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This collection has access restrictions. For details, please see the restrictions.
This collection has use restrictions. For details, please see the restrictions.
This is a finding aid. It is a description of archival material held in the Wilson Library at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Unless otherwise noted, the materials described below are physically available in our reading room, and not digitally available through the World Wide Web. See the Duplication Policy section for more information.
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Collection Overview
| Size | 13.0 feet of linear shelf space (approximately 6000 items) |
| Abstract | Rufus Edmisten was born in 1941 in Boone, N.C. He graduated from Appalachian High School in 1959, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1963, and George Washington University School of Law in 1966. Edmisten spent the first twelve years of his political career as an aide to Senator Sam J. Ervin Jr. In 1974, he returned to North Carolina to run for attorney general, an office he held until 1983. He was the 1984 Democratic candidate for governor, but did not win the election. In 1988, he returned to political life and ran successfully for North Carolina secretary of state. Edmisten retired from public office in 1996. The collection consists of correspondence, clippings, printed materials, speeches, and campaign and other materials relating to Rufus Edmisten's career in government service. Chronological files document Edmisten's school life and his political career as an aide to Senator Sam J. Ervin Jr., most notably his work as deputy chief counsel of the Senate Select Committee on Presidential Campaign Activities, and in his positions as attorney general, Democratic candidate for governor, and secretary of state for North Carolina. Watergate materials are chiefly carbon copies and photocopies, and include correspondence, chiefly with the general public, but also with others, such as Arthur S. Miller, who were involved in the investigation; background research materials; and interoffice communications about staff operations. The original subpoenas delivered to President Richard Nixon and the original of John Dean's copy of the "enemies list" and related memos from Charles Colson, Jack Caulfield, Gordon Strachan, and George T. Bell are also included. Other topics include civil rights for Native Americans; a Princeville, N.C., investigation into racial discrimination in voting; Ervin's position on the independence of the judiciary; Democratic campaigning and the North Carolina Democratic Party; the Iran-Contra hearings; Edmisten's friendship with President Bill Clinton; a 1994 audit and 1996 investigation of the office of the secretary of state; and the Foundation for Good Business. Subject files include a scrapbook of clippings about the Wilmington 10; retrospective materials about the Watergate scandal, including plans for a committee staff reunion; and biographical information, including an interview that aired on North Carolina People with William Friday. There is also a recording of Edmisten singing "The Wild Side of Life" with the Charlie Albertson Band. Photographs include portraits and snapshots, chiefly of Edmisten and political and social events from throughout his career, including the Watergate hearings, campaigning, and visiting the White House as a guest of President Bill Clinton. |
| Creator | Edmisten, Rufus, 1941- |
| Curatorial Unit | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Library. Southern Historical Collection. |
| Language | English |
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Processing Information
Processed by: Danielle Fasig, Virginia Ferris, Julie Seifert, October 2012
Encoded by: Nancy Kaiser, October 2012
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Subject Headings
The following terms from Library of Congress Subject Headings suggest topics, persons, geography, etc. interspersed through the entire collection; the terms do not usually represent discrete and easily identifiable portions of the collection--such as folders or items.
Clicking on a subject heading below will take you into the University Library's online catalog.
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Biographical Information
Rufus Leigh Edmisten was a North Carolina attorney general, Democratic candidate for governor, and secretary of state. Born 12 July 1941 in Boone, N.C., Edmisten began his political career early by serving as student body president at Appalachian High School in 1959, the same year he graduated. He then attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he earned a B.A. in political science and religious studies in 1963.
Edmisten next attended the George Washington University School of Law in Washington, D.C. He joined the staff of North Carolina Senator Sam J. Ervin Jr. while still attending law school at night. When Edmisten graduated from law school in 1966, Senator Ervin appointed him counsel for the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Constitutional Rights. Edmisten specialized in civil rights legislation, especially for Native Americans, and the separation of church and state. In 1969, Senator Ervin named him chief counsel and staff director for the Subcommittee on Separation of Powers.
Edmisten's time on Capital Hill culminated with his appointment in 1972 as deputy chief counsel to the Senate Select Committee on Presidential Campaign Activities, popularly known as the Watergate Committee. As part of his work on the committee, Edmisten served the subpoena to President Nixon for the tapes of recorded White House conversations that provided evidence of the cover-up of the Watergate break-in and the ensuing destruction of evidence and intimidation of witnesses. It was the first time in history that a congressional committee had served a subpoena on a sitting president.
Edmisten left Washington in 1974 and returned to North Carolina, where he was elected state attorney general. Edmisten's legislative interests in this position included protection of victims' and witness' rights. He was reelected attorney general in 1976 and again in 1980. In 1984, he won the Democratic nomination for governor, but ultimately lost to Republican James G. Martin.
After his failed gubernatorial campaign, Edmisten practiced law in Raleigh with Regan H. Weaver for four years. In 1988, he was elected secretary of state and was reelected in 1992. As secretary of state, his accomplishments included the creation of the Foundation for Good Business and working with the General Assembly to establish Limited Liability Corporations in North Carolina. His second term was tainted by a critical review by the state auditor in 1994 and a full-scale investigation by the State Bureau of Investigation in 1996. The investigation, which focused on use of state vehicles, telephones, and employee time for political activity and personal favors, ended with no charges filed against the secretary of state.
