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This collection has access 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 | 22.5 feet of linear shelf space (approximately 18,000 items) |
| Abstract | Jim Holshouser (1934-2013), of Boone and Pinehurst, N.C., was a lawyer, politician, and in 1972 became the first Republican governor elected in North Carolina since 1896. He served as a member of the North Carolina State House of Representatives in 1963, from 1965 to 1966, and in 1969 and 1971; House Minority Leader and Chair of the Republican State Executive Committee from 1966 to 1972; and governor of North Carolina from 1973 to 1977. The collection of personal papers documents Holshouser's education and early political career; his campaign for governor, running against Jim Gardner in the Republican primary and Skipper Bowles in the general election; news conferences, political and social activities of Governor Holshouser and First Lady Pat Holshouser, and some of the key issues while he was governor, including desegregation, drug abuse, education, highways, and taxes; his work on the reelection committees for Presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford, and for the Republican Party; and his post-gubernatorial service on the Board of Trustees for Saint Andrew’s Presbyterian and Davidson College and the Board of Governors for the University of North Carolina System. Materials include campaign memoranda, correspondence, advertising materials, news releases, scrapbooks, registration and voting data, speeches, talking papers, briefing packets, photographs, audio-visual, and other materials. |
| Creator | Holshouser, Jim, 1934-2013. |
| Curatorial Unit | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Library. Southern Historical Collection. |
| Language | English |
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Information For Users
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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
Jim (James E.) Holshouser Jr., born 8 October 1934 in Boone, N.C., was governor of North Carolina from 1973 to 1977, and was the first Repubublican to be elected governor of the state since 1896. He graduated from Davidson College and the University of North Carolina Law School. He married Patricia Hollingsworth in 1961, and they had one daughter, Ginny Holshouser Mills.
Holshouser was elected as a member of the North Carolina State House of Representatives in 1963, from 1965 to 1966, and in 1969 and 1971. During his terms, Holshouser was House Minority Leader and Chair of Republican State Executive Committee from 1966 to 1972. He defeated Jim Gardner in the 1972 Republican gubernatorial primary, going on to defeat Skipper Bowles in the general election. During his time in office he sought to increase foreign trade and develop a modern transportation system, including a mass transit system, and pledged open communications and more involvement with the press and minority groups. He also called for educational and state parks improvements. Holshouser chaired the Southern Regional Education Board from 1974 to 1975 and served on the National Governors' Conference Executive Committee from 1973 to 1976. He was active in President Nixon's 1972 re-election campaign and supported Gerald Ford in the 1976 Republican primary and general election.
Following his term as governor, Holshouser moved to Pinehurst, N.C. and returned to practicing law, at one point opening a law firm with former democratic governor Terry Sanford. He served on the Boards of Trustees of St. Andrews Presbyterian College and Davidson College, and was elected to the Board of Governors of the University of North Carolina.
James E. Holshouser Jr died the morning of 17 June 2013 in Pinehurst, N.C.
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Scope and Content
Personal papers of Jim (James E.) Holshouser Jr., governor of North Carolina from 1973 to 1977, document his education and early political career; his campaign for governor, running against James C. (Jim) Gardner in the Republican primary and Skipper Bowles in the general election; news conferences, political and social activities of Governor Holshouser and First Lady Pat Holshouser, and some of the key issues while he was governor; his work on the reelection committees for Presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford, and for the Republican Party; and his post-gubernatorial career in higher education.
Series 1 Pre-1972 Materials consists chiefly of documents from Holshouser’s terms in the North Carolina General Assembly from 1962 to 1971, including materials from his role as Chairman of the North Carolina Republican Party, 1966-1972; his 1962 and 1970 legislative campaigns; and various reports, clippings, copies of the state budget, copies of Senate and House bills, and constituent letters concerning prominent issues, especially alcohol sales and a proposed tax on tobacco products. There is also a small amount of student material from Davidson College and UNC Law School.
