{"links":{"self":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog.json?f%5Bcollection%5D%5B%5D=Rush+Dew+Holt+%281905-1955%29+Papers%2C+1840%2F2003%2C+bulk+1918%2F1955\u0026f%5Blevel%5D%5B%5D=Sub-series","next":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog.json?f%5Bcollection%5D%5B%5D=Rush+Dew+Holt+%281905-1955%29+Papers%2C+1840%2F2003%2C+bulk+1918%2F1955\u0026f%5Blevel%5D%5B%5D=Sub-series\u0026page=2","last":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog.json?f%5Bcollection%5D%5B%5D=Rush+Dew+Holt+%281905-1955%29+Papers%2C+1840%2F2003%2C+bulk+1918%2F1955\u0026f%5Blevel%5D%5B%5D=Sub-series\u0026page=3"},"meta":{"pages":{"current_page":1,"next_page":2,"prev_page":null,"total_pages":3,"limit_value":10,"offset_value":0,"total_count":24,"first_page?":true,"last_page?":false}},"data":[{"id":"wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687_c04_c02","type":"Sub-Series","attributes":{"title":"Constituent Services--Academy Appointments, 1935/1941","abstract_or_scope":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687_c04_c02#abstract_or_scope","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"\u003cp\u003eIncludes copies of correspondence between Rush Holt and constituents asking for the former's recommendation to the United States Military Academy (West Point) or Naval Academy (Annapolis).\u003c/p\u003e","label":"Abstract Or Scope"}},"breadcrumbs":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687_c04_c02#breadcrumbs","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":{"ref_ssi":"wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687_c04_c02","ref_ssm":["wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687_c04_c02"],"id":"wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687_c04_c02","ead_ssi":"wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687","_root_":"wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687","_nest_parent_":"wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687_c04","parent_ssi":"wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687_c04","parent_ssim":["Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, 1840/2003, bulk 1918/1955","Series 4. Constituent Services, 1923/1954"],"parent_ids_ssim":["wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687","wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687_c04"],"title_filing_ssi":"Constituent Services--Academy Appointments","title_ssm":["Constituent Services--Academy Appointments"],"title_tesim":["Constituent Services--Academy Appointments"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Constituent Services--Academy Appointments, 1935/1941"],"text":["Constituent Services--Academy Appointments, 1935/1941","Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, 1840/2003, bulk 1918/1955","Series 4. Constituent Services, 1923/1954","Includes copies of correspondence between Rush Holt and constituents asking for the former's recommendation to the United States Military Academy (West Point) or Naval Academy (Annapolis)."],"parent_unittitles_ssm":["Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, 1840/2003, bulk 1918/1955","Series 4. Constituent Services, 1923/1954"],"parent_unittitles_tesim":["Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, 1840/2003, bulk 1918/1955","Series 4. Constituent Services, 1923/1954"],"normalized_date_ssm":["1935/1941"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1935-1941"],"level_ssm":["Sub-Series"],"level_ssim":["Sub-series"],"component_level_isim":[2],"sort_isi":788,"repository_ssim":["West Virginia and Regional History Center"],"collection_ssim":["Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, 1840/2003, bulk 1918/1955"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"child_component_count_isi":4,"parent_access_restrict_tesm":["No special access restriction applies."],"parent_access_terms_tesm":["Permission to publish or reproduce is required from the copyright holder. For more information, please see the Permissions and Copyright page on the West Virginia and Regional History Center website."],"date_range_isim":[1935,1936,1937,1938,1939,1940,1941],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eIncludes copies of correspondence between Rush Holt and constituents asking for the former's recommendation to the United States Military Academy (West Point) or Naval Academy (Annapolis).\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["Includes copies of correspondence between Rush Holt and constituents asking for the former's recommendation to the United States Military Academy (West Point) or Naval Academy (Annapolis)."],"_nest_path_":"/components#3/components#1","timestamp":"2026-09-01T16:09:24.514Z","collection":{"numFound":1,"start":0,"numFoundExact":true,"docs":[{"id":"wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687","ead_ssi":"wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687","_root_":"wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687","_nest_parent_":"wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/WVU/repositories_2_resources_3687.xml","aspace_url_ssi":"https://archives.lib.wvu.edu/ark:/99999/208740","title_ssm":["Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers"],"title_tesim":["Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers"],"unitdate_ssm":["1840-2003","1918-1955"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1840-2003"],"unitdate_bulk_ssim":["1918-1955"],"normalized_date_ssm":["1840/2003, bulk 1918/1955"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, 1840/2003, bulk 1918/1955"],"text":["Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, 1840/2003, bulk 1918/1955","A\u0026M 0873","Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","/repositories/2/resources/3687","Lewis County.","West Virginia -- Politics and government","United States -- Politics and government","Coal mining - Labor organization.","Education","Elections","Guffey Coal Act.","New Deal, 1933-1939","Politics and government.","Public utilities","Taxation","Unions.","United States - Social Security.","Social Security -- United States","Wheeler-Rayburn Holding Company Act","Isolationism -- United States -- History -- 20th Century","World War, 1939-1945","Politicians -- United States","No special access restriction applies.","This collection is one of five (see also A\u0026M 1858, 4218, 4039, and 3943) pertaining to Rush Dew Holt, Sr. and his family. The records have been gathered via multiple accruals from 1956 to 2016. Originally, these collections were divided between A\u0026M 873 and A\u0026M 1701, the latter also being composed of thirteen addenda and A\u0026M 1858.","In an attempt to organize the collections in a more coherent fashion for patron use and to reflect the creator(s) in a more concise manner, the material was reevaluated and reorganized into the three sets of papers with distinct series and subseries: A\u0026M 873: Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers; A\u0026M 1858: Helen Holt (1913-2015) Papers; and A\u0026M 4218: Rush Dew Holt Family Papers.","Because of the 2016-2017 reorganization, the physical arrangement no longer matches the intellectual arrangement and series order. Furthermore, any box and folder citations created prior to the above-mentioned project are likely no longer accurate.","For assistance locating material using an older citation, please ask a staff member of the West Virginia \u0026 Regional History Center.","Rush Dew Holt was born in Weston, West Virginia, on June 19, 1905 to parents, Dr. Matthew S. Holt and Chihela (Dew) Holt. From an early age, Holt displayed scholarly potential. By age three, he was able to read first-grade primers, and eventually became interested in numerous topics for which he was able to provide detailed statistics. Among these interests was politics, and by age six, Holt had decided he would become a Democrat.","The potential displayed by Holt as a child continued into his school years. At age five, he began public education in the second grade, and he skipped grades on two more occasions. He attended Weston High School, and after graduating with honors at age fourteen, Holt applied to the University of Cincinnati; however, the register rejected the application because Holt, while academically qualified, was considered too young. Not one to admit defeat, a trait that would prove to be a lifelong characteristic, Holt turned to West Virginia University where he was accepted. As the youngest member of the freshman class, Holt found it difficult to obtain full