This collection includes photographs, typed speeches, election campaign publications, event invitations, public relations reference documents, and other materials related to Senator Robert P. Griffin created by McMaster Associates Public Relations records. Photographs in this collection include Robert P. Griffin with various U.S. political figures such as President Eisenhower, President Nixon, Senator Ted Kennedy, Henry Kissinger, Governor William Milliken, and Michigan Senator Carl Levin, and photographs of Robert’s wife, Marjorie Griffin, including one of Marjorie with Pat Nixon. Additionally, there are several re-election campaign publications, press releases, a published Griffin family cookbook, a packet outlining the accomplishments under the Landrum-Griffin Act, a copy of Senate bill 103 (“Labor Court Act”), an informational pamphlet on the Senate of the 92nd Congress, excerpts of Griffin’s remarks before The Rotary District Governors’ Conference on June 3, 1978, his remarks before the Republican State Convention on August 26, 1978, his statement on the extension of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) ratification period, a Detroit Free Press article (copy) about Griffin published March 13, 1969, Griffin’s daily schedule for November 6, 1978, a business conference schedule, an invitation from Governor Milliken to a dinner honoring Griffin, an invitation from the committee for Senator Griffin to a dinner honoring Henry Kissinger, and a biographical sketch of Marjorie Griffin.
There are also several materials related to the Economic Club of Detroit’s “Senatorial Debate” luncheon that was hosted on October 30, 1978, featuring Robert Griffin and Carl Levin. This collection includes the program, Griffin’s opening remarks, concluding statement, and a photograph of Griffin and Levin together at the event.
There are also materials related to the opposition to desegregation busing, including a copy of Senate Joint Resolution 164 that proposed an constitutional amendment (“The Griffin Amendment”) that would make desegregation busing unconstitutional, a statement by Senator Griffin’s Office arguing the amendment’s constitutionality, and two Congressional Records dated May 31 and June 13, 1972 in which are printed two letters received by Senator Griffin’s office that advocated against desegregation.
Researchers may be interested in the Senator Robert P. Griffin Papers and Addition, or in other separately cataloged materials about him in the Clarke Historical Library.
Processing Notes:
During processing a handful of duplicates and miscellaneous materials were withdrawn. Acidic materials were photocopied, and the originals were retained in the collection.
Biography:
William (Bill) McMaster was born July 28, 1938, to Thomas and Abbie (Moody) McMaster. He began his writing career at the Williamston Enterprise newspaper, and later founded McMaster Communications in 1968. The firm provided public relations and marketing to several Michigan-based clients, including Senator Robert P. Griffin. The firm was honored twice with the Silver Anvil Award from the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). Later, he advocated for grassroots taxpayers’ rights through his role as Chairman (Volunteer) of Taxpayers United Michigan Foundation.
Bill qualified and ran the Boston Marathon in 1960 and 1963 and was a member of the Aire Force Reserves. He cherished his friends, staying connected with his Michigan State University Lambda Chi fraternity brothers, extended family, business relationships, and neighborhood friends.
Bill passed away on December 31, 2002, at the age of eighty-three after a year-long battle with cancer. His wife of 56 years, Diane (Schobloher), was at his side. Bill had one brother, Thomas (Tim), and three sisters; Linda, Pam, and Sandy. He was the proud father of Peggy James (Chris), Sandy Kinane (Kevin), and Kevin McMaster (Jill). (This information was obtained from his obituary, a copy of which can be found within the collection.)
For information about Senator Robert P. Griffin and his wife, Marjorie, see the finding aids of his papers at the Clarke.
