Preliminary Inventory to the Pacific Gas and Electric Company Collection
Finding aid prepared by The Hoover Institution Library and Archives Staff
Hoover Institution Library and Archives
© 2000
434 Galvez Mall
Stanford University
Stanford, CA 94305-6003
hoover-library-archives@stanford.edu
Title: Pacific Gas and Electric Company collection
Date (inclusive): 1960-1970
Collection Number: 80177
Contributing Institution: Hoover Institution Library and Archives
Language of Material:
English
Physical Description:
21 motion picture film reels, 3 manuscript boxes
(5.4 Linear Feet)
Abstract: Sound recordings and motion picture film of a series of political education programs, featuring campaign presentations by
candidates for election to major state political offices in California.
Creator:
Pacific Gas and Electric Company
Physical Location: Hoover Institution Library & Archives
Access
The collection is open for research; materials must be requested in advance via our reservation system. If there are audiovisual
or digital media material in the collection, they must be reformatted before providing access.
Use
For copyright status, please contact the Hoover Institution Library & Archives.
Acquisition Information
Materials were acquired by the Hoover Institution Library & Archives in 1980.
Preferred Citation
[Identification of item], Pacific Gas and Electric Company collection, [Box no., Folder no. or title], Hoover Institution
Library & Archives.
Historical Note
Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) sponsored this series of political forums featuring candidates for statewide office
in California and discussions of leading issues in cooperation with (in 1966, and possibly other years) the Pacific Service
Employees Association, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (Local 1245), and the Engineers and Scientists of California
for the thousands of PG&E employees in northern and central California.
From a "Politics '66" brochure about this series:
"Informing P.G. and E.'s 23,000 employees who are scattered over 47 of California's 58 counties, and who are encouraged to
take their individual citizenship privileges and responsibilities seriously is the broad objective of the "POLITICS '66" series.
This has also been the objective of five such preceding series.
"
Register, work for, contribute to and
vote for the cnadidates and party of choice is the theme of the Company's bipartisan, voluntary Applied Citizenship Training program
of which the Politics Series is a part. The forums provide the vehicle by which citizen employees may learn for themselves
through direct and indirect exposure to candidates and spokesmen on issues, the qualifications of office seekers and the merits
of propositions.
"The forums are held in the Company's General Office auditorium on the ground floor of 245 Market Street, San Francisco during
lunch hours.
"Many of the noon hour programs are filmed in their entirety using a multiple camera technique known as 'Live Camera,' which
is similar to television except that the finished product is on 16 mm sound film. Additional prints are processed immediately
for same day delivery via the Company's internal mail 'Pony Express' to various points in the system for screening in the
operating divisions the following day.
"Program Frequency: Generally a Tuesday-Thursday program schedule beginning mid-September and continuing to election day,
with opposing candidates booked for appearances during the same week, is followed.
"Program Format: Following a brief introduction the candidate or candidates are allowed up to thirty minutes to make their
formal presentation. However, they must submit to ten to fifteen minutes of questions from the audience. Programs are concluded
by 1:00 P.M.
"Candidates or advocates of positions on propositions and their staffs may distribute campaign literature on the date of their
appearance.
"Each biennial series is concluded one week after the election with a panel of distinguished political analysts, commentators,
and editors who 'post mortem' the several campaigns, review the returns, and respond to questions from the audience. Like
the films of candidate appearances, the press panel prints are circulated among the Company's 13 operating divisions for viewing
by employees and their friends.
"Applied Citizenship Training Program: Since its inception in 1960, approximately 8,000 P.G. and E. employees have volunteered
for and completed a 16 hour bi-partisan course in practical politics. Company sponsored, the ACT course has been warmly endorsed
by Local 1245, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and the Engineers and Scientists of California.
"California Good Citizenship Committee: This year P.G. and E. is cooperating with the California Good Citizenship Committee
and a large number of other California firms in providing the means by which and encouraging employees to contribute financially
to the candidates and party of their individual choice."
