COLLECTION FINDING AID



PRESIDENT FORD COMMITTEE RECORDS.

PEOPLE FOR FORD OFFICE FILES, 1971-76



CONTENTS

Introduction | Series Descriptions | Container List

President Ford Committee Records main page

INTRODUCTION

People for Ford (PFF) was the volunteer arm of the President Ford Committee formed during the general election to develop outreach efforts to special voter groups. Directed by long-time Republican National Committee activist Elly Peterson, the PFF staff targeted women, African-Americans, professional groups, ethnics, farmers, Jews, senior citizens, and young people for particular attention.

Chairman Rogers Morton named Peterson deputy chairman of the nascent volunteer organization in June 1976. Until then, Edward DeBolt, a counsellor in the PFC chairman's office, and Robert Marik, deputy chairman for administration, directed efforts to develop support among particular voter groups, especially African-Americans and Hispanics. Peterson took the lead in coordinating the Committee's appeals to these groups, in addition to the others mentioned above, during the post-convention campaign.

Constricted by spending limits imposed by the Federal Election Campaign Act Amendments of 1974, the People for Ford organization struggled throughout its brief existence to stretch minimal funds. In stark contrast to the high spending levels of various volunteer operations during President Nixon's 1972 reelection campaign, the Ford volunteer operation consisted largely of small phone banks, motor caravans and rallies, advocate appearances, literature drops, and small-scale targeted advertising. Activities of broad-based grassroots organizations are not reflected in these files; rather, the collection documents top-down efforts of outreach and information dispersal.

The People for Ford organization was fluid and somewhat informal. Desk directors, appointed by Peterson, were fairly autonomous in drafting their respective appeal strategies. However, no desk could function independently and the individual desk directors submitted proposals and information to one of Peterson's three deputies: administration director Thomas Ruffin, special consultant Robert Keyes, or advocacy/press consultant Jim DeFrancis. Ruffin, Keyes, and DeFrancis all reported directly to Peterson. The regional effort consisted of state volunteer organizations, coordinated by five regional directors who reported to regional coordinator Pamela Curtis. Curtis reported regularly to Peterson concerning state and regional activities. (See Attachment 1.)

Files for the individual desks appear to be more complete than those of the PFF administrative staff. For example, the activities of Elly Peterson are partially documented in the Ruffin and Curtis files. Peterson donated the bulk of her Ford campaign material to the Michigan Historical Collections at the University of Michigan. Her files housed there include the bulk of extant information on the Women's Desk, although Curtis' records document a mailing program targeting women voters and folders on selected women's issues. Also missing from the PFF records at the Ford Library are files for the Labor Desk, the Special Events Desk, and PFF administrators Jim DeFrancis and Betsey Bellows.

The People for Ford files are unique in that they document a viewpoint not often seen in organizational records: that of minorities and special interest groups. Researchers can determine the PFC's priorities from the emphasis given to each desk in terms of both autonomy and funds; as well as gauge which voter groups the PFC perceived as significant and worth targeting. The major strength of this collection is the wealth of information on the concerns of special voter groups; letters both of support and of complaint provide insight into the social climate of the 1970s.

Related Materials (as of January 1992):

The files of Edward DeBolt, counsellor to the chairman, and Robert Marik, deputy chairman for administration, document PFC appeals to selected special voter groups during the primary campaign period. The Elly M. Peterson Papers at the Michigan Historical Collections at the University of Michigan include one large series of People for Ford administrative records, including regional reports, correspondence, and internal PFC and PFF memoranda.

SERIES DESCRIPTIONS

People for Ford: Thomas Ruffin Files, 1975-76.  (Boxes F1‑F7, 2.8 linear feet)
Memoranda, correspondence, mailing lists, expense reports, press releases, resumes, speeches, talking points, news clippings, status reports, photographs, public opinion polls, and post-election analyses. The materials concern the identification of leaders within particular voter groups, selection of personnel, scheduling and expenses for PFF desks, and PFF and PFC administrative activities. Particularly valuable is a post-election evaluation of the PFF operation. This series contains the only information in the PFF files on the Democrats for Ford campaign, including a lengthy state mailing list. Thomas Ruffin was Director of Administration and reported directly to Elly Peterson.

Arranged alphabetically by subject.

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People for Ford: Pamela Curtis Files, 1975-76. (Boxes F8‑F11, 1.6 linear feet)
Memoranda, correspondence, mailing lists, expense reports, press releases, press conference transcripts, speeches and speakers' kits, status reports, polling data, news clippings, meeting agendas, and notes. Most of the file concerns women's issues and the effort to attract women voters. Also present are materials documenting the regional PFF operation and state PFF activities. Pamela Curtis worked closely with Elly Peterson on developing appeals to women voters and coordinating the PFF's regional organization activities.

Arranged alphabetically by subject.

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People for Ford: Robert Keyes Files, 1975-76. (Boxes F12‑F13, 0.8 linear feet)
Memoranda, correspondence, newsletters, speeches, resumes, notes, mailings lists, press releases, fact sheets, surveys, statistical data, budget proposals, reports, travel itineraries, and news clippings. Most of the series documents Keyes' responsibility for the Black Desk. Materials concern African-American issues and the Black Desk's daily operation. Of particular interest is a list of all high-level African-American appointments in the Ford administration. Other materials include correspondence with key figures and records of Keyes' PFF and PFC administrative activities. Robert Keyes served as special consultant and deputy to Elly Peterson, as well as sharing the responsibility for Black Desk administration with Martin Dinkins.

Arranged alphabetically by subject.

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People for Ford: Black Desk Files, 1975-76.  (Boxes F14‑F17, 1.6 linear feet)
Memoranda, correspondence, reports, scheduling, speeches, newsletters, mailing lists and rosters, budget proposals, factbooks and speaker's kits, press releases, resumes, and printed material compiled by desk director Martin Dinkins and special consultant Robert Keyes. The materials concern Black Desk activities including advocate scheduling and speeches, and contacts with key African-Americans. A state sub-series documents local activities. Also present are state lists of volunteers. Researchers may find fact sheets and identification of African-American issues by the Ford organization, in comparison with the Jimmy Carter "factbooks" and clippings, especially useful.

Arranged alphabetically by subject.

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People for Ford: Business and Professionals Desk Files, 1971-76. (Boxes F18‑F23, 2.4 linear feet)
Memoranda, correspondence, contact sheets, newsletters, reports, fact sheets, printed endorsements, mailing lists, schedules, and printed material. These materials document the PFF's attempt to attract various business leaders and professional groups, including athletes, celebrities, doctors and dentists, economists, editors and publishers, educators, elected officials, fashion designers, lawyers, police and firemen, realtors, and stockbrokers. Also filed here is an administrative chronological file created by the Business Desk's director Robert Mosbacher, in his position as PFC finance chairman during a portion of the primary campaign.

Arranged alphabetically by subject.

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People for Ford: Ethnic Desk Files, 1975-76. (Boxes F24‑F26, 1.2 linear feet)
Memoranda, correspondence, speeches and presidential remarks, campaign materials, mailing lists, speakers' kits, telegrams, press releases, newsletters, schedules, and printed material compiled by desk director George Ramonas and his assistants Arnita Mongiovi and Manuel Gonzalez. Most of the series represents attempts to attract particular interest groups: Arab, Asian, Cuban, Filipino, Greek, Hispanic, Latvian, Polish, Portugese, Scandinavian, Turkish, and Native Americans. Documented activities include travel, speeches and the distribution of campaign materials.

Arranged alphabetically by subject.

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People for Ford: Farm Desk Files, 1972-76.  (Boxes F27‑F33, 2.8 linear feet)
Memoranda, correspondence, speeches and statements, press releases, reports, mailing lists and directories, statistics, brochures and fliers, clippings, and printed material compiled by desk director Dick Lyng and his assistant Jim Lake. The materials focus on particular agricultural issues dominant in the 1970s. Included are files on relevant portions of the major party's platforms, and records on vice presidential nominee Robert Dole's positions and statements on key agricultural issues. A lengthy sub-series documents aspects of Nixon's 1972 agricultural campaign effort, and includes state reports dating from both the 1972 and 1976 campaigns. Also present are USDA publications and materials documenting Farm Desk administrative activities.

Arranged alphabetically by subject.

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People for Ford: Jewish Desk Files, 1975-76. (Boxes F34‑F39, 2.4 linear feet)
Memoranda, correspondence, resource lists and directories, advertisements, endorsements, speeches, reports, presidential messages and remarks, budget worksheets and expense reports, press kits, speaker's kits, press releases, brochures, and news clippings compiled by desk director Rena Button and her assistant David Gorin. Materials document both administrative activities of the Jewish Desk and specific campaign strategies, such as small-scale advertising and targeting key cities and states with large Jewish populations. A state sub-series consists primarily of local endorsements. Also present are directories from major Jewish organizations and materials concerning Jewish issues, particularly regarding Israel and the Middle East.

Arranged alphabetically by subject.

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People for Ford: National Volunteer Desk Files, 1976. (Boxes F40‑F52, 5.2 linear feet)
Correspondence, memoranda, phone directories and mailing lists compiled by Judy McLennan, desk director. A state sub-series of volunteer letters and general letters of support constitutes most of this file. Other materials concern various state phone banks and the National Volunteer Desk operation within the PFF organization.

Arranged alphabetically by subject.

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People for Ford: Older Americans Desk Files, 1976.  (Boxes F53‑F54, 0.8 linear feet)
Memoranda, correspondence, biographies, mailing lists and directories, brochures, reports, presidential statements, and expense reports compiled by director Margaret Arnold. Materials consist largely of lists and biographies of the Older Americans Desk's national and state leadership. Other materials reflect planning for special senior events and the overall strategy to attract votes from this group.

Arranged alphabetically by subject.

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People for Ford: Veterans Desk Files, 1972-76. (Boxes F55‑F62, 3.2 linear feet)
Memoranda, correspondence, directories and mailing lists, expense reports, biographies, speeches, polling data, reports, press releases, brochures, news clippings, and printed matter compiled by the desk director Bill Ayres and several of his assistants. Rosters of local and national veterans' organizations constitute much of the series. Other materials document Veterans Desk activities such as budgeting, speeches, polling, and mailings. Of particular interest are files on President Ford's and vice presidential candidate Robert Dole's public records regarding veterans' issues.

Arranged alphabetically by subject.

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People for Ford: Youth Desk Files, 1975-76. (Boxes F63‑F73, 4.4 linear feet)
Correspondence, memoranda, mailing lists, surveys, reports, brochures and fliers, and news clippings, compiled by desk director Carolyn Booth. The series consists almost entirely of a comprehensive sub-series documenting the youth plans in each state. Included here are high school and college recruitment manuals, information regarding the 1976 Young Republicans Leadership Conference, and drafts of the youth program at the 1976 Republican National Convention.

Arranged alphabetically by subject.

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CONTAINER LIST

Box F1 - People for Ford: Thomas Ruffin Files

Box F2 - People for Ford: Thomas Ruffin Files

Box F3 - People for Ford: Thomas Ruffin Files

Box F4 - People for Ford: Thomas Ruffin Files

Box F5 - People for Ford: Thomas Ruffin Files

Box F6 - People for Ford: Thomas Ruffin Files

Box F7 - People for Ford: Thomas Ruffin Files

Box F8 - People for Ford: Pamela Curtis Files

Box F9 - People for Ford: Pamela Curtis Files

Box F10 - People for Ford: Pamela Curtis Files

Box F11 - People for Ford: Pamela Curtis Files

Box F12 - People for Ford: Robert Keyes File

Box F13 - People for Ford: Robert Keyes File

Box F14 - People for Ford: Black Desk Files

Box F15 - People for Ford: Black Desk Files

Box F16 - People for Ford: Black Desk Files

Box F17 - People for Ford: Black Desk Files

Box F18 - People for Ford: Business and Professional Desk Files

Box F19 - People for Ford: Business and Professional Desk Files

Box F20 - People for Ford: Business and Professional Desk Files

Box F21 - People for Ford: Business and Professional Desk Files

Box F22 - People for Ford: Business and Professional Desk Files

Box F23 - People for Ford: Business and Professional Desk Files

Box F24 - People for Ford: Ethnic Desk Files

Box F25 - People for Ford: Ethnic Desk Files

Box F26 - People for Ford: Ethnic Desk Files

Box F27 - People for Ford: Farm Desk Files

Box F28 - People for Ford: Farm Desk Files

Box F29 - People for Ford: Farm Desk Files

Box F30 - People for Ford: Farm Desk Files

Box F31 - People for Ford: Farm Desk Files

Box F32 - People for Ford: Farm Desk Files

Box F33 - People for Ford: Farm Desk Files

Box F34 - People for Ford: Jewish Desk Files

Box F35 - People for Ford: Jewish Desk Files

Box F36 - People for Ford: Jewish Desk Files

Box F37 - People for Ford: Jewish Desk Files

Box F38 - People for Ford: Jewish Desk Files

Box F39 - People for Ford: Jewish Desk Files

Box F40 - People for Ford: National Volunteer Desk Files

Box F41 - People for Ford: National Volunteer Desk Files

Box F42 - People for Ford: National Volunteer Desk Files

Box F43 - People for Ford: National Volunteer Desk Files

Box F44 - People for Ford: National Volunteer Desk Files

Box F45 - People for Ford: National Volunteer Desk Files

Box F46 - People for Ford: National Volunteer Desk Files

Box F47 - People for Ford: National Volunteer Desk Files

Box F48 - People for Ford: National Volunteer Desk Files

Box F49 - People for Ford: National Volunteer Desk Files

Box F50 - People for Ford: National Volunteer Desk Files

Box F51 - People for Ford: National Volunteer Desk Files

Box F52 - People for Ford: National Volunteer Desk Files

Box F53 - People for Ford: Older Americans Desk Files

Box F54 - People for Ford: Older Americans Desk Files

Box F55 - People for Ford: Veterans Desk Files

Box F56 - People for Ford: Veterans Desk Files

Box F57 - People for Ford: Veterans Desk Files

Box F58 - People for Ford: Veterans Desk Files

Box F59 - People for Ford: Veterans Desk Files

Box F60 - People for Ford: Veterans Desk Files

Box F61 - People for Ford: Veterans Desk Files

Box F62 - People for Ford: Veterans Desk Files

Box F63 - People for Ford: Youth Desk Files

Box F64 - People for Ford: Youth Desk Files

Box F65 - People for Ford: Youth Desk Files

Box F66 - People for Ford: Youth Desk Files

Box F67 - People for Ford: Youth Desk Files

Box F68 - People for Ford: Youth Desk Files

Box F69 - People for Ford: Youth Desk Files

Box F70 - People for Ford: Youth Desk Files

Box F71 - People for Ford: Youth Desk Files

Box F72 - People for Ford: Youth Desk Files

Box F73 - People for Ford: Youth Desk Files