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Democratic National Committee, 1932-1952

 Series
Identifier: CWLK 95-98

Scope and Contents

Frank Walker was named treasurer of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) in 1932 and chairman in 1943. Between these two official positions he served the party in a number of informal capacities as a fundraiser, advisor, and member of Roosevelt's presidential campaign committees. The records in this series reflect this mix of official and unofficial duties. Walker filed some of the correspondence relating to his work with the party, especially his unofficial duties, in his general correspondence files. Researchers should also consult the Correspondence Series for letters relating to the Democratic National Committee.

The documents from the 1932 campaign and Walker's tenure as treasurer include correspondence with donors, creditors, state party officials, and members of the Democratic National Finance Committee, which Walker chaired. The papers also include detailed financial records from the Democratic Party during this period, such as audits, financial reports and statements, lists of contributors, and records of disbursements and receipts. When Walker became treasurer in 1932 the Democratic Party was heavily in debt and many of the records for this period document Walker's role in the party's attempt to pay off the debt and raise money for future campaigns.

The records from the 1936 presidential campaign include correspondence, detailed election projections from Democrats around the country, strategy papers, reports from campaign committees, and financial records. Walker's work as chairman is reflected in correspondence, committee lists and minutes, memoranda from the White House, and daily office logs of visitors and correspondence. The subjects covered in the correspondence include campaign strategies for 1944, the 1944 convention, state politics, political appointments, party finances, and the composition and work of party committees. Newspaper clippings on Democratic Party activities are filed in the Scrapbook Series.

Dates

  • Creation: 1932-1952

Language of Materials

English.

Repository Details

Part of the University of Notre Dame Archives Repository

Contact:
607 Hesburgh Library
Notre Dame Indiana 46556 United States
(574) 631-6448