Guide to the Interview with Donald Peterson, 1993

Overview of the Collection

Repository:
Special Collections & Archives
McIntyre Library
University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire
P.O. Box 4004
105 Garfield Ave.
Eau Claire, WI 54702 – 4004
(715) 836-2739
https://library.uwec.edu/archives/

Reference Code: USGZE UHC321

Accession Number:  08-095

Collection Number: University Historical Collection 321

Creators:  Coy, Richard

Title: Interview with Donald Peterson

Dates: 1993

Quantity: 0.1 linear feet (1 cassette tape)

Location of Collection: A10/3f

Languages: Collection materials are in English.

Summary: An oral history with a liberal leader in the Wisconsin Democratic Party.  Topics covered are the presidential candidacy of Eugene McCarthy in 1969 and Peterson’s role in the Wisconsin primary, the Democratic National Convention, and the election.

Biographical / Historical Note

Donald Oliver Peterson, a liberal leader of the anti-Vietnam War faction of the Wisconsin Democratic Party during the late 1960's and early 1970's, was born in Renville, Minnesota, on March 9, 1925.  Although a prominent businessman, Peterson is best known for his activities within the Democratic Party. During the late 1960's Peterson emerged as a leader of the state Democrats opposed to U.S. involvement in Vietnam, and in 1967 he helped to organize Concerned Wisconsin Democrats that eventually grew into the National Conference of Concerned Democrats. In this capacity Peterson was instrumental in persuading Senator Eugene McCarthy to enter the 1968 presidential race. As co-chair of the Wisconsin McCarthy for President Committee and chairman of the Wisconsin delegation to the national convention Peterson gained national recognition as a leader of the protest against the more conservative members of the party organization.

Content Description

An oral history with a liberal leader in the Wisconsin Democratic Party.  Topics covered are the presidential candidacy of Eugene McCarthy in 1969 and Peterson’s role in the Wisconsin primary, the Democratic National Convention, and the election.

Administrative Information

Acquisition Information: Donated to Special Collections & Archives prior to March 2006.

Access Restrictions: Collection is open to the public.

Use Restrictions: Researchers are responsible for using in accordance with 17 U.S.C. Copyright not owned by the University of Wisconsin--Eau Claire.

Preferred Citation: Interview with Donald Peterson, 1993. UHC321. Special Collections & Archives.  McIntyre Library.  University of Wisconsin--Eau Claire. Eau Claire, WI.

Processing Note: Processed by Colleen McFarland in June 2008.

Arrangement: Single item.

OCLC #: 233597378

Subjects

Personal Names:
Peterson, Donald O., 1925-

McCarthy, Eugene J., 1916-

Corporate Names:
Democratic Party (Wis.)
Democratic Party (U.S.)

Subject Terms: 

• Elections – Wisconsin – 1970
• Wisconsin – Politics and government
• United States – Politics and government