acceptance as a college student, and his academic record reflected his apparent dissatisfaction. After two years at West Virginia University, Holt transferred to Salem College where the enrollment was smaller (approximately 300 students) and where he was able to live with his uncle, Professor Samuel Dew. It was at Salem College that Holt regained his self-confidence. His academic performance improved, and he maintained a B-plus average. In addition to academics, Holt excelled on the debate team. He was the editor-in-chief of the school paper, and he managed the tennis team.","In 1924, Holt received a Bachelor of Arts Degree and qualification to teach at secondary schools. Shortly after his graduation, he was hired to teach at Bedford High School in Virginia where he taught English and history in addition to serving as the school's athletic director. After one academic year, Holt returned to Weston, West Virginia, where he took a position at St. Patrick's High School as the athletic director. Holt also coached the basketball team with abundant success, leading the team to two national tournaments for Catholic schools. During this time, Holt also taught history as a part-time instructor at Glenville Normal School and Salem College, but his fascination with athletics persisted. In addition to coaching and occasional officiating, Holt also began writing about sports. Eventually, he began to contribute columns to daily West Virginia newspapers.","By the late 1920s, Holt was attracted to the political environment, and he began to contribute to candidates who were friends of and/or who shared the views of his father. In the summer of 1928, Holt went one step further by announcing his candidacy as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates. Despite Lewis County having been predominately Republican, in addition to not having received significant party backing, Holt still obtained a higher-than-expected amount of support, losing his race by only 500 votes. Once again, however, Holt would not admit defeat. In 1930 Holt again announced his candidacy for the West Virginia House of Delegates. During the campaign, he visited locations all around Lewis County, spoke to anyone who would listen, and ensured that the grievances such as those concerning government cost, increased taxes, and the power of privately owned public utilities would all be addressed. As expected with any campaign, Holt received criticism, and those who opposed him likened the young politician to his father who they declared was a radical, a socialist, and an atheist. Despite the scornful claims, Holt, by a margin of 2,150 votes, was elected to his first public office as a Democrat to the West Virginia Legislature where he served from 1931-1935. During his years as a delegate, as promised during his campaign, Holt spoke out against corrupt practices such as government spending, an issue he addressed not even a week into the 1931 session. In addition to debating issues in the House, Holt also wrote to state supported universities, highway commissioners, and auditors in West Virginia and numerous other states to gather financial figures concerning spending, salaries, and taxes among others. Holt also began an investigation in 1931 to uncover rates, operating costs, and profits of privately and publically owned utility companies. All of these endeavors were only the first chapter in Holt's political career.","By 1934 he had gained the political support and the backing of union workers which was enough to defeat incumbent United States Senator Henry Hatfield. At age twenty-nine, Holt became the youngest person to win a United States Senate seat; however, there was immediate criticism. No sooner had the votes been tallied before a protest was filed concerning Holt's credentials: the fact that he had run for an office when he had not been of the required age. In addition to discontent within his own state, Holt also received overwhelming opposition in Washington, D.C. from Senate Republicans who threatened to object on the grounds of the constitutional age requirement. Despite the criticism, Holt's election was not overturned; however, he had to wait until he turned thirty, over five months after the Seventy-forth Congress had convened, before he could participate in senatorial proceedings.","Just as he had been active in the West Virginia Legislature, Holt did not hesitate to address both major and minor issues on Capitol Hill either. During his time in the Senate, Holt served on several committees including Education and Labor, Immigration, Mines and Mining, Naval Affairs, and Post Offices and Post Roads. He also served as a member of the United States delegation to the 1939 Interparliamentary Conference in Oslo, Norway.","Although Holt had once been referred to as President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's \"Golden Boy,\" such alliances and the policies that had formed them began to dissolve by 1936. He became estranged from fellow Democrat and West Virginian Senator Matthew Neely, and Holt ended his support for the United Mine Workers of America and the Works Progress Administration, the latter of which he claimed was corrupt. Eventually, Holt criticized the Roosevelt administration for its New Deal policies, he adamantly fought Roosevelt's attempt to alter the Supreme Court by changing the number of sitting justices from nine to twelve, and he spoke out against the proposition of allowing a presidential third term. Furthermore, as unrest began in Europe with Germany's invasion of Poland, Holt campaigned against any attempts by the administration to involve the United States in the War. The responses from constituents about Holt's actions were mixed; nevertheless, the young senator's sudden change led to his unsuccessful renomination attempt in 1940. Holt did not even make it past the primary election.","After his Senate term ended, Holt remained in Washington, D.C. and began to support himself as a lecturer and a writer of political issues, particularly neutrality for which he received the support of the America First Committee. It was also during this time that Holt met Helen Louise Froelich, a biology teacher at National Park College near Washington. They were married a year later and moved to West Virginia. The couple had two children: a daughter, Helen Jane Holt (born in 1945) and a son, Rush Dew Holt, Jr. (born in 1948). When Senator Holt's sister, Jane (Holt) Chase, died in 1952, the couple adopted her son, David. After the Holts returned to West Virginia in 1941, Holt stayed involved in politics by accepting speaking engagements.","During the remainder of the 1940s, Holt ran several times for state offices with modest success. He was elected to the State House of Delegates in 1942 and was reelected in 1944 by write-in vote and 1946 without opposition. After a failed attempt to win the West Virginia Democratic gubernatorial nomination in 1944 and the nomination for United States Senator in 1948, Holt changed political affiliation. Despite this, his lack of success to achieve positions beyond the House of Delegates continued. In 1950, he won the Republican nomination to represent West Virginia's Third District in the United States House of Representatives but lost in the general election, and in 1952 Holt came very close to winning the race for West Virginia governor as the Republican candidate but lost to William Marland by fewer than 30,000 votes. Success returned in 1954 when Holt was elected to the West Virginia House of Delegates by the voters of Lewis County, but he was unable to finish his term due to illness.","Holt died on February 8, 1955 after a long, tough campaign against cancer.","Chronological List of Events:","June 19, 1905: born","1920: graduated from high school","1920-1922: attended West Virginia University","1922-1924: attended Salem College, received a BA degree","1924-1925: taught English and history and served as athletic director at Bedford High School in Virginia","1925-1928: served as athletic director and basketball coach at St. Patrick's High School (Catholic school) in Weston, West Virginia; taught history as a part-time instructor at Glenville Normal School and Salem College; and contributed sport columns to daily West Virginia newspapers","1928: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates, lost by 500 votes","1930: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates, won by 2,150 votes, served from 1931-1935","1934: ran as a Democrat for the United States Senate