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John M. Bailey Papers

 Collection
Identifier: 2007-0002

Scope and Content

The collection contains correspondence, photographs, speeches, publications and administrative records created and collected by John M. Bailey. The collection is organized into three series; Biographical, DNC, and Other Professional. The Biographical Series contains correspondence, ephemera, pamphlets, and notes related to Bailey's personal and professional affiliations that were not directly related to the DNC or were not characterized by his office as such. This includes memberships to dinner clubs, golf clubs, charitable groups and other organizations. While some brief biographical sketches are included the collection does not contain a significant amount of personal correspondence or photographs between Bailey and his family and friends. Series II includes the administrative files, correspondence, pamphlets, speeches, press releases, and clippings related to the Democratic National Committee. The series has been organized into Administrative Files, Conferences, National Conventions, and Correspondence for ease of use but the folder level organization was kept in the manner that it was recieved. Series III, Other Professional is primarily papers related to Connecticut Democratic Committee. Of particular interest may be Series II, Subseries III DNC Conventions, which contains correspondence between the DNC and lawyers, State Committees, and the Mississippi Freedom party concerning the seating of state delegations (1964 Convention) and between Bailey and assorted persons related to the 1968 Chicago Riots (1968 Convention). Series II also includes letters, memos, and telegraphs between Bailey and his office and President Johnson, Vice President Humphrey, First Lady Ladybird Johnson, and Robert F. Kennedy and his widow.

Dates

  • undated, 1920-1968.

Access

The collection is open and available for research.

Restrictions on Use and Copyright Information

Permission to publish from these Papers must be obtained in writing from both the University of Connecticut Libraries and the owner(s) of the copyright.

Biography

John M. Bailey, born in Hartford, Connecticut, on November 23, 1904. Educated at both Catholic University of America and Harvard Law School, Bailey was a lawyer who and municipal judge in Connecticut (1933-1935, 1939-1941). His involvement in the political arena included membership in the Connecticut Democratic State Central Committee (1932) followed by his service as a delegate to Democratic National Convention from Connecticut (1936, 1940, 1944 [alternate], 1948, 1952, 1956, 1960, 1964 [chair, Arrangements Committee], 1968, 1972). Bailey played an important role in Connecticut's Democratic politics and served as the Connecticut Democratic Party Chairman from 1946 until his death in 1975. Bailey worked for John F. Kennedy's successful presidential campaign in 1960 and then went on to serve as chairman of the National Democratic Party from 1961-1968. A member of the American Bar Association, Knights of Columbus and Elks, John M. Bailey died on April 10, 1975, and is buried in Cedar Hill Cemetery, Hartford, Connecticut.

Extent

12.7 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

The collection contains correspondence, photographs, speeches, publications and administrative records created and collected by John M. Bailey, Connecticut lawyer and chairman of the Democratic National Committee from 1961-1968.

Arrangement

An inventory of the materials has been created to provide access to the materials. The collection is arranged in three series; Biographical, DNC, and Other Political. Folder level organization is as recieved. Researchers should note that there is significant crossover between subject folders, correspondence folders, and the various series. This is a reflection of both the organization system used by Bailey's office and the interwoven nature of his state and national committee work. Photos have been relocated to individual folders for ease of access but original locations are indicated as needed.

Acquisition Information

This collection was donated by the family in 2007 and 2009.

Related Material

Archives & Special Collections has a substantial collection of materials pertaining to Connecticut politics. For detailed information on these collections please contact the curator or ask at the Reading Room desk.

Title
John M. Bailey Papers
Status
Published
Author
Archives & Special Collections staff
Date
2010 February 2010
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Part of the Archives and Special Collections, University of Connecticut Library Repository

Contact:
University of Connecticut Library
405 Babbidge Road Unit 1205
Storrs Connecticut 06269-1205 USA US
860-486-2524