Guide to the Sheridan Downey Papers, 1929-1961

Box 1

Letters written by Downey, 1929-1961.

Scope and Content Note

Typed copies arranged chronologically, relating mainly to his career in the United States Senate and to his book They Would Rule the Valley. A few were written for him by members of his staff.

Boxes 1-5

Letters written to Downey.

Scope and Content Note

Arranged alphabetically by name of person or organization. A partial list of correspondents follows the key to arrangement. Unlisted letters are arranged alphabetically as "Miscellaneous Letters" at the beginning of the file.

Ctn. 1

Manuscripts of his writings.

Scope and Content Note

Typescript (some carbons), arranged alphabetically.

America Enters a New Era

The American City on Trial

An Engineer on the Stand

California

A Day to Remember

Post War Collapse

Post War Plan

Report on the Senate

Roads Will Win the War

Shadow and Substance

Some California Firsts

The Story of a Treaty

Miscellaneous

carton Ctns. 1 & 2

Copies of the Congressional Record containing Downey's speeches and remarks, 1939-1950

Ctn. 2

Speeches, 1939-1949 and n.d.

Scope and Content Note

Mainly typed copies of radio speeches arranged chronologically

Subject files

Bullitt & Kennedy

Scope and Content Note

Memos and clippings re speeches of ambassadors Bullitt and Kennedy before a secret military affairs committee

carton Ctns. 2 & 3

Central Valley Project Investigation

Scope and Content Note

Photostatic copies of employment records and other information re several Bureau of Reclamation employees, statistical data compiled by the Bureau of Reclamation and other agencies, copies of correspondence, memos and misc. notes.

Ctn. 3

Mexico

Scope and Content Note

Copies of correspondence and other items re Downey's visit in 1940 as guest of the Mexican government.

Mexican Water Treaty

Scope and Content Note

Statistical data compiled by various federal agencies, copies of correspondence, etc. re reclamation, irrigation and other water problems; memos and notes by Downey and others

Neutrality

Scope and Content Note

Draft of letter from Downey to Pres. Roosevelt and clippings re his support of the Neutrality Bill.

Reber Plan

Scope and Content Note

Reprints and clippings

Salt Water Conversion

Scope and Content Note

Statistical data, copies of correspondence, reports by various agencies, reprints re possible methods of de-salting sea water.

Senate Bills, Resolutions and Reports

Tidelands - Oil

Scope and Content Note

Copies of correspondence, clippings, press releases re development of offshore oil.

Townsend Plan

Scope and Content Note

Pamphlets, convention programs, clippings

Water

Scope and Content Note

Typed copy of proceedings of the Senate Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs to investigate and report on water conditions and needs in Santa Clara, Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. Downey was chairman. Incomplete.

Personalia

Scope and Content Note

Certificate of honorary membership, Sacramento Chamber of Commerce; identification card for U.S. Senate; certificate of election to Senate, etc.

Miscellaneous Papers Relating to Various Members of the Downey Family

Scope and Content Note

Include data re Civil War record of Stephen Wheeler Downey (Downey's father); biographical data re Evangeline Victoria (Owen) Downey (Downey's mother) and June Etta Downey (Downey's sister) and typed copy of Reminiscences of William O. Owen (Downey' s uncle).

Ctn. 4

Miscellany

Scope and Content Note

Directory of the 1907 law class, University of Michigan; list of persons sent copies of They Would Rule the Valley; copies of form letters used while senator, invitations, calling cards, etc.

Downey's Published Writings

The Chain Store Menace

The Coming Crisis.