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Gordon and Sophia Parker. 
Papers, 1932-1938. 
Collection Number: MSS 0141 
Size: .4 c.f. 

ABSTRACT:  Papers concerning the membership and involvement of Colorado Springs residents Gordon and Sophia Parker in William Dudley Pelley's national organization, the Silver Shirts. The collection contains correspondence between Gordon Parker and Pelley's Galahad College, as well as pamphlets, flyers, mailings and other materials sent by Pelley relating to his religious teachings and anti-government, anti-Semitic ideology. 

BIOGRAPHY:  Gordon Parker moved to Colorado Springs in 1919 and was the head of Colorado College's forestry school until it closed in the mid 1930s. He was involved in numerous civic activities, including the Winter Night Club, the Kiwanis Club, and the Masons, and served on Chamber of Commerce committees. His wife, Sophia, was also a member of several civic organizations in the city and according to her obituary in 1976, she had 'a long standing interest in parapsychology and UFOs.' Gordon Parker died in Colorado Springs in 1937 at the age of 58. Mr. and Mrs. Parker were survived by two sons and two daughters. 

SCOPE AND CONTENT NOTE:  The papers in this collection concern Gordon and Sophia Parker's involvement with William Dudley Pelley's Galahad College, Foundation Fellowship, and Silver Shirt Legion. Correspondence files include letters between Gordon Parker and 'E.G.' at Galahad College and the Foundation Fellowship and a final letter to William Pelley in 1934. The letters convey Parker's progress from initial enthusiasm about Pelley's vision to an increasing hesitation about Pelley's doctrine, especially as Pelley became more openly anti-Semitic. Also included in the collection are pamphlets, flyers, newsletters, correspondence and published lectures from William Dudley Pelley and his organizations. 

ARRANGEMENT:  Files in this collection are arranged alphabetically. 

RESTRICTIONS:  There are no access restrictions on the materials, and the collection is open to all members of the public. However, the researcher assumes full responsibility for conforming with the laws of libel, privacy, and copyright which may be involved in the use of this collection. 

PROCESSING:  This collection was arranged by Donna McCrea in June 2002. 

CITATION:  Gordon and Sophia Parker. Papers, 1932-1938. MSS 0141. Special Collections, Pikes Peak Library District. 

SUBJECT HEADINGS:  
    Parker, Gordon (1879-1937) 
    Parker, Sophia (1884-1976) 
    Pelley, William Dudley, 1890- 
    Silver Shirt Legion of America 
    Pelley Publishers (Asheville, N.C.)

BOX AND FOLDER LIST:

 

Box

Folder

Certificate of Enrollment, undated

1

1

'Christian Party,' Presidential Campaign Circulars and Flyers, 1935 and undated

1

2

Clippings, 1934 and undated

1

3

Correspondence, 1932

1

4

Correspondence, January – May, 1933

1

5

Correspondence, June – October, 1933

1

6

Correspondence, 1934

1

7

'Councils of Safety,' Flyers, 1936 and undated

1

8

Enrollment Application and Personal Contact Chart, 1932-1933

1

9

'Foundation Fellowship,' Flyers and Statements, 1932-1934 and undated

1

10

Lectures from the Blue (Educational) Series, undated

1

11

Lectures from the White (Personal Problem) Series, [1932?]-[1935?]

1

12

Mailings to Members, 1933-1935 and undated

1

13

Membership Manual, 1933

1

14

Miscellaneous, 1933 and undated

1

15

Newspaper – Silver Ranger, 1934

1

16

Pamphlets – Confidential L [Re: The Christ Government], 1933

1

17

Pamphlets – Miscellaneous, undated

1

18

Pamphlets – The Scourge of Cords, 1937-1938

1

19

Publication Lists and Advertisements, 1933-1935 and undated

1

20

' "Silver Shirts" A Personal Explanation,' undated

1

21

Quizzes and Answers, 1933

1

22

 

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Colorado Springs, CO 80901
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