Edmisten retired from public office in 1996 and started a government relations legal practice called Edmisten, Webb and Moore. Outside of his legal practice, he continued to lead the Extra Special Super Kids (ESSK) program of the Foundation for Good Business. ESSK offers college scholarships and educational opportunities to underprivileged students.
Rufus Edmisten's first marriage to Jane Moretz ended in divorce in 1981. He has been married to Linda Harris since 1983.
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Scope and Content
The Rufus Edmisten Papers consist of correspondence, clippings, printed materials, speeches, administrative, and other materials relating to Rufus Edmisten's career in government service. Series 1 Chronological files spans Edmisten's entire career, but can be divided into two time periods: circa 1960-1974 and 1974-2006. Files, circa 1960-1974, document Edmisten's school life and his political career as an aide to Senator Sam J. Ervin Jr., most notably his work as deputy chief counsel of the Senate Select Committee on Presidential Campaign Activities, popularly known as the Watergate Committee. Watergate materials consist mostly of carbon copies and photocopies, and include correspondence, chiefly with the general public but also with committee consultants, such as Arthur S. Miller and other lawyers, government officials, and outside consultants involved in the investigation; background research materials; and interoffice communications about staff operations, the media policy, and other committee concerns. The original subpoenas delivered to President Richard Nixon and the original of John Dean's copy of the "enemies list" and related memos from Charles Colson, Jack Caulfield, Gordon Strachan, and George T. Bell are also included. Other topics from this time period include civil rights legislation for Native Americans; the investigation of alleged racial discrimination in the board of commissioners election in Princeville, N.C.; Ervin's position on the independence of the judiciary; and Democratic campaigning, including Hubert Humphrey's campaign manual. Files, 1974-2006, chiefly relate to Edmisten's positions as attorney general, Democratic candidate for governor, and secretary of state for the state of North Carolina, and include speeches, position papers, correspondence, clippings, a campaign video, and other campaign materials. Topics include Edmisten's advice for setting up a Senate investigative committee for the Iran-Contra hearings, his friendship with President Bill Clinton, a 1994 audit and 1996 investigation of the office of the secretary of state, the North Carolina Democratic Party, and the Foundation for Good Business. Many of the files in this series consist chiefly of routine papers, including copies of correspondence and newspaper clippings relating to Democratic party networking and campaigning, constituent job assistance, party invitations and other social events for political and professional organizations in Washington, D.C., and North Carolina.
Series 2 Subject files include correspondence, printed materials, and a scrapbook that document organizations and historical people and events of interest to Edmisten. Topics include Senator Sam J. Ervin Jr., the Masons and Shriners, the North Carolina Young Democratic Club, and the Wilmington 10. There are also retrospective materials for the Watergate scandal, including plans for a committee staff reunion, clippings, and other published materials; biographical information about Rufus Edmisten, including an interview that aired on North Carolina People with William Friday; and a recording of Edmisten singing "The Wild Side of Life" with the Charlie Albertson Band.
Series 3 Photographs contains photographs, negatives, and slides, 1960s-2000s, taken of and by Edmisten. The portraits and snapshots are chiefly of Edmisten and political and social events from throughout his career. Other topics include the Watergate hearings, 1973-1974; Edmisten's campaigns for attorney general, 1974, and governor, 1984; Edmisten's inauguration as attorney general, 1976, and as secretary of state, 1989; and photographs of Edmisten with President Bill Clinton and Vice President Al Gore at the White House, 1991-2003. There are also a few personal and family photographs.
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Series Quick Links
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Series 1. Chronological Files, 1960-2006.
Arrangement: chronological.
Correspondence, clippings, printed materials, speeches, administrative, and other materials relating to Rufus Edmisten's career in government service. Early files, circa 1960-1974, document Edmisten's school life and his political career as an aide to Senator Sam J. Ervin Jr., most notably his work as deputy chief counsel of the Senate Select Committee on Presidential Campaign Activities, popularly known as the Watergate Committee. Watergate materials consist mostly of carbon copies and photocopies, and include correspondence, chiefly with the general public but also with chief committee consultant Arthur S. Miller and other lawyers, government officials, and outside consultants involved in the investigation; committee-related phone records; witness preparation and other background research materials; the media policy for the hearings; and interoffice communications about staff operations and use of computers to index the hearings. The original subpoenas delivered to President Richard Nixon and the original of John Dean's copy of the "enemies list" and related memos from Charles Colson, Jack Caufield, Gordon Strachan, and George T. Bell are also included. Watergate retrospective materials are filed in Series 2. Other topics from this time period include civil rights legislation for Native Americans, especially relating to Ervin's position on revenue sharing with states, the Kaw Indian Relief Bill, Jones v. Mayer, and alleged race discrimination in the election of director of Lumbee River Electric Membership Corporation; the investigation of alleged racial discrimination in board of commissioners election in Princeville, N.C.; Ervin's position on the independence of the judiciary; and Democratic campaigning, including Hubert Humphrey's campaign manual.
