Strom Thurmond Collection, Press Assistant Series
Series — Box: 1-33
Identifier: Mss-0100-13
This series contains material primarily for the period 1964-1984, and reflects the primary functions of the press assistant. It includes correspondence, speeches, photographs, campaign literature, political cartoons, newspaper clippings and other miscellaneous files. The correspondence covers a wide range of topics including the Salt II Treaty, the Watergate controversy, and textile imports. For example, one letter addressed to White House Chief of Staff James A. Baker, dated August 26, 1982, expresses Thurmond's concern over the effect that negotiations with the People's Republic of China would have on American textile jobs.
Present in this series are information files on liberal interest groups and information about the commissioning ceremonies of the sub-marine USS Mendel L. Rivers and the frigate USS South Carolina (the second ship to be named under new policy using state names for major surface combatant nuclear propelled ships). A small group of newspaper clippings detail the account of the Thurmond bribery allegations raised by columnist Jack Anderson; federal investigators cleared Thurmond of these allegations. This series also contains a list of casualties incurred by United States military personnel from South Carolina in connection with the Vietnam conflict for the period of 1961-1971.
Notable correspondents include Howard H. Baker, James F. Buckley, Harry F. Byrd, Jimmy Carter, Jesse Helms, Edward M. Kennedy, and Edwin Meese III.
The Press Assistant section of Thurmond's staff was responsible for media relations. It handled matters that ranged from routine constituent requests to probing policy questions. Other duties included producing newsletters, supervising interns, publicity, various writing projects, congratulatory mail, public relations activities such as group tours, photographs, etc., and assorted special projects assigned by the Senator.
The following individuals were press assistants for Senator Thurmond:
Ed Kinney 1965-1966
Harriet Holland 1967-1969
Sallie Binniker 1969
John Carbaugh June 5-September 15, 1970
Edward D. Harrill April 1, 1971-1977
Phyllis Gault 1980
Phil Kent February, 1981
Michael Schick 1981-1983
Mark Goodin 1983-1987
Chris Simpson 1988-
Staff members whose names appear frequently in the series:
Susan Guy 1976-1977
Nancy Medford 1977
David Elaim 1978
Minni Juliam 1978
Debbie Grant 1979
Vicki Sinnett 1980
Pete Knight 1982
Terry Hill 1986
During the period of 1955-1964, there was no staff member designated as press assistant. The title of the position has recently been changed to that of press secretary.
16.5 Cubic Feet
English
This series is arranged chronologically, then alphabetically by folder title within each year.
Photographs-moved to Photograph Series of Thurmond Collection
(1) 8" x 10" black and white, Thurmond pictured with architect's drawing of two buildings (Reserve Officers Association/); 1966
(1) 8" x 10" black and white, Thurmond and Howard Williams of Future Farmers of America
(1) 8" x 10" black and white, Delegates to the American Legion-Nancy Moore Thurmond pictured; 1966
(1) 8" x 10" black and white, J. Strom's first haircut. Strom Thurmond and barber pictured; February 22, 1974
(1) 8" x 10" black and white, Strom Thurmond; 1974
(1) 8" x 10" black and white, USS South Carolina DLGN 37-Official U.S. Navy Photograph; 1975
(1) 8" x 10" black and white, W. C. Neal, Captain of the USS South Carolina Official Photograph by E. J. Dial; January 25, 1974
(7) 8" x 10" black and white, Thurmond presented the Freedom Foundation Certificate Award
(2) 8" x 10" black and white, Thurmond and Harry F. Byrd-Award Presentation
(1) 8" x 10" black and white, Nancy Thurmond, Rosalyn Carter and Joan Mondale-Ladies of the Senate Luncheon; April 15-November 14, 1980
(2) 8" x 10" black and white, Billy Carter Hearings-contact sheets-35 images each; 1979-1980
(2) 8" x 10" black and white, Thurmond and two Hartford Insurance Company Representatives; 1981
(2) 8" x 10" black and white, Shonn Marthers, winner of the Junior Fire Marshall Gold Medal Award; 1981
(2) 5" x 7" black and white, Shonn Marthers and friend Scott Sanders; 1981
(2) 8" x 10" black and white, Shonn Marthers and friend Scott Sanders; 1981
(1) 8" x 10" color, Senator Thurmond and artist Larry Lebby; 1982
(1) 8" x 10" black and white, Senator Thurmond and artist Larry Lebby, holding one of Lebby's drawings in Thurmond's office; March 3, 1982
(1) 8" x 10" black and white, Larry Lebby and Congressmen (?) in front of Capitol Building steps; 1982
(1) 8" x10" black and white, Thurmond in front of John C. Calhoun's Portrait; 1982
(1) 8" x 10" color, Thurmond Induction into South Carolina Hall of Fame-George Bush pictured; 1982
(1) 8" x10" black and white, Strom Thurmond with salutation and signature across the bottom; April 11, 1983
(1) 8" x10" color, Strom Thurmond; April 1, 1983
(1) 5" x 7" color, 1983 Calendar of Strom Thurmond with salutation and signature; 1983
The conversion of this finding aid to Encoded Archival Description format was made possible with a grant from the South Carolina State Historical Records Advisory Board in 2009-2010. The finding aid was prepared for encoding by Kristi Roberts.
Part of the Clemson University Libraries Special Collections and Archives Repository