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Audiotapes
Motion pictures
Elections -- California
Sound recordings
1960-1970
box 1
Marching music used for programs
box 1
William Winter (Foreign policy and foreign aid)
Sept. 8, 1960
box 1
Philip A. Ray (Taxes, inflation, and economic growth)
Sept. 14, 1960
box 1
Robert A. Kirkwood (Water problems)
Sept. 22, 1960
box 1
William Becker (Civil rights)
Sept. 29, 1960
box 1
Murray R. Benedict (Farm problems)
Oct. 6, 1960
box 1
W. Allen Wallis (Business, labor, and government)
Oct. 18, 1960
box 1
Frank H. Higgins (National defense)
Oct. 20, 1960
box 1
Hugo Fisher (Proposition 15)
Oct. 27, 1960
box 1
Ralph A. Tudor (Natural resources)
Oct. 31, 1960
box 1
Stanley McCaffrey and Robert Crown (Presidential candidates' summary)
Nov. 3, 1960
box 1
Seymour Martin Lipset
Sept. 13, 1962
box 2
John Busterud (candidate for state treasurer) and Bruce V. Reagan (candidate for state controller)
Sept. 18, 1962
box 2
Bert Betts (candidate for state treasurer)
Sept. 21, 1962
box 2
Sound recording of Max Rafferty (candidate for superintendent of public instruction)
Sept. 26, 1962
Conditions Governing Access note
Use copy reference number: 80177_a_0000451
box 2
Melville D. Shine and Henry W. Alexander (Rapid transit)
Oct. 11, 1962
box 2
Louis Francis and Gardiner Johnson (Proposition 24)
Nov. 1, 1962
box 2
Joseph Eley and Guy Millard (Applied Citizenship Training Program)
Feb. 1963
box 2
W. Byron Rumford (Proposition 14)
Sept. 29, 1964
box 2
Robert N. Miller (Proposition 14)
Oct. 1, 1964
box 2
Alan G. Pattee (Proposition 16)
Oct. 6, 1964
box 2
Henry Alexander (Proposition 16)
Oct. 8, 1964
box 2
K. E. Flake (Proposition 15)
Oct. 13, 1964
box 2
Stephen Leonoudakis (Proposition 15)
Oct. 15, 1964
box 2
Ivy Baker Priest (candidate for state treasurer)
Sept. 20, 1966
box 3
Bert Betts (candidate for state treasurer)
Sept. 22, 1966
box 3
James Flournoy (candidate for secretary of state)
Sept. 10, 1970
box 3
Ivy Baker Priest (candidate for state treasurer) and Houston Flournoy (candidate for state controller)
Sept. 15, 1970
box 3
Rodney Cameron
Sept. 17, 1970
box 3
George Milias and Homer Hyde (Propositions 20 and 1)
Sept. 22, 1970
box 3
John Sproul (Constitutional amendments)
Sept. 24, 1970
box 3
Senator Nejedley (Proposition 20) and Thomas J. Mellon (San Francisco Proposition A)
Sept. 29, 1970
box 3
Sound recording of Max Rafferty (candidate for superintendent of public instruction)
Oct. 1, 1970
Conditions Governing Access note
Use copy reference numbers: 80177_a_0000454 (side A), 80177_a_0000455 (side B)
Scope and Contents note
Side A - Politics '70. Side B - Politics '70 (possibly a meeting)
box 3
Wilson Riles (candidate for superintendent of public instruction)
Oct. 6, 1970
Motion picture films
1962-1966
Scope and Contents
"Politics '62" and "Politics '66" were non-partisan political education programs designed to give Pacific Gas and Electric
Company employees a chance to see and hear from the candidates for statewide office in California and to understand the issues
in the elections of 1962 and 1966. The 1962 series was sponsored by Pacific Gas and Electric Company and the Pacific Service
Employees Association (P.S.E.A.). The 1966 series was sponsored by those organizations as well as the International Brotherhood
of Electrical Workers (I.B.E.W.) - Local 1245 and the Engineers and Scientists of California (E.S.C.). All programs are black
and white except for the two programs covering the 1966 gubernatorial candidates.
online digital
Reel 1: Joe Eley lecture about the history of Fabianism
circa 1962
Scope and Contents
In part 1 of 4 of this lecture, Eley discusses what he considers the great issue of our time, man vs. the state (or individual
freedom vs. society's rights). He traces the history of the Fabian Society of London, which aimed to implement socialism in
England via legislation, and the Labor Party in Britain. He explains how this concept came to the United States, covering
the Public Ownership League, the Intercollegiate Socialist Society, and the League for Industrial Democracy. This footage
appears to represent highlights from a lecture course on politics and society that was framed around the question of the kind
of society citizens want. Duration: 00:16:33.