Files, 1974-2006, chiefly relate to Edmisten's positions as attorney general, Democratic candidate for governor, and secretary of state for the state of North Carolina, and include speeches, position papers, correspondence, clippings, a campaign video, and other campaign materials. Topics include Edmisten's proposal to commute prison sentences for non-violent criminals serving time for marijuana possession; his advice for setting up a Senate investigative committee for the Iran-Contra hearings; a 1994 audit and 1996 investigation of the office of the secretary of state; the North Carolina Democratic Party; the Foundation for Good Business; and his friendship with President Bill Clinton, including the Edmistens' overnight stay as guests in the Lincoln Bedroom.
Many files in this series consist chiefly of routine papers, including copies of correspondence relating to Democratic Party networking and campaigning, constituent job assistance, party invitations and other social events, especially the North Carolina Democratic Club Banquet and Ball, the Capitol Hill Chapter of the Federal Bar Association, the Lees-McRae College Board of Visitors, the Federal Bar Association Council on Younger Lawyers, the North Carolina Teen-Dems, the Phi Delta Phi law fraternity; printed congressional committee reports and other government publications; and newspaper clippings about Rufus Edmisten and other North Carolina politicians, including Bob Davis.
Folder 1-7
Folder 1Folder 2Folder 3Folder 4Folder 5Folder 6Folder 7 |
1960-1962: School MaterialsCorrespondence, clippings, papers, exam books, notebooks, student government campaign, personal essays, letter concerning purchase of property in New Mexico, and miscellaneous financial materials. |
| Oversize Paper Folder OPF-5528/1 |
1962: School MaterialsCampaign posters. |
| Folder 8 |
1963 |
| Folder 9 |
1964Includes drafts of letters from Sam J. Ervin to President on death of Roscoe Pound and the North Carolina Governor's School for gifted children, and to Senator Ted Kennedy about the rights of the mentally ill. |
| Folder 10 |
1965Includes letters about the Library of Congress Gift Division duplicate books donation program. |
Folder 11-12
Folder 11Folder 12 |
1966Includes materials relating to reclassification of Rufus Edmisten's draft status and discharge from active reserve duty and a letter to Rufus Edmisten from a reporter friend who had covered the civil rights march in Selma, Ala., Cuban refugees in Miami, Fla., and anti-Vietnam protests. |
| Folder 13 |
1967 |
Folder 14-19
Folder 14Folder 15Folder 16Folder 17Folder 18Folder 19 |
1968Includes a copy of the Kaw Indian Relief Bill and drafts of an article by Sam J. Ervin Jr. on fair housing and Jones v. Mayer. |
| Folder 20 |
1968: "United Democrats for Humphrey: Manual of Instructions for Advancement" |
Folder 21-24
Folder 21Folder 22Folder 23Folder 24 |
1969Includes an address by Senator Sam J. Ervin Jr. on North Carolina country cured ham and materials relating to appropriations affecting United Southeastern Tribes and relief funds for Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, including a copy of a letter to President Richard M. Nixon from Principal Chief Walter Jackson. |
Folder 25-30
Folder 25Folder 26Folder 27Folder 28Folder 29Folder 30 |
1970Includes a statement of need for a liaison with governor's office, such as an Office of Indian Affairs in the North Carolina State Cabinet; transcripts of radio interviews by Rufus Edmisten of Senator John Sparkman on voting age and the lame duck session of Congress; printed material on Indian policy; hearing on relief of Kaw Indian Half-Breeds; and copies of correspondence concerning economic development projects, including building of a new Cherokee high school. |
Folder 31-38
Folder 31Folder 32Folder 33Folder 34Folder 35Folder 36Folder 37Folder 38 |
1971Includes correspondence and other materials relating to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, particularly the death of Principal Chief Walter Jackson and a eulogy given by Rufus Edmisten, and alleged racial discrimination in the election of the director of Lumbee River Electric Membership Corporation. |
Folder 39-46
Folder 39Folder 40Folder 41Folder 42Folder 43Folder 44Folder 45Folder 46 |
1972Correspondence and other materials documenting Senator Sam J. Ervin Jr.'s objections to amendments to the North Carolina state constitution that would create a Judicial Standards Commission and set mandatory retirement ages for judges; the status of the Kaw Indian Relief bill, a list of the Kaw heirs, and Ervin's opposition to revenue sharing with state legislatures because of the potential negative impact on Native Americans; the continuing investigation into the civil rights issues surrounding the Lumbee River Electric Membership Corporation elections; and Jesse Helms's Senate campaign. Also included is a series of letters to Rufus Edmisten from a disgruntled former civil servant who worked on the veterans' vote for John F. Kennedy's presidential campaign. |
| Folder 47 |
