Louis Wagner Arnett papers

Abstract

The Louis Wagner Arnett papers (dated 1927-1953, undated; 2.71 cubic feet; 8 boxes) mainly consists of Arnett's political and personal correspondence from 1927-1953, primarily documenting his career in Kentucky state politics.

Descriptive Summary

Title
Louis Wagner Arnett papers
Date
1927-1953, undated (inclusive)
Extent
2.71 Cubic Feet
Subjects
Kentucky -- Politics and government -- 1865-1950.
Politicians -- Correspondence.
Political clubs -- Kentucky.
Wendell H. Ford Public Policy Research Center
Arrangement
Collection is arranged into two series: Letters and Addition.
Finding Aid Author
Laura A. Hess
Preferred Citation
72M21: [identification of item], Louis Wagner Arnett letters, 1927-1953, undated, University of Kentucky Libraries Special Collections Research Center.
Repository
University of Kentucky

Collection Overview

Biography / History
Louis Wagner Arnett was born at Mundy's Landing on the banks of the Kentucky River in Woodford County, Kentucky, on July 10, 1879, to Benjamin M. and Jennie Barkley Arnett. He attended public schools before enrolling at the University of Kentucky. Arnett finished his education at the University of Michigan; in 1899, he received the degree of Bachelor of Laws. As law associate of Kentucky Governor William Goebel, Arnett became an active member of the Democratic Party and a friend of many of Kentucky's most prominent 20th century politicians. He represented Kenton County in the state House of Representative for two terms from 1906-1908 and served in the state Senate in 1909. In the late 1920s, Arnett organized the Young Democratic Club movement, which eventually grew to 20,000 members. He remained active in state politics until his death in 1953.
Bidwell, William E. Legislative History and Capitol Souvenier of Kentucky. Frankfort, Kentucky: The Frankfort Printing Co. Inc. 1910. Web. 31 January 2012.
Johnson, E. Polk. A History of Kentucky and Kentuckians. Vol. 2. Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company. 1912. Web. 31 January 2012.
Scope and Content
The Louis Wagner Arnett papers (dated 1927-1953, undated; 2.71 cubic feet; 8 boxes) mainly consists of Arnett's political and personal correspondence from 1927-1953, primarily documenting his career in Kentucky state politics. The personal correspondence mainly comprises letters between Arnett, his daughter, Peggy, and his grandchildren. Business correspondence discusses the political events of the Democratic party at both the national and state levels. The Young Democratic movement, which Arnett helped create, is also mentioned. Prominent names that appear in the correspondence include President Franklin D. Roosevelt; his son, James Roosevelt; Kentucky governors A.B. "Happy" Chandler and Earle Clements; J. Dan Talbott; and James Farley. Additionally, the papers contain several photographs and ephemera.

Restrictions on Access and Use

Conditions Governing Access
Collection is open to researchers by appointment.
Use Restrictions
The physical rights to the materials in this collection are held by the University of Kentucky Libraries Special Collections Research Center.

Contents of the Collection

Letters, 1927-1953, undated

1927-1939

  • Box 1, folder 1
To top

1941-1942

  • Box 1, folder 2
To top

A-H, L-P, R-W, 1943

  • Box 1, folder 4-19
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Personal, 1943

  • Box 1, folder 3
To top

A-P, R-W, 1944

  • Box 2, folder 1-8
  • Box 1, folder 22-26
To top

Personal, 1944

  • Box 1, folder 20
To top

Unsigned, 1944

  • Box 1, folder 21
To top

A-H, J-Y, 1945

  • Box 2, folder 10-23
To top

Personal, 1945

  • Box 2, folder 9
To top

Unsigned, 1945

  • Box 2, folder 24
To top

A-F, H-Z, 1946

  • Box 3, folder 2-14
To top

Personal, 1946

  • Box 3, folder 1
To top

Unsigned, 1946

  • Box 3, folder 15
To top

A-Y, 1947

  • Box 4, folder 1-4
  • Box 3, folder 17-26
To top

Personal, 1947

  • Box 3, folder 16
To top

Unsigned, 1947

  • Box 4, folder 5
To top

A-P, R-Y, 1948

  • Box 4, folder 8-18
To top

Personal, 1948

  • Box 4, folder 6
To top

General, 1948

  • Box 4, folder 7
To top

A-Y, 1949

  • Box 4, folder 20-21
  • Box 5, folder 1-8
To top

Personal, 1949

  • Box 4, folder 19
To top

Unsigned, 1949

  • Box 5, folder 9
To top

A-P, R-Y, 1950

  • Box 5, folder 12-21
To top

General, 1950

  • Box 5, folder 11
To top

Personal, 1950

  • Box 5, folder 10
To top

A-M, R-W, 1951

  • Box 6, folder 3-9
To top

General, 1951

  • Box 6, folder 2
To top

Personal, 1951

  • Box 6, folder 1
To top

B-C, F-P, R-Y, 1952-1953

  • Box 6, folder 12-17
To top

Personal, 1952-1953

  • Box 6, folder 10
To top

General, 1952-1953

  • Box 6, folder 11
To top

Addition, 1943-1953, undated

Scope and Contents

The Addition series (dated 1943-1953, undated; 0.23 cubic feet; 2 boxes) comprises photographs and an honorary membership card for the Young Democratic Clubs of America.

Young Democratic Clubs of America Honorary Membership Card, 1949 January 5

  • Box 7, folder 1
To top

Photographs, 1943-1953, undated

  • Box 7, folder 2
To top

Earle C. Clements Speaking to Group of Unidentified men at Dinner Party, ca. 1947

  • Box 8, item 1
To top

Thomas S. Dawson Portrait, undated

  • Box 8, item 2
To top

Photo of Unidentified Man, undated

  • Box 8, item 3
To top

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UK Libraries Special Collections Research Center is open Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 4:00pm. Appointments are encouraged but not required. Schedule an appointment here.

Researchers must have an SCRC Researcher Account to request materials. View account set-up and use instructions here.

Questions? Contact SCRC via our Contact Form.

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You may come across language in UK Libraries Special Collections Research Center collections and online resources that you find harmful or offensive. SCRC collects materials from different cultures and time periods to preserve and make available the historical record. These materials document the time period when they were created and the view of their creator. As a result, some may demonstrate racist and offensive views that do not reflect the values of UK Libraries.

If you find description with problematic language that you think SCRC should review, please contact us at SCRC@uky.edu.