Dates: 1953, 1969-89
The records document the proceedings of the Harry S. Truman Democratic Club of Danville, Ill., from the organization's founding in 1969, until its dissolution in 1989. The Club's stated mission was "to advocate and promote the political philosophy of the Democratic Party." It sought to bring the Democratic Party in Vermilion County together into a cohesive organization. President Truman allowed the Club to use his name in the hope that it would promote Democratic Party unity at the local level.
Size: About 800 pages.
Access: Open.
Copyright: Bernie E. Schackmann, last president of the Harry S. Truman Democratic Club, donated his copyright interest in these records to the Government of the United States.
Processed by: Samuel W. Rushay and Dennis Bilger
The records of the Harry S. Truman Democratic Club of Danville, Illinois document the proceedings of this political organization from its founding by U.S. Marshal Harry C. George and others in 1969 until its dissolution in 1989. The club's Constitution declared that its mission was "to advocate and promote the political philosophy of the Democratic Party" so as to better relations in "our local, state, national and international affairs and economy." The club was particularly concerned with furthering Democratic Party unity. President Truman sympathized with the club's goals and gave it permission to use his name (see President Truman's letter to Harry C. George, June 2, 1969, in the folders entitled "Correspondence" and "Scrapbook").
The records comprise a Subject File containing correspondence and articles of incorporation; tax forms and State of Illinois annual report forms; a constitution and by-laws; membership lists; notes and receipts; printed materials; minutes of annual meetings; a guest register; tickets; a scrapbook; and photographs. The material is arranged alphabetically.
The records of the Harry S. Truman Democratic Club provide insight into a small midwestern grass roots political association that was dedicated to the ideals of the Democratic Party and the spirit of Harry S. Truman. The club's structure, mission, and methods of organization are all documented.
Since the records came to the library unarranged and unfoldered, the archives staff has arranged it and assigned folder titles.
Box 1
- Annual Meeting Forms, 1969-88
- Articles of Incorporation and Annual Report Forms, 1969-80
- Constitution and By-Laws
- Correspondence (including President Truman's letter to Harry C. George, June 2, 1969)
- Cross-Reference Sheets
- Dinner and Dance Tickets, 1971-81
- Finances (Receipts, Dues); Club Elections (Candidate and Officer Lists)
- Guestbook for Truman Birthday Meeting, 1970
- Membership Lists; Final Meeting, 1989
- Minutes of Meetings, l969-8 [1 of 2]
- Minutes of Meetings, l969-8 [2 of 2]
- Newspaper Clippings, Printed Materials, 1972-86
- Photographs
- Scrapbook [including President Truman's letter to Harry C. George, June 2, 1969, articles of incorporation and constitution, State of Illinois Certificate of Incorporation, membership cards, newspaper clippings, and photographs]
- Truman Birthday Anniversary Dinner, 1970