and won despite being only twenty-nine years old","1939: served as a member of the United States delegation to the Interparliamentary Conference in Oslo, Norway","1940: ran for renomination to the Senate, failed to win the primary election","1941: married Helen Louise Froelich","1942: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates and won, reelected in 1944, 1946, and 1948, served until 1950.","1944: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia gubernatorial nomination but was unsuccessful","1945: birth of Helen Jane Holt","1948: birth of Rush Dew Holt, Jr.","1948: ran as a Democrat for the United States Senate nomination but was unsuccessful","1948: switched political affiliation to the Republican Party","1952: ran as the Republican candidate for West Virginia Governor but lost to William Marland by fewer than 30,000 votes","1954: ran as a Republican for the West Virginia House of Delegates and won","February 8, 1955: death","Sources:","Coffey, William Ellis. Rush Dew Holt: The Boy Senator. Dissertation, West Virginia University, 1970.","A\u0026M 0873, Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, West Virginia and Regional History Center, West Virginia University Libraries.","1858, 3001, 3943, 4039, 4218, 4386","Papers of Rush Dew Holt, Sr. (1905-1955) relating to his personal and political activities. Types of material include publications, clippings, correspondence, photographs, and ephemera, among others. The collection is divided into six series: Personal and Political Papers (1840-2000 and undated) includes correspondence; invitations and cards; material representing campaign activities; and material from college courses, among other material that represents Rush Holt's personal life and political career; and ephemera collected by Rush Holt. Artifacts (1939-1952 and undated) includes personal and political items collected by Rush Holt. Legislative Records (1920-1955 and undated) includes correspondence, reports, publications, clippings, statistics, transcripts, financial records, and project records, among other miscellaneous material relative to Rush Holt's committee-based and general legislative activity. Constituent Services (1923-1954 and undated) includes mail received by Rush Holt during his time in the West Virginia House of Delegates and the United States Senate from constituents providing political opinions to Holt or requesting government publications and bulletins, copies of speeches, educational material, and Rush Holt's recommendation to the United States Military or Naval Academy. Press and Media Activity (1925-2003 and undated) includes original and photocopied articles from newspapers and similar publications, typescripts of press releases, pen-and-ink drawn political cartoons, transcripts of speeches, and sound recordings, among other material representing Rush Holt's involvement with the press and media. Administrative Files (1937-1940) includes material documenting the daily office activities of Rush Holt and his staff during the former's senatorial term.","The collection is divided into six series as follows:","Series 1. Personal and Political Papers; 1840-2000 and undated (bulk 1918-1955)","Includes material related to Rush Holt's personal, family, and political life. Additional material related to his work in politics can be found in Series 3 through 6. Types of material include correspondence; invitations and cards; material representing campaign activities; material from college courses; bills for recordings, radio station receipts, and election expenditures; typescripts, newsletters, manuscripts, and photocopies of material written by Rush Holt; publications to which Rush Holt subscribed and collected; photographs that represent Rush Holt's personal life and political career; ephemera collected by Rush Holt; and election results collected by Rush Holt.","Series 2. Artifacts; 1939-1952 and undated","Includes personal and political items collected by Rush Holt.","Series 3. Legislative Records; 1920-1955 and undated","Includes correspondence, reports, publications, clippings, statistics, transcripts, financial records, and project records, among other miscellaneous material relative to Rush Holt's committee-based and general legislative activity.","Series 4. Constituent Services; 1923-1954 and undated","Includes mail received by Rush Holt during his time in the West Virginia House of Delegates and the United States Senate from constituents requesting government publications and bulletins, copies of speeches, educational material, and Rush Holt's recommendation to the United States Military or Naval Academy. In some cases, this series also includes typescript responses, many of which are generic.","Series 5. Press and Media Activity; 1925-2003 and undated (bulk 1925-1955)","Includes original and photocopied articles from newspapers and similar publications, typescripts of press releases, pen-and-ink drawn political cartoons, transcripts of speeches, and sound recordings, among other material representing Rush Holt's involvement with the press and media.","Series 6. Administrative Files; 1937-1940","Includes material documenting the daily office activities of Rush Holt and his staff during the former's senatorial term.","Ephemeral items not specific to Rush Dew Holt were moved to the Printed Ephemera Collection. Several local basketball scorecards were moved to A\u0026M 4216, the Annual West Virginia State High School Basketball Tournament Programs collection.","17 reels of undated sound recordings, chiefly relating to the political career of Rush Dew Holt, were separated to the oral history collection, C432 R699-R715 (17 tapes). These tapes include some personal material as well.","Permission to publish or reproduce is required from the copyright holder. For more information, please see the Permissions and Copyright page on the West Virginia and Regional History Center website.","Papers of Rush Dew Holt, Sr. (1905-1955) relating to his personal and political activities. Types of material include publications, clippings, correspondence, photographs, and ephemera, among others. The collection is divided into six series: Personal and Political Papers (1840-2000 and undated), Artifacts (1939-1952 and undated), Legislative Records (1920-1955 and undated), Constituent Services (1923-1954 and undated), Press and Media Activity (1925-2003 and undated), and Administrative Files (1937-1940).","West Virginia and Regional History Center / West Virginia University / 1549 University Avenue / P.O. Box 6069 / Morgantown, WV 26506-6069 / Phone: 304-293-3536  / URL: West Virginia \u0026 Regional History Center","West Virginia and Regional History Center","America First Committee","American Federation of Labor","Congress of Industrial Organizations (U.S.)","United States. National Bituminous Coal Commission","United States. National Labor Relations Board","Progressive Mine Workers of America","United Mine Workers of America","United States. National Recovery Administration","United States. Supreme Court","United States. Congress. Senate","West Virginia. Legislature","United States. Works Progress Administration","Democratic Party (U.S.)","Weston State Hospital","Holt, Rush Dew, 1905-1955","Bittner, Van A. (Van Amberg), 1885-1949","Black, Hugo LaFayette, 1886-1971","Coughlin, Charles E.","Edmiston, Andrew.","Farley, James A. (James Aloysius), 1888-1976","Green, William.","Holt, Helen Louise Froelich, 1913-2015","Holt, Mathew S., 1850-1939","Hopkins, Harry L. (Harry Lloyd), 1890-1946","Ickes, Harold L. (Harold LeClair), 1874-1952","Kump, Herman Guy, 1877-1962","La Follette, Robert M. (Robert Marion), 1855-1925","Neely, Matthew Mansfield, 1874-1958","Lewis, John L. (John Llewellyn), 1880-1969","Long, Huey Pierce, 1893-1935","English"],"collection_title_tesim":["Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, 1840/2003, bulk 1918/1955"],"collection_ssim":["Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, 1840/2003, bulk 1918/1955"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["A\u0026M 0873","Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","/repositories/2/resources/3687"],"unitid_tesim":["A\u0026M 0873","Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","/repositories/2/resources/3687"],"repository_ssm":["West Virginia and Regional History Center"],"repository_ssim":["West Virginia and Regional History Center"],"geogname_ssm":["Lewis County.","West Virginia -- Politics and government","United States -- Politics and government"],"geogname_ssim":["Lewis