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Folder

Subject Files, 1965-1995

79 linear feet

Subject Files (79 linear feet; 1965-1995) include correspondence, memoranda, questionnaires and background material. The files are arranged chronologically by year, and then alphabetically by topic within each year. The original office filing systems have been maintained; files dating from 1965 to 1979 are listed by slightly idiosyncratic folder headings, while files dating from 1980 to 1995 are arranged using standardized subject headings, followed by more detailed subheadings. The subheadings are not used on this boxlist so that, for example, a folder listed as "Migrant Workers" in the first section of the subject files would be found under the "Labor" section of the post-1980 files.

Most of the constituent correspondence is arranged by topic, and major controversies of the time are well represented, including the Vietnam War, amnesty for draft dodgers, Watergate, economic issues and abortion. Examples of postcard campaigns and form letters have been kept, but the bulk of this type of correspondence was discarded.

Constituent correspondence regarding court enforced integration of public schools is listed as "Busing" in the chronological Subject Files from the early 1970s. However, the sheer volume of busing correspondence compelled Ford's staff to maintain separate "Busing" files as well, and these letters are stored out of chronological order in boxes 77 and 78. These files document what was perhaps the most vehemently debated issue in the Fifteenth District during Ford's tenure in congress.

Collection

William D. Ford papers, 1955-1995 (majority within 1965-1995)

152 linear feet

Democratic Congressman from Michigan's 15th District, 1964-1994, member of the Labor and Education Committee his entire career - becoming chairman in 1991, also chairman of Post Office and Civil Service Committee; papers include subject files, legislative and committee files, campaign material, photographs and videotapes.

The William D. Ford papers are divided into seven series: Subject Files, Legislative Files, Committee Files, Campaign Material, Public Relations, Photographs, and Audiovisual Material. The collection is primarily an office file which documents Ford's activities as a local representative, federal legislator and politician. Constituents' opinions and concerns are represented as well, particularly in the correspondence and questionnaire response files.