Keen Johnson Papers, 1870-1964 | Eastern Kentucky University - Special Collections and Archives

By Charles Hay, Rebecca Quillen, Eden Lewis, Alisha Rhymer

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Collection Overview

Title: Keen Johnson Papers, 1870-1964

Predominant Dates:1914-1960

Primary Creator: Johnson, Keen (1896-1970)

Extent: 31.68 Cubic Feet

Date Acquired: 03/27/1980. More info below under Accruals.

Subjects: Democratic Party (Ky.), Kentucky--Politics and government--1865-1950., Politics, Practical, Reynolds Metals Company., Richmond Register., World War, 1914-1918., World War, 1939-1945.

Languages: English

Abstract

The Keen Johnson Papers provide information to researchers interested in twentieth century Kentucky newspaper history and its relationship to the often confusing course of state politics.

Scope and Contents of the Materials

Through correspondence, photographs, diaries and appointment books, speeches, newspaper clippings, and other primary source materials, the public career and personal life of Kentucky's forty-second governor and his family is documented. Of particular interest is a portion of the Correspondence Series in which letters exchanged between husband and wife during Johnson's tour of duty overseas in World War I reflect social life and conditions on the homefront and battlefield. Also of interest are the letters to Eunice Johnson during Johnson's tenure as governor illustrating the role of the first lady in influencing political issues. The extensive Photograph Series includes early twentieth century photograph albums of Mrs. Johnson documenting life in Missouri, photographs from the campaign trail, and many from his extensive travels around Kentucky and the United States as Governor of Kentucky. Also, a large number of photographs taken during Johnson's tenure as an executive in the Reynolds Metals Company document various company plants. The Speech Series, consisting of nearly 1,000 speeches from 1925 to the 1960s, reveals Johnson's charming wit and why he achieved national prominence a speaker. The speeches, along with newspaper clippings and research notes gathered by Dr. Frederic D. Ogden, editor of the Public Papers of Governor Keen Johnson, help to document the turbulent and uncertain times Johnson's governorship faced during World War II.

Biographical Note

Keen Johnson, journalist, politician, business executive, was born at Brandon's Chapel in Lyon County, Kentucky, to Robert and Mattie Holloway Johnson on January 12, 1896. Keen was the only son born to the Johnsons along with two daughters--Catherine (Keturah) and Christine. His father, a circuit riding preacher of the Methodist Church, was his earliest teacher and in following his profession took the family throughout western Kentucky. Johnson received his elementary education in the common schools of the region and in 1914 graduated from Vanderbilt Training School, a boy's preparatory institute at Elkton, Kentucky. In the fall and for the next three years, he pursued academic studies at Central College, Fayette, Missouri. While there he married Eunice Lee Nichols, daughter of Robert Lee and Mary (Avery) Nichols of Higbee, Missouri, on June 23, 1917. Mrs. Johnson, through her father, descended from a Barren County, Kentucky, pioneer who moved to Missouri. Her father, a physician, died when she was nine months old. When America entered World War I, Johnson enrolled in the Reserve Officer's training Camp at Fort Riley, Kansas, May 15, 1917. He was appointed second lieutenant, Infantry, Officers Reserve Corps on August 15, 1917, and assigned to active duty with the 354th Infantry, 89th Division at Camp Funston, Kansas. Promoted to first lieutenant, Infantry, National Army, on March 29, 1918, Johnson embarked for France, June 4, 1918. He spent considerable time receiving instruction in logistical communications at the Army School of the Line and Staff College. After the armistice he remained in Europe with the Allied Expeitionary Force until April, 1919, and was honorably discharged, October 31, 1919. Following his discharge Johnson began his career in journalism. He bought The Mirror, a weekly newspaper at Elizabethtown, and operated it for one year. Then he enrolled at the University of Kentucky completing his A.B. degree in Journalism in 1922. While attending the university, he worked part-time as a reporter for the Lexington Herald, receiving tutelage under two of Kentucky's leading journalists, Desha Breckinridge and Tom R. Underwood. Following gradution he bought an interest in The Anderson News at Lawrenceburg and published and edited the newspaper until he moved to Richmond in 1925, where he purchased half interest in the Richmond Daily Register from Shelton M. Saufley, Sr. He served as editor and co-publisher from 1925 until 1939, and continued to write any of the paper's editorials until the late 1960's. One daughter, Judith, was born to the Johnsons on May 19, 1927, in Richmond. Now Mrs. Richard Jaggers, she is the mother of two sons Robert Babbage, Jr. and Keen Johnson Babbage. Johnson launched his political career in 1932 by being elected secretary of the Democratic State Central and Executive Committee. Through contacts made while serving as secretary, numerous columns he wrote in the Daily Register which were reprinted in other Kentucky Democratic daily and weekly newspapers, and his lively speeches, Johnson's importance and strength in the Democratic party grew. In 1935 he ran for lieutenant governor and defeated J. E. Wise and B. F. Wright, contenders in the Democratic primary. On September 7 he defeated Wise in a runoff election, and in the November general election defeated Repubcan candidate, J.J. Kavanaugh. As Lieutenant Governor and President of the Senate in the administration of Governor A. B. "Happy" Chandler, Johnson supported many of Chandler's governmental reorganization plans and became a favorite candidate for the 1939 Democratic gubernatorial ticket. He announced his candidacy for governor on May 17, 1939. A bitterly fought primary campaign against John Y. Brown, Sr., produced a Johnson victory in August 32,000 votes. He opened his gubernatorial campaign on October 7, 1939, in Mt. Sterling. Fate, however, intervened. United States Senator Marvin Mills Logan died on October 3 and on October 9 Governor Chandler resigned. Keen Johnson took the oath as governor and his first official act was to appoint Chandler fill Logan's unexpired Senate term. Johnson was elected for a full term on November 17, defeating Republican King Swope of Lexington by more than 100,000 votes. Inaugurated on December 12, 1939, as Kentucky's forty-second governor, Johnson and his administration strove for modest improvements in the state's social service program, especially increased funding for public health facilities, legislative enactment of the Tennessee Valley Authority Enabling Act, and strong support of President Franklin Roosevelt's wartime domestic policies. Shortages of civilian labor and materials plus Johnson's fiscal conservatism, however, prevented the growth of state capital construction projects. Johnson did erase the state's debt and left a $10 million surplus in the treasury when he left office in December, 1943. On January 1, 1944, Johnson joined the Reynolds Metals Company as a special assistant to President Richard Samuel Reynolds, Sr. advising him on postwar unemloyment problems. In 1945 he became Vice President for Public Relations. Because of his ability to work well with union leaders, President Harry Truman and Senator Alben Barkley prevailed upon him to accept a newly created position undersecretary of labor to secretary, Louis B. Schwellenbach. Johnson took leave of absence from Reynolds in August, 1946 to mid-1947 to work for the government. Due to the illness of Secretary Schwellenbach, Johnson attended severaI presidential cabinet meetings. Returning to Reynolds, he resumed his vice-presidency and in 1950 became a member of the Board of Directors. Johnson maintained an office in Louisville, but spent many days travelling throughout the nation and occasionally overseas promoting the company's aluminum products and organizing Reynolds sales executive meetings. He retired from Reynolds in January, 1961. Johnson was a stalwart in the Democratic party for years, serving as a member of the Democratic National Committee from 1940 to 1948. He engaged in his last political campaign in 1960 when he ran for a seat in the United States Senate. Again he defeated his longtime opponent, John Y. Brown, Sr., in the primary but lost to the Republican incumbent, John Sherman Cooper, in the November general election. Over the years, Johnson served with various professional, fraternal, social, and military organizations. He was president of the Kentucky Press Association and of the Kentucky Social Workers Association. He served as president of the Louisville Advertising Club and the Louisville Safety Council during his active years with Reynolds Metals Company. He was chairman of the Kentucky Disabled Service Men's Board and campaign chairman for the Kentucky Crippled Children's Society. He was a board member of the Kentucky Heart Association, the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, the Louisville International Center, and the Richmond Methodist Church. Johnson belonged to many clubs and organizations including the Civil War Round Table, National Press Club, Metropolitan Club in Washington, D.C., Public Relations Society of America, Pendennis Club, Keeneland Club, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, 40 and 8, Masonic F. and A.M., Rotary, Elks, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Omicron Delta Kappa, Sigma Delta Chi, and Scabbard and Blade. The University of Kentucky awarded Johnson an honorary doctor of laws degree in 1940 and later a Centennial Award. He received a Distinguished Service Plaque from Eastern Kentucky University where he served for eight years a member of the Board of Regents. He was president of the University of Kentucky Alumni Association. He served on the Kentucky Council on Higher Education for many years and for two terms on the Kentucky Board of Education. Keen Johnson died February 7, 1970, in Richmond and is interred in the Richmond Cemetery. * Information for this biographical sketch comes primarily from Frederic D. Ogden (ed.) The Public Papers of Governor Keen Johnson (Lexington: The University Press of Kentucky, 1982), pp. 1-3; obituary The Richmond Daily Register, February 9, 1970, p. 1; and assorted newspaper clippings found in Box 23 of the Correspondence Series. IMPORTANT DATES IN THE LIFE OF KEEN JOHNSON: (1896-1970) 1896 Born at Brandon's Chapel in Lyon County, Kentucky. 1914 Graduated from Vanderbilt Training School, a boy's preparatory school, at Elkton, Kentucky. 1917 Attended Central College, Fayette, Missouri. 1917 Enrolled in Reserve Officers' Training Camp at Ft. Riley, Kansas. Married Eunice Lee Nichols of Higbee, Missouri (June 23) 1917 Appointed second lieutenant in the Army (August 15) 1918 Overseas in France (June 4 - April 28, 1919) 1919 Discharged from the Army (October 31) 1919 Purchased and edited weekly newspaper, The Mirror, in Elizabethtown, KY 1920-1922 Attended University of KY and received A.B. degree in journalism 1922-1925 Editor and publisher on the weekly Anderson News in Lawrenceburg, KY 1925 Editor, co-publisher, co-owner of Richmond Daily Register 1927 Daughter, Judith, born in Richmond (May 10) 1932 Elected Secretary of the Democratic State Central and Executive Committee 1935-1939 Elected Lieutenant Governor 1939 Announced candidacy for Governor May 17) 1939 Defeated John Brown, Sr., in Democratic Gubernatorial primary (August 5) 1939 Became Governor when A. B. "Happy" Chandler became U.S. Senator (Oct 9) 1939 Elected Governor of KY over Republican Swope by over 100,000 votes (Nov 17) 1939-1943 Kentucky's 42nd Governor 1944-1946 Joined Reynolds Metals Company as assistant to President Reynolds, Sr. 1946-1947 Appointed by President Truman as Undersecretary in Department of Labor 1947-1961 Vice President for Public Relations and member of the Board of Directors (1950) for Reynolds Metals Company 1960 Defeated John Brown, Sr., in Democratic primary for U.S. Senator Lost in general election to Republican incumbent, John Sherman Cooper 1970 Died in Richmond. Interred in the Richmond Cemetery (Feb. 7)