Series 2 1972 Gubernatorial Campaign consist chiefly of memoranda, correspondence, notes, advertising materials, news releases, clippings, lists of campaign staff, schedules, county information, speeches, talking papers, and other documents related to Holshouser's 1972 gubernatorial campaign. Advertising materials particularly address the use of television in the campaign and election, including some correspondence with major news outlets as to how they intended to cover the candidates, campaigns, and political issues.
Series 3, Issue Files begun during Holshouser's gubernatorial campaign and carrying into his term as governor, concern a variety of important issues and topics in North Carolina politics. Materials include correspondence, manuals and printed materials, fact sheets, research reports, pamphlets, clippings, status reports, agendas, copies of legislative bills, population data, notes, statements, mailings, copies of court cases, and financial information. Topics include desegregation, drug abuse, education, highways, and taxes.
Series 4 Clippings is arranged by topic, event, or person. Scrapbooks were compiled by a clipping service at the request of Pat Holshouser and are arranged chronologically, with a few documenting Holshouser before his term as governor, the campaign and inauguration, and Pat Holshouser's role as first lady.
Series 5 Gubernatorial Materials include correspondence, address lists, reports, printed materials, speeches, and other materials. Correspondence includes a letter from Strom Thurmond congratulating Holshouser on his success as governor; a letter from Jesse Helms discussing the Republican Party platform after the 1976 Republican National Covention; and a letter suggesting clemency on behalf of the Wilmington 10. Memoranda concern amendments to the state personnel system; improvement of teacher education in North Carolina; executive reorganization and modernization; and highway improvements. Materials on personnel policies include documents on the scandal surrounding Lt. Governor Jim Hunt and hiring and firing of state employees.
Series 6 Committee to Re-Elect the President (Nixon), 1972, consists of clippings, lists, forms, news releases, fact sheets, Steering Committee materials, and correspondence, chiefly with Charles Jonas and Willis Smith.
Series 7 President Ford Committee includes Advisory Committee materials, briefing packets, correspondence, memoranda, registration and voting data, and President Ford factbooks. There are also some clippings and articles speculating on the possibility of Holshouser as a running mate for Ford in the general election.
Series 8 Post-Gubernatorial Materials, consists of files related to Holshouser's service on the Boards of Trustees of St. Andrews Presbyterian College and Davidson College, and the Board of Governors of the University of North Carolina. Materials include correspondence, including requests for assistance, such as representation for inmates, invitations to events, and charity-related work; speech files containing notes, drafts, clippings, and other research material; printed materials, including various reports and brochures regarding the 25th anniversary of the North Carolina community college system and state government.
Series 9 Photographs, including photograph albums, document political, social, business, and travel activities involving Governor Jim Holshouser and First Lady Pat Holshouser. The vast majority of these photographs are of Jim Holshouser as governor, 1973-1977. Also included are photographs from Holshouser's work with the Republican Governors' Association Conference (both before and after serving as governor), his work with President Richard Nixon's 1972 re-election campaign, President Gerald Ford's 1976 election, as well as some of his post-gubernatorial activities.
Series 10 Audio-visual Materials, includes recordings of meetings, statements by the governor, news conferences, campaign commercials, and Inauguration Day, 1973. Formats include audiocassettes, audiotapes, videotapes, and film recordings.
Series 11 Other Materials, consists of cards received by Jim Holshouser during his term as governor.
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Series Quick Links
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Series 1. Pre-1972 Material, 1954-1971.
Chiefly materials from Jim Holshouser’s terms in the North Carolina General Assembly from 1962 to 1971, including materials from his role as Chairmen of the North Carolina Republican Party, 1966-1972, and his 1962 and 1970 legislative campaigns. There is also a small amount of student material from Davidson College and the University of North Carolina Law School. Materials from the General Assembly consist mostly of reports, clippings, copies of the state budget, copies of senate and house bills, and constituent letters concerning prominent issues, especially alcohol sales and a proposed tax on tobacco products. Other materials from the 1969 session include remarks by Governor Bob Scott, budget proposals, miscellaneous correspondence and memoranda, and materials on the proposed gas tax. Materials relating to the North Carolina Republican Party (GOP) include financial reports and materials; correspondence with Gene Anderson, executive director, and Kenneth D. Thomas, finance chairman, regarding fundraising plans; and address lists and target dates for the 1968 Nixon presidential campaign. The 1970 legislative campaign materials consist of notes on voting statistics and expectations, schedules, events; correspondence; fliers and leaflets; and news releases.