1972: McInnis, HenryIncludes a story outline for "Remembrance of Marilyn," an unpublished novel by Henry McInnis and rejection letters from publishing houses that Rufus Edmisten contacted as literary agent for McInnis. See also files for 1973 for other instances of legal representation by Edmisten. |
Folder 48-55
Folder 48Folder 49Folder 50Folder 51Folder 52Folder 53Folder 54Folder 55 |
1973 |
| Folder 56 |
1973: Watergate: Bellino, Carmine S.Report on appropriateness of Bellino as chief investigator for the Select Committee on Presidential Campaign Activities, in light of accusations that he used unauthorized electronic surveillance on Vice President Nixon during the 1960 presidential campaign; transcript of talk by Roy T. White on the history of congressional inquiries. |
| Folder 57 |
13 May 1973: Watergate: "The Senate and the Watergate Affair"Transcript of CBS program. |
| Folder 58 |
July 1973: Watergate: Colson, Charles "Chuck"Correspondence, notes, and background information relating to preparation for interview of Colson, including copies of a memo from Colson to H.R. Haldeman and a report by John Dean and Howard Hunt on Colson's involvement. |
| Folder 59 |
25 July-10 August 1973: Watergate: General Public Correspondence |
| Folder 60 |
13 August 1973: Watergate: General Public Correspondence |
| Folder 61 |
14 August 1973: Watergate: General Public Correspondence |
| Folder 62 |
16-19 August 1973: Watergate: General Public Correspondence |
| Folder 63 |
20-22 August 1973: Watergate: General Public Correspondence |
| Folder 64 |
23-27 August 1973: Watergate: General Public Correspondence |
| Folder 65 |
28-31 August 1973: Watergate: General Public Correspondence |
| Folder 66 |
4-7 September 1973: Watergate General Public Correspondence |
| Folder 67 |
10-30 September 1973: Watergate: General Public Correspondence |
| Folder 68 |
October 1973: Watergate: General Public Correspondence |
| Folder 69 |
November 1973: Watergate: General Public Correspondence |
| Folder 70 |
December 1973: Watergate: General Public Correspondence |
Folder 71-72
Folder 71Folder 72 |
1973: Watergate: General Public RepliesCopies of Rufus Edmisten's replies to letters from the general public; many of these letters duplicate the replies attached to the original letters in Watergate: General Public Correspondence files. |
Folder 73-74
Folder 73Folder 74 |
1973: Watergate: Correspondence and Office MemorandaCommunications of the Watergate Committee concerning staff assignments; the media policy for hearings; use of computers for indexing documents introduced during the hearings; staff personnel issues; the process for writing the final report of the Watergate Committee; a study of internal staff operations of the committee by the Subcommittee on Computer Services of the Committee on Rules and Administration; a memo concerning whether to resume the hearings in 1974; and "enemy list" research, including a record of contacts with Allard Lowenstein and others. Also of note are correspondence with Xerox Corporation regarding committee members' erroneous use of "xerox" when they mean "copy"; letters from Arthur S. Miller, chief consultant to the Watergate Committee, on the inappropriateness of inferring culpability, the need for the assistant attorney general to recuse himself, and reports that the Secret Service spied on George McGovern during the 1972 presidential campaign; a letter from Senator Howard Baker to Senator Sam J. Ervin Jr. about staff complaining to the press; a letter from Archibald Cox promising cooperation despite his concerns for the upcoming hearings; a letter from John Mitchell's lawyer regarding withdrawal of the subpoena for his client's testimony; letter concerning the inherent problems of Pat Buchanan's testimony on charitable foundations; letter from Terry Lenzner concerning witnesses in the political espionage phase of the hearings; and correspondence with outside consultants who had been asked to consider the structure of government for the purposes of the Watergate Committee's final report. |
| Separated Folder SEP-5528/75 |
1973: Watergate: Dean, JohnRestriction to Access: The original item is not available for immediate or same day access. Please contact staff at wilsonlibrary@unc.edu to discuss options. Includes John Dean's original copy of the "enemies list" and related memos from Charles Colson, Jack Caufield, Gordon Strachan, and George T. Bell. |
| Folder 76 |
1973-1974: Watergate: Ervin, Sam J. Jr.Drafts of Ervin, Sam Dash, and Arthur S. Miller of opening statement for the Watergate hearings and copy of Ervin's statement in response to the appointment of a special prosecutor. |
| Folder 77 |
1973-1974: Watergate: Executive PrivilegeCopy of a 1953 letter from Harry S. Truman defining executive privilege; copy of the 6 July 1973 letter from President Richard M. Nixon to Senator Sam J. Ervin Jr. claiming executive privilege in not turning over taped recordings of White House conversations; transcript of Nixon's April 1974 press conference asserting executive privilege; letter from Arthur S. Miller, chief consultant to the Watergate Committee, to Ervin on executive privilege. |
