affair committee, joint committees on Atomic Energy, Defense Production and Internal Revenue Taxation Committees. He chaired the committee on Standards and Conduct. His correspondence to other Senators and house members, titled as Congressional Correspondence, does not reflect his committee work nor in most cases issues before the Congress. Its substance is almost exclusively personal. Paul Denham became his administrative assistant because Robert Wolthius vacated the job to return to Utah and run (unsuccessfully) for Congress against Gunn McKay.
Bennett had some problems with two Mormon publications the
Richard Nixon won in a landslide against Geroge McGovern in the race for the presidency but the senate stayed Democratic, thus Bennett did not become chairman of the Finance committee Utah voters overwhelmingly endorsed Republican Nixon and Jake Garn but voted democratic for its two Congressmen--Gunn McKay and Allen Howe.
Several items of correspondence between Senator Bennett and Richard Bennett regarding the trasformation of Bennett Ford to Rick Warner Ford.
There are seven copies of this company newsheet which was issued every two weeks: February 17, March 2, March 16, March 30, April 13, May 11 and November 23.
Limited somewhat formal corresondence about a booklet on crime and justice.
Several items of correspondence that have to do primarily with a gift for the senior Bennett's Fiftieth Wedding anniversary.
Senator Bennett took time to be interested in the activities and opinions of his grandchildren, Tina and Peggy Fletcher. August 9, 1972 - Bennett wrote a long letter to Peggy about George McGovern and several public issues.
June 2, 1972 -
Limited correspondence regarding the arrangement for the Anniversary celebration.
The correspondence, as in previous years deals primarily with his stamp collection hobby which Bennett aids by sinding him "First Day" covers.
"Senator Wallace F. Bennett Reports from Washington." Although there are many references made throughout the correspondence to the newsletter, this issue, July 1972 is the only copy found in the collection.
December 1, 1972 - Letter to Bennett from Senator Robert Packwood about the "Senate Seniority System" but no reply.
July-October 1972 - Several letters concerning the possibility of making Salt Lake's International National Peace Garden a "National shrine." They are primarily from Keith Wiesley whose mother took a leading role in the establishment of the garden.
Schedules, itineraries, invitations and notes about the trip for Senator and Mrs. Bennett; December 8-17, 1972.
Perfunctory correspondence from a White House assistant thanking Bennett for his interest in assorted matters.
The January 1972 issue of the Mormon publication, the
This folder has to do with a program honoring the late apostle, Richard L. Evans and comments about the experience of Maxwell's son, Cary in Bennett's office.
February 1, 1972 - Bennett comments about the Equal Rights Amendment in a letter to Gudvor W. Braty
January 13, 1972 - Bennett reports high lights from 1971 to German friend - Heinrich Eberhardt.
May 25 and August 11, 1972 - Correspondence with James C. Fletcher, head of NASA, inviting him to the Bennett's 50th Wedding anniversary and thanking Bennett for. help on the space shuttle program.
October 27 and November 1, 1972 - Bennett and Salt Lake Mayor Jake Garn discussed successor to George Romney at HUD.
January 25, 1972 - The censure of Senator Joseph McCarthy as it affected former Senator Arthur Watkins.
This folder contains ordinary correspondence except for a letter to David Putnam Jr. May 25, 1972 in which he commented on the 1972 election. He extolled, unprophetically the virtues of President Nixon, "we will have a clear-cut choice between a responsible man [Nixon] and one who will say and do anything to get elected."
May 31, 1972 - Belle S. Spafford wrote requesting Bennett use his influence to have a stamp issued honoring the National Council of Women.
January 3, 1972 - Medical advice from Thomas McP. Brown, M. D.
Ward continued as Bennett's Utah Field Representative
Wilkinson has been elected Republicans National Committee man form Utah. Bennett over his years in the senate became a more has been a moderate Republican while Wilkinsons Views have ?? became a more conservative. Bennett wrote on July 24, 1972, "our disagreements are matters of degree rather than outright controdiction and I am sure we can continue to work together."
Most of this mateiral has to do with political fund raising.
Wolthuis, who had been Bennett's administrative assistants, ran for Congress from Utah's First District - This limited material has to do with this race.