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Series 2. 1972 Gubernatorial Campaign, 1971-1972.
Memoranda, correspondence, notes, advertising materials, news releases, clippings, lists of campaign staff, schedules, county information, speeches, talking papers, and other documents related to Jim Holshouser’s 1972 gubernatorial campaign. Advertising materials particularly address the use of television in the campaign and election, including some correspondence with major news outlets as to how they intended to cover the candidates, campaigns, and political issues. Campaign spending materials document Holshouser's call for a $440,000 limit to campaign spending. County files include correspondence with county organizers and coordinators, schedules of events, demographic data, notes on primary voting, and letters to campaign contributors.
Original folder titles, for the most part, have been retained.
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Series 3. Issue Files, 1971-1975.
Files concerning important issues and topics in North Carolina politics. Begun during Holshouser's gubernatorial campaign, the files also carry into his term as governor. Files include correspondence, manuals and printed materials, fact sheets, research reports, pamphlets, clippings, status reports, agendas, copies of legislative bills, population data, notes, statements, materials from various organizations, mailings, copies of court cases, and financial information.
Original folder titles, for the most part, have been retained.
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Series 4. Clippings Files, 1972-1976 and undated.
Clippings files and scrapbooks from Jim Holshouser's term as governor of North Carolina, 1972-1976. Clippings files were compiled by several clipping services and arranged by topic, event, or person. Scrapbooks were compiled by a clipping service at the request of Pat Holshouser and are arranged chronologically, with a few documenting Holshouser before his term as governor, the campaign and inauguration, and Pat Holshouser's role as first lady.
Original folder titles, for the most part, have been retained.
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Series 5. Gubernatorial Materials, 1972-1977.
Schedules, correspondence, address lists, reports, printed materials, speeches, and other materials from Jim Holshouser's term as governor of North Carolina. Correspondence includes letters from Holshouser's parents; invitations; thank you letters; correspondence discussing the Republican defeat in the 1974 election; a letter from Senator Strom Thurmond congratulating Holshouser on his success as governor; a letter from Jesse Helms discussing the Republican Party platform after the 1976 Republican National Covention; a letter suggesting clemency on behalf of the Wilmington 10; and updates on the status of projects in the state highway improvement program. Memoranda concern amendments to the state personnel system; improvement of teacher education in North Carolina; executive reorganization and modernization; and highway improvements. Materials on personnel policies include documents on the scandal surrounding Lt. Governor Jim Hunt and hiring and firing of state employees. There is also a report on the impact of the Watergate scandal.
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Series 6. Committee to Re-Elect the President (Nixon), 1972.
Clippings, lists, correspondence, forms, news releases, fact sheets, and Steering Committee materials from Holshouser's involvement with the North Carolina Committee to Re-Elect the President (Nixon), during the 1972 presidential election. Miscellaneous materials consist chiefly of correspondence among committee members, chairman Charles Jonas, and Willis Smith. There are also lists of county chairmen, financial contributors, and key community volunteers.
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Series 7. President Ford Committee, 1976.
Advisory committee materials, briefing packets, correspondence, memoranda and internal material, registration and voting data, and President Ford factbooks from Holshouser's role on the President Ford Committee during the 1976 presidential election. Correspondence includes a telegram from President Ford requesting a meeting with Holshouser in the Cabinet Room of the White House; a letter to Holshouser concerning the Republican National Convention in Oklahoma City, Jesse Helms, and Jimmy Carter; and letters addressing the outcome of the Ford-Reagan primary contest in North Carolina. Memos and internal materials include lists of chairmen in state organizations, steering committee members, and Republican party state chairmen; notes on expenditures and contributions; information sheets on organizers and issues in various states; an itinerary for President Ford's visit to North Carolina; and materials on how to deliver the black vote and Black Citizens for the Election of President Ford. There are also some clippings and articles speculating on the possibility of Holshouser as a running mate for Ford in the general election.
