Everett M. Dirksen Collection
Title
Everett M. Dirksen Collection
Subject
United States. Congress. Senate
Legislators
Politicians
Dirksen, Everett McKinley, 1896-1969
Description
Everett M. Dirksen served in the United States House of Representatives and the United States Senate on behalf of the state of Illinois. Dirksen began his political career in 1927 with his election as city finance commissioner for Pekin, Illinois. After running unsuccessfully for Congress in 1930, Dirksen won his first of eight terms in the House of Representatives in 1932. In 1943 Dirksen announced his candidacy for the Republican nomination to the presidency, however he did not receive a single vote at the 1944 Republican Convention. He won election to the United States Senate in 1940, unseating Senate Majority Leader Scott Lucas. Dirksen was known for his deep voice and oratory style, at one point earning the nickname "The Wizard of Ooze." While in the Senate Dirksen was a strong supporter of the Vietnam War and the Civil Rights Acts of 1964 and 1968. Dirksen died in 1969 following surgery for lung cancer.
Photographs in this collection include images of Everett Dirksen attending events during his political career.
Photographs in this collection include images of Everett Dirksen attending events during his political career.
Collection Items
Everett M. Dirksen
Everett M. Dirksen sits for a portrait.Photo signature: "To my friend and colleague Bill Stratton, with best wishes, Everett M. Dirksen."
Everett M. Dirksen Speaks into Microphone
Everett M. Dirksen speaks into a microphone.Photo signature: "To my friend Emil Smith with good wishes, Everett M. Dirksen."
Everett M. Dirksen and Richard Nixon at Event
Senator Everett Dirksen stands and waves to the crowd at an unidentified event. Richard Nixon stands among the group of people behind him.
Everett M. Dirksen and Charles H. Percy
United States Senators Everett M. Dirksen (left) and Charles H. Percy (right) speak at a hearing.
Everett M. Dirksen and Paul Findley
Senator Everett M. Dirksen (left) and Representative Paul Findley (right), ride in a parade with an unidentified man.
Everett M. Dirksen and Unidentified Man
Everett M. Dirksen (left) speaks to an unidentified man at a campaign event. On verso: "Mo. Co. Courthouse campaign."
Collection Tree
- Illinois Photographic Collection
- Everett M. Dirksen Collection