| Folder 78 |
1973: Watergate: Gray, Patrick L.Notes, interview questions, and a chronology report. |
| Folder 79 |
May 1973: Watergate: Guest list for hearings |
| Folder 80 |
1973: Watergate: Harvard Law School Forum, April-May 1973Notes and materials relating to a talk given by Rufus Edmisten on "Executive Privilege: Government by the Presidency." |
| Folder 81 |
1973: Watergate: Kennedy, Edward M.Copy of letter from senators Edward M. Kennedy and Sam J. Ervin Jr. to James O. Eastland, chair of the Judiciary Committee, regarding preparations for impeachment proceedings. |
| Folder 82 |
1973: Watergate: Office space and equipmentLetter concerning security of the office space assigned to the Watergate Committee. |
| Folder 83 |
1973: Watergate: Oliver, Spencer R.Letter to Senator Sam J. Ervin Jr. from Spencer, the executive director of State Democratic Chairmen concerning Watergate bugging, and his statement relating to civil suit filed by the Democratic National Committee. |
| Folder 84 |
1973: Watergate: Personal notesRufus Edmisten's notes on testimony given at hearings, expenses, and schedule. |
Folder 85-88
Folder 85Folder 86Folder 87Folder 88 |
March-December 1973: Watergate: Phone recordsRecord of incoming calls, including time, date, person who called, and message left. |
| Folder 89 |
1973: Watergate: Printed materialsTwo joke books; issues of Time from 16 June 1973, 30 July 1973, 6 August 1973. |
| Folder 90 |
1973: Watergate: Rules and regulationsResolution authorizing the creation of the Select Committee on Presidential Campaign Activities and rules of procedure. |
| Folder 91 |
1973: Watergate: Stans, MauriceTestimony, biographies, interview questions, and correspondence. |
| Separated Folder SEP-5528/92 |
23 July 1973: Watergate: SubpoenasRestriction to Access: The original item is not available for immediate or same day access. Please contact staff at wilsonlibrary@unc.edu to discuss options. Subpoenas delivered by Rufus Edmisten to President Richard M. Nixon for the Watergate tapes of recorded White House conversations. |
| Folder 93 |
1973: Watergate: WitnessesNotes on Alexander Haig, Howard Hughes, Charles Rebozo, and Jeb Magruder. |
Folder 94-97
Folder 94Folder 95Folder 96Folder 97 |
1974Includes bills on rules of evidence and the independence of the judiciary; a letter from Robert Morgan on the role of the state attorney general; letters from counsel for Princeville, N.C., seeking assistance in responding to demands of the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division to prove that the Civil Rights Act of 1965 had not been violated when the first white person was elected to the town board of commissioners; biography of Rufus Edmisten; and collected notes and media quotes about Rufus Edmisten. |
| Folder 98 |
January 1974: Watergate: General Public Correspondence |
| Folder 99 |
February-June 1974: Watergate: General Public Correspondence |
| Folder 100 |
January 1974: Watergate: General Public Replies |
| Folder 101 |
January-March 1974: Watergate: Phone records |
| Folder 102 |
30 May 1974: Watergate: Report of the Senate Select Committee on Presidential Campaign Activities (draft) |
| Folder 103 |
1973-1974: Watergate: MiscellaneousIncludes memorabilia and clippings. |
| Folder 104 |
1974-1984: Outlines of speeches by Rufus Edmisten |
| Folder 105 |
1975 |
| Folder 106 |
1976 |
Folder 107-108
Folder 107Folder 108 |
1977Includes clippings relating to Governor James B. Hunt's proposed plan to restructure state utilities and Rufus Edmisten's objections to it. |
| Folder 109 |
1978 |
Folder 110-113
Folder 110Folder 111Folder 112Folder 113 |
1978: SpeechesTopics include Federal government influence on health care in North Carolina, criminal justice, information systems, public welfare law, mental health legislation, Medicaid fraud control, victims rights, consumer protection, law enforcement, game law, historic preservation, business development, and Regents of the University of California v. Allan Bakke. |
| Folder 114 |
1979 |
Folder 115-118
Folder 115Folder 116Folder 117Folder 118 |
1979: SpeechesTopics include illicit traffic in cigarettes, crime, the Halifax Resolves, Miranda rights, historic preservation and crime control, and victim's compensation. |
Folder 119-120
Folder 119Folder 120 |
1980 |
| Folder 121 |
1981Includes comments by Rufus Edmisten on the death penalty and a study of North Carolina attitudes about America, its problems and solutions, by region and race. |
| Folder 122 |
1981: Inauguration |
| Folder 123 |
1981: Senator Sam J. Ervin Portrait Committee |
| Folder 124 |
1982Materials relating to Attorney General Rufus Edmisten's proposal to commute prison sentences for non-violent criminals serving time for marijuana possession. |
Folder 125-127
Folder 125Folder 126Folder 127 |
1983Includes speeches on telephone regulation, minority business contracts with the state, agricultural trade laws, criminal justice education and training; materials relating to Rufus Edmisten's announcement of his candidacy for governor of North Carolina; a victim's/witness' bill of rights. |
