Content Description

The Adamson Papers largely contain correspondence, writings, and subject files. The bulk of the papers consists of correspondence which includes approximately 10,000 incoming and outgoing letters, memoranda, and notes. Arranged chronologically, the correspondence spans from 1954 to 1969, with a concentration in the years between 1960 and 1967. Much of the correspondence concerns the national and international issues of the 1960s, such as the conflict of Vietnam, civil rights, and Soviet-American relations. A great deal of the correspondence is about conservative and anti-communist individuals and activities. Among those individuals represented in the collections are Pedro A. del Valle, William E. Fort, Jr., Phyllis Schlafly, and Robert Welch.

In addition, Adamson corresponded with several Washington State and national politicians including Jack Westland and Warren G. Magnuson. A number of civic organizations also are represented in the correspondence such as the John Birch Society, the Church League of America, Housewives Organized for Better Living, and Mothers' Crusade for Victory over Communism. Letters from Madame Suzanne Labin (a French socialist and anti-communist) and Bryton Barron mainly concern the editing and publication of Labin's manuscripts regarding Vietnam and communist activities in the United States and around the world. Very little is revealed about Adamson's personal life in the correspondence.

Many of Adamson's writings are contained in the papers. About 1,00 articles and essays, including the "Liberty Line" commentaries, are arranged alphabetically by title. A partial list of these writings is filed in the first folder of the series. The writings chiefly concern the administrations of John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson, United States' involvement in Southeast Asia, race relations, urban upheaval, and various social and political issues and personalities. Untitled items, rough drafts, and notes follow the titled items. Editorial letters written by Adamson between 1959 and 1968 are arranged chronologically and follow his other writings.

Adamson's papers also include manuscripts of speeches and writings by other individuals. About 1, 500 items, mainly written during the 1960s are arranged alphabetically by the authors' last manes and then by titles. The subjects coverd are similar in nature to those discussed in Adamson's writings. Among the many authors represented are: Betty Ann Dobisah (a John Birch Society member), Suzanne Labin, Phyllis Schlafly, and Lawrence Timbers.

The subject files, for the most part, have retained the original folder titles assigned by Adamson. Arranged alphabetically by title, they contain general reference materials about individuals, organizations, and diverse subjects ranging from the American Civil Liberties Union to South Africa. Correspondence in the subject files was removed to the general correspondence series.

Other material in Adamson's papers includes mailing lists, photographs, broadsides, and graphic charts concerning the Liberty Amendment and taxes. The photographs included several pictures of Adamson, Eric D. Butler (an Australian writer and speaker), Suzanne Labin, Jack Matcalf with his family, and others. The broadsides concern the Liberty Amendment, anti-communism, and other conservative issues. Researchers should note that the photographs have been removed to the Photograph Collection as PH066 and the broadsides have been removed to the Broadside Collection.