Dorn, William Jennings Bryan (1916-2005)
Papers, 1912-1995, 151 ft.
Collection Finding Aid
The collection documents Dorn's tenure in the U.S. House, 1947-1948, 1951-1974, and
reflects his influential role on the committees of Public Works and Veterans Affairs
and a strong emphasis on constituent service. The papers also highlight Dorn's many
campaigns, his leadership in the S.C. Democratic Party, and his leadership in the
American Legion and his continued influence in veterans' affairs after leaving Congress.
Item-level Listing of Speeches, Press Releases, and Newsletters in the Dorn Papers
Oral History Transcript (16 pages)
William Jennings Bryan Dorn reflects on his tenure in Congress, particularly as regards
foreign policy and the menace of communism. Joseph McCarthy and Harry S Truman are
mentioned.
Oral History Transcript (33 pages)
William Jennings Bryan Dorn discusses his career in Congress with Joe Wider. This
transcript is undated (transcribed in 1993) and lightly edited.
William Jennings Bryan Dorn: In His Own Words
This collection of digitized audio clips highlights Dorn's career of service to South
Carolina and the nation. Through his pleasing Southern drawl, Dorn draws in his audiences
with warmth and passion. The collection is composed of various speeches from the campaign
trail and addresses to the American Legion. Additional clips are excerpts from his
1980 and 1981 oral history interviews. Topics include World War II, civil rights,
and national defense.
Related Oral History:
Oral History Transcript, Watson Dorn and Steve Griffith (26 pages)
The primary focus of this 2006 interview is the 1950 campaign by William Jennings
Bryan Dorn to be returned to Congress. Watson Dorn, Bryan Dorn's youngest brother,
and cousin Steve Griffith, helped Dorn defeat incumbent James B. Hare and win election
to regain the seat he had first won in 1946. In 1948, rather than seek reelection
to the House, Dorn had unsuccessfully challenged Burnet Maybank for the U.S. Senate.
Related:
William Jennings Bryan Dorn Endowment for South Carolina Political Collections
Supports expensive preservation work on the Dorn Collection, a research awards program,
and graduate assistantships in South Carolina Political Collections and other related
projects.