Josephine "Jo" Simpson papers

Collection

Identifier: WUA105

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Josephine "Jo" Simpson papers include a large scrapbook documenting her years as a student at Willamette University from 1954 through her graduation in 1959. The scrapbook contains newspaper clippings, photographs, programs, and other memorabilia. The rest of the material pertains to her successful campaign as a Republican candidate for representative for Oregon's District 10 and covers the years 1978-1980. Documents and memorabilia include financial documents, correspondence (1978-1993), newspaper clippings, campaign posters and fliers, polling samples and instructions, and items from her desk.

Dates

Creation: 1955-1993
Creation: Majority of material found within 1978-1980

Creator

Simpson, Jo (Josephine Heald), 1937-2011 (Person)

Language of Materials

Materials are in English.

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open to researchers.

Conditions Governing Use

Library acts as “fair use” reproduction agent.

For further information, see the section on copyright in the Regulations and Procedures of the Willamette University Archives and Special Collections.

Copyright Information: Before material from collections at Willamette University Archives and Special Collections may be quoted in print, or otherwise reproduced, in whole or in part, in any publication, permission must be obtained from (1) the owner of the physical property, and (2) the holder of the copyright. It is the particular responsibility of the researcher to obtain both sets of permission. Persons wishing to quote from materials in any collections held by University Archives and Special Collections should consult the University Archivist. Reproduction of any item must contain a complete citation to the original.

Biographical / Historical

Josephine “Jo” Simpson was born Josephine Heald on March 20, 1937 in Brush, Colorado and moved with her family to Milton-Freewater, Oregon. Simpson was a Willamette University graduate, class of 1959, with a Bachelor of Arts in Social Science. While attending Willamette, she met her future husband, Robert G. Simpson, who was studying to be a lawyer in Willamette’s College of Law. They were married on the day of her graduation from Willamette. As a mother of three and an active participant in her community working at her children’s schools and as a member of the original board of citizens influential in the creation of Tryon Creek State Park, her concern was the needs of the citizens.

Jo Simpson also assisted with a number of Republican campaigns before deciding to run for state office. Influenced by Senator Robert “Bob” Packwood, she ran for State Representative for District 10 as a Republican in 1978 against Philip Lang who was the speaker of the house. With the help of her family through door-to-door campaigning, she was able to win the seat in 1979. She served one term. Simpson died in Portland, Oregon in 2011.

Extent

4 Linear Feet (5 boxes, one of which is oversized)

Additional Description

Overview

The Josephine “Jo” Simpson papers contain materials related to her student life at Willamette University (1954-1959) and her campaign to become a Republican representative for Oregon's District 10 (1978-1980).