GERALD R. FORD CONGRESSIONAL PAPERS, 1949-73 CAMPAIGN FILE SUB-GROUP, 1948-74

Campaign Files, 1948-74.  (Boxes G1‑G37, 14.8 linear feet)
Materials relating to Gerald R. Ford's thirteen biennial congressional campaigns from 1948 through 1972 were maintained as a separate file.  Because of the need to consult these materials in succeeding campaigns, campaign files were saved when other files were discarded.  Although there is little surviving material from the first few campaigns, by 1956 the files are fairly complete and representative of those of later years.

The campaign files include the following series: Campaign Series, 1948‑74; Voting Statistics, 1920‑72; Michigan Redistricting, 1961-64; General Voting Information, 1952‑72; and the Mobile Office File, 1955‑73.  The mobile office, used for annual tours of the Fifth District, was an innovative method used by Congressman Ford to more effectively reach and serve his constituents.

Approximately three linear feet of early campaign material had been previously turned over to the Bentley Library, where it was arranged and place in new folders.  This material was turned over to the Gerald R. Ford Library, and accessioned on September 12, 1977.  Additional campaign files arrived at NLF in January 1977 with the bulk of historical materials donated to the United States by President Gerald R. Ford.  The papers arriving from Washington were contained in manila envelopes.  Although the envelopes were often labeled and grouped roughly by campaign year, there was little over‑all arrangement, and none within the envelopes.  Whenever possible, the file designations devised by the Ford staff have been retained, despite inconsistencies from year to year, usually with no obvious explanation.  Several categories which might be expected to contain large quantities of material, such as chron files and schedules, rarely include more than a few items.

Although much of this material is repetitious and low‑level in nature, the files are of value in documenting Ford's many successful congressional campaigns and his relationships with loyal constituents who supported him with their time and financial contributions year after year.  It is also interesting to note the increasing sophistication and expense of political campaigns as evidenced by the files.  In the 1948 campaign Ford's largest single expenditure was for postage stamps.  Later campaigns show extensive use of expensive television time and added emphasis on marketing the candidate's "image" through use of advertising techniques.  Several campaign years are of special interest, such as the 1960 Ford for Vice‑President drive.  Although there was no significant impact on Ford's winning vote percentages, correspondence in 1970-72 reflects the growing peace movement and disaffection with the Republican Administration.  The 1970 files also contain material concerning the controversial James R. Polk article on Ford's alleged failure to report all campaign contributions.

Less than 1% of this file has been closed under donor restrictions.  A large quantity of campaign memorabilia has been turned over to the Gerald R. Ford Museum collection; campaign tapes and photographs have been turned over to the audio‑visual collection.  Approximately one linear foot of material (duplicates, catalogues, and miscellaneous samples of campaign hand‑outs) has been removed from the collection for disposal.

Compiled by Marlee Horrocks, July 1978