GERALD R. FORD CONGRESSIONAL PAPERS, 1949-73 WASHINGTON OFFICE FILE SUB-GROUP, 1949-74

Washington Office File, 1949-74. (Boxes M1‑M73, 24.4 linear feet)
This is a collection of sixteen small series or file fragments formerly maintained by Ford's Washington office but otherwise unrelated.  These series relate to Ford's official activities, the administration of his office, his personal finances, his participation in various organizations, and other personal matters.  Many of the series are routine in nature.

Congressman Ford's Washington office handled most of his scheduling, speechwriting, press relations, correspondence, and constituent casework.  Before Ford was elected Minority Leader in 1965 his Washington staff consisted of an administrative assistant and two or three secretaries.  After 1965 the staff grew to about a dozen persons with the addition of a press secretary, two legislative assistants, and several more secretaries.

All files which comprise the Ford Congressional Papers were maintained by this Washington staff with the exception of the Grand Rapids Office File.  Approximately one‑third of the Washington Office File was deposited at the Bentley Historical Library between 1965 and 1974.  The remainder was kept in Washington and received by the Ford Library along with the Ford Presidential Papers on January 20, 1977.

Compiled by William McNitt, July 1979.