The Personal Papers of Former Representatives are the "soul" of the House Archives. They allow the researcher to gain a sense of what it is like to be a Representative: campaigning for office, the momentous swearing in ceremony, the day-to-day work, helping constituents, and the accomplishment of the bill signing ceremony. Each collection provides a different and unique glimpse into the job of the Representative, showing how they and their daily lives are shaped by their communities and the particular issues that present themselves each new session.
The collections housed at the Pennsylvania House Archives are donated by former Representatives, all of whom are as unique as the districts and people they serve. Some of the collections have been donated by Representatives who served one session and others from Representatives serving as many as 26 years with representation ranging from former Speakers of the House to rank and file members.The collections are equally varied: including materials such as campaign memorabilia, legislative work files, speeches, event files, district files, books, audio, video and photographs. The collections show the interests and key causes a Representative champions as well as the research and work required for successful legislation.
The donations by former Representatives provide a valuable additon to the collections required by House Rule 48. Committee Records explain the legislative progress of a bill and usually illustrate the need for the legislation. However, some Committee Records are extremely sparse and provide no supplementary information on the legislation on which the Committee votes. Thus, it is often these personal papers that provide insight into the origins of the bill.
Not only do the Personal Papers collections provide a legacy of the work of the individual Representative, they also highlight the accomplishments of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and the culmination of efforts made for the betterment of the lives of Pennsylvania citizens.
Roy Baldwin served the 97th Legislative District, Lancaster County, as a Republican from 2003-2006
Ellen Bard served the 153rd Legislative District, Montgomery County, as a Republican from 1995-2004.
Linda Bebko-Jones served the 1st Legislative District, Erie County as a Democrat from 1993-2006. Her collection includes biographical material, constituent service files, schedules, campaign material, speeches, newspaper clippings, projects and photographs. Ms. Bebko-Jones was deeply involved with legislative initiatives supporting women’s causes as well as substance abuse issues. One of the most influential bills that Bebko-Jones introduced and cosponsored was the Stalker Legislation recognizing stalking as a criminal act.
Curt Bowley served the 65th Legislative District, Warren County, as a Democrat from 1985-1992
Donald Dorr served the 193rd Legislative District, York County, as a Republican from 1973-1990
Michael Gruitza served the 7th Legislative District, Mercer County, as a Democrat from 1981-2006.
George Haudenshield served the 15th, 27th and 43rd Legislative Districts, Allegheny County, as a Republican from 1959-1970.
Arthur "Art" Hershey served the 13th Legislative District, Chester County, as Republican from 1983-2008.
Samuel M. Jackson served Armstrong County as a Republican from 1868-1870.
Ken Lee served the 111th Legislative District, Sullivan, Susquehanna and Wyoming Counties, as a Republican from 1957-1974. Mr. Lee also served as Speaker of the House.
Carl Mantz served the 187th Legislative District, Berks and Lehigh County, as a Republican from 2007-2008.
John McCue served the 60th and 61st Legislative District, Armstrong County, as a Republican from 1963-1964 and 1971-1976.
Robert O'Donnell served the 198th Legislative District, Philadelphia County, as a Democrat from 1974-1993. Mr. O'Donnell also served as Speaker of the House.
Larry Roberts served the 51st Legislative District, Fayette County, as a Democrat from 1993-2006.
Ruth Rudy served the 171st Legislative District, Centre and Mifflin Counties, as a Democrat from 1983-1996.
Thomas Scrimenti served the 4th Legisltive District, Erie County, as a Democrat from 1989-2004.
Elinor Zimmerman Taylor, known also as E.Z. Taylor, served the 156th Legislative District, Chester County, as a Republican from 1977-2006.
Reno Thomas served the 85th Legislative District, Snyder County, as a Republican from 1969-1980.
Tom Tigue served the 118th Legislative District, Lackawanna, Luzerne and Monroe Counties, as a Democrat from 1981-2006.