Pre-gubernatorial papers
The Pre-Gubernatorial subgroup of the George Romney papers consists of material from the period of 1939-1962, and documents Romney's management of American Motors, his involvement with Citizens for Michigan, and his activities as delegate to Michigan's constitutional convention of 1961-1962. The subgroup concludes with materials from Romney's successful campaign for governor in 1962. The subgroup presently totals 21 linear feet (15 linear feet of files and 6 linear feet of sound recordings described as part of the Sound Recordings subgroup).
In addition to George Romney's public career, the Pre-Gubernatorial subgroup also documents Romney's private activities. The subgroup includes an important file of both personal correspondence and correspondence pertaining to his activities and interests in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormon). Romney also maintained correspondence with members of his immediate family and other Romney relatives which has been included with this series.
Of noteworthy interest, the Pre-Gubernatorial subgroup contains copies of the letter which Romney wrote to presidential candidates, John Kennedy and Richard Nixon, during the campaign of 1960. Romney outlined for the candidates some of the major issues facing the country. The subgroup includes the responses of the candidates to Romney's critique.
As with the other subgroups within the George Romney papers, the Pre-Gubernatorial subgroup includes Romney's speech file for the period 1942-1962. There is also a large series of audio-tapes of most of these speeches. These are listed in the finding aid to the Sound Recordings subgroup.