Subject/Index Terms

Democratic Party (Ky.)
Kentucky--Politics and government--1865-1950.
Politics, Practical
Reynolds Metals Company.
Richmond Register.
World War, 1914-1918.
World War, 1939-1945.

Administrative Information

Repository: Eastern Kentucky University - Special Collections and Archives

Accruals:

1980-017, 05-22-1980

1981-004, 01-22-1981

1981-006, 01-28-1981

2002-024, 06-08-1981

2011-016, 02-04-2011

Acquisition Source: Johnson, Eunice

Acquisition Method: gift

Finding Aid Revision History: Collection reprocessed in 2020-2021 to provide additional description.

Box and Folder Listing

Browse by Series:

[Series 1: Robert Johnson Papers],
[Series 2: Military Service Documents],
[Series 3: Correspondence Series],
[Series 4: Diary and Appointment Book Series],
[Series 5: Executive Order and Proclamation Series],
[Series 6: Financial Series],
[Series 7: Newspaper Clipping Series],
[Series 8: Photograph Series],
[Series 9: Publication Series],
[Series 10: Speech Series],
[Series 11: Memorabilia and Oversize],
[All]

Series 3: Correspondence Series

Sub-Series 1: Eunice & Keen Johnson Correspondence

Box 4

UnitID: 31234013022743

Folder 1: Eunice & Keen Johnson Correspondence, November 1914 - December 1914: Correspondence between Keen Johnson and Eunice Nichols during their early courtship.
Folder 2: Eunice & Keen Johnson Correspondence, Jan, 2015: Continued correspondence between Keen Johnson and Eunice Nichols during their long distance relationship.
Folder 3: Eunice & Keen Johnson Correspondence, January 1915 - April 1915: Continued correspondence between Keen Johnson and Eunice Nichols. Topic of interests includes Nichols's job as a school teacher
Folder 4: Eunice & Keen Johnson Correspondence, May 1915 - June 1915: Correspondence between Keen Johnson and Eunice Nichols, including a telegram from Johnson congratulating the "the sweet June graduate"
Folder 5: Eunice & Keen Johnson Correspondence, 4 July 1915 - 19 July 1915: Correspondence between Keen Johnson and Eunice Nichols. In this section, Eunice is concerned with Keen's lack of writing and questions his relationship with a Miss Hamilton.
Folder 6: Eunice & Keen Johnson Correspondence, 22 July 1915 - July 1915: Correspondence between Keen Johnson and Eunice Nichols. Mention of Keen's liking of Oklahoma City, despite his desire to return to Eunice.
Folder 7: Eunice & Keen Johnson Correspondence, August of 1915: Correspondence between Keen Johnson and Eunice Nichols. Mention of Tulsa, pedagogy (related to Nichols's teaching profession). Eunice becomes ill and there is mention of more frequent phone calls.
Folder 8: Eunice & Keen Johnson Correspondence, September 1915 - October 1915: Correspondence between Keen Johnson and Eunice Nichols. Topic of interest: Keen writes to Eunice to wish her a Happy Birthday

