Title: Robert Carlton (Bob) Wilson Papers, 1953-1980
Primary Creator: Wilson, Robert (1916-)
Extent: 597.83 Linear Feet
Date Acquired: 12/18/1980
Subjects: Politicians--California--San Diego, San Diego (Calif.)--Politics and government, San Diego County (Calif.)--Politics and government--Sources, United States--Politics and government--1945-1989, Wilson, Bob, 1916--Archives
Forms of Material: Personal Papers, Photographs
Languages: English
Born in Calexico, Imperial County, California on April 5, 1916, Bob Wilson attended local public schools in Calexico. The Wilson family moved to San Diego, California in 1928. While attending San Diego State College, Wilson worked as a newsboy, grocery clerk, and theater usher. Wilson also attended the Otis Art Institute, working part-time as a milk route salesman, and later as the merchandising manager for a dairy. During WWII, Wilson operated Conship Commissary, served in the Coast Guard Reserve (Port Security Service) and as a private in the United State Army. After the war, Wilson joined an advertising agency in San Diego as a partner and Vice president.
Elected in 1952 as a Republican (83rd Congress) from what was then California's 30th District (all of San Diego City and County), Wilson rose to the position of ranking minority member of the House Armed Services Committee. He also served from 1960-64 as House Republican Election Committee chairman. Wilson was one of the originators of the 1951 California movement that resulted in Dwight Eisenhower's presidential candidacy. He retired in 1980.
Politicians--California--San Diego
San Diego (Calif.)--Politics and government
San Diego County (Calif.)--Politics and government--Sources
United States--Politics and government--1945-1989
Wilson, Bob, 1916--Archives
Repository: Special Collections & University Archives
Access Restrictions: Access to some records is restricted, please consult with Special Collections & University Archives staff for details. Patrons wishing to use the Robert C. Wilson Papers must sign a "Researcher's Agreement," a copy of which can be obtained from Special Collections & University Archives staff.
Use Restrictions: The copyright interests in these materials have not been transferred to San Diego State University. Copyright resides with the creators of materials contained in the collection or their heirs. The nature of historical archival and manuscript collections is such that copyright status may be difficult or even impossible to determine. Requests for permission to publish must be submitted to the Head of Special Collections, San Diego State University, Library and Information Access. When granted, permission is given on behalf of Special Collections as the owner of the physical item and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder(s), which must also be obtained in order to publish. Materials from our collections are made available for use in research, teaching, and private study. The user must assume full responsibility for any use of the materials, including but not limited to, infringement of copyright and publication rights of reproduced materials.
Acquisition Source: Robert C. Wilson
Preferred Citation: Identification of item, folder title, box number, Robert Carlton (Bob) Wilson Papers, Special Collections and University Archives, Library and Information Access, San Diego State University.
A collection of letters, invoices and other items. Examples are: a letter from Coronado constituent Lloyd M. Harmon (President-Elect, San Diego Chapter of the S.A.R.), Congressman Wilson's replies re/ the need for assistance in finding a bibliography of Revolutionary War literature; inquiries related to Braille level books from the Govt. Printing Office; letter from constituent Victor A. Schmitt, Wilson's reply and enclosed response from the Legislative Reference Service re/ Executive Document No. 41 & Senate Document No. 7, 30th Congress, 1st, Session. Out of print for years, but copies available in libraries; copy of June 16, 1964 list of materials checked out to Wilson and staff (4/60-5/64); a letter from constituent Charles E. Stoll, a reply from Margaret Young (Wilson's Secretary) & a copy of the Legislative Reference Service, Economic Division's "Sources of Information on congressional criticism of 'profit pyramiding' by defense industries" re/ Mr. Stoll's M.A. thesis for SDSC; more lists of materials from the Library checked out to Wilson and his staff; copy of Library of Congress invoice re/ photograph reproduction from Architect's magazine; response to request from Wilson and constituent re/ American Law Division on "Suspension of National Elections" during Eisenhower Administration & enclosed list of California Depository Libraries; a letter from La Mesa constituent R. J. Ogden (La Mesa Electric Co.), Wilson's reply & enclosed copy of the American Law Division's "Flag, display at night" 3 page letter (12/4/64);
and a collection of corresp. on the subject "United States credit to the Soviet Union."
A large collection of copies of speeches, letters, telegrams,excerpts from the Congressional Record and other items. Some examples are: draft of Congressman Wilson's comments honoring Congressman James H. Quillen; Wilson's remarks introducing a bill establishing a federal agency to promote oceanography; a Jan. 28, 1965 Appendix commentary on "Bad Buoys of the Sea;" a copy of "Hydrogam 1 Intelligence Briefings" (16 October 1964) re/ "Soviets Take Over Cuban Ocean Studies;" Wilson's comments on "The U.S. Navy Regional Finance Center in San Diego" no date listed; Record insert for San Diego Union editorial on "Communism Is Our Enemy" (B-2, 2/26/65);
a letter (2/4/65) from R.A. 'Bob' Means, National Secretary, Fleet Reserve Assn. & Wilson's reply re/placing an artlcle by Major Marion T. Wood on military pay in the Congressional Record; comments by Wilson (n.d.) critiquing Secretary of Defense McNamara; an anti-tax message as to the excise tax on communications & cites Pacific Telephone's Southern Counties Newsletter TELE-DIGEST March 10th; a 4 page list of "Distribution of the Daily Congressional Record," 88th Cong., as mailed to Bob Wilson; 9 page copy of "Statement by Admiral John M. Will, Chairman of the Board, American Export Isbrandtsen Lines, Inc. before the Reactors Subcommittee of the General Advisory Committee to the U. S. Atomic Energy Committee, May 25, 1965 re/ "application of nuclear propulsion to merchant shipping" & related documents attached; Wilson's insert of "Dutch Wills' speech in the June 2 Record (A2816) "The Enemy Is Apathy" and a photocopy of "Presidential Citation" for the U.S. Navy Regional Finance Center San Diego."