Health & Welfare, 1973 - 1976

The John J. Sparkman Papers collection contains material relating to the life and political career of Alabama Democratic congressman John J. Sparkman, who served in the US House of Representatives and the Senate for over forty years. The papers are divided into seven series. The Personal and Political Papers Series contains posters, personal mementos, awards, plaques, biographical material, and correspondence with friends, constituents, and government officials. Some of the correspondence relates to the decline of the Democratic Party in the South. A large number of files document Sparkman’s meetings and appointments, with letters inviting the congressman to various events. The series also includes materials about Sparkman’s campaigns for re-election to Congress and his 1952 campaign for US vice president, along with booklets about the Democratic National Convention and information about the Democratic Party’s treatment of civil rights. There are also files relating to Sparkman’s administrative assistants John Horne, Lewis Odom, and Octa Watson. The Press and Media Materials Series contains press releases, weekly newsletters, speeches, newspaper clippings, transcripts of radio and television broadcasts, publicity calendars, correspondence, and files relating to Sparkman’s press secretary, Grover Smith. It also contains photographs and audiovisual materials, including sound and film recordings. The Legislative Records Series contains correspondence between John J. Sparkman, officials, and constituents about legislation up for debate in the House or Senate during Sparkman’s time in Congress, as well as printed copies of bills and resolutions. It includes files related to Sparkman’s work on the Congressional committees in which he participated during his tenure. The Constituent Services Materials Series contains correspondence between Sparkman and his Alabama constituents about their opinions on national and statewide issues; requests for Sparkman’s help in securing employment, benefits, and other needs; and routine correspondence, such as letters of congratulations, condolences, and thanks. The Constituent Services series also includes project files regarding building and improvement initiatives taking place throughout Alabama. The Administrative Files Series contains materials documenting the daily operations of John J. Sparkman’s office staff in Washington, DC, and in Alabama. The Agency and Department Files series contains correspondence, memos, and other materials regarding the activities of named agencies and specific departments within the United States government, including Agriculture, Education, the Federal Aviation Agency, the Justice Department, NASA, Health and Welfare, Labor, Indian Affairs, and others. For more details, see the Scope and Contents Notes for each series.