GEORGE DENISON PAPERS, 1976-77

The George Denison Papers consist of case files on his speechwriting activities in the White House Office of Editorial Staff between May 1976 and January 1977. During this period Denison shared the speechwriting duties with several other individuals. They were all supervised by Robert Orben, Special Assistant to the President and director of the Editorial Staff.

Many of the speeches produced by Denison dealt with the goals and achievements of the Ford administration during the previous two and a half years. They also focused on the 1976 campaign issues, such as unemployment and national defense. In addition, Denison composed many speeches that were used at award and ceremonial events.

The case file for an individual speech often includes several drafts which were circulated to his superiors, researchers, and appropriate White House and departmental aides for clearance. Also included are personal notes he used to assist in composing speeches and a few large print reading copies of speeches on which the President made his own additions and deletions.

Related Materials (August 1992)
The most important related collection is the Paul Theis and Robert Orben Files (41 feet) which include materials on the organization and operation of the Office of Editorial Staff as well as drafts of many Presidential addresses. Speechwriting materials from early in the administration appear in the White House Central Files Category SP (speeches). Another related collection is the Reading Copies of Presidential Speeches.