Box 5

Folder 1: Eunice & Keen Johnson Correspondence, November 1915 - 21 December 1915: Cont. correspondence between Keen Johnson and Eunice Nichols. Topic of interest: Keen's schoolwork and school decisions; UnitID: 31234013022750
Folder 2: Eunice & Keen Johnson Correspondence, 22 December 1915 - 30 December 1915: Cont. Correspondence between Keen Johnson and Eunice Nichols. Topic of interest: Christmas 1915 and holiday season.
Folder 3: Correspondence from Keen Johnson to Eunice, 1915: Various letters from Keen to Eunice, dating ca.1915.
Folder 4: Eunice & Keen Johnson Correspondence, Jan, 1916: Cont. correspondence between Keen Johnson and Eunice Nichols.
Folder 5: Eunice & Keen Johnson Correspondence, January 1916-February 1916: Cont. correspondence between Keen Johnson and Eunice Nichols. Topics of interest: winter storms, Keen's birthday, and Keen's schoolwork
Folder 6: Eunice & Keen Johnson Correspondence, Mar, 1916: Cont. correspondence between Keen Johnson and Eunice Nichols. In this section there are discussions of phone calls more frequent and of school, as well as Eunice's headaches which have become frequent.
Folder 7: Eunice & Keen Johnson Correspondence, April 1916 - 20 May 1916: Cont. correspondence between Keen Johnson and Eunice Nichols.
Folder 8: Eunice & Keen Johnson Correspondence, 22 May 1916 - 31 May 1916: Cont. correspondence between Keen Johnson and Eunice Nichols. In this section, Keen mentions a situation in which him and some other men are at risk of suspension for some undescribed situation. Later letter reveals that they were not suspended as they worried they might be.
Folder 9: Eunice & Keen Johnson Correspondence, 1 June 1916 - 14 June 1916: Letters from Eunice to Keen, detailing her daily life as well as her frequent headaches and the summer weather.
Folder 10: Eunice & Keen Johnson Correspondence, 15 June 1916 - 24 June 1916

Box 6

UnitID: 31234013022768

Folder 1: Eunice & Keen Johnson Correspondence, 25 June 1916 - 9 July 1916
Folder 2: Eunice & Keen Johnson Correspondence, 10 July 1916 - 20 July 1916: Letters from Eunice to Keen, in which she describes her preparation and visit to Colorado. Eunice worries that her letters are not reaching Keen.
Folder 3: Eunice & Keen Johnson Correspondence, 20 July 1916 - 31 July 1916: The couple commiserates over the long distance. Eunice describes an inspiring lecture she attended at Chautauqua.
Folder 4: Eunice & Keen Johnson Correspondence, 3 August 1916 - 30 September 1916: In this section of correspondence, Eunice returns home from Colorado and is able to reunite and visit with Keen. Keen writes to discuss their future plans and Eunice's health.
Folder 5: Eunice & Keen Johnson Correspondence, 3 October 1916 - 29 November 1916: Topics of interest include: Eunice describes issues with her health and her job teaching. Keen and Eunice briefly discuss the results of the presidential election [Woodrow Wilson]. Eunice writes to discuss the practicality of marriage and future plans. [[note: letter in this file dated Oct 19, clearly states that Eunice and keen have been married 11+ months and that Keen is now overseas. Need to move to later folder, TBD]].
Folder 6: Eunice & Keen Johnson Correspondence, Dec, 1916: Eunice and Keen discuss Christmas plans, as well as continued conversation regarding their future and Eunice's work.
Folder 7: Correspondence from Keen to Eunice, 1916: Miscellaneous letters from Keen to Eunice, dating ca.1916
Folder 8: Correspondence from Eunice to Keen, 1916: Small folder with three incomplete letters from Eunice to Keen, ca.1916
Folder 9: Eunice & Keen Johnson Correspondence, 3 Jan 1917-30 Jan 1917: Eunice and her mother fall ill, and the letters after describe her mothers struggles to recover from their illness as well as Eunice's difficulty maintaining the household responsibilities.

Box 7

UnitID: 31234013022776

Folder 1: Eunice & Keen Johnson Correspondence, Jan, 1917: Topic of interest: Eunice gets an enticing job offer and discusses it with Keen
Folder 2: Eunice & Keen Johnson Correspondence, 2 February 1917 - 8 March 1917: Continued conversations regarding the couple's future relationship and decisions on school and life.
Folder 3: Eunice & Keen Johnson Correspondence, 12 March 1917 - 8 April 1917: Topic of interest: Eunice writes to discuss the outlooks on the war (WW1), which she feels sure Keen will have to join. Keen writes about a severe bout of rheumatism from which he seems to be slowly recovering from.
Folder 4: Eunice & Keen Johnson Correspondence, 9 April 1917 - 27 April 1917: Keen continues to recover from his episode of illness
Folder 5: Eunice & Keen Johnson Correspondence, 3 May 1917 - 19 May 1917: Keen chooses to join the war, going to Fort Riley for training. Eunice expresses her distress over this decision.
Folder 6: Eunice & Keen Johnson Correspondence, 20 May 1917 - 1 June 1917: Keen continues to write Eunice from Fort Riley. Includes postcards from Keen sent to Nichols in Higbee MO from Fort Riley, Kansas, and a telegram from Keen describing a short leave of absence to visit Eunice.
Folder 7: Eunice & Keen Johnson Correspondence, 2 June 1917 - 12 June 1917: The couple is engaged and discussing housing arrangements. Johnson is still at the military training center in Kansas and probably around age 21.
Folder 8: Eunice & Keen Johnson Correspondence, 13 June 1917 - 30 June 1917: The couple discusses wedding plans and new living situations and is wed on June 23rd
Folder 9: Eunice & Keen Johnson Correspondence, 1 July 1917 - 31 December 1917: Keen details life at Fort Riley while Eunice visits relatives. The couple continues to discuss living arrangements.
Folder 10: Miscellaneous Correspondence, 1917: Various letters from Keen to Eunice, dating ca.1917.
Folder 11: Eunice & Keen Johnson Correspondence, 24 January 1918 - 31 May of 1918: Keen is shipped out from Fort Riley, Eunice writes to him in his absence and Keen describes his journey with the company. Contains postcards from various locations from Keen to Eunice.
Folder 12: Eunice & Keen Johnson Correspondence, 1 June 1918 - 21 June 1918: Keen writes from Camp Mills in New York, and then from the ship taking him overseas, and finally, from "somewhere in England"

Box 8

UnitID: 31234013022784

Folder 1: Eunice & Keen Johnson Correspondence, 24 June 1918 - 9 July 1918: The couple each write about missing each other while Keen is away at war. Keen describes his experiences in England and then in France, giving details on conditions and on life. Eunice responds with details from war time at home.
Folder 2: Eunice & Keen Johnson Correspondence, 10 July 1918 - 25 July 1918: Keen continues to describe the front of the war. Eunice responds by describing daily life at home, including the economic crisis and problems with drought and failing crops.
Folder 3: Eunice & Keen Johnson Correspondence, 25 July 1918 - 3 August 1918: Keen writes about beginning new training at the Army School of Line, describing classes on maps and warfare techniques. Eunice visits relatives in Colombia, MO and writes to Keen about finding work and finding a solid foundation for their lives together.
Folder 4: Eunice & Keen Johnson Correspondence, 5 August 1918 - 14 August 1918: The couple continues to manage their long distance relationship. Keen writes about camp conditions and his army classes. Eunice writes about her plans for going back to school.
Folder 5: Eunice & Keen Johnson Correspondence, 15 August 1918 - 23 August 1918: Keen writes from France as the couple continues to navigate the overseas distance.
Folder 6: Eunice & Keen Johnson Correspondence, 24 August 1918 - 5 September 1918: The couple continues to navigate their relationship through long distance.
Folder 7: Eunice & Keen Johnson Correspondence, 6 September 1918 - 14 September 1918: Both Keen and Eunice write about their experiences with school - Keen continues to describe his experience at the Army School of Line in France, while Eunice begins teaching again.
Folder 8: Eunice & Keen Johnson Correspondence, 15 September 1918 - 23 September 1918: The couple plans for the future. Keen expresses concern about Eunice working for fear of her health declining again. Keen wishes Eunice a happy birthday.
Folder 9: Eunice & Keen Johnson Correspondence, 24 September 1918 - 30 September 1918: Keen finishes school with the Army School of Line and places 66th on the roll. He is ordered to the army's Staff College, which he expresses anxiety over.
Folder 10: Eunice & Keen Johnson Correspondence, 1 October 1918 - 7 October 1918: Keen is officially sent to Staff College for the Army. The couple continues to navigate long distance.