| Digital Video Disc DVD-5528/1 |
1983: Governor campaign: "A Path to the Future: Rufus Edmisten for Governor" (28:30) |
Folder 128-129
Folder 128Folder 129 |
1983: Governor campaign: SurveysSurveys of "Political Attitudes in North Carolina from May 1983 and November 1983" and "Voter Attitudes in the State of North Carolina from June 1983." |
Folder 130-131
Folder 130Folder 131 |
1984 |
Folder 132-134
Folder 132Folder 133Folder 134 |
1984: Governor campaignIncludes biographies, questions, reports, a letter from Rufus Edmisten to his parents, clippings, strategy plans, drafts of speeches, Southern Oral History Program interview transcript, and a precinct captain handbook. |
Folder 135-136
Folder 135Folder 136 |
1984: Governor campaign: ClippingsChiefly relating to the death of Charlie H. Smith, an aide to Rufus Edmisten. |
| Folder 137 |
1984: Governor campaign: Knox, EddieChiefly clippings about Edmisten's opponent in the Democratic Party primary. |
Folder 138-139
Folder 138Folder 139 |
1984: Governor campaign: Position papersTopics include "Quality of Life," "Criminal Justice and Victim's Compensation"; "Achieving Educational Excellence"; "Women, Equality, and Justice"; and "Jobs and Economic Excellence." |
Folder 140-144
Folder 140Folder 141Folder 142Folder 143Folder 144 |
1984: Governor campaign: Promotional materialsIncludes coloring book, pamphlets, programs, post cards, prospecti, posters, recipe book, bumper stickers, and contribution letters. Other promotional materials, including buttons, pins, wooden nickels, bag, t-shirt, banner flag, balloons, stickers, stationary, and other like material is housed in the North Carolina Collection Gallery. |
Folder 145-149
Folder 145Folder 146Folder 147Folder 148Folder 149 |
1984: Governor campaign: Speeches |
| Folder 150 |
1984: MiscellaneousClippings; materials relating to Rufus Edmisten's high school reunion; correspondence; the annual report of the Historic Preservation Foundation of North Carolina, Inc.; and a pamphlet entitled "The Caucus Room." |
| Folder 151 |
1984: SpeechesTopics include the environment, juvenile justice, criminal justice, and the economy. These speeches may have been given as a candidate or as attorney general. |
| Folder 152 |
1985 |
Folder 153-155
Folder 153Folder 154Folder 155 |
1986Transcript of Rufus Edmisten's interview for Southern Oral History Program; Edmisten's advice for setting up a Senate investigative committee for the Iran-Contra hearings. |
Folder 156-162
Folder 156Folder 157Folder 158Folder 159Folder 160Folder 161Folder 162 |
1987Includes Rufus Edmisten's deposition relating to a bill for relief of Kaw Indians. |
Folder 163-168
Folder 163Folder 164Folder 165Folder 166Folder 167Folder 168 |
1988: Secretary of State: CampaignMaterials relating to Rufus Edmisten's campaign for secretary of state of North Carolina, including post-election congratulatory and thank you notes, clippings, advertising, reports, surveys, and other materials. |
| Folder 169 |
1988-1996: Secretary of State: Speech materials |
Folder 170-173
Folder 170Folder 171Folder 172Folder 173 |
1989 |
Folder 174-179
Folder 174Folder 175Folder 176Folder 177Folder 178Folder 179 |
1990Includes correspondence with public figures and with constituents with concerns about banking and interest float, the Randleman Dam project, and the location of a hazardous waste incinerator; issues of Party Lines and Inside Politics: North Carolina and Democratic Caucus. |
Folder 180-182
Folder 180Folder 181Folder 182 |
1991 |
Folder 183-186
Folder 183Folder 184Folder 185Folder 186 |
1992 |
Folder 187-195
Folder 187Folder 188Folder 189Folder 190Folder 191Folder 192Folder 193Folder 194Folder 195 |
1993Includes materials relating to a North Carolina Opinion Leaders meeting at the White House; the Dodd-Hinnsdale House; and President Bill Clinton's inauguration. |
Folder 196-207
Folder 196Folder 197Folder 198Folder 199Folder 200Folder 201Folder 202Folder 203Folder 204Folder 205Folder 206Folder 207 |
1994Includes materials relating to an audit of the Department of the Secretary of State by the State Auditor and a press release announcing the capture of Louis R. Sauer, who was wanted on charges of soliciting investments in biblical artifacts of uncertain origin. |
Folder 208-212
Folder 208Folder 209Folder 210Folder 211Folder 212 |
1995Includes correspondence relating to Rufus Edmisten's efforts to have a prisoner's sentence commuted to home confinement and draft of a four-year plan for the Department of the Secretary of State. |
| Folder 213 |
1995: White HousePhotographs, clippings, and White House stationary documenting Rufus Edmisten's stay in the Lincoln bedroom. |
| Folder 214 |
1996Chiefly materials relating to the investigation of the Department of the Secretary of State by the State Bureau of Investigation. |
Folder 215-216
Folder 215Folder 216 |
1990s-2006 |
| Folder 217 |
Loose papers, undatedChiefly office humor. |
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Series 2. Subject Files, 1939-2009.
Arrangement: by subject.