According to the label on the film canister, the speaker is Joe Eley. It is likely that he is Joseph J. Eley, the co-author
of "You Should Be a Politician" (New York : Public Affairs Counsellors, 1959).
film shelf
Reel 2: Joe Eley lecture on responsibility
circa 1962
Scope and Contents
In part 2 of 4 of this lecture, Eley explores the alternative to the collective state, which requires examining the manifest
of responsibility. If we are to be free, we must focus on the individual. According to Eley, for those unable to maintain
themselves, responsibility passes to the family, and from there to the church. Next in line after the church is local government,
then state government, and lastly, federal government. This footage appears to represent highlights from a lecture course
on politics and society that was framed around the question of the kind of society citizens want. To view this segment, use
the link at "Joe Eley lecture about the history of Fabianism." Duration: 00:05:54.
film shelf
Reel 3: Joe Eley lecture on the independent voter
circa 1962
Scope and Contents
In part 3 of 4 of this lecture by Joe Eley, he identifies the great problem of current politics, the independent voter in
US politics. Eley discusses the types of independent voters, the non-voter, the casual voter, and the crossover voter. He
focuses on the crossover voter as the most problematic. This footage appears to represent highlights from a lecture course
on politics and society that was framed around the question of the kind of society citizens want. To view this segment, use
the link at "Joe Eley lecture about the history of Fabianism." Duration: 00:07:49.
film shelf
Reel 4: Joe Eley lecture on individual freedom
circa 1962
Scope and Contents
In part 4 of 4 of this lecture, Eley addresses what is at stake in politics. He asserts that while we as individuals are working
hard, politicians are making decisions about the fruits of our labor, the future of our family members, and our freedom. He
highlights Benjamin Franklin's understanding of freedom, which required responsibility, along with political participation.
This footage appears to represent highlights from a lecture course on politics and society that was framed around the question
of the kind of society citizens want. To view this segment, use the link at "Joe Eley lecture about the history of Fabianism."
Duration: 00:06:40.
online digital
Reel 5: Politics 1962: Glenn M. Anderson, Democratic candidate for lieutenant governor, California
1962
Scope and Contents
Glenn M. Anderson, the incumbent lt. governor running for re-election, speaks to an audience of PG and E employees. Walter
E. Dibiaso, president of the Pacific Service Employees Association, serves as program chairman. The program is presented by
PG and E and the Pacific Service Employees Association. Duration: 00:47:28.
Sequence: Slates begin (00:17), camera pans audience, guests enter on stage and are seated (00:54), Dibiaso begins speaking,
introduces guests (01:36), Dibiaso introduces Anderson (03:18), Anderson begins speaking (06:27), first question (40:21),
Dibiaso thanks Anderson and the audience, (45:14), audience applauds and begins to exit (46:08), closing credits (46:36).
online digital
Reel 6: Politics 1962: Edmund G. Brown, Democratic candidate for governor, California
1962
Scope and Contents
Edmund G. Brown (also known as Pat Brown), the incumbent governor running for re-election to a second term, speaks to an audience
of Pacific Gas and Electric employees. Robert H. Gerdes, executive vice president, Pacific Gas and Electric Company, introduces
Brown. Duration: 00:53:34.
Sequence: Slates begin (00:15), camera pans audience, guests enter on stage and are seated (00:56), Gerdes begins speaking,
introduces guests (01:25), Gerdes introduces Brown (04:08), Brown begins speaking (05:41), Gerdes thanks Brown on the conclusion
of his speech (34:55), first question from audience (36:26), Gerdes thanks Brown and the audience (50:15), audience exits
(51:58), closing credits (52:46).
online digital
Reel 7: Politics 1962: George Christopher, Republican candidate for lieutenant governor, California
1962
Scope and Contents
George Christopher, mayor of San Francisco, speaks to an audience of PG and E employees during his campaign for lieutenant
governor. Robert R. Gros, vice president of Pacific Gas and Electric Company, serves as program chairman. Duration: 00:52:12.