Box 9

UnitID: 31234013022792

Folder 1: Eunice & Keen Johnson Correspondence, 8 October 1918 - 15 October 1918: From France, Keen details his struggles with the Staff College for the Army, especially with map problems. He expresses to Eunice that he fears he won't pass. Back in the U.S., Eunice writes concerning the influenza, school closures, and odd jobs, as well as civilian's perceptions of the war.
Folder 2: Eunice & Keen Johnson Correspondence, 16 October 1918 - 22 October 1918: Keen remains optimistic about the coming end of the war, while Eunice continues to deal with the impacts of the influenza back home.
Folder 3: Eunice & Keen Johnson Correspondence, 23 October 1918 - 31 October 1918: Eunice continues to worry about the influenza situation, especially for Keen. Keen assures her that he has not been sick, regardless of the prominence of the flu, and his letters continue to contain descriptions of the map problems and his daily routines.
Folder 4: Eunice & Keen Johnson Correspondence, 1 November 1918 - 12 November 1918: Eunice considers finances as the influenza impacts her work. She writes about an announcement of the end of the war [WWI]. Other topics of interest: Election results briefly mentioned, continued descriptions of Keen's daily life, Xmas plans.
Folder 5: Eunice & Keen Johnson Correspondence, 13 November 1918 - 22 November 1918: Although after the end of WWI, Keen remains training at the Staff College in France. Keen is able to share more information with Eunice regarding his location and daily tasks because of changing censorship rules.
Folder 6: Eunice & Keen Johnson Correspondence, 23 November 1918 - 27 November 1918: The couple remains long distance. With the war being over, Keen describes his trips to the front which he was unable to share previously due to confidentiality.
Folder 7: Eunice & Keen Johnson Correspondence, 28 November 1918 - 5 December 1918: The couples writes to each other on Thanksgiving, 1918. While Keen continues his training in France, Eunice works at the bank until she is to return to school.
Folder 8: Eunice & Keen Johnson Correspondence, 7 December 1918 - 12 December 1918: The couple remains long distance, with Keen continuing his training in France while Eunice works at home. Eunice writes that she is sick, but notes that she does not have symptoms of influenza.
Folder 9: Eunice & Keen Johnson Correspondence, 13 December 1918 - 21 December 1918: The couple prepares for Christmas despite the distance between them.
Folder 10: Eunice & Keen Johnson Correspondence, 23 December 1918 - 30 December 1918: The couple celebrates Christmas from a distance, writing to wish each other a happy holiday while also sending gifts.

Box 10

UnitID: 31234013022800

Folder 1: Eunice & Keen Johnson Correspondence, 1 January 1919 - 16 January 1919: Mostly contains letters from Keen to Eunice describing a "Staff Ride", a trip taken by Keen and several other military men throughout many towns in France. Keen writes from Langres, Verdun, Stenay, and Chatel-Chehery.
Folder 2: Eunice & Keen Johnson Correspondence, 17 January 1919 - 23 January 1919: Contains letters from Keen describing a leave taken to Nice, France, and letters from Eunice describing her emotional struggle remaining long distance.
Folder 3: Eunice & Keen Johnson Correspondence, 24 January 1919 - 31 January 1919: Contains letters from both Keen and Eunice as they continue to deal with the long distance. Keen's letters note a visit to a Red Cross hospital in France, where he has his tonsils removed (January 29, 1919).
Folder 4: Eunice & Keen Johnson Correspondence, 1 February 1919 - 7 February 1919: Letters from Keen as he recovers from his tonsil removal, letters from Eunice as she continues her work at the bank, and a cable from the military alerting Eunice that Keen's tonsil surgery went well.
Folder 5: Eunice & Keen Johnson Correspondence, 8 February 1919 - 15 February 1919: Keen writes from Base Hospital 93 in Cannes, France. Eunice continues to send letters to 714, although Keen is not there to receive them, while waiting on a new address and reassignment for Keen.
Folder 6: Eunice & Keen Johnson Correspondence, 16 February 1919 - 2 March 1919: Keen writes from Base Hospital 99 in Hyeres, France, where he has come down with La Grippe [the flu]. In combination with his rheumatism, the doctors have told Keen that his heart has been affected. Keen mentions that he hopes to be able to come home to the states due to this.
Folder 7: Eunice & Keen Johnson Correspondence, 3 March 1919 - 7 March 1919: Contains letters from Keen to Eunice, describing his continued hospital stay (Base Hospital 99), and his hopes to return home soon on medical orders with a "Casual Company".
Folder 8: Eunice & Keen Johnson Correspondence, 9 March 1919 - 16 March 1919: Keen writes to tell Eunice that he has returned to Langres, France, to collect his things before moving to St.Aignan, France, to be evaluated to possibly be sent home.
Folder 9: Eunice & Keen Johnson Correspondence, 17 March 1919 - 25 March 1919: Letters from Keen to Eunice as he continues to wait for clearance to return to the United States. Letters from St.Aignan and Bordeaux, France.
Folder 10: Eunice & Keen Johnson Correspondence, 26 March 1919 - 10 April 1919: Keen writes from Bordeaux, continuing to wait for transport orders which will send him back to the United States.

Box 11

UnitID: 31234013022818

Folder 1: Eunice & Keen Johnson Correspondence, 11 April 1919 - 29 April 1919: Letters from Keen detailing his travels from France back to the United States
Folder 2: Eunice & Keen Johnson Correspondence, 1 May 1919 - 17 December 1919: Contains two Western Union Telegrams to Eunice describing Keen's arrival home and to meet in Louisville, KY. Other letters from later in the year from Keen to Eunice while she is away visiting family in Moberly, MO
Folder 3: Eunice & Keen Johnson Correspondence, 10 March 1920 - 24 March 1920: Contains letters from Keen, who at the time is working from Elizabethtown, KY, at a newspaper, while Eunice continues to stay with family to take care of her Grandmother, who is not well.
Folder 4: Eunice & Keen Johnson Correspondence, 24 March 1920 - 2 April 1920: Keen continues to write from Elizabethtown where he works on the newspaper while Eunice continues to write where she is staying with family. Topics of interest: a massive storm in Moberly causes destruction in Eunice's letters, and Eunice's grandmother passes away according to letters here.
Folder 5: Eunice & Keen Johnson Correspondence, 3 April 1920 - 28 December 1920: Contains letters from Keen to Eunice as Eunice attends the funeral of her grandmother and deals with sickness before returning to Elizabethtown
Folder 6: Eunice & Keen Johnson Correspondence, 29 December 1921 - 27 August 1922: Contains various letters from Keen and Eunice as they travel for family or for business and are therefore not together. Includes a postcard from University of Missouri, and a few worn letters from Eunice which could not be read.
Folder 7: Eunice & Keen Johnson Correspondence, 26 August 1922 - 2 September 1922: Continued letters from various travels; Eunice's letters appear water damaged and unreadable.
Folder 8: Eunice & Keen Johnson Correspondence, 4 September 1922 - 20 May 1923: Various letters from travel and business. Many topics to deal with finances and looking for living accommodations.
Folder 9: Eunice & Keen Johnson Correspondence, 20 May 1923 - 13 June 1923: Contains letters from Keen to Eunice, updating her on social, financial, and business matters as she travels to various locations.
Folder 10: Eunice & Keen Johnson Correspondence, 14 June 1923 - 29 September 1923: Various letters from Keen to Eunice, updating her on social, financial, and business matters as she travels various locations.
Folder 11: Eunice & Keen Johnson Correspondence, 25 May 1924 - 25 October 1924: Letters from Keen regarding social, financial, and business matters, as well as investigation in Eunice's health.