There is only one item regarding Senator Bennett's business interests and this has to do with his former company, now Rick Warner Ford. Family correspondence is also negligible. The topics under the general heading "Legislative" are more varied than in some other years but there is no substantial in depth information. The "Personal" correspondence provides an overall glimpse of 1973 mentioning the following: Senator Bennett had a relapse of sorts from his ulcer operation and required additional surgery; he and Mrs. Bennett went to Vienna and South Africa on a Congressional trip; he announced his forthcoming senate retirement in 1974; some contenders for his senate seat are mentioned; there are fleeting references made to the Watergate situation and Bennett is chosen to receive an honorary degree from Brigham Young University.
July 11, 1973 - Letter from Robert P. Bennett, the letter head of which indicates he is now Vice President-Treasurer of Collector's Investment Fund, Inc.
March 19. 1973 - Letter to E. Ross Adair in which Bennett commented about Congressional politics in general and mentions Watergate in particular.
October 23, 1973 and November 28, 1973 - Gerald R. Ford wrotes to Bennett thanking him for his support for the Vice Presidency.
Two publications noting speeches by Bennett about Federal health care programs.
April 12, 1973 - Investigative report on the employment of Senator George McGovern's son-in-law.
Vail, the highly regarded Chief Counsel of the Senate Finance Committee, was stricken and died from cancer Bennett, through correspondence and visits, demonstrated concern for Vail and his family. Correspondence, biographical sketch and Senator Bennetts Senate Floor Speech run from January to October 1973.
July 21, 1973 - Bennett's voting record as measured against averages of other Senators by the Republican Policy Committee.
Miscellaneous Perfunctory notes.
The material in this folder is useful in showing Bennett's analysis of 1973 economic conditions and his moderate position on the United Nations. There is also a pamphlet commerating the 40th Anniversary of the Washington Ward Chapel Commemorating
Senator Bennett celebrated his 75th birthday at a surprise party at the Congressional Club attended by friends, fellow senators and finally members as well as surprise guests, President and Mrs. Nixon, Pictures taken at the party were featured in the
The material for 1974 is limited. There is no business correspondence and only 1 family item. The congressional corresondence is also sparee but repeating many of the former themes--birthday greeting thank you's for small favors and notes from participants in the Senate Prayer Breakfast Group. 1974 was the year in which Bennett left the Senate and the hotly contested race to fill his seat took place between Mayor Jake Garn of Salt Lake City and Congressman Wayne Owens. There is almost no material about either his retirement or the race. The 1976 material consists of some newsclippings featuring Bennett's son Robert. It was not part of the original collection, but was included because its amplifys 1972 material having to do with his role in the Watergate break-in.
A Father's Day card from Grandson Doug and reply by Bennett.
Frank Hewlett, in a
There were various events held during 1974 paying tribute to Senator Bennett for his long service in Washington, but there are few pieces of amterial.
July 30, 1974 - Note from Pat Nixon stating she and the President would be unable to attend the Shakespearean Festival in Cedar City. Although it, is signed "Pat" the perfunctory style of the note might make one question the genuineness of the signature.
Although there are only a few items in theis folder they indicate that Bennett was on. familiar terms with the new First Presidency members, Spencer W. Kinball, Marion G. Romney and N. Eldon Tanner.
This material is not arranged alphabetically but rather chronologically due to its limited nature. It includes all general items of correspondence for 1974.
October 3, 1974 - Garn wrote to Bennett thanking him for arranging a reception in Washington, D. C. on September 11, 1974.
This is a cartoon sketch of the Bluebird Cafe and of its proprietor O. Guy Cardon. John Foster Bennett had financially aided the Cardons and their cafe according to his biography.
Program announcement showing her being honored, 1983.
There are 3 biographical sketches of John Foster Bennett.
There are 3 sketches of Mrs. Bennett. The first is written by Mithie E. Anderson, the next is a letter about his mother written by the Senator to Mrs. John E- Bennett and the final is a copy of the page from the
Included in this folder are biographical sketches, carresondence, newspaper articles and a box listing of the Senator papers when they were delivered to the Marriott Library. These are arranged with the most recent items first.
There are sketches on each of the maternal grandparents of Senator Bennetted
This box contains the published volumes of the books by Senator and Mrs Bennett. They are: