Guide to the Frances McGovern Papers, 1928-2000
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Title: |
Frances McGovern Papers, 1928-2000 |
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Repository: |
Archives and Special Collections, University Libraries, The University of Akron
Phone: 330-972-7670
http://www.uakron.edu/libraries/archives
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Creator: |
Frances McGovern |
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Dates: |
1928-2000 |
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Quantity: |
6 cubic feet (6 boxes) |
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Abstract: |
The Frances McGovern Papers consists of two different and distinct collections of information. The career and political materials
are comprised of correspondence, legal documents, speech drafts, newsletters, brochures, pictures and newspaper clippings.
Within this collection there is a high concentration of information regarding Frances McGovern's involvement in the Public
Utilities Commision and the 1964 Congressional Campaign. Another distintive component of this collection is the research
notes and information in regards to the two books authored by Frances McGovern. These papers provide valuable insight into
the political environment of Akron in the 1950's and 1960's and also capture the geological environment's impact of the Akron
landscape.
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Identification: |
99/176 |
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Language: |
The records are in English |
Biography of Biography or History
Pauline Frances McGovern was born on April 18, 1927 in Akron, Ohio. She attended Saint Sebastian grade school, Buchtel High
School, The University of Akron and finally received her law degree from Western Reserve University Law School in Cleveland,
Ohio. After graduating from Law School, McGovern she began her professional career at the Akron Law Firm Motz, Morris, Wilson
and Quine.
She was encouraged by her boss, Clarence E. Motz to run for office were she eventually was elected to the Ohio State Legislature
for three terms in the 1950's. She then was nominated to be on the Ohio Public Utilities Commission in 1960 where she soon
became Chairman of this committee from 1961-1963. In 1964, McGovern decided to run for an Ohio Congressional seat against
Bill Ayers but was unable to win against the popular Senator. President Lyndon Johnson and his wife Lady Bird Johnson helped
the McGovern campaign with Lady Bird's visit to Akron.
After her loss for this congressional bid, Frances McGovern began her legal career at Ohio Edison as an attorney for the utility
company. She worked there for 25 years, retiring in 1989.
Throughout her life she was involved with many different local organizations and local government. Some of these activities
include, Chairwoman of the Summit County United Way, Ohio Democratic Woman of the Year in 1960, Woman of the Year from the
Business and Professional Women's Foundation, 1957, and Trustee at the University of Akron. She served on the 1970 Summit
County Charter Commission. In Akron political circles she was called the "darling daughter of the Democrats".
To promote her love of history and politics, she authored two books. The book "Fun, Cheap and Easy" portrays the political
environment in Akron during the 1950's and 1960's. The second book, "Written on the Hills", reflects the unique history and
geology of the Akron and Cuyahoga Valley area.
Some of Frances McGovern's interests were gardening, history and puzzles. Because of her love of puzzles, she worked on solving
the Beale Cipher, which is a 160-year old mathematical puzzle supposedly leading to a treasure. Frances McGovern lived her
entire life in Akron, Ohio and passed away on February 6, 2004 at the age of 76.
Scope and Content
Scope and Content Note
The Frances McGovern papers consist primarily of correspondence, newspaper clippings in regards to her political and legal
career. Due to the content of the materials, many of McGovern's activities are not fully documented. A generalized view of
the subjects can be ascertained from the information. Many of the materials support the face that McGovern stood for fairness
and justice in her career and political affairs. Also, the collection contains a lot of research materials associated with
the books she authored. The memorabilia contained in the collection is mostly comprised of awards from various organizations
that Frances McGovern received over her lifetime.
These papers would be of interest to those researching the political environment of Akron, Ohio in the 1950's and 1960's.
It contains materials pertaining to the 1964 national Presidential and Congressional campaigns. In addition, there is information
regarding Frances McGovern's 1950's Ohio House of Representative assignment. For those reviewing the Ohio Public Utilities
Commission activities in the early 1960's, there are a lot of relevant newspaper clippings and some correspondence highlighting
this group's activities. Frances McGovern was heavily involved in community service which is reflected in this collection
with her connection with many local organizations. Also, someone researching the geological and historical aspects of the
Cuyahoga Valley and surrounding areas will find a plethora of information written by various local historians and pioneers.
Lastly, those delving into the personal life of Frances McGovern will find, family photos, generic correspondence, and family
genealogy information.
Statement of Arrangement
Series Description The papers are divided into five series: Series I: Organizations is made up of a collection of folders
containing information in this collection about the organizations which Frances McGovern was involved with throughout her
life. Each folder contains materials associated with her interaction with the organization from, newspaper clippings, correspondence,
pictures, brochures, awards and any other information showing McGovern's relationship with the group. The exception is the
folder containing Various Organizations. This folder is a conglomeration of organizations with a small amount of material
present in this collection. A list of the organizations in this folder are as follows; Akron Beacon Journal News Clinic,
Akron Board of Education, Akron City Club, Akron Ohio Tour Guide, Akron YMCA and YWCA, Archbishop Hoban High School, Barberton
Kiwanis Club, Greater Akron Executive Council, Jewish Center-Women's Day, Kappa Kappa Gamma Fraternity, Leadership Akron,
National Register of Prominent Americans, Ohio Federation of Business and Professional Women, United Nations Trustee Council,
Western Reserve Girl Scout Council and Who's Who in America. Series II: Career is made up of four sub-series, Public Utilities
Commission, Education, Legal and Political. The folders in the Public Utilities Commission sub-series are the start with
general groupings, correspondence, legal documents, speech drafts, newsletters, brochures, pictures and certificates. The
collection contained a lot of news clippings portraying the activity of her involvement in the P.U.C.O. These newspaper clippings
are primarily organized in a chronological order. There are three microfilm reels from the National Archives-Work Projects
Administration Project Files. The reels contain information about W.P.A. projects in the area that may have been connected
with public utility development. The Education sub-series is comprised of folders of information on the scholastic career
of Frances McGovern from grade school through college years. The Legal sub-series contain folders representing McGovern's
working career as a lawyer. The folders are grouped by, speech announcements, correspondence, notary certificate and Ohio
Edison career materials. The Political sub-series material is the largest part of this series. Within this sub-series, the
folders are primarily chronological. Her early political career as a member of the House of Representatives includes campaign
information, correspondence, speech drafts, pictures and news clips. Of particular note are pictures of the Ohio General
Assembly Senate and House of Representatives from 1957 and 1959. Her 1964 congressional campaign is well represented with
newspaper clippings, correspondence, memorabilia and pictures. There are pictures taken by a White House photographer from
the 1964 campaign, mostly of Lady Bird Johnson's visit to Akron. There are also pictures in the 1964 campaign folders of
Frances McGovern and President Lyndon Johnson, Vice President Hubert Humphrey, Sargent Shriver and Eleanor Roosevelt during
the campaign. After the 1964 campaign, Frances McGovern was highly involved in county government legislation. The collection
contains an abundance of correspondence and newspaper clippings, organized chronologically, and related to this county government
activity. Series III: Writings this series is divided into two sub-series representing the books, "Fun, Cheap and Easy"
and "Written on the Hills" written by Frances McGovern. The Fun, Cheap and Easy publication's grouping of information is comprised
of folders containing information about the books proceedings including, correspondence, notes/research, reviews/edits, drafts
and marketing. The materials for the book Written on the Hills likewise is made up of folders containing the progression
of the publication. Besides the folders for correspondence, reviews/edits, drafts and marketing, there is a high concentration
of research materials relating to the geology and history of the Cuyahoga Valley and the landscape around Akron. Series
IV: Personal is made up folders of material not related to her politics, career or writings. The genealogy folder has family
history information. The miscellaneous papers and news clips contains personal information spanning her entire life. The
birthday card folder contains a birthday card given to Frances McGovern which was personally created by the local illustrator,
Chuck Ayers. There is a picture folder of family and miscellaneous pictures present in the collection. The white house
correspondence folder contains correspondence between Frances McGovern and the white house not associated with her career
such as an inauguration invitation and white house Christmas cards. There is a folder containing an undated journal of random
information apparently written by Frances McGovern. Lastly, there is an assortment of items relating to Frances McGovern's
retirement party in the form of pictures, banners, invitations and two embossed albums containing cards and pictures. Series
V: Memorabilia is comprised of two boxes of physical items such as awards and decorative items included in this collection.
Primarily, the memorabilia is awards given to Frances for her involvement in different organizations. There are separation
sheets within the series subject area to connect the physical item to its appropriate location.
Restrictions on Use
Copyright restrictions may apply. Permission to reproduce or publish materials in this collection must be secured in writing
from Archival Services, University Libraries, The University of Akron.
Restrictions on Access
No access restrictions
Related Material: Related Material
None
Indexing Terms
The following terms have been used to index the description of this collection in the library's online public access catalog.
Subjects:
Ohio Politics and government 1951-
Public Utilities Commission of Ohio. Utilities Department
Persons:
McGovern, Frances, 1927-2004
Places:
Akron (Ohio)
Cuyahoga Valley National Park (Ohio)
Geology--Ohio--Summit County
Technical Requirements
None
Preferred Citation
[Identification of Item], Frances McGovern Papers, Archival Services, University Libraries, the University of Akron, Akron
Ohio.
Acquisition Information
The Frances McGovern Papers were given to the University of Akron in 1981 by Frances McGovern. Additional information was
accrued from Frances McGovern's estate and her nephew living in Akron, Ohio.
Processing Information
Processed by Barbara Leden, December 1, 2017
Detailed Description of The Collection
Series I: Organizations, 1954-2001
BOX 1 / Folder 1
Akron Bar Association, 1959-2000
BOX 1 / Folder 2
Children's Psychiatric Hospital, 1954-1961
BOX 1 / Folder 3
League of Women Voters, 1980-1993
BOX 1 / Folder 4
League of Women Voters - Education Fund, 1983-1993
BOX 1 / Folder 5
Local School Connections, 1958-1985
BOX 1 / Folder 6
Medical Foundations/Health Districts, 1959-1997
BOX 1 / Folder 7
Metropolitan Federation, 1957-1958
BOX 1 / Folder 8
United Fund/United Community Council, 1967-1969
BOX 1 / Folder 9
United Way, 1979-1998
BOX 1 / Folder 10
University of Akron - Alumni Day, 1989
BOX 1 / Folder 11
University of Akron - Board of Trustees, 1973-1982
BOX 1 / Folder 12
Various Organizations, 1964-2001
BOX 1 / Folder 13
Women's History Project, 1992-1998
Map-case 10 / Drawer 2 / Folder 2
Certificate of Appointment - University of Akron Board of Trustees, 1973-1982
Series II: Career, 1928-2000
SUB-SERIES: PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION, 1934-1989
BOX 1 / Folder 20
Correspondence, 1955-1966
BOX 1 / Folder 21
Legal Documents, 1960-1981
BOX 1 / Folder 22
Speech Drafts, 1962
BOX 1 / Folder 23
Newsletters, 1960-1963
BOX 1 / Folder 24
Brochures, 1960-1961
BOX 1 / Folder 25
Pictures, 1960-1962
BOX 1 / Folder 26
Appointment Certificate, 1961
BOX 1 / Folder 27
News Clips Informational, 1959-1989
BOX 1 / Folder 28
News Clips Received, 1960-1963
BOX 1 / Folder 29
News Clips Appointment to P.U.C.O, 1959-1960
BOX 1 / Folder 30
New Clips Swearing In to P.U.C.O., 1960-1961
BOX 1 / Folder 31
News Clips Chairmanship, 1961-1962
BOX 1 / Folder 32
News Clips Resignation, 1963
BOX 1 / Folder 33
National Archives of the United States, Work Projects Administration - Project Files (3 microfilms), 1934-1942
Map-case 10 / Drawer 2 / Folder 2
Certificate of Appointment - Public Utilities Commission, 1961
Map-case 10 / Drawer 2 / Folder 2
Photograph of a Public Utilities Commission dinner, December 29, 1961
SUB-SERIES: EDUCATION, 1928-1989
BOX 2 / Folder 1
Saint Sebastian Grade School and Buchtel High School, 1928-1953
BOX 2 / Folder 2
University of Akron and Western Reserve University, 1945-1989
BOX 2 / Folder 3
Ohio State Law Journal, 1959
BOX 2 / Folder 4
American Association of University Women, 1959
SUB-SERIES: LEGAL, 1950-1993
BOX 2 / Folder 5
News Clips of Speech Announcements, 1960-1969
BOX 2 / Folder 6
Correspondence, 1950-1957
BOX 2 / Folder 7
Notary Certificate, 1970
BOX 2 / Folder 8
Ohio Edison Photographs, Correspondence and News Clips, 1964-1993
SUB-SERIES: POLITICAL, 1950-2000
BOX 2 / Folder 9
Campaign, Early, 1950-1959
BOX 2 / Folder 10
Correspondence, 1950-1960, 1950-1960
BOX 2 / Folder 11
Speech Drafts, 1950-1960
BOX 2 / Folder 12
Pictures, 1950-1960
BOX 2 / Folder 13
News Clips, 1950-1960
BOX 2 / Folder 14
Democratic National Convention Pictures, 1960
BOX 2 / Folder 15
Democratic National Convention News Clips, 1960
BOX 2 / Folder 16
Democratic National Convention Correspondence, Miscellaneous, 1960
BOX 2 / Folder 17
Campaign News Clips, 1964
BOX 2 / Folder 18
Campaign Pictures and Negatives, 1964
BOX 2 / Folder 19
Campaign Picture (White House), 1964
BOX 2 / Folder 20
Campaign Memorabilia, 1964
BOX 2 / Folder 21
Presidential Inauguration Correspondence, 1964
BOX 2 / Folder 22
Correspondence, News Clips, 1960-1970
BOX 2 / Folder 23
Correspondence, News Clips, 1983
BOX 2 / Folder 24
Periodical, "The Alternative", 1996
BOX 2 / Folder 25
Correspondence, News Clips, 2000
BOX 2 / Folder 26
County Government Papers News Clips, 1965-1970
BOX 2 / Folder 27
County Government Papers Correspondence, 1965-1970
BOX 2 / Folder 28
County Government Papers News Clips, 1980-1990
BOX 2 / Folder 29
County Government Papers Correspondence, 1980-1990
BOX 2 / Folder 30
County Government Papers News Clips, 1990-2000
BOX 2 / Folder 31
County Government Papers Correspondence, 1990-2000
Map-case 10 / Drawer 2 / Folder 1
Photograph of the Ohio General Assembly Senate and House of Representatives, 1957-1958
Map-case 10 / Drawer 2 / Folder 1
Photograph of the Ohio General Assembly Senate and House of Representatives, 1959-1960
Series III: Writings, 1786-2001
SUB-SERIES: FUN, CHEAP AND EASY, 1990-2001
BOX 3 / Folder 1
Correspondence, 1990-2000
BOX 3 / Folder 2
Notes/Research, undated-2001
BOX 3 / Folder 3
Revisions/Reviews/Edits, 1999-2001
BOX 3 / Folder 4
First Draft Submission, January 2001
BOX 3 / Folder 5
Second Draft Submission, 2001
BOX 3 / Folder 6
Marketing, 2001
SUB-SERIES: WRITTEN ON THE HILLS, 1786-2001
BOX 3 / Folder 7
Historical Research copy of "Ohio Lands a Short History", 1993
BOX 3 / Folder 8
Historical Research copy of "Magazine of Western Reserve", February 1887
BOX 3 / Folder 9
Historical Research copy of "Silver Lake's Golden Era", 1979
BOX 3 / Folder 10
Historical Research copy of "Moravians of the Cuyahoga", 1894
BOX 3 / Folder 11
Historical Research copy of "Historical Background of the Cuyahoga Valley", 1974
BOX 3 / Folder 12
Historical Research copies of miscellaneous articles, 1882-1997
BOX 3 / Folder 13
University of Akron Press, 1996-2001
BOX 3 / Folder 14
University of Akron Press, 1994-1996
BOX 3 / Folder 15
Miscellaneous News Clips, 1990-1999
BOX 3 / Folder 16
Simon Perkins Research, 1825, 1936, 1995
BOX 3 / Folder 17
Material from Joe Jesensky Miscellaneous, 1800-1993
BOX 3 / Folder 18
Material from Joe Jesensky copy of "Zeisberger's Diary", 1786
BOX 3 / Folder 19
Material from Joe Jesensky copy of "Lasalle and the Cuyahoga", 1980
BOX 3 / Folder 20
Material from Joe Jesensky copy of "From Fairfield to Schonbrun", 1957
BOX 3 / Folder 21
Material from Joe Jesensky copy of "Excerpts from Thirty-Thousand Miles with John Heckewelder Moravian Missionary", 1787
BOX 3 / Folder 22
Material from Joe Jesensky copy of "Ohio Lands and Their Subdivision", 1918
BOX 3 / Folder 23
Material from Joe Jesensky copy of "The Cuyahoga-Tuscarawas Portage; a documentary history", 1954
BOX 3 / Folder 24
Material from Joe Jesensky copy of "Old Portage", 1953
BOX 3 / Folder 25
Material from Joe Jesensky copy of the 1871 "Ancient Earth Forts of the Cuyahoga Valley, Ohio", 1950s
BOX 4 / Folder 1
Reader Correspondence, 1996-2001
BOX 4 / Folder 2
Marketing, News Clips, Correspondence, 1996-2001
BOX 4 / Folder 3
Marketing, Brochures and Flyers, 1995-1999
BOX 4 / Folder 4
Pictures, 1996
BOX 4 / Folder 5
Miscellaneous Reference Sources, undated
BOX 4 / Folder 6
Reference Sources - 1, undated-1996
BOX 4 / Folder 7
Reference Sources - 2, undated-1996
BOX 4 / Folder 8
1856 Map Photos, 1874 Atlas Directory, 1856, 1874
BOX 4 / Folder 9
Canal Research, 1923-1995
BOX 4 / Folder 10
Book Reference Sources - Census, City Directory, undated
BOX 4 / Folder 11
Book Reference Sources - Topography, History Notes, Planning, undated
BOX 4 / Folder 12
Book Reference Sources - (A to F), undated
BOX 4 / Folder 13
Book Reference Sources - (G to O), undated
BOX 4 / Folder 14
Book Reference Sources - (P to S), undated
BOX 4 / Folder 15
Book Reference Sources - (T to Z), undated
Series IV: Personal, 1920-2000
BOX 1 / Folder 14
Genealogy, 1987
BOX 1 / Folder 15
Miscellaneous Papers and News Clips, 1931-2000s
BOX 1 / Folder 16
Birthday Card created by Chuck Ayers to Fran McGovern, 1990s
BOX 1 / Folder 17
Pictures, 1920-2000
BOX 1 / Folder 18
White House Correspondence, 1966-1967
BOX 1 / Folder 19
Journal - Miscellaneous, undated
BOX 3 / Folder 25
Retirement Party Pictures (Loose), June 1, 1989
BOX 3 / Folder 26
Retirement Party Pictures (Loose), June 1, 1989
BOX 3 / Folder 27
Retirement Party Picture Negatives, June 1, 1989
BOX 3 / Folder 28
Retirement Banner and Plaque, June 1, 1989
BOX 3 / Piece 1
Retirement Party Guest Book and Cards, June 1, 1989
BOX 3 / Piece 2
Retirement Party Announcement, Pictures, Cards, June 1, 1989
Series V: Memorabilia, 1962-2002
BOX 5 / Piece 1
Metal Medallion approximately 2 inch circumference embossed with a portrait of Governor Michael V. DiSalle and Ohio State
Seal., 1962
BOX 5 / Piece 2
Metal Medallion approximately 2 inch circumference on a ribbon, in a case, from the University of Akron Alumni Association., 1982
BOX 5 / Piece 3
Mounted paper award from the Garden Club of America for the book "Written on the Hills", 1998
BOX 5 / Piece 4
Mounted paper award from the Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine., undated
BOX 5 / Piece 5
Small rectangular Paperweight engraved with Akron YMCA Appreciation., 1981
BOX 5 / Piece 6
Wood appreciation plaque from the Inter-Community Telephone Committee., 1966
BOX 5 / Piece 7
Wood appreciation plaque from the Portage Path Community Mental Health Center., 1978
BOX 5 / Piece 8
Wood appreciation plaque from the United Way of Summit County., 1979
BOX 5 / Piece 9
Wood plaque from the Akron Beacon Journal 1968 Women of Achievement Award., 1968
BOX 5 / Piece 10
Wood plaque for retirement from the Ohio Edison Legal Department., 1989
BOX 5 / Piece 11
Wood plaque from the United Community Council of Summit County., 1971
BOX 5 / Piece 12
Wood plaque from the YMCA Youth in government award., 1961
BOX 6 / Piece 1
Decorative clock award from Akron City Club., 1985
BOX 6 / Piece 2
Door nameplate (P.U.C.O) displaying "Miss McGovern Chairman", undated
BOX 6 / Piece 3
Door nameplate (P.U.C.O) displaying "Miss McGovern Commissioner", undated
BOX 6 / Piece 5
Metal Medallion approximately 2 inches in circumference, embossed with the words "The University of Akron 1870", undated
BOX 6 / Piece 4
Glass ashtray from the United Way for Outstanding Community Volunteer., 1998
BOX 6 / Piece 6
Metal newspaper print plate with the image of Frances McGovern and Lyndon Johnson., 1964
BOX 6 / Piece 7
Silver plate, an award from the Lambda Chapter by Kappa Kappa Gamma fraternity., 1962
BOX 6 / Piece 8
Silver plate, an award from the Ohio Federation of BPW Clubs (Business and Professional Women)., 1957
BOX 6 / Piece 9
Silver plate engraved with recognition award from the University of Akron., 1982
BOX 6 / Piece 10
Small trophy with bird on top from the United Community Council Panel., 1968
BOX 6 / Piece 11
Transparent plastic trophy, a Leadership Award from the Greater Akron Executive Council., 1984
BOX 6 / Piece 12
Transparent plastic trophy, an award from the Medical Education Foundation., 1997
BOX 6 / Piece 13
Trophy/plaque from the Women's History Project., 1998
BOX 6 / Piece 14
Wood plaque from Buchtel College of Arts and Science, Alumni Award., 1989
BOX 6 / Piece 15
Wood plaque of building, The Alling House, by Forget-Me-Knot., 1995
BOX 6 / Piece 16
Wood plaque of building, Olde Town Hall Tallmadge, Ohio, by Forget-Me-Knot., 1993
BOX 6 / Piece 17
Wood plaque of building, First Congregational Church, by Forget-Me-Knot., 1992
BOX 6 / Piece 18
Wood plaque of building, The First United Church of Christ, by The Cat's Meow., 1991
BOX 6 / Piece 19
Wood plaque of image of the state of Ohio, by The Cat's Meow., 2002
BOX 6 / Piece 20
Wood plaque of the Zeppelin, U.S. Akron and the Hangar., undated
BOX 6 / Piece 21
Wood plaque of building, Peninsula High School built 1887, by The Cat's Meow., 1996