Sub-Series 2: Governor's Correspondence

Box 12

UnitID: 31234013022826

Folder 1: KY Press, 1926 - May 1934: Papers Relating to the Kentucky Press, a syllabus for Community Journalism at the University of Kentucky, and a Constitution for the National Editorial Association
Folder 2: Commercial Interests, 1936 - 1938: Information from a silversmith working with Eunice, lawyer correspondence, and papers in reference to other commercial interests.
Folder 3: Postcards, 1936-1938: Postcards from Family and Friends
Folder 4: Events/Invitations, 1937 - 1938: Events and Invitations; Eastern Dean's Dinner, Commencement Exercises, Jefferson Day Banquet, Madison County Bi-Centennial from the KY Historical Society. Includes club information such as the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, University of Kentucky Alumni.
Folder 5: Government and Professional Papers, 1 May 1936- 31 December 1938: State paper work including a list of Madison County Employees, an analysis of Kentucky's income tax, auditor and public account correspondence, state correspondence, and the 1938 Kentucky Traffic Accident Summary.
Folder 6: Family/Friend Letters, 1936-1938: Family and friend letters. Letters written to and from Eunice Johnson and Judy Johnson. Includes Mrs. Johnson's Beta Sigma Phi pledge book.
Folder 7: State Democratic Campaign, 1935-1938: Papers about the State Democratic Campaign and Keen Johnson's possible advancement. Includes an endorsement from the office of Four Transportation Brotherhoods and several Kentuckians. Also included is an election map of KY (1935).
Folder 8: Joint Code Authority, 26 February 1934 - 14 August 1934: Papers from the Joint Code Authority dealing with the statement of Cash Receipts and Disbursements from Feb. 26, 1934 to July 31, 1934.
Folder 9: Correspondence Series: Events/Invitations 2, 1936-1942: Invitations and Events Continued: Commencement Ceremonies, Calling Cards, UK's Alumni Banquet, musical recitals and charity balls, Derby Day tickets, government building dedications, etc.

Box 13

UnitID: 31234013022834

Folder 1: Congratulatory Letters, 1 August 1939 - 8 August 1939: Keen Johnson becomes the Democratic nominee for Lt. Governor. Congratulatory letters from Kentuckians, with occasional brief responses from Keen attached.
Folder 2: Congratulatory Letters, 11 August 1939 - 19 August 1939: Congratulatory letters continued.
Folder 3: Congrats and Thanks, 8 August 1939 - 10 August 1939: Keen Johnson thanking those who supported his primary campaign
Folder 4: Congrats and Thanks, 21 August 1939 - 28 August 1939: Continued Congratulatory Letters and thank you letters from Keen Johnson, includes a copy of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Newsletter which also congratulations Johnson
Folder 5: Congrats and Thanks, 26 August 1939 - 28 August 1939: Continued Congratulatory Letters and thank you letters from Keen Johnson
Folder 6: Congrats and Thanks, 21 August 1939 - 29 August 1939: Continued Congratulatory Letters and thank you letters from Keen Johnson
Folder 7: Congrats and Thanks, 1 September 1939 - 26 December 1939: Continued Congratulatory Letters and thank you letters from Keen Johnson, including invites to celebratory dinners and letters of praise/recommendation
Folder 8: Campaign Papers, 18 February 1939 - 4 November 1939: Procedure for the State Democratic Campaign, continued campaign efforts and correspondence about the campaign.
Folder 9: Postcards, Aug, 1939: Postcards from Family and Friends along with Invitations including the Kentucky Colonels Annual Dinner, Charity Balls, recitals. Many of the postcards are also congratulatory.
Folder 10: Correspondence to Eunice/Family Affairs, January 1939 - June 1939: Letters to Eunice and Family Papers. Includes letters congratulating Eunice on her husband's success and also letters from the Eastern Kentucky State Teachers College on Judy Johnson's grades and child development.
Folder 11: Miscellaneous, January 1939 - July 1939: Various miscellaneous correspondence regarding finances, law, and various memos from 1939.

Box 14

UnitID: 31234013022842

Folder 1: Postcards and Invitations, 18 January 1940 - 5 October 1941: Postcards from Family and friends along with invitations to the Order of Kentucky Colonels, The New York World's Fair, and the Kentucky Press Dinner.
Folder 2: Invitations, 11 January 1940 - 20 September 1941: Invitations continued including receptions at the White House, Christmas cards from other U.S. governors, calling cards, church, and Keeneland events.
Folder 3: Invitations, 28 February 1940 - 24 October 1941: Invitations continued including birth announcements, the Grande Promenade, Commencement Ceremony of the Kentucky Military Institute, and Commencement Ceremony for the University of Louisville School of Medicine.
Folder 4: White Sulfur Springs Correspondence, 23 March 1940 - 27 February 1942: Correspondence and brochures from White Sulphur Springs.
Folder 5: Eunice Correspondence, 21 January 1940 - 29 October 1941: Family Papers, includes holiday cards and correspondence between Keen and Eunice Johnson. Also included are letters from Eunice's mother written to Judy Johnson.
Folder 6: Eunice Correspondence, 11 March 1940 - 29 October 1941: Eunice Papers (Scanned) Involving Temple Stevens, Eunice is entertaining quite a bit and getting much more of an influx of mail. Is becoming a public figure.
Folder 7: Women Clubs & Organizations, 1 February 1940 - 25 May 1941: Women's Clubs and Organizations. Including pamphlets and correspondence from the Kentucky Federation of Women's Clubs, the Women's National press Club, and the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Box 15

UnitID: 31234013022859

Folder 1: Keen as Governor, March 1940 - September 1940: Miscellaneous papers, including two biographical publications on Keen Johnson, a congratulatory cable for Keen and Eunice's anniversary, a letter to Keen regarding schools in Kentucky, and a certificate noting that Keen was broadcast on television September 12, 1940.
Folder 2: State Papers, 26 March 1940 - 27 October 1941: Topics of correspondence: Correspondence about tobacco production with the Tobacco By-Products and Chemical Corporation, correspondence regarding labor, unemployment, and unions, and tax reports and estimates.
Folder 3: State Papers, 8 January 1941 - 3 July 1941: Contains visitors guide to West Point in spring 1941, audit report on the Department of Revenue, a list of state officials, a list of newspaper publications, and the Governor's investigation into the State Purchasing Division
Folder 4: Court papers/Testimonies, 16 September 1941 - 30 September 1941: Contains various transcripts of testimonies in the investigation of the State Purchasing Division.
Folder 5: Court papers/Testimonies, 24 September 1941 - 23 October 1941: Continued transcripts of testimonies in the investigation of the State Purchasing Division.