Sequence: Slates begin (00:15), camera pans audience, guests enter on stage and are seated (00:55), Gros begins speaking,
introduces guests (01:40), Gros introduces Christopher (06:27), Christopher begins speaking (08:17), Gros thanks Christopher
on the conclusion of his speech (33:54), Gros presents Mrs. Christopher at the back of the auditorium (34:19), first question
(35:26), Gros thanks Christopher and the audience (49:59), audience applauds and begins to exit (50:44), closing credits (51:25).
online digital
Reel 8: Politics 1962: Tom Coakley, Republican candidate for attorney general, California
1962
Scope and Contents
Judge Tom Coakley, Republican candidate for attorney general, speaks to an audience of Pacific Gas and Electric employees.
Shermer L. Sibley, vice president and general manager, Pacific Gas and Electric Company, introduces Coakley. Duration: 00:45:53.
Sequence: Slates begin (00:18), camera pans audience, guests enter on stage and are seated (00:45), Sibley begins speaking,
introduces guests (01:41), Sibley introduces Coakley (04:47), Coakley begins speaking (07:07), Sibley thanks Coakley on the
conclusion of his speech (31:16), first question from audience (31:51), Sibley thanks Coakley (44:34), audience exits (44:51),
closing credits (45:19).
online digital
Reel 9: Politics 1962: Stanley Mosk, Democratic candidate for attorney general, California
1962
Scope and Contents
Stanley Mosk, the Democratic incumbent running for a second term as attorney general, speaks about the attorney general's
office, his work as attorney general, law enforcement, peace officer training, narcotics, the bidding process for public projects,
and other subjects before answering questions from the audience. Mosk is introduced by Francis J. Carr, manager of the Tax
Department, PG&E. This is a live camera recording by W. A. Palmer Films, Inc., San Francisco. In the election, Mosk defeated
Judge Tom Coakley. Duration: 00:47:35.
Sequence: Francis Carr introduces Mosk (01:25), Mosk begins speaking (04:53), question and answer session begins (25:20),
Mosk thanks the audience (45:00), Carr introduces the officials on the stage (45:23), program ends, people depart, credits
(47:35). Run time is 00:47:35.
online digital
Reel 10: Politics 1962: Richard Richards, Democratic candidate for US Senate
October 9, 1962
Scope and Contents
Richard Richards, a Democrat representing Los Angeles in the California Senate, speaks to an audience of Pacific Gas and Electric
employees during his campaign for the US Senate. James S. Moulton, vice president and executive engineer, Pacific Gas and
Electric Company, introduces Richards. Duration: 00:48:59.
Sequence: Slates begin (00:17), camera pans audience, guests enter on stage and are seated (00:55), Moulton begins speaking,
introduces guests (01:29), Moulton introduces Richards (04:34), Richards begins speaking (07:16), Moulton thanks Richards
on the conclusion of his speech (33:46), first question from audience (34:30), Moulton thanks Richards and the audience (46:16),
audience exits (47:30), closing credits (48:11).
online digital
Reels 11-12: Politics 1964: Election Post-Mortem
1964
Scope and Contents
One week after the November 1964 election in California, this panel of journalists discusses the political campaigns and election
results, with a focus on California. In the election President Johnson defeated Barry Goldwater in California by more than
one million votes, Senator Pierre Salinger lost to George Murphy by more than two hundred thousand votes, and in the main
incumbents remained in office. The panelists are (1) Sydney Kossen, political editor, San Francisco Examiner; (2) Earl C.
"Squire" Behrens, political editor, San Francisco Chronicle; (3) Jack McDowell, News Call Bulletin; and (4) Richard C. Bergholz,
political writer, Los Angeles Times. The panelists are introduced by the moderator, A. Ruric Todd, executive representative,
PG&E. This is the final program in the "Politics '64" series.
Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) sponsored this nonpartisan series of political forums for the thousands of PG&E employees
in northern and central California. The series featured candidates for statewide office in California and discussions of leading
issues, and was produced in cooperation with the Pacific Service Employees Association, International Brotherhood of Electrical
Workers (Local 1245), and the Engineers and Scientists of California.
Sequence: Politics '64 opening sequence (00:30), scenes of audience and panelists taking their seats on stage (01:12), Todd
begins speaking by introducing the program and the panelists (02:18), Todd asks first question of Berholz, about how he analyzes
Johnson's sweeping victory in California, Salinger's loss, and the retention of most incumbents (09:14), the first panelist,
Bergholz, speaks (09:36), first question from the audience (28:14), Todd thanks the panelists (45:33), audience applauds and
begins to exit (46:09), end credits (46:27).
film shelf
Reel 13: Christopher
1966
online digital
Reel 14: Politics 1966: Houston I. Flournoy, candidate for controller, California
1966
Scope and Contents
Houston I. Flournoy, known as Hugh Flournoy, speaks to an audience of Pacific Gas and Electric employees. Jack G. Smith, vice
president, Pacific Gas and Electric Company, introduces Flournoy. Duration: 00:44:40.
Sequence: Slates begin (00:37), camera pans audience, guests enter on stage and are seated (01:11), Smith begins speaking,
introduces guests (01:55), Smith introduces Flournoy (04:06), Flournoy begins speaking (06:38), Smith thanks Flournoy on the
conclusion of his speech (28:23), first question from audience (29:40), Smith thanks Flournoy and the audience (44:00), audience
exits (44:33), closing credits (44:57).
online digital
Reel 15: Politics 1966: Alan Cranston, candidate for controller, California
October 4, 1966
Scope and Contents
Alan Cranston, a Democrat, speaks to an audience of Pacific Gas and Electric employees as he seeks his third term as state
controller. Fred W. Mielke, vice president, Pacific Gas and Electric Company, introduces Cranston. Duration: 00:49:11.
Sequence: Slates begin (00:28), camera pans audience, guests enter on stage and are seated (00:57), Mielke begins speaking,
introduces guests (01:35), Mielke introduces Cranston (03:23), Cranston begins speaking (07:24), Mielke thanks Cranston on
the conclusion of his speech (31:47), first question from audience (32:34), Mielke thanks Cranston and the audience (47:40),
audience exits (48:08), closing credits (48:27).
online digital
Reel 16: Politics 1966: Thomas C. Lynch, candidate for attorney general, California
October 6, 1966
Scope and Contents
Thomas C. Lynch, a Democrat and the incumbent, speaks to an audience of Pacific Gas and Electric employees as he seeks another
term as state attorney general. Richard H. Peterson, senior vice president, Pacific Gas and Electric Company, introduces Lynch.
Duration: 00:50:20.
Sequence: Slates begin (00:39), camera pans audience, guests enter on stage and are seated (01:11), Peterson begins speaking,
introduces guests (02:11), Peterson introduces Lynch (04:20), Lynch begins speaking (11:18), Peterson thanks Lynch on the
conclusion of his speech (30:55), first question from audience (31:55), Peterson thanks Lynch and the audience (48:36), audience
exits (49:16), closing credits (49:38).
online digital
Reel 17: Politics 1966: Robert H. Finch, candidate for lieutenant governor, California
October 18, 1966
Scope and Contents
Robert H. Finch, a Republican, speaks to an audience of Pacific Gas and Electric employees as he seeks his first statewide
office, that of lieutenant governor. Robert H. Gros, vice president, Pacific Gas and Electric Company, introduces Finch. Duration:
00:41:08.
Sequence: Slates begin (00:38), camera pans audience, guests enter on stage and are seated (01:08), Gros begins speaking,
introduces guests (01:55), Gros introduces Finch (04:40), Finch begins speaking (09:18), Gros thanks Finch on the conclusion
of his speech (29:34), first question from audience (30:57), Gros thanks Finch and the audience (39:13), audience exits (40:10),
closing credits (40:31).
online digital
Reel 18: Politics 1966: Glenn M. Anderson, candidate for lieutenant governor, California
October 20, 1966
Scope and Contents
Glenn M. Anderson, the incumbent lieutenant governor running for re-election to a third term, speaks to an audience of PG
and E employees. J. D. Worthington, vice president of Pacific Gas and Electric Company, introduces Anderson. Duration: 00:56:31.
Sequence: Slates begin (00:34), camera pans audience, guests enter on stage and are seated (01:04), Worthington begins speaking,
introduces guests (01:41), Worthington introduces Anderson (05:21), Anderson begins speaking (07:35), first question (48:58),
Worthington thanks Anderson and the audience, (54:43), audience exits (55:41), closing credits (55:55).
online digital
Reel 19: Politics 1966: Edmund G. Brown, candidate for governor, California
November 2, 1966
Scope and Contents
Edmund G. Brown (also known as Pat Brown), the incumbent governor running for re-election to a third term, speaks to an audience
of Pacific Gas and Electric employees on the last Wednesday before the election. Robert H. Gerdes, chairman of the board,
Pacific Gas and Electric Company, introduces Brown. Duration: 00:59:43.
Sequence: Slates begin (00:39), camera pans audience, guests enter on stage and are seated (01:06), Gerdes begins speaking,
introduces guests (02:12), Gerdes introduces Brown (05:36), Brown begins speaking (08:30), Gerdes thanks Brown on the conclusion
of his speech (40:50), first question from audience (42:00), Gerdes thanks Brown and the audience (57:24), audience exits
(58:50), closing credits (59:04).
online digital
Reel 20: Politics 1966: Ronald Reagan, candidate for governor, California
November 3, 1966
Scope and Contents
Ronald Reagan, the Republican candidate for governor of California, speaks to an audience of Pacific Gas and Electric employees
four days before the election. Shermer L. Sibley, president, Pacific Gas and Electric Company, introduces Reagan. Actor Chuck
Connors is on the stage as Reagan's guest. Duration: 01:04:00.
Part I sequence: Slates begin (00:36), camera pans audience, guests on stage (01:05), Sibley begins speaking, introduces guests
(01:15), Sibley introduces Reagan (04:45), Reagan begins speaking (08:02), Sibley thanks Reagan on the conclusion of his speech
(25:20), first question from audience (26:35).
Part 2 sequence: Questions continue (00:12), Reagan concludes, gets a standing ovation, shakes hands of guests on stage,
and exits stage (30:06), Sibley thanks Reagan and the audience (30:43), audience exits (31:45), closing credits (31:59).
online digital
Reel 21: Politics 1966: Election Post-Mortem
November 15, 1966
Scope and Contents
One week after the November 1966 election in California, this panel of journalists discusses the issues and results of the
statewide election, in which all but one of the incumbent constitutional officers were voted out of office. The role of television
in the election is a frequent discussion item. The panelists are introduced as (1) Earl C. "Squire" Behrens, veteran political
writer and political editor, San Francisco Chronicle; (2) De Van L. Shumway, Sacramento News Bureau manager and political
correspondent for United Press-International; (3) Nancy Clark, member of the KPIX-TV "The Big News" reproting team and prominent
television news commentator; (4) Jack McDowell, noted political observer and political editor, San Francisco Examiner; and
(5) Richard C. Bergholz, syndicated columnist and political editor, Los Angeles Times. The panelists are introduced by the
moderator, A. Ruric Todd. This is the final program in the "Politics '66" series, which was sponsored by PG and E in cooperation
with the Pacific Service Employees Association, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers - Local 1245, and Engineers
and Scientists of California. Duration: 00:54:28.
Sequence: slates begin (00:38), scenes of audience and panelists take their seats on stage (01:44), Todd begins introductions
of panelists (03:08), Todd asks first question about similarities to the election of 1958, when most incumbents were also
swept out of office (11:45), the first panelist, Behrens, speaks (12:10), first question from the audience (27:34), Todd thanks
the panelists and cosponsors (52:32), audience applauds and begins to exit (53:26), end credits (53:43).