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Hayes (Janet Gray) Papers Addition
MSS.2014.05.31
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Table of contents
Language of Material:
English
Contributing Institution:
SJSU Special Collections & Archives
Title: Janet Gray Hayes Papers Addition
creator:
Janet Gray Hayes
Identifier/Call Number: MSS.2014.05.31
Physical Description:
4.667 Linear feet
4 boxes
Date (inclusive): 1950- 2014
Date (bulk): 1971-1987
Abstract: 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.
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.
The Janet Gray Hayes Papers Addition documents the significance of Janet Gray Hayes in local, state and national politics.
She was the first woman elected to the office of mayor of a large American city. Gray Hayes was pivotal in popularizing the
Santa Clara Valley's reputation as the "Feminist Capital of the World" which drew international attention to San Jose. With
her connections to feminist groups such as the League of Women Voters, the National Organization for Women and National Women's
Political Caucus, Gray Hayes kept women's issues at the forefront of her politics and motivated other women to get involved.
Even though she faced criticism and many news outlets referred to her simply as an "argumentative housewife" during her campaigns,
she continued in her commitment to improve citizen access to the mayor's office, reducing crime, and promoting controlled
urban growth in San Jose. She also aided in the appointment of women administrators in city government and also helped women
campaign for other political offices. Janet Gray Hayes retired from political life in 1982 after two successful terms serving
as the mayor of San Jose.
The Janet Gray Hayes Papers Addition is organized into six series: Series I: Administrative Files, Series II: Campaign & Election
Materials, Series III: Public Relations Files, Series IV: Press Clippings, Series V: Memorabilia (three-dimensional) and Series
VI: Personal Materials.
Janet Gray Hayes Papers Addition Collection, MSS -2014-05-31, San José State University Library Special Collections & Archives.
The collection is open for research.
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.
Processed by Monika Lehman and reviewed by Danelle Moon in 2014. Folder level description added to Finding Aid by Kate Steffens,
November 2019.
The Janet Gray Hayes Papers Addition is organized into six series: Series I: Administrative Files, Series II: Campaign & Election
Materials, Series III: Public Relations Files, Series IV: Press Clippings, Series V: Memorabilia (three-dimensional) and Series
VI: Personal Materials.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
California -- Politics and government
Mayors -- California -- San Jose
San Jose (Calif.) -- History -- 20th century
Women in politics -- California -- History