Correspondence, printed materials, and a scrapbook that document organizations and historical people and events of interest to Rufus Edmisten. Topics include Senator Sam J. Ervin Jr., the Masons and Shriners, the North Carolina Young Democratic Club, and the Wilmington 10. There are also retrospective materials for the Watergate scandal, including plans for a committee staff reunion, clippings, and other published materials. Also included is biographical information about Rufus Edmisten, his wife Linda Harris, and his parents Nell and Walter Edmisten; an interview that aired on North Carolina People with William Friday; a recording of Edmisten singing "The Wild Side of Life" with Charlie Albertson Band; and miscellaneous printed materials, many about North Carolina, including overviews of the Department of the Secretary of State.
| Folder 218 |
Attorney General, 1974-1976, 1983 |
| Folder 219 |
Biographic materialStationary, clippings, certificate, passport, resumes, and similar materials. |
| Folder 220 |
Colson, Charles "Chuck"Correspondence and clippings relating to Colson's prison ministry fellowship. |
| Digital Video Disc DVD-5528/2 |
Interview, North Carolina People with William Friday, 21 November 2008 |
| Folder 221 |
Edmisten, Nell and Walter, 1995 and undatedIncludes a photograph of Rufus Edmisten's parents and an obituary for his father. |
| Folder 222 |
Ervin, Sam J. Jr., 1961: Re-election letterLetter from Senator Sam J. Ervin Jr. to George Beaucom announcing re-election plans; also includes a brief biographical sketch of Ervin. |
| Folder 223 |
Ervin, Sam J. Jr., 1985Tribute, memorial programs, and newspaper and magazine clippings relating to the death of Senator Sam J. Ervin Jr. |
| Folder 224 |
Ervin, Sam J. Jr., 2003: ScreenplayScreenplay for a television movie about Senator Sam J. Ervin Jr. by Steve Bouser. |
| Folder 225 |
Harris, LindaClipping. |
Folder 226-227
Folder 226Folder 227 |
Masons and Shriners, 1989-1994Materials relating to a Masonic Hall of Fame tribute to Senator Sam J. Ervin Jr., the Wake County Shrine Club by-laws, Amran Temple, Hiram Lodge No. 4 membership directory, and printed programs and reports of the Grand Lodge of Ancient, Free, and Accepted Masons of North Carolina. |
| Folder 228 |
Motivational materialsQuotes and other materials collected for use in speeches. |
Folder 229-230
Folder 229Folder 230 |
North Carolina Young Democratic Club, 1969-1977Meeting programs, directory, correspondence relating to securing political speakers for conventions. |
| Folder 231 |
Printed material, 1939-2002Includes government publications, bumper stickers, a copy of Special Acts of the 1969 Florida Legislature, brochures, a 1961 devotional, and a 1939 conference program for the North Carolina Association of Jewish Women. |
Folder 232-234
Folder 232Folder 233Folder 234 |
Printed Material: North CarolinaIncludes magazines, map of North Carolina congressional districts, newsletters, brochures, bumper stickers, programs, and address books, all with some connection to North Carolina. |
| Folder 235 |
Printed Material: Secretary of StateOverviews of the office. |
| Folder 236 |
Printed Material: SignedPrints of the Capitol in Raleigh, N.C.; the U.S. Department of Justice, signed by John Ashcroft; and the Carter Presidential Center, signed by Rosalynn Carter. |
| Folder 237 |
"Scrapbook"Clippings, letters, and other materials set aside for Rufus Edmisten for a scrapbook that was never assembled. |
| Folder 238 |
Watergate RetrospectiveClippings and printouts of web pages about Watergate. |
Folder 239-240
Folder 239Folder 240 |
Watergate Retrospective: Printed materialClippings and copies of the Washingtonian, October 1985; Meetings and Conventions, June 1986; A.P. World, winter 1987; Newsweek, June 1989 and May 1994; U.S. News, May 1994; and Vanity Fair, September 1998. |
Folder 241-242
Folder 241Folder 242 |
Watergate Retrospective: 20th Anniversary ReunionPlanning materials and correspondence for an event hosted by Rufus Edmisten. |
| Music Compact Disc CD-5528/1 |
"The Wild Side of Life" (2:35)Duet with Charlie Albertson Band; see lyrics in Office Humor file. |
| Folder 243 |
Wilmington 10, 1970sScrapbook of clippings about appeals filed by the Wilmington 10 following their trial in 1972 and Governor James B. Hunt's decision not to reduce their sentences after all appeals had been exhausted. |
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Series 3. Photographs, 1960s-2000s.
Arrangement: by subject, then chronological.
Color and black-and-white photographic prints, negatives, and slides, 1960s-2000s, taken of and by Rufus Edmisten. The portraits and snapshots are chiefly of unidentifiable political and social events from throughout Edmisten's career. Other topics include the Watergate hearings, 1973-1974; Edmisten's campaigns for attorney general, 1974, and governor, 1984; Edmisten's inauguration as attorney general, 1976, and as secretary of state, 1989; and photographs of Edmisten with President Bill Clinton and Vice President Al Gore at the White House, 1991-2003. There are also some personal and family photographs.