County.","West Virginia -- Politics and government","United States -- Politics and government"],"places_ssim":["Lewis County.","West Virginia -- Politics and government","United States -- Politics and government"],"creator_ssm":["Holt, Rush Dew, 1905-1955"],"creator_ssim":["Holt, Rush Dew, 1905-1955"],"creator_persname_ssim":["Holt, Rush Dew, 1905-1955","Bittner, Van A. (Van Amberg), 1885-1949","Black, Hugo LaFayette, 1886-1971","Coughlin, Charles E.","Edmiston, Andrew.","Farley, James A. (James Aloysius), 1888-1976","Green, William.","Holt, Helen Louise Froelich, 1913-2015","Holt, Mathew S., 1850-1939","Hopkins, Harry L. (Harry Lloyd), 1890-1946","Ickes, Harold L. (Harold LeClair), 1874-1952","Kump, Herman Guy, 1877-1962","La Follette, Robert M. (Robert Marion), 1855-1925","Neely, Matthew Mansfield, 1874-1958","Lewis, John L. (John Llewellyn), 1880-1969","Long, Huey Pierce, 1893-1935"],"creator_corpname_ssim":["West Virginia and Regional History Center","America First Committee","American Federation of Labor","Congress of Industrial Organizations (U.S.)","United States. National Bituminous Coal Commission","United States. National Labor Relations Board","Progressive Mine Workers of America","United Mine Workers of America","United States. National Recovery Administration","United States. Supreme Court","United States. Congress. Senate","West Virginia. Legislature","United States. Works Progress Administration","Democratic Party (U.S.)","Weston State Hospital"],"creators_ssim":["Holt, Rush Dew, 1905-1955","Bittner, Van A. (Van Amberg), 1885-1949","Black, Hugo LaFayette, 1886-1971","Coughlin, Charles E.","Edmiston, Andrew.","Farley, James A. (James Aloysius), 1888-1976","Green, William.","Holt, Helen Louise Froelich, 1913-2015","Holt, Mathew S., 1850-1939","Hopkins, Harry L. (Harry Lloyd), 1890-1946","Ickes, Harold L. (Harold LeClair), 1874-1952","Kump, Herman Guy, 1877-1962","La Follette, Robert M. (Robert Marion), 1855-1925","Neely, Matthew Mansfield, 1874-1958","Lewis, John L. (John Llewellyn), 1880-1969","Long, Huey Pierce, 1893-1935","West Virginia and Regional History Center","America First Committee","American Federation of Labor","Congress of Industrial Organizations (U.S.)","United States. National Bituminous Coal Commission","United States. National Labor Relations Board","Progressive Mine Workers of America","United Mine Workers of America","United States. National Recovery Administration","United States. Supreme Court","United States. Congress. Senate","West Virginia. Legislature","United States. Works Progress Administration","Democratic Party (U.S.)","Weston State Hospital"],"access_terms_ssm":["Permission to publish or reproduce is required from the copyright holder. For more information, please see the Permissions and Copyright page on the West Virginia and Regional History Center website."],"acqinfo_ssim":["Gifts of Holt, Helen F., 1956-2016."],"access_subjects_ssim":["Coal mining - Labor organization.","Education","Elections","Guffey Coal Act.","New Deal, 1933-1939","Politics and government.","Public utilities","Taxation","Unions.","United States - Social Security.","Social Security -- United States","Wheeler-Rayburn Holding Company Act","Isolationism -- United States -- History -- 20th Century","World War, 1939-1945","Politicians -- United States"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Coal mining - Labor organization.","Education","Elections","Guffey Coal Act.","New Deal, 1933-1939","Politics and government.","Public utilities","Taxation","Unions.","United States - Social Security.","Social Security -- United States","Wheeler-Rayburn Holding Company Act","Isolationism -- United States -- History -- 20th Century","World War, 1939-1945","Politicians -- United States"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"extent_ssm":["156.21 Linear Feet 156 ft. 2 1/2 in. (360 document cases, 5 in. each); (1 document case, 4 in.); (14 document cases, 2 1/2 in.); (1 flat storage box, 5 in.); (1 flat storage box, 3 1/2 in.); (2 flat storage boxes, 3 in. each); (3 flat storage boxes, 2 1/2 in. each); (9 flat storage boxes, 1 1/2 in. each); (\n44 photos in photograph filing cabinets)","11.7 Gigabytes 131 TIFF files, 2 PDF files"],"extent_tesim":["156.21 Linear Feet 156 ft. 2 1/2 in. (360 document cases, 5 in. each); (1 document case, 4 in.); (14 document cases, 2 1/2 in.); (1 flat storage box, 5 in.); (1 flat storage box, 3 1/2 in.); (2 flat storage boxes, 3 in. each); (3 flat storage boxes, 2 1/2 in. each); (9 flat storage boxes, 1 1/2 in. each); (\n44 photos in photograph filing cabinets)","11.7 Gigabytes 131 TIFF files, 2 PDF files"],"date_range_isim":[1840,1841,1842,1843,1844,1845,1846,1847,1848,1849,1850,1851,1852,1853,1854,1855,1856,1857,1858,1859,1860,1861,1862,1863,1864,1865,1866,1867,1868,1869,1870,1871,1872,1873,1874,1875,1876,1877,1878,1879,1880,1881,1882,1883,1884,1885,1886,1887,1888,1889,1890,1891,1892,1893,1894,1895,1896,1897,1898,1899,1900,1901,1902,1903,1904,1905,1906,1907,1908,1909,1910,1911,1912,1913,1914,1915,1916,1917,1918,1919,1920,1921,1922,1923,1924,1925,1926,1927,1928,1929,1930,1931,1932,1933,1934,1935,1936,1937,1938,1939,1940,1941,1942,1943,1944,1945,1946,1947,1948,1949,1950,1951,1952,1953,1954,1955,1956,1957,1958,1959,1960,1961,1962,1963,1964,1965,1966,1967,1968,1969,1970,1971,1972,1973,1974,1975,1976,1977,1978,1979,1980,1981,1982,1983,1984,1985,1986,1987,1988,1989,1990,1991,1992,1993,1994,1995,1996,1997,1998,1999,2000,2001,2002,2003],"accessrestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp style=\"color: red;\"\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eNo special access restriction applies.\u003c/emph\u003e\u003c/p\u003e  "],"accessrestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Access"],"accessrestrict_tesim":["No special access restriction applies."],"arrangement_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThis collection is one of five (see also A\u0026amp;M 1858, 4218, 4039, and 3943) pertaining to Rush Dew Holt, Sr. and his family. The records have been gathered via multiple accruals from 1956 to 2016. Originally, these collections were divided between A\u0026amp;M 873 and A\u0026amp;M 1701, the latter also being composed of thirteen addenda and A\u0026amp;M 1858. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIn an attempt to organize the collections in a more coherent fashion for patron use and to reflect the creator(s) in a more concise manner, the material was reevaluated and reorganized into the three sets of papers with distinct series and subseries: A\u0026amp;M 873: Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers; A\u0026amp;M 1858: Helen Holt (1913-2015) Papers; and A\u0026amp;M 4218: Rush Dew Holt Family Papers.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eBecause of the 2016-2017 reorganization, the physical arrangement no longer matches the intellectual arrangement and series order. Furthermore, any box and folder citations created prior to the above-mentioned project are likely no longer accurate. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFor assistance locating material using an older citation, please ask a staff member of the West Virginia \u0026amp; Regional History Center.    \u003c/p\u003e  "],"arrangement_heading_ssm":["Arrangement"],"arrangement_tesim":["This collection is one of five (see also A\u0026M 1858, 4218, 4039, and 3943) pertaining to Rush Dew Holt, Sr. and his family. The records have been gathered via multiple accruals from 1956 to 2016. Originally, these collections were divided between A\u0026M 873 and A\u0026M 1701, the latter also being composed of thirteen addenda and A\u0026M 1858.","In an attempt to organize the collections in a more coherent fashion for patron use and to reflect the creator(s) in a more concise manner, the material was reevaluated and reorganized into the three sets of papers with distinct series and subseries: A\u0026M 873: Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers; A\u0026M 1858: Helen Holt (1913-2015) Papers; and A\u0026M 4218: Rush Dew Holt Family Papers.","Because of the 2016-2017 reorganization, the physical arrangement no longer matches the intellectual arrangement and series order. Furthermore, any box and folder citations created prior to the above-mentioned project are likely no longer accurate.","For assistance locating material using an older citation, please ask a staff member of the West Virginia \u0026 Regional History Center."],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eRush Dew Holt was born in Weston, West Virginia, on June 19, 1905 to parents, Dr. Matthew S. Holt and Chihela (Dew) Holt. From an early age, Holt displayed scholarly potential. By age three, he was able to read first-grade primers, and eventually became interested in numerous topics for which he was able to provide detailed statistics. Among these interests was politics, and by age six, Holt had decided he would become a Democrat.