Douglas, Helen Gahagan, 1900-1980
Person
Biographical:
Helen Gahagan Douglas (1900-1980) began her professional career on the Broadway stage and was deemed a "star" at age twenty-two. By the 1930s, she left the Northeast and moved to California with her husband, Hollywood actor Melvyn Douglas. Although she made only one movie herself--the science fiction film, She--she soon found herself immersed in politics. She worked with the Farm Security Administration and later was elected Democratic National Committeewoman from California. In 1944, she was elected as the representative of California's Fourteenth District in the U.S. House of Representatives. She was successfully reelected to this position in 1946 and 1948. A tireless New Deal Democrat, Douglas was a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee and served as an alternate delegate to the General Assembly of the United Nations. In 1950, she opposed Richard M. Nixon in the general election for the U.S. Senate. The campaign was especially brutal with the Republicans quite "liberal" in their charges that Douglas was a communist. Nixon easily won the election. Though Douglas never entered the political fray again, she remained a tireless public speaker and activist.
Found in 37 Collections and/or Records:
Article criticizes agricultural policies' impact on poor, calls for action.
Digital item
Identifier: CAC_CC_014_8.12_9_53_0009
AWRT NYC Chapter invites Helen Gahagan Douglas as guest speaker.
Digital item
Identifier: CAC_CC_014_8.12_9_24_0008
Bradford Community Club invites Mrs. Melvin Douglass as a speaker.
Digital item
Identifier: CAC_CC_014_8.12_9_24_0022
City Center celebrates 30th anniversary, invites Helen Gahagan Douglas.
Digital item
Identifier: CAC_CC_014_8.12_9_24_0007
Dr. Taylor urges President Nixon to uphold water distribution laws.
Digital item
Identifier: CAC_CC_014_8.12_9_53_0012
Eugene V. Debs Foundation hosts award dinner with notable guests.
Digital item
Identifier: CAC_CC_014_8.12_9_24_0024
George C. Marshall Research Foundation hosts reception to honor Marshall Plan.
Digital item
Identifier: CAC_CC_014_8.12_9_24_0032
Helen Gahagan Douglas declines commencement speech but may send telegram.
Digital item
Identifier: CAC_CC_014_8.12_9_24_0028
Invitation to Mrs. Douglas to discuss women's issues on EVERYWOMAN program.
Digital item
Identifier: CAC_CC_014_8.12_9_24_0010
Israel Govt. Tourist Office to honor Rev. Karl Baehr, invite Ms. Douglas.
Digital item
Identifier: CAC_CC_014_8.12_9_24_0015