Box 16

UnitID: 31234013022867

Folder 1: Postcards and Invitations, 11 January 1942 - 7 December 1943: Various postcards from family and friends, a Christmas card list from 1942, and several invitations to various events
Folder 2: Events/Invitations, 28 May 1942 - 26 November 1942: Invitations including Governor's Day, Church events, graduations, and reunions.
Folder 3: White Sulfur Springs Correspondence, 15 December 1941 - 11 December 1943: Continued correspondence between Johnson family and L. R. Johnston of White Sulfur Springs; later correspondence here indicates the closure of the resort due to the war.
Folder 4: State Papers, 3 November 1941 - 1 January 1942: Includes information on Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) developments, KY State Highway Patrol report, "New Lands & Building" Expenditure Analysis report, and House Roll Call for January of 1942.
Folder 5: State/Court Papers, 7 February 1942 - 6 December 1943: Papers on House Bill no. 146, continued reports on the investigation into the State Purchasing Division, reports on financial conditions, a statement read to the Kentucky State Medical Association, and several house roll call sheets.
Folder 6: Johnson Family Correspondence, 17 November 1941 - 13 December 1943: Correspondence between Keen, Eunice, and their daughter Judy, updating each other on their well-being and general activities.
Folder 7: Ward-Belmont Correspondence, 1 March 1943 - 14 December 1943: Correspondence to Eunice regarding Judy's enrollment and progress at Ward-Belmont in Tennessee.
Folder 8: Events and Holidays, 1942-1943: Includes documents and programs from various events, as well as collection of Easter and Christmas greeting cards for 42/43.

Box 17

UnitID: 31234013022875

Folder 1: Governor's Papers, 4 November 1941 - 29 December 1943: Mostly correspondence to Keen thanking and congratulating him at the end of his service as Governor of KY.
Folder 2: WWII Documents, 6 August 1942 - 30 June 1943: Includes letters to Keen as governor from soldiers, documents urging the conservation of resources, ration booklets, and programs from celebration days such as Governor's Day.
Folder 3: Eunice Correspondence, 4 November 1941 - 11 September 1943: Includes personal letters from family and friends, as well as commercial concerns such as dishes, silver, jewelry, and magazines - as Eunice continues to be a popular hostess as Keen's wife.
Folder 4: Eunice Correspondence, 14 September 1942 - 22 April 1943: Includes letters to Eunice from various friends and family, in addition to a few letters in reference to purchases made by Eunice.
Folder 5: Eunice Correspondence, 23 April 1943 - 27 December 1943: Includes personal letters from family and friends

Box 18

UnitID: 31234013022883

Folder 1: Farewells and Thanks, Dec, 1943: As his time as Governor comes to an end, Keen responds to the many well wishes received at the end of his term, thanking them for their kindness and support.
Folder 2: Farewells and Thanks, Dec, 1943: Continued replies to well wishes and farewells from office.
Folder 3: Family Correspondence, 1 January 1944-7 January 1944: Correspondence between Keen, Eunice, and their daughter Judy, updating each other on their well-being and general activities.
Folder 4: Family Correspondence, 9 January 1944 - 2 February 1944: Correspondence between Keen, Eunice, and their daughter Judy, updating each other on their well-being and general activities.
Folder 5: Family Correspondence, 4 February 1944 - 10 March 1944: Correspondence between Keen, Eunice, and their daughter Judy, updating each other on their well-being and general activities.
Folder 6: Family Correspondence, 29 February 1944 - 14 April 1944: Correspondence between Keen, Eunice, and their daughter Judy, updating each other on their well-being and general activities.
Folder 7: Events/Invitations, 21 January 1944 - 3 December 1944: Includes invitations and booklets from Jackson Day Dinner, Democratic National Convention, and the Ward-Belmont Commencement Day. Also includes delegate ribbon from the Democratic State Convention and church bulletins from the First Christian Church in Richmond, KY.
Folder 8: Programs, March 1940 - 22 June 1943: Includes programs and publications from things such as the Record of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, The Garden Club of Kentucky, Honorable Kentucky Colonels, Danville Observance, and The Wigwam.

Sub-Series 3: Family and Personal Correspondence

Box 19

UnitID: 31234013022891

Folder 1: Eunice Correspondence, 30 December 1943 - 16 December 1944: Various pieces of correspondence, often related to Eunice acting as hostess and entertainer, or thanking her for gifts.
Folder 2: Family Correspondence, 15 April 1944 - 25 May 1944: Continued correspondence between Eunice, Keen, and Judy.
Folder 3: Family Correspondence, 31 May 1944 - 1 September 1944: Continued correspondence between Eunice, Keen, and Judy. Also includes correspondence from Ward-Belmont in regards to the start of a new school year.
Folder 4: Family Correspondence, 1 September 1944 - 18 September 1944: Mostly contains correspondence from Keen to Eunice and Judy while he is away working in VA.
Folder 5: Family Correspondence, 19 September 1944 - 30 September 1944: Continued correspondence between Eunice, Keen, and Judy. Includes a newspaper clipping about Judy having a teacher at the University of Kentucky who also taught Keen.
Folder 6: Family Correspondence, 1 October 1944 - 31 October 1944: Continued correspondence between Eunice, Keen, and Judy.
Folder 7: Family Correspondence, 1 November 1944 - 30 December 1944: Continued correspondence between Eunice, Keen, and Judy.

Box 20

UnitID: 31234013022909

Folder 1: Eunice Correspondence, 10 January 1945 - 29 June 1945: Correspondence to Eunice from family and friends. Includes insurance letters and other letters regarding purchases.
Folder 2: Family Correspondence, 1 January 1945 - 15 January 1945: Continued correspondence between Eunice, Keen, and Judy.
Folder 3: Family Correspondence, 16 January 1945 - 26 February 1945: Continued correspondence between Eunice, Keen, and Judy.
Folder 4: Family Correspondence, 26 February 1945 - 30 April 1945: Continued correspondence between Eunice, Keen, and Judy .
Folder 5: Family Correspondence, 1 May 1945 - 29 June 1945: Continued correspondence between Eunice, Keen, and Judy.
Folder 6: Events/Invitations, 1 January 1945 - 20 February 1945: Events and Invitation. Includes marriages, graduation, and church booklets. Also includes booklets from Presidential Inauguration of Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Box 21

UnitID: 31234013022917

Folder 1: Family Correspondence, 25 July 1945 - 29 September 1945: Correspondence from Keen to Eunice and Judy while he is away working in VA. Includes some correspondence to Eunice from friends and family.
Folder 2: Family Correspondence, 1 October 1945 - 22 December 1945: Continued correspondence from Keen to Eunice and Judy while he is away working. Includes some correspondence to Eunice from friends and family.
Folder 3: Family Correspondence, ca. 1946: Miscellaneous correspondence from Keen, Eunice, and Judy from ca.1946
Folder 4: Family Correspondence, 1 January 1946 - 30 January 1946: Correspondence between Eunice, Keen, and Judy as Keen works and Judy is away at school.
Folder 5: Family Correspondence, 7 February 1946 - 30 March 1946: Continued correspondence between Eunice, Keen, and Judy as Keen works and Judy is away at school.
Folder 6: Family Correspondence, 1 April 1946 - 31 May 1946: Continued correspondence between Eunice, Keen, and Judy as Keen works and Judy is away at school.