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe potential displayed by Holt as a child continued into his school years. At age five, he began public education in the second grade, and he skipped grades on two more occasions. He attended Weston High School, and after graduating with honors at age fourteen, Holt applied to the University of Cincinnati; however, the register rejected the application because Holt, while academically qualified, was considered too young. Not one to admit defeat, a trait that would prove to be a lifelong characteristic, Holt turned to West Virginia University where he was accepted. As the youngest member of the freshman class, Holt found it difficult to obtain full acceptance as a college student, and his academic record reflected his apparent dissatisfaction. After two years at West Virginia University, Holt transferred to Salem College where the enrollment was smaller (approximately 300 students) and where he was able to live with his uncle, Professor Samuel Dew. It was at Salem College that Holt regained his self-confidence. His academic performance improved, and he maintained a B-plus average. In addition to academics, Holt excelled on the debate team. He was the editor-in-chief of the school paper, and he managed the tennis team.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIn 1924, Holt received a Bachelor of Arts Degree and qualification to teach at secondary schools. Shortly after his graduation, he was hired to teach at Bedford High School in Virginia where he taught English and history in addition to serving as the school's athletic director. After one academic year, Holt returned to Weston, West Virginia, where he took a position at St. Patrick's High School as the athletic director. Holt also coached the basketball team with abundant success, leading the team to two national tournaments for Catholic schools. During this time, Holt also taught history as a part-time instructor at Glenville Normal School and Salem College, but his fascination with athletics persisted. In addition to coaching and occasional officiating, Holt also began writing about sports. Eventually, he began to contribute columns to daily West Virginia newspapers.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eBy the late 1920s, Holt was attracted to the political environment, and he began to contribute to candidates who were friends of and/or who shared the views of his father. In the summer of 1928, Holt went one step further by announcing his candidacy as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates. Despite Lewis County having been predominately Republican, in addition to not having received significant party backing, Holt still obtained a higher-than-expected amount of support, losing his race by only 500 votes. Once again, however, Holt would not admit defeat. In 1930 Holt again announced his candidacy for the West Virginia House of Delegates. During the campaign, he visited locations all around Lewis County, spoke to anyone who would listen, and ensured that the grievances such as those concerning government cost, increased taxes, and the power of privately owned public utilities would all be addressed. As expected with any campaign, Holt received criticism, and those who opposed him likened the young politician to his father who they declared was a radical, a socialist, and an atheist. Despite the scornful claims, Holt, by a margin of 2,150 votes, was elected to his first public office as a Democrat to the West Virginia Legislature where he served from 1931-1935. During his years as a delegate, as promised during his campaign, Holt spoke out against corrupt practices such as government spending, an issue he addressed not even a week into the 1931 session. In addition to debating issues in the House, Holt also wrote to state supported universities, highway commissioners, and auditors in West Virginia and numerous other states to gather financial figures concerning spending, salaries, and taxes among others. Holt also began an investigation in 1931 to uncover rates, operating costs, and profits of privately and publically owned utility companies. All of these endeavors were only the first chapter in Holt's political career.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eBy 1934 he had gained the political support and the backing of union workers which was enough to defeat incumbent United States Senator Henry Hatfield. At age twenty-nine, Holt became the youngest person to win a United States Senate seat; however, there was immediate criticism. No sooner had the votes been tallied before a protest was filed concerning Holt's credentials: the fact that he had run for an office when he had not been of the required age. In addition to discontent within his own state, Holt also received overwhelming opposition in Washington, D.C. from Senate Republicans who threatened to object on the grounds of the constitutional age requirement. Despite the criticism, Holt's election was not overturned; however, he had to wait until he turned thirty, over five months after the Seventy-forth Congress had convened, before he could participate in senatorial proceedings.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eJust as he had been active in the West Virginia Legislature, Holt did not hesitate to address both major and minor issues on Capitol Hill either. During his time in the Senate, Holt served on several committees including Education and Labor, Immigration, Mines and Mining, Naval Affairs, and Post Offices and Post Roads. He also served as a member of the United States delegation to the 1939 Interparliamentary Conference in Oslo, Norway.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAlthough Holt had once been referred to as President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's \"Golden Boy,\" such alliances and the policies that had formed them began to dissolve by 1936. He became estranged from fellow Democrat and West Virginian Senator Matthew Neely, and Holt ended his support for the United Mine Workers of America and the Works Progress Administration, the latter of which he claimed was corrupt. Eventually, Holt criticized the Roosevelt administration for its New Deal policies, he adamantly fought Roosevelt's attempt to alter the Supreme Court by changing the number of sitting justices from nine to twelve, and he spoke out against the proposition of allowing a presidential third term. Furthermore, as unrest began in Europe with Germany's invasion of Poland, Holt campaigned against any attempts by the administration to involve the United States in the War. The responses from constituents about Holt's actions were mixed; nevertheless, the young senator's sudden change led to his unsuccessful renomination attempt in 1940. Holt did not even make it past the primary election.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAfter his Senate term ended, Holt remained in Washington, D.C. and began to support himself as a lecturer and a writer of political issues, particularly neutrality for which he received the support of the America First Committee. It was also during this time that Holt met Helen Louise Froelich, a biology teacher at National Park College near Washington. They were married a year later and moved to West Virginia. The couple had two children: a daughter, Helen Jane Holt (born in 1945) and a son, Rush Dew Holt, Jr. (born in 1948). When Senator Holt's sister, Jane (Holt) Chase, died in 1952, the couple adopted her son, David. After the Holts returned to West Virginia in 1941, Holt stayed involved in politics by accepting speaking engagements. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDuring the remainder of the 1940s, Holt ran several times for state offices with modest success. He was elected to the State House of Delegates in 1942 and was reelected in 1944 by write-in vote and 1946 without opposition. After a failed attempt to win the West Virginia Democratic gubernatorial nomination in 1944 and the nomination for United States Senator in 1948, Holt changed political affiliation. Despite this, his lack of success to achieve positions beyond the House of Delegates continued. In 1950, he won the Republican nomination to represent West Virginia's Third District in the United States House of Representatives but lost in the general election, and in 1952 Holt came very close to winning the race for West Virginia governor as the Republican candidate but lost to William Marland by fewer than 30,000 votes. Success returned in 1954 when Holt was elected to the West Virginia House of Delegates by the voters of Lewis County, but he was unable to finish his term due to illness.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHolt died on February 8, 1955 after a long, tough campaign against cancer.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eChronological List of Events:\u003c/emph\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eJune 19, 1905: born\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1920: graduated from high school\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1920-1922: attended West Virginia University\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1922-1924: attended Salem College, received a BA degree \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1924-1925: taught English and history and served as athletic director at Bedford High School in Virginia\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1925-1928: served as athletic director and basketball coach at St. Patrick's High School (Catholic school) in Weston, West Virginia; taught history as a part-time instructor at Glenville Normal School and Salem College; and contributed sport columns to daily West Virginia newspapers\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1928: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates, lost by 500 votes \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1930: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates, won by 2,150 votes, served from 1931-1935 \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1934: ran as a Democrat for the United States Senate and won despite being only twenty-nine years old\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1939: served as a member of the United States delegation to the Interparliamentary Conference in Oslo, Norway\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1940: ran for renomination to the Senate, failed to win the primary election\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1941: married Helen Louise Froelich\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1942: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates and won, reelected in 1944, 1946, and 1948, served until 1950.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1944: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia gubernatorial nomination but was unsuccessful  \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1945: birth of Helen Jane Holt\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1948: birth of Rush Dew Holt, Jr.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1948: ran as a Democrat for the United States Senate nomination but was unsuccessful \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1948: switched political affiliation to the Republican Party \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1952: ran as the Republican candidate for West Virginia Governor but lost to William Marland by fewer than 30,000 votes\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1954: ran as a Republican for the West Virginia House of Delegates and won\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFebruary 8, 1955: death \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eSources:\u003c/emph\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCoffey, William Ellis. \u003cemph render=\"italic\"\u003eRush Dew Holt: The Boy Senator.\u003c/emph\u003e Dissertation, West Virginia University, 1970. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA\u0026amp;M 0873, Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, West Virginia and Regional History Center, West Virginia University Libraries.  \u003c/p\u003e  "],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical / Historical"],"bioghist_tesim":["Rush Dew Holt was born in Weston, West Virginia, on June 19, 1905 to parents, Dr. Matthew S. Holt and Chihela (Dew) Holt. From an early age, Holt displayed scholarly potential. By age three, he was able to read first-grade primers, and eventually became interested in numerous topics for which he was able to provide detailed statistics. Among these interests was politics, and by age six, Holt had decided he would become a Democrat.","The potential displayed by Holt as a child continued into his school years. At age five, he began public education in the second grade, and he skipped grades on two more occasions. He attended Weston High School, and after graduating with honors at age fourteen, Holt applied to the University of Cincinnati; however, the register rejected the application because Holt, while academically qualified, was considered too young. Not one to admit defeat, a trait that would prove to be a lifelong characteristic, Holt turned to West Virginia University where he was accepted. As the youngest member of the freshman class, Holt found it difficult to obtain full acceptance as a college student, and his academic record reflected his apparent dissatisfaction. After two years at West Virginia University, Holt transferred to Salem College where the enrollment was smaller (approximately 300 students) and where he was able to live with his uncle, Professor Samuel Dew. It was at Salem College that Holt regained his self-confidence. His academic performance improved, and he maintained a B-plus average. In addition to academics, Holt excelled on the debate team. He was the editor-in-chief of the school paper, and he managed the tennis team.","In 1924, Holt received a Bachelor of Arts Degree and qualification to teach at secondary schools. Shortly after his graduation, he was hired to teach at Bedford High School in Virginia where he taught English and history in addition to serving as the school's athletic director. After one academic year, Holt returned to Weston, West Virginia, where he took a position at St. Patrick's High School as the athletic director. Holt also coached the basketball team with abundant success, leading the team to two national tournaments for Catholic schools. During this time, Holt also taught history as a part-time instructor at Glenville Normal School and Salem College, but his fascination with athletics persisted. In addition to coaching and occasional officiating, Holt also began writing about sports. Eventually, he began to contribute columns to daily West Virginia newspapers.","By the late 1920s, Holt was attracted to the political environment, and he began to contribute to candidates who were friends of and/or who shared the views of his father. In the summer of 1928, Holt went one step further by announcing his candidacy as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates. Despite Lewis County having been predominately Republican, in addition to not having received significant party backing, Holt still obtained a higher-than-expected amount of support, losing his race by only 500 votes. Once again, however, Holt would not admit defeat. In 1930 Holt again announced his candidacy for the West Virginia House of Delegates. During the campaign, he visited locations all around Lewis County, spoke to anyone who would listen, and ensured that the grievances such as those concerning government cost, increased taxes, and the power of privately owned public utilities would all be addressed. As expected with any campaign, Holt received criticism, and those who opposed him likened the young politician to his father who they declared was a radical, a socialist, and an atheist. Despite the scornful claims, Holt, by a margin of 2,150 votes, was elected to his first public office as a Democrat to the West Virginia Legislature where he served from 1931-1935. During his years as a delegate, as promised during his campaign, Holt spoke out against corrupt practices such as government spending, an issue he addressed not even a week into the 1931 session. In addition to debating issues in the House, Holt also wrote to state supported universities, highway commissioners, and auditors in West Virginia and numerous other states to gather financial figures concerning spending, salaries, and taxes among others. Holt also