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Series 8. Post-Gubernatorial Material, 1977-2013 and undated.
Materials in the Post-Gubernatorial materials relate to Jim Holshouser's activities during this time and do not reflect his law practice. Holshouser served on the Boards of Trustees of St. Andrews Presbyterian College and Davidson College, and the Board of Governors of the University of North Carolina. Correspondence documents requests for assistance, such as representation for inmates, invitations to events, and charity-related work. Speech files contain notes, drafts, clippings, and other research material. Printed materials include various reports and brochures regarding the 25th anniversary of the North Carolina community college system and state government.
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Series 9. Photographs, 1968-2003 and undated.
Photographs and photo albums of political, social, business, and travel activities involving Governor Jim Holshouser and First Lady Pat Holshouser. The vast majority of these photographs are of Holshouser as governor, 1973-1977. Also included are photographs from Holshouser's work with the Republican Governors' Association Conference (both before and after serving as governor), his work with President Richard Nixon's 1972 re-election campaign, President Gerald Ford's 1976 election, as well as some of his post-gubernatorial activities. There are photo albums created by the Southern Governors' Conference, Republican Governors' Association Conference, and National Governors' Conference for events Holshouser attended as governor. Materials include images of the following politicians: U.S. Presidents Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, and Ronald Reagan; U.S. Vice Presidents Nelson Rockefeller and George H.W. Bush; U.S. Senators Jesse Helms, Robert Dole, Barry Goldwater, Lauch Faircolth, and Richard Burr; N.C Governors Terry Sanford, Dan Moore, Bob Scott, and Jim Hunt.
Jim Holshouser appears in the majority of images.
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Series 10. Audio-Visual Materials, 1958-1976 (bulk 1973-1976).
Audiocassettes and audiotapes include recordings of district meetings; Inauguration ceremony, 1973; statements by Governor Jim Holshouser concerning the energy crisis, environmental issues, natural gas, elections and primaries, and other issues; news conferences addressing the Rufus Edmisten tax probe, Jesse Helms' campaign for U.S. Senate, taxes, elections, meetings with President Gerald Ford, natural gas, legislative and other issues; radio programs; speeches; and national holiday messages. Video and film recordings include an interview with Mrs. Pat Holshouser; several 1972 gubernatorial campaign commercials; Jim Holshouser gas shortage public service announcements, 1974; and Inauguration day, 1973.
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Series 11. Other Materials, 1970s and undated.
Christmas and holiday cards, congratulatory cards and notes, get well cards, and Ginny Holshouser's letters and drawings sent to Governor and Pat Holshouser during his term in office, 1972-1973 and undated.
Folder 556-563
Folder 556Folder 557Folder 558Folder 559Folder 560Folder 561Folder 562Folder 563 |
Christmas cards, 1970s #05586, Series: "11. Other Materials, 1970s and undated." Folder 556-563 |
Folder 564-567
Folder 564Folder 565Folder 566Folder 567 |
Congratulatory cards and notes, 1972-1973 #05586, Series: "11. Other Materials, 1970s and undated." Folder 564-567 |
| Folder 568 |
Get well cards and notes #05586, Series: "11. Other Materials, 1970s and undated." Folder 568 |
| Folder 569 |
Holiday cards, 1970s #05586, Series: "11. Other Materials, 1970s and undated." Folder 569 |
| Folder 570 |
Ginny Holshouser, 1970-1977 #05586, Series: "11. Other Materials, 1970s and undated." Folder 570 |
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Items Separated
Processed by: Amanda Loeb, Patrick Cullom, and Jodi Berkowitz, October 2014
Encoded by: Amanda Loeb, November 2014
Updated by: Nancy Kaiser, November 2020
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