John H. Chafee Secretary of Navy Papers (Ms. 114.2)

Series 1. Subject File
This series contains subject files arranged alphabetically. Each topic may contain newspaper clippings, publications, copies of the Congressional Record, news releases, correspondence, handwritten notes on the topic, and typewritten analyses of positions.

Of particular interest is a folder titled, “Navy Material” which has personal notes made by and for Chafee on the workings of the Office of the Secretary of the Navy. Other topics include issues related to the Vietnam War draft, national defense, and the Culebra Navy bombing incident.

The series is arranged alphabetically by subject.

Series 2. Speeches and Addresses
The Speeches/Addresses series consists of speeches that Chafee made he was while Secretary of the Navy. These speeches were made mainly to military organizations and involved dedications, ceremonies, naval social events, or conferences. He also spoke to organizations who were associated with the military, such as various civic groups and manufacturers. In addition, he spoke to academic institutions and schools. The series is arranged in chronological order.

Also included with the speeches is a schedule of when the speeches were given; this schedule is placed at the beginning of the year. Many of the speeches were bound in three ring binders, but have been removed and placed in folders.

Chafee, or someone from his staff, also kept the speeches of Senator Charles Percy of Illinois. Percy was a Republican from Illinois who gained distinction by carrying every county in Illinois when he was elected in 1972. He, like Chafee, gained strong support from both liberals and conservatives, as well as the votes of many independents and some Democrats.

Series 3. Newsclippings
This series contains three large albums of newspaper clippings. Some news telexes are also included. They were probably assembled by the Secretary of the Navy’s office staff and presented to Chafee at the termination of his service.

Series 4. Scrapbooks
This series consists of five oversize photograph albums with official photographs and other memorabilia such as invitations, ribbons, etc. These albums were probably assembled by the Secretary of the Navy’s office staff and presented to Chafee at the end of his tenure in the office. The series also includes three smaller (10″ by 12″) albums with photographs and humorous captions.