Cook County Democratic Party collection

Descriptive Summary

Repository: University of Illinois at Chicago, Special Collections (Richard J. Daley Library)

801 S. Morgan

Chicago, IL

USA
Repository Number: MSCCDP71
Creator: O'Brien, Martin
Title: Cook County Democratic Party collection
Dates: 1937-1939
Quantity: 0.5 linear feet.
Abstract: The Cook County Democratic Party underwent a factional split in the 1930's. The materials in this collection highlight the issues that divided the party.
Language of the Material: English

Administrative Information

Biography/Profile

The Cook County Democratic Party underwent a radical shift following the assassination of Mayor Antonio J Cermak in 1933. Patrick A Nash rose to power and led Edward Kelly as Cermak's successor. The Nash-Kelly machine ruled Chicago for the next fourteen years, but not without resistance. A Party split took root in 1938 around Governor Henry Horner and County Judge Edmund Jarecki. Part of the tension between these factions rested on the debate over attracting more African-American voters to the party. Ultimately, the Nash-Kelly faction remained in power until reform energy surged in 1947.

Scope and Content

The materials in this collection highlight a rift in the party organization in 1938, and were found in a trunk in 1971. Materials include correspondence, audit reports, and clippings.

Access Restrictions

Access restrictions -- Available without restriction.

Use/Re-use Restrictions

Use restrictions -- Available without restriction.

Preferred Citation

Cook County Democratic Party collection, Special Collections and University Archives, University of Illinois at Chicago

Indexed Terms

Democratic Party (Cook County, Ill.).

Inventory

Cook County Democratic Party Collection

Box 1 - Folder 1

Container 1

Title: Martin O'Brien - Public Administrator of Cook County
Dates: 1937-1939

Contents

Collection Access