University of Wyoming
Edward David Crippa (1899-1960) of Rock Springs, Wyoming, was appointed to the United States Senate in June, 1954, to fill the vacancy created by the death of Lester Calloway Hunt. He served only six months in the Senate. Crippa was a businessman in Rock Springs, served as Wyoming State Highway Commissioner from 1941-1947, was a delegate to the Republican National Convention in 1944, and was on the Republican National Committee from 1948-1960.
The collection includes correspondence regarding constituent concerns, political appointments, and pending legislation. Subject files include the Laramie (Wyoming) Alumina Plant; Arizona Creek Toll Station near Jackson, Wyoming; the 1954 drought in Wyoming and the West; grazing legislation; and the U. S. Senate censure proceedings against Senator Joseph McCarthy. There are files on four reclamation projects (Echo Park Dam, Glendo Dam, the Missouri River, and the Upper Colorado River). Also included are legislative files and a 1956 speech kit from the Republican National Committee.
There are no access restrictions on the materials for research purposes, and the collection is open to the public.
The researcher assumes full responsibility for observing all copyright, property, and libel laws as they apply.
As of the date of processing, there are no known other archival collections created by Edward D. Crippa.
The material was received from an unknown donor prior to 1975.
The collection was processed by Roger Simon in January 2018.
Item Description, Box Number, Folder Number, Collection Name, Collection Number, American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming.
Digital reproductions of select material from this collection are available at
Blank sheets and envelopes.
Includes bills, receipts, and correspondence.
A list of constituents awaiting delivery of government publications. Also includes correspondence regarding delivery of government publications.
Order form and correspondence regarding two artillery pieces that were to be placed on the World War II Memorial grounds in Rock Springs, WY.
Correspondence regarding disposal of the plant in Laramie.
Incoming and outgoing correspondence regarding the immigration of a Japanese nurse.
Correspondence regarding an investigation of Davis, a member of the Air Force who refused to provide financial support for his family.
Includes correspondence and clippings.
Correspondence regarding a constituent’s difficulty in getting a Federal Housing Administration loan.
Correspondence regarding the need for light fixtures at a post office in Rock Springs, WY.
Correspondence regarding a constituent’s interest in enrolling in Officer Candidate School.
Includes copies of some of Crippa’s replies to invitations.
Correspondence and notes regarding proposed legislation.
Includes copies of the proposed legislation and correspondence.
Includes correspondence regarding the bills.
Includes copies of the proposed legislation and correspondence. Also includes materials related to the Agricultural Act of 1954.
Includes copies of the proposed legislation and correspondence. Also includes materials related to the Agricultural Act of 1954.
A record of Crippa’s votes in the Senate. According to the record, his first vote took place on 6/29/54. The record of votes runs through 8/20/1954.
Includes incoming and outgoing correspondence regarding various bills.
Press releases from Crippa’s office. Also includes a press release from the Eisenhower administration regarding the Disaster Relief Act.
Correspondence regarding the sale of water belonging to the Kendrick Project in Wyoming.
Letters in support of McCarthy and against his censure (several mention Major Irving Peress, who was investigated during the Army-McCarthy hearings). Also includes clippings.
Includes correspondence and government publications.
Resolution and correspondence regarding the Missouri River States Committee (made up of governors and representatives from the ten Missouri Basin states) to negotiate a compact.
Correspondence regarding O’Mahoney, who, in 1954, ran for the Senate seat held by Crippa. One letter mentions O’Mahoney’s participation in the defense of Owen Lattimore, who was prosecuted in federal court for perjury before the Senate McCarran Committee’s investigation into Communism in the United States. Also includes a list of O’Mahoney’s record of supporting tax raises.
Includes lists of officers, executive committee, and members of the Republican National Committee for 1948, 1949, and 1951, the 1952 Republican platform.
Includes a telephone directory, lists of executive officers and members, correspondence regarding the 1952 Republican National Convention (held in Chicago), and a list of delegates to the convention.
Includes a publication titled “Communism – Republicans! Wake Up! Don’t Let the Democrats Get Away with This One!”
Spiral-bound notebook.
Includes a document regarding a dispute before the Civil Aeronautics Board, a petition advocating an appointment for William H. Harrison, reports from the Intermountain Soil Conservation District and the Bridger Valley Conservation District, a copy of a letter from Senator Francis Case (R-SD) to Arthur Watkins (R-UT) regarding censure charges against Senator Joe McCarthy (the letter mentions Major General Ralph Wise Zwicker—Major Irving Peress was one of his subordinate officers), and a resolution from the Department of Wyoming Reserve Officers’ Association that may be addressing the Joe McCarthy’s accusations against the U.S. Army (the language of the resolution is vague).