Description
The Janet Gray Hayes Papers Addition documents her tenure as a city council member, vice mayor and mayor, from the 1960s to
2014. This collection consists of newspaper clippings, campaign materials, photographs and other memorabilia. Additionally,
some material dates before her election to public office and continues through the end of her life.
Background
In 1974 Janet Gray Hayes became mayor of San Jose, California and the first female elected to the office of mayor of a large
American city. She was overwhelmingly reelected to a second term, and served as mayor until 1982. Prior to her groundbreaking
election in 1974, she won a seat on the San Jose City Council and also served as vice mayor. This collection documents her
political trajectory from 1974-1982. During her tenure as mayor she focused on urban development issues and smart growth planning,
and was very responsive to increased citizen access to the mayor's office. Gray Hayes became an important role model for women
in politics, her success in government represented a watershed for politically minded women in the region, and the Santa Clara
Valley became known as the "Feminist Capital of the World." This collection consists of administrative files, election materials,
personal files, and public relations materials.
Extent
4.667 Linear feet
4 boxes
Restrictions
Copyright has been assigned to the San José State University Library Special Collections & Archives. All requests for permission
to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the Director of Special Collections. Permission for publication
is given on behalf of the SJSU Special Collections & Archives as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include
or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained by the reader. Copyright restrictions also apply
to digital reproductions of the original materials. Use of digital files is restricted to research and educational purposes.
Availability
The collection is open for research.