Box 22

UnitID: 31234013022925

Folder 1: Family Correspondence, 1 June 1946 - 30 August 1946: Continued correspondence between Eunice, Keen, and Judy as Keen works and Judy is away at school.
Folder 2: Family Correspondence, 3 September 1946 - 30 October 1946: Continued correspondence between Eunice, Keen, and Judy as Keen works and Judy is away at school.
Folder 3: Family Correspondence, 5 November 1946 - 23 December 1946: Continued correspondence between Eunice, Keen, and Judy as Keen works and Judy is away at school.
Folder 4: Family Correspondence, 3 January 1947 - 18 February 1947: Continued correspondence between Eunice, Keen, and Judy. Includes an engagement form for Judy as she is engaged to Robert Babbage.
Folder 5: Family Correspondence, 3 March 1947 -18 December 1947: Continued correspondence between Eunice, Keen, and Judy. Includes postcards and cards from family and friends.
Folder 6: Events/Invitations, December 1946 - April 1947: Includes invitations and programs, including those for events such as the National Press Club Dinner, the Women's Democratic Club Dinner, Jefferson Day Dinner, Derby Day, as well as a variety of dinner, cocktails, weddings, and Christmas gatherings.

Box 23

UnitID: 31234013022933

Folder 1: Family Correspondence, 1 June 1947 - 10 May 1948: Correspondence between Eunice, Keen, and Judy as Keen works and Judy is away at school.
Folder 2: Engagement and Wedding Correspondence, 6 February 1948 - 22 June 1948: Includes responses to the engagement and wedding of Judy, including congratulations and several letters declining attendance.
Folder 3: Family Correspondence, 3 June 1948 - 30 August 1948: Continued correspondence between Eunice, Keen, and Judy.
Folder 4: Family Correspondence, 1 September 1948 - 14 September 1948: Correspondence between Eunice, Keen, and Judy, with Judy being recently married.
Folder 5: Family Correspondence, 15 September 1948 - 30 September 1948: Correspondence between Eunice, Keen, and Judy as Judy adjusts to her newly married life. Also includes a letter from Bob [Judy's husband] to Eunice, thankful for Keen and Eunice's generosity.
Folder 6: Family Correspondence, 1 October 1948 - 25 December 1948: Continued correspondence between Judy and Eunice, as Judy describes her adjustment to married life and their everyday activities.
Folder 7: Events/Invitations, 19 February 1948 - 9 December 1948: Includes invitations and programs, but is mostly comprised of responses to the invitation of Judy's wedding.

Box 24

UnitID: 31234013022941

Folder 1: Reynolds Metal Correspondence, 28 December 1943 - 29 June 1954: Includes work correspondence from Keen's time working with the Reynolds Metal Company. Topics include pay, benefits, report making, and shareholder meetings.
Folder 2: Reynolds Metal Correspondence, 4 January 1955 - 30 November 1955: Includes work correspondence from Keen's time working with the Reynolds Metal Company. Topics include pay, benefits, report making, and shareholder meetings.
Folder 3: Reynolds Metal Correspondence, 30 January 1956 - 12 December 1956: Includes work correspondence from Keen's time working with the Reynolds Metal Company. Topics include pay, benefits, report making, and shareholder meetings.
Folder 4: Reynolds Metal Correspondence, 3 January 1957 - 15 February 1960: Includes work correspondence from Keen's time working with the Reynolds Metal Company.. Topics include pay, benefits, report making, and shareholder meetings.
Folder 5: Family Correspondence, ca.1949 - 2 December 1955: Mostly includes letters from Eunice's sister, Frata, but also includes letters from Keen's sister, Catherine, as well as some letters from Judy.
Folder 6: Events/Invitations, 6 July 1945 - ca.1950: Includes booklets and invitations. Examples include: Dedication of the Great Smokey Mountain National Park, Pendennis Club, Women's Democratic Club, Metropolitan Club, and Daughters of the American Revolution. Also included are general dinner invites, wedding invites, and invites to celebratory events.
Folder 7: Events/Invitations, December 1948 - November 1956: Includes invitations and booklets. Includes Presidential Inauguration, Alumni Days, dinners, weddings, club meetings, and church meetings.

Box 25

UnitID: 31234013022958

Folder 1: Eunice Correspondence, 11 March 1949 - 19 July 1951: Includes correspondence to Eunice from friends, lawyers, and a hotel in Massachusetts.
Folder 2: Richmond Women's Club, ca. January 1953: Includes construction outlines and details, as well as itemized bill for the construction of the Richmond Women's Club room. Also contains a committee list for the club.
Folder 3: Senate Papers, ca. 1959 - February 1960: Includes letters to various Democrats in KY announcing Keen's intent to run for Senate, with confidence of beating Cooper. Also includes letters to family and friends as campaign begins.
Folder 4: Senate Papers, 2 February 1960 - 29 February 1960: Includes letters to various Democrats in KY announcing Keen's intent to run for Senate, with confidence of beating Cooper. Also includes letters to family and friends as campaign begins.
Folder 5: Senate Papers, 1 March 1960 - 18 March 1960: Includes letters to various Democrats in KY announcing Keen's intent to run for Senate, with confidence of beating Cooper. Also includes letters to family and friends as campaign begins.
Folder 6: Events/Invitations, January 1957 - January 1960: Includes confirmation of reservations for Derby Day, Jefferson-Jackson Day Dinner, Young Democrats meeting, and personal lunches.
Folder 7: Keen Personal Corresondence, 12 January 1945 - 22 December 1953: Keen's personal papers. Includes personal correspondence with friends, professional inquiries, some letters from medical professionals regarding his heart, and editorial drafts.
Folder 8: Keen Personal Corresondence, 20 January 1954 - 2 December 1954: Keen's personal papers. Includes personal correspondence with friends, professional inquiries, invitations to dinner or visit.
Folder 9: Keen Personal Corresondence, 19 January 1955 - 19 December 1956: Keen's personal papers. Includes personal correspondence with friends over a variety of topics, also includes some responses to professional inquiries.

Box 26

UnitID: 31234013022966

Folder 1: Keen Personal Corresondence, 10 January 1957 - 18 June 1957: Includes personal correspondence between Keen and many friends and family. Also includes political discussion, receipts for membership dues for various clubs, confirmation of reservations, and donations made to charitable organizations.
Folder 2: Keen Personal Corresondence, 10 September 1957 - 12 February 1959: Includes personal correspondence between Keen and many friends and family. Also includes political discussion, receipts for membership dues for various clubs, confirmation of reservations, and donations made to charitable organizations.
Folder 3: Keen Personal Corresondence, 23 February 1959 - 23 July 1959: Includes personal correspondence, as well as political correspondence in increasing amounts as Keen pushes for the Combs-Wyatt Governor campaign "team". Continues to include receipts of charitable donations, purchases, and club dues.
Folder 4: Keen Personal Corresondence, 13 August 1959 - 23 December 1959: Includes personal correspondence and an increased amount of political correspondence as Keen continues to support Combs-Wyatt on the ballot, pushing for increased voting and the gathering of representative committees in their support. Includes two copies of The Kentucky Report, which further details Keen's political involvement.
Folder 5: Keen Personal Corresondence, 6 January 1960 - 18 March 1960: Includes personal correspondence between Keen and many friends and family. Includes topics such as the senate race, but also visits with friends, moving with the Reynolds company, and dinners.
Folder 6: Keen Personal Corresondence, 19 March 1960 - 31 March 1960: Mostly includes political correspondence as Keen begins his senate campaign.
Folder 7: Keen Personal Corresondence, 1 April 1960 - 14 April 1960: Mostly includes political correspondence, especially those confirming their vote for Keen in the senate race.
Folder 8: Keen Personal Corresondence, 15 April 1960 - 21 April 1960: Includes responses to letters and other writings as Keen continues to gather support for his senate run.
Folder 9: Keen Personal Corresondence, 22 April 1960 - 30 April 1960: Includes responses to letters and other writings as Keen continues to gather support for his senate run.
Folder 10: Keen Personal Corresondence, 1 May 1960 - 15 May 1960: Includes responses to letters and other writings as Keen continues to gather support for his senate run.