| Image Folder PF-5528/1 |
Attorney General Campaign, 1974-1981 |
| Image Folder PF-5528/2 |
Attorney General Conference, circa 1974-1984 |
| Image Folder PF-5528/3 |
Attorney General Inauguration, 1976-1977 |
| Image Folder PF-5528/4 |
Bowles, Erskine, Senate Campaign, 2004Informal snapshots of Senate campaign event with Bowles family. |
| Image Folder PF-5528/5 |
Carter-Mondale Campaign, 1976Rufus Edmisten at North Carolina Democrats event during presidential campaign. |
| Image Folder PF-5528/6 |
Charlotte Motor Speedway, Circa 1980 |
| Image Folder PF-5528/7 |
Clinton, Bill, 1991-2003Informal snapshots of Rufus Edmisten with President Bill Clinton and Vice President Al Gore; snapshots of Rufus and Linda Edmisten in Lincoln bedroom and other rooms of the White House; also includes a note to Linda Harris Edmisten's parents on White House stationary, noting stay in Lincoln bedroom, and a cancelled $250 check donated by the Edmistens to the Clinton presidential campaign. |
| Image Folder PF-5528/8 |
Clinton, Bill: Campaigning for, 1992 |
Image Folder PF-5528/9-10
PF-5528/9PF-5528/10 |
Edmisten, Rufus: Portraits, 1960s-1990sColor and black-and-white photographic prints. |
| Image Folder PF-5528/11 |
Ervin, Sam J. Jr. |
| Image Folder PF-5528/12 |
Extra Special Super Kids Scholarship Program, 1995-1999 |
| Image Folder PF-5528/13 |
Family |
Image Folder PF-5528/14-16
PF-5528/14PF-5528/15PF-5528/16 |
Foundation for Good Business, 2000-2001Annual fundraising event for the Extra Super Special Kids Scholarship Program of the Foundation for Good Business. |
| Image Folder PF-5528/17 |
Governor campaign, 1984 |
Image Folder PF-5528/18-20
PF-5528/18PF-5528/19PF-5528/20 |
Grand Ole Opry, 1990 |
| Image Folder PF-5528/21 |
Interns, 1989 |
| Image Folder PF-5528/22 |
MiscellaneousAnimals, Elvis Presley, train, post office, aerial of downtown Raleigh, N.C. |
| Image Folder PF-5528/23 |
North Carolina Association of Educators Conference, 1982 |
| Image Folder PF-5528/24 |
North Carolina Capitol, circa 1980Thad Eure, Jimmy Greene, Jim Hunt. |
| Image Folder PF-5528/25 |
Rich, Richie, May 1994 |
| Image Folder PF-5528/26 |
Secretary of State, 1989 |
| Image Folder PF-5528/27 |
Secretary of State Inauguration, 1989 |
| Image Folder PF-5528/28 |
Sheen, Martin, Circa 2000 |
| Image Folder PF-5528/29 |
Unidentified people |
Image Folder PF-5528/30-33
PF-5528/30PF-5528/31PF-5528/32PF-5528/33 |
Watergate hearings, 1973-1974Select Committee on Presidential Campaign Activities hearings. |
| Image Folder PF-5528/34 |
1960sIncludes some portraits. |
Image Folder PF-5528/35-41
PF-5528/35PF-5528/36PF-5528/37PF-5528/38PF-5528/39PF-5528/40PF-5528/41 |
1970sIncludes North Carolina Bar Cruise, Sam Ervin Jr., Mary McBride; Charlie Smith and Jim Gardner; Thad Eure; Perry Carver; Kevin Smith; Rachel Fulcher and Vernell Jones; Seroba Aiken, Melvin Hill, Snow Hill; Reverend Turner; informal portraits, snapshots of Rufus Edmisten at his office desk with kids and family members. |
Image Folder PF-5528/42-43
PF-5528/42PF-5528/43 |
1989Warnoch, and Rufus Edmisten and Eddie in Boone, N.C.; vacation, trip home; Christmas tree, Korean visitors, Margee as intern. |
Image Folder PF-5528/44-47
PF-5528/44PF-5528/45PF-5528/46PF-5528/47 |
1980sRufus Edmisten with President Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter; Joe Grimsley, Governor James B. Hunt; Aaron Fussell at General Assembly pool; Darrell Walters; Carroll Jr. High basketball game. Negatives only: horses; dogs, people sitting around. |
| Image Folder PF-5528/48 |
1990Rufus Edmisten at Capitol; kids at Capitol; swearing in of Cole, Boor, Ben Conis; birthday party. |
Image Folder PF-5528/49-50
PF-5528/49PF-5528/50 |
1991Christmas party |
| Image Folder PF-5528/51 |
1992-1993Electoral college, inaugural ball, Stan Edwards farewell party, Nashcombe rally. |
| Image Folder PF-5528/52 |
1994People on a boat, banquet event, dancing near stage; negatives only. |
| Image Folder PF-5528/53 |
1995Israel trip, parade. |
Image Folder PF-5528/54-59
PF-5528/54PF-5528/55PF-5528/56PF-5528/57PF-5528/58PF-5528/59 |
1990sNapa Valley, Miss Teen North Carolina, Michael Jordan at Five County Stadium, Dick Gephardt, Jesse Helms, James B. Hunt, receiving an award, Warnock party, Theater of the Sea dolphin show, Rufus Edmisten visiting an office, television commercial, vacation, presenting an award, office party. |
| Image Folder PF-5528/60 |
2005Maui, Hawaii, and Big Sky, Mont. |
| Data Compact Disc DCD-5528/1 |
2005Pictures from Rodger Phillips. |
| Image Folder PF-5528/61 |
2006Republican luncheon with Chris McClure. |
| Image Folder PF-5528/62 |
2000s |
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Items Separated