Document Type
Finding Aid
Publication Date
7-2025
Abstract
This collection was deaccessioned from East Carolina University to Marshall University Special Collections. The original processing, organizing, and files were maintained in this transfer. The only change that has been made is the addition of the new accession number to the existing folders.
The bulk of this collection pertains to Dr. Burnside’s congressional and political activities (1945-1956) and is composed largely of scrapbooks, newspaper clippings, and photographs. Materials reflect the time and effort Dr. Burnside directed towards environmental issues, unemployment, the problems faced by small businesses and farmers, and the promotion of tariffs on foreign products that competed with local industries in his district, like textiles, chemicals, pottery, and marble.
The correspondence pertains to a variety of political topics, such as his failure to win re-election in 1956 and expressions of appreciation for his support of various bills in Congress. One letter of interest discusses the appointment of a new governor of the Virgin Islands (7 February 1961). Two letters from John F. Kennedy express appreciation for Dr. Burnside’s support for Kennedy’s presidential nomination (12 August 1960), and one letter from Adlai E. Steveson (23 January 1956) seeks Dr. Burnside’s counsel and advice for his upcoming presidential campaign. Two telegrams of significance pertain to the halting of H-Bomb tests (19 October 1856) and campaign financing by the Republican and Democratic parties (4 November 1956).
Most of the scrapbooks contain newspaper clippings and memorabilia concerning life and politics in Washington D.C. One volume of photographs records his travels through Europe and Asia (1928-1931) while another contains material relating to congressional investigative junkets to Korea and Southeast Asia. Numerous photographs include portraits of political figures from the 1940s through the 1960s.
Testimonies to congressional committees, extensions of remarks to the Congressional Record, and reports of congressional investigative junkets compose most of the remainder of the collection. Notable among the reports is the U.S.-Philippines War Damage Commission, which provides before and after pictures of numerous buildings repaired and restored after World War II damage. Also of interest is a scrapbook of photos and newspaper clippings pertaining to a congressional investigation (1949) of aid to the Korean Army.
One folder pertains solely to Dr. Burnside’s business interests in the Tri-State Tobacco Warehouse in Huntington, WV. This folder includes a lease, business and financial records, correspondence, photographs, and newspaper clippings.
Rights
Special collections material is obtained from many sources and is intended primarily for research and educational purposes. Certain works may be protected by copyright, trademark, or related interests not governed by the department. It is up to the researcher to verify that they have permission to use these materials for publication or other activities.
Accession Number
2025/07.0893
Access and Use
For more information or to use any of these collections, contact:
Special Collections, Morrow Library
Marshall University
One John Marshall Drive
Huntington, WV 25755
(304) 696-2343
speccoll@marshall.edu
Recommended Citation
Maurice G. Burnside Collection, 1793-2003, Accession No. 2025/07.0893, Special Collections Department, Marshall University, Huntington, WV.
Included in
Civil Law Commons, Diplomatic History Commons, Higher Education Commons, International Business Commons, International Relations Commons, Political History Commons, Social History Commons, United States History Commons