Box 27

UnitID: 31234013022974

Folder 1: Keen Personal Corresondence, 17 May 1960 - 31 May 1960: Contains many letters of congratulations after Keen won the Democratic Primary in his Senate race. Additionally, many 'Get Well Soon' wishes, as Keen was briefly hospitalized at the time.
Folder 2: Keen Personal Corresondence, 1 June 1960 - 20 June 1960: Continued congratulations and well wishes for a speedy health recovery
Folder 3: Keen Personal Corresondence, 22 June 1960 - 24 June 1960: Keen begins to respond to the congratulations and well wishes he received while hospitalized.
Folder 4: Keen Personal Corresondence, 25 June 1960 - 30 June 1960: Keen continues to respond to the congratulations and well wishes he received while also continuing his campaign for the fall election.
Folder 5: Keen Personal Corresondence, 1 July 1960 - 14 July 1960: Keen writes to various Kentuckians to attempt to gather support for his senate run. Includes letters where he plans speeches, responds to well wishes, and letters where individuals write to tell him that they will vote for him.
Folder 6: Keen Personal Corresondence, 15 July 1960 - 31 July 1960: Keen writes to various Kentuckians to attempt to gather support for his senate run. Includes letters where he plans speeches, responds to well wishes, and letters where individuals write to tell him that they will vote for him.
Folder 7: Keen Personal Corresondence, 1 August 1960 - 11 August 1960: Keen writes to various Kentuckians to attempt to gather support for his senate run. Includes letters where he plans speeches, responds to well wishes, and letters where individuals write to tell him that they will vote for him.
Folder 8: Keen Personal Corresondence, 15 August 1960 - 23 August 1960: Keen writes to various Kentuckians to attempt to gather support for his senate run. Includes letters where he plans speeches, responds to well wishes, and letters where individuals write to tell him that they will vote for him.
Folder 9: Keen Personal Corresondence, 1 September 1960 - 31 October 1960: Keen writes to various Kentuckians to attempt to gather support for his senate run. Includes letters where he plans speeches, responds to well wishes, and letters where individuals write to tell him that they will vote for him. Also includes a statement by Keen in which he expresses his standpoint on the Civil Rights Movement.
Folder 10: Keen Personal Corresondence, 1 November 1960 - 21 November 1960: After losing the Senate race, Keen writes to thank those who supported him throughout his run. Additionally, he puts in his notice for retirement with the Reynolds Metal Company, effective Jan 1, 1961.
Folder 11: Keen Personal Corresondence, 22 November 1960 - 21 December 1960: Keen continues to thank those who helped in his senate race and thank those who supported him with their vote.

Box 28

UnitID: 31234013022982

Folder 1: Keen Personal Corresondence, 3 January 1961 - 18 January 1961: General correspondence between Keen and friends or acquaintances. Part of this folder contains responses from Keen to those who wrote him for his birthday.
Folder 2: Keen Personal Corresondence, 23 January 1961 - 26 June 1962: General correspondence between Keen and friends or acquaintances. Includes letters regarding the production of editorials, as well as some responses to those editorials.
Folder 3: Keen Personal Corresondence, 12 July 1962 - 26 December 1962: Contains more general correspondence, notes about editorials, and involvement with Bert T. Combs as governOR
Folder 4: Keen Personal Corresondence, 10 January 1963 - 28 June 1963: Contains more general correspondence and notes about editorials.
Folder 5: Keen Personal Corresondence, 13 August 1963 - 10 December 1963: Contains more general correspondence and notes about editorials.
Folder 6: Keen Personal Corresondence, 28 May 1964 - 14 December 1964: Contains more general correspondence and notes about editorials. Also contains invitations to various banquets and dinners. Note that Keen is awarded the Distinguished Alumni Centennial Award by the University of KY.
Folder 7: Keen Personal Corresondence, 7 January 1965 - 13 December 1965: Contains general correspondence and more information about the Distinguished Alumni Centennial Award. Later letters in the folder deal with the death of Eunice's mother, with many cards of sympathy.
Folder 8: Keen Personal Corresondence, 18 January 1966 - 8 December 1966: General correspondence and many letters regarding the production of editorials by Keen.
Folder 9: Keen Personal Corresondence, 7 January 1967 - 21 October 1969: General correspondence and many letters regarding the production of editorials by Keen.
Folder 10: Keen Personal Corresondence, N.D.: Includes cards, invitations, letters, bank statements, and notes that were undated pieces of the correspondence series.
Folder 11: Keen Personal Corresondence, N.D.: Includes cards, invitations, letters, bank statements, and notes that were undated pieces of the correspondence series.
Folder 12: Civil War Centennial Committee, 1962: Contains documents, speech outline, and event outlines of the Civil War Centennial Committee, which Keen served on.

Box 29

UnitID: 31234013022990

Folder 1: Mixed Correspondence to Eunice, 1912 -1925: Mixed early correspondence to Eunice from friends and family.
Folder 2: Mixed Correspondence to Keen, 1913 - 1917: Mixed early correspondence to Keen from friends and family, as well as Eunice's family.
Folder 3: Mixed Correspondence to Keen, 1918 - 1925: Continued mixed correspondence to Keen from friends and family.
Folder 4: Mixed Correspondence to Johnson Family, 1911 - 1915: Mixed correspondence to Mr. & Mrs. Johnson, Keen's parents
Folder 5: School Notes, ca. 1915: Eunice's school notes. Includes a composition book with various notes as well.
Folder 6: Fayette High School 'Climax', 1912
Folder 7: Howard Payne College Publications, 1913-1914: Includes 'Diary of the Dites' and 'The Ditedom', Howard Payne College publications
Folder 8: Ephemera, N.D.: Includes various programs, envelopes, and cards from schools.
Folder 9: Eunice Nichols Scrapbook, N.D.

Box 30

UnitID: 31234013023006

Folder 1: Keen Johnson Scrapbook (f1 0f 2), 1957-1958

Correspondence, publications, ephemera relating to Keen Johnson's activities.

Folder 2: Keen Johnson Scrapbook (f2 0f 2), 1957-1959

Correspondence, publications, ephemera relating to Keen Johnson's activities.

Folder 3: Keen Johnson Scrapbook (f1 0f 2), 1959-1960

Correspondence, publications, ephemera relating to Keen Johnson's activities.

Folder 4: Keen Johnson Scrapbook (f2 0f 2), 1959-1960

Correspondence, publications, ephemera relating to Keen Johnson's activities.

Folder 5: Keen Johnson Photographs and Cartoons

Item 1: Photograph of a Painting of Keen Johnson
Item 2: Charcoal Sketch of Keen Johnson
Item 3: Reynolds Metals Profile of Keen Johnson
Item 4: Keen Johnson with John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson