Dorothy C. Goodwin Papers

Collection

Identifier: 1992-0036

Staff Only

Scope and Content

The Goodwin papers contain correspondence, reports, publications, clippings, photographs, awards, and financial and political materials pertaining to the many careers of Dorothy C. Goodwin.

Dates

undated, 1925-1995
Majority of material found within 1974-1992

Access

The collection is open and available for research.

Restrictions on Use

Permission to publish from these Papers must be obtained in writing from the owner(s) of the copyright.

Biography

Dorothy C. Goodwin led a diverse and distinguished life, one that included great accomplishments in academics and public service. She was born in Hartford, CT, on 2 September 1914 to Charles and Ruth Goodwin. Goodwin grew up in Connecticut and graduated magna cum laude from Smith College in 1937 (B.A., Sociology). She worked in the Bureau of Indian Affairs (1937-1939) and the Bureau of Agricultural Economics (1939-1942). Goodwin transferred to the Department of Economic Warfare and completed her wartime service in India. She attempted to enter the State Department upon her return from overseas, but alleged ties with Communists dogged her efforts. After a lengthy effort that ultimately cleared her of these charges, Goodwin was told that she was not sufficiently qualified for admission. She then proceeded to take part in the occupation of Japan as a government agricultural economist concerned with issues of land reform (1947-1951).

Goodwin left government service to begin graduate studies at the University of Connecticut, receiving the institution's first Ph.D. in agricultural economics (1957). She subsequently began a twenty-two year academic career at the University as a professor and assistant provost. During this period she published widely, particularly with respect to issues of state taxes and state aid to education.

In 1974, Goodwin returned to government service by winning a seat in the Connecticut General Assembly as a Democratic representative of the 54th district (includes Mansfield). She held positions on the Education, Finance and Human Services Committees, and co-chaired the Education Committee for much of her career. Goodwin's influence was crucial in designing new formulas for state educational aid to towns. She also figured prominently in the passage of the “Bottle Bill” and the adoption of programs to preserve agricultural land. Retiring from the House in 1984, she was appointed to the Connecticut State Board of Education by Governor William O'Neill and served in that position until 1990.

Extent

15 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Dorothy C. Goodwin was born in Hartford, CT, on 2 September 1914. Goodwin grew up in Connecticut and graduated magna cum laude from Smith College in 1937 (B.A., Sociology). In 1974, Goodwin returned to government service by winning a seat in the Connecticut General Assembly as a Democratic representative of the 54th district (includes Mansfield). She held positions on the Education, Finance and Human Services Committees, and co-chaired the Education Committee for much of her career.

Arrangement

Series I: Political Papers (1969-1972) includes materials on Goodwin's five successful campaigns for the Connecticut House of Representatives and her involvement with the Mansfield Housing Committee. Also included are newspaper clippings concerning her political career, major issues of state politics and ephemeral materials pertaining to other Democratic candidates for state office.

Series II: Professional Papers (1940-1992) contains Goodwin's official reports on postwar land reform in Japan and many published articles and documents spanning her academic career at UConn. These materials are concerned, primarily, with the utilization of state tax revenues, modifications to the state tax system and education.

Series III: Personal Papers (1925-1993) houses a wide variety of personal and professional correspondence, reports, sketches, and information on the Goodwin family. Security statements prepared for the State Department in the 1940s to answer charges of Communist sympathies are found in Box 6. Also included are appointment calendars, college papers and a children's book she prepared.

Series IV: Awards (undated, 1935-1995) contains degrees, certificates and plaques that recognize Goodwin's professional achievements, particularly in politics. The awards include several honorary law degrees from Connecticut universities, recognition from community groups and wards for legislative service.

Series V: Photographs (undated, 1934-1991) includes photographs primarily from Goodwin's work with the Bureau of Indian Affairs and her overseas service in India and Japan. There are also photographs from her visit to China in 1947.

Acquisition Information

The collection was donated by Ms. Goodwin to the University of Connecticut Library in 1992. Additional awards, recognitions and slides were donated by the University of Hartford in 2017.