began an investigation in 1931 to uncover rates, operating costs, and profits of privately and publically owned utility companies. All of these endeavors were only the first chapter in Holt's political career.","By 1934 he had gained the political support and the backing of union workers which was enough to defeat incumbent United States Senator Henry Hatfield. At age twenty-nine, Holt became the youngest person to win a United States Senate seat; however, there was immediate criticism. No sooner had the votes been tallied before a protest was filed concerning Holt's credentials: the fact that he had run for an office when he had not been of the required age. In addition to discontent within his own state, Holt also received overwhelming opposition in Washington, D.C. from Senate Republicans who threatened to object on the grounds of the constitutional age requirement. Despite the criticism, Holt's election was not overturned; however, he had to wait until he turned thirty, over five months after the Seventy-forth Congress had convened, before he could participate in senatorial proceedings.","Just as he had been active in the West Virginia Legislature, Holt did not hesitate to address both major and minor issues on Capitol Hill either. During his time in the Senate, Holt served on several committees including Education and Labor, Immigration, Mines and Mining, Naval Affairs, and Post Offices and Post Roads. He also served as a member of the United States delegation to the 1939 Interparliamentary Conference in Oslo, Norway.","Although Holt had once been referred to as President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's \"Golden Boy,\" such alliances and the policies that had formed them began to dissolve by 1936. He became estranged from fellow Democrat and West Virginian Senator Matthew Neely, and Holt ended his support for the United Mine Workers of America and the Works Progress Administration, the latter of which he claimed was corrupt. Eventually, Holt criticized the Roosevelt administration for its New Deal policies, he adamantly fought Roosevelt's attempt to alter the Supreme Court by changing the number of sitting justices from nine to twelve, and he spoke out against the proposition of allowing a presidential third term. Furthermore, as unrest began in Europe with Germany's invasion of Poland, Holt campaigned against any attempts by the administration to involve the United States in the War. The responses from constituents about Holt's actions were mixed; nevertheless, the young senator's sudden change led to his unsuccessful renomination attempt in 1940. Holt did not even make it past the primary election.","After his Senate term ended, Holt remained in Washington, D.C. and began to support himself as a lecturer and a writer of political issues, particularly neutrality for which he received the support of the America First Committee. It was also during this time that Holt met Helen Louise Froelich, a biology teacher at National Park College near Washington. They were married a year later and moved to West Virginia. The couple had two children: a daughter, Helen Jane Holt (born in 1945) and a son, Rush Dew Holt, Jr. (born in 1948). When Senator Holt's sister, Jane (Holt) Chase, died in 1952, the couple adopted her son, David. After the Holts returned to West Virginia in 1941, Holt stayed involved in politics by accepting speaking engagements.","During the remainder of the 1940s, Holt ran several times for state offices with modest success. He was elected to the State House of Delegates in 1942 and was reelected in 1944 by write-in vote and 1946 without opposition. After a failed attempt to win the West Virginia Democratic gubernatorial nomination in 1944 and the nomination for United States Senator in 1948, Holt changed political affiliation. Despite this, his lack of success to achieve positions beyond the House of Delegates continued. In 1950, he won the Republican nomination to represent West Virginia's Third District in the United States House of Representatives but lost in the general election, and in 1952 Holt came very close to winning the race for West Virginia governor as the Republican candidate but lost to William Marland by fewer than 30,000 votes. Success returned in 1954 when Holt was elected to the West Virginia House of Delegates by the voters of Lewis County, but he was unable to finish his term due to illness.","Holt died on February 8, 1955 after a long, tough campaign against cancer.","Chronological List of Events:","June 19, 1905: born","1920: graduated from high school","1920-1922: attended West Virginia University","1922-1924: attended Salem College, received a BA degree","1924-1925: taught English and history and served as athletic director at Bedford High School in Virginia","1925-1928: served as athletic director and basketball coach at St. Patrick's High School (Catholic school) in Weston, West Virginia; taught history as a part-time instructor at Glenville Normal School and Salem College; and contributed sport columns to daily West Virginia newspapers","1928: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates, lost by 500 votes","1930: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates, won by 2,150 votes, served from 1931-1935","1934: ran as a Democrat for the United States Senate and won despite being only twenty-nine years old","1939: served as a member of the United States delegation to the Interparliamentary Conference in Oslo, Norway","1940: ran for renomination to the Senate, failed to win the primary election","1941: married Helen Louise Froelich","1942: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates and won, reelected in 1944, 1946, and 1948, served until 1950.","1944: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia gubernatorial nomination but was unsuccessful","1945: birth of Helen Jane Holt","1948: birth of Rush Dew Holt, Jr.","1948: ran as a Democrat for the United States Senate nomination but was unsuccessful","1948: switched political affiliation to the Republican Party","1952: ran as the Republican candidate for West Virginia Governor but lost to William Marland by fewer than 30,000 votes","1954: ran as a Republican for the West Virginia House of Delegates and won","February 8, 1955: death","Sources:","Coffey, William Ellis. Rush Dew Holt: The Boy Senator. Dissertation, West Virginia University, 1970.","A\u0026M 0873, Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, West Virginia and Regional History Center, West Virginia University Libraries."],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e[Description and date of item], [Box/folder number], Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, A\u0026amp;M 0873, West Virginia and Regional History Center, West Virginia University Libraries, Morgantown, West Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"prefercite_tesim":["[Description and date of item], [Box/folder number], Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, A\u0026M 0873, West Virginia and Regional History Center, West Virginia University Libraries, Morgantown, West Virginia."],"relatedmaterial_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e1858, 3001, 3943, 4039, 4218, 4386\u003c/p\u003e  "],"relatedmaterial_heading_ssm":["Related A\u0026M Collections"],"relatedmaterial_tesim":["1858, 3001, 3943, 4039, 4218, 4386"],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003ePapers of Rush Dew Holt, Sr. (1905-1955) relating to his personal and political activities. Types of material include publications, clippings, correspondence, photographs, and ephemera, among others. The collection is divided into six series: Personal and Political Papers (1840-2000 and undated) includes correspondence; invitations and cards; material representing campaign activities; and material from college courses, among other material that represents Rush Holt's personal life and political career; and ephemera collected by Rush Holt. Artifacts (1939-1952 and undated) includes personal and political items collected by Rush Holt. Legislative Records (1920-1955 and undated) includes correspondence, reports, publications, clippings, statistics, transcripts, financial records, and project records, among other miscellaneous material relative to Rush Holt's committee-based and general legislative activity. Constituent Services (1923-1954 and undated) includes mail received by Rush Holt during his time in the West Virginia House of Delegates and the United States Senate from constituents providing political opinions to Holt or requesting government publications and bulletins, copies of speeches, educational material, and Rush Holt's recommendation to the United States Military or Naval Academy. Press and Media Activity (1925-2003 and undated) includes original and photocopied articles from newspapers and similar publications, typescripts of press releases, pen-and-ink drawn political cartoons, transcripts of speeches, and sound recordings, among other material representing Rush Holt's involvement with the press and media. Administrative Files (1937-1940) includes material documenting the daily office activities of Rush Holt and his staff during the former's senatorial term.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe collection is divided into six series as follows:\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eSeries 1. Personal and Political Papers; 1840-2000 and undated (bulk 1918-1955)\u003c/emph\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIncludes material related to Rush Holt's personal, family, and political life. Additional material related to his work in politics can be found in Series 3 through 6. Types of material include correspondence; invitations and cards; material representing campaign activities; material from college courses; bills for recordings, radio station receipts, and election expenditures; typescripts, newsletters, manuscripts, and photocopies of material written by Rush Holt; publications to which Rush Holt subscribed and collected; photographs that represent Rush Holt's personal life and political career; ephemera collected by Rush Holt; and election results collected by Rush Holt.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eSeries 2. Artifacts; 1939-1952 and undated\u003c/emph\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIncludes personal and political items collected by Rush Holt.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eSeries 3. Legislative Records; 1920-1955 and undated\u003c/emph\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIncludes correspondence, reports, publications, clippings, statistics, transcripts, financial records, and project records, among other miscellaneous material relative to Rush Holt's committee-based and general legislative activity.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eSeries 4. Constituent Services; 1923-1954 and undated\u003c/emph\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIncludes mail received by Rush Holt during his time in the West Virginia House of Delegates and the United States Senate from constituents requesting government publications and bulletins, copies of speeches, educational material, and Rush Holt's recommendation to the United States Military or Naval Academy. In some cases, this series also includes typescript responses, many of which are generic.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eSeries 5. Press and Media Activity; 1925-2003 and undated (bulk 1925-1955)\u003c/emph\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIncludes original and photocopied articles from newspapers and similar publications, typescripts of press releases, pen-and-ink drawn political cartoons, transcripts of speeches, and sound recordings, among other material representing Rush Holt's involvement with the press and media.    \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eSeries 6. Administrative Files; 1937-1940\u003c/emph\u003e \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIncludes material documenting the daily office activities of Rush Holt and his staff during the former's senatorial term.   \u003c/p\u003e  "],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["Papers of Rush Dew Holt, Sr. (1905-1955) relating to his personal and political activities. Types of material include publications, clippings, correspondence, photographs, and ephemera, among others. The collection is divided into six series: Personal and Political Papers (1840-2000 and undated) includes correspondence; invitations and cards; material representing campaign activities; and material from college courses, among other material that represents Rush Holt's personal life and political career; and ephemera collected by Rush Holt. Artifacts (1939-1952 and undated) includes personal and political items collected by Rush Holt. Legislative Records (1920-1955 and undated) includes correspondence, reports, publications, clippings, statistics, transcripts, financial records, and project records, among other miscellaneous material relative to Rush Holt's committee-based and general legislative activity. Constituent Services (1923-1954 and undated) includes mail received by Rush Holt during his time in the West Virginia House of Delegates and the United States Senate from constituents providing political opinions to Holt or requesting government publications and bulletins, copies of speeches, educational material, and Rush Holt's recommendation to the United States Military or Naval Academy. Press and Media Activity (1925-2003 and undated) includes original and photocopied articles from newspapers and similar publications, typescripts of press releases, pen-and-ink drawn political cartoons, transcripts of speeches, and sound recordings, among other material representing Rush Holt's involvement with the press and media. Administrative Files (1937-1940) includes material documenting the daily office activities of Rush Holt and his staff during the former's senatorial term.","The collection is divided into six series as follows:","Series 1. Personal and Political Papers; 1840-2000 and undated (bulk 1918-1955)","Includes material related to Rush Holt's personal, family, and political life. Additional material related to his work in politics can be found in Series 3 through 6. Types of material include correspondence; invitations and cards; material representing campaign activities; material from college courses; bills for recordings, radio station receipts, and election expenditures; typescripts, newsletters, manuscripts, and photocopies of material written by Rush Holt; publications to which Rush Holt subscribed and collected; photographs that represent Rush Holt's personal life and political career; ephemera collected by Rush Holt; and election results collected by Rush Holt.","Series 2. Artifacts; 1939-1952 and undated","Includes personal and political items collected by Rush Holt.","Series 3. Legislative Records; 1920-1955 and undated","Includes correspondence, reports, publications, clippings, statistics, transcripts, financial records, and project records, among other miscellaneous material relative to Rush Holt's committee-based and general legislative activity.","Series 4. Constituent Services; 1923-1954 and undated","Includes mail received by Rush Holt during his time in the West Virginia House of Delegates and the United States Senate from constituents requesting government publications and bulletins, copies of speeches, educational material, and Rush Holt's recommendation to the United States Military or Naval Academy. In some cases, this series also includes typescript responses, many of which are generic.","Series 5. Press and Media Activity; 1925-2003 and undated (bulk 1925-1955)","Includes original and photocopied articles from newspapers and similar publications, typescripts of press releases, pen-and-ink drawn political cartoons, transcripts of speeches, and sound recordings, among other material representing Rush Holt's involvement with the press and media.","Series 6. Administrative Files; 1937-1940","Includes material documenting the daily office activities of Rush Holt and his staff during the former's senatorial term."],"separatedmaterial_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eEphemeral items not specific to Rush Dew Holt were moved to the Printed Ephemera Collection. Several local basketball scorecards were moved to A\u0026amp;M 4216, the Annual West Virginia State High School Basketball Tournament Programs collection.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e17 reels of undated sound recordings, chiefly relating to the political career of Rush Dew Holt, were separated to the oral history collection, C432 R699-R715 (17 tapes). These tapes include some personal material as well.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"separatedmaterial_heading_ssm":["Separated Materials"],"separatedmaterial_tesim":["Ephemeral items not specific to Rush Dew Holt were moved to the Printed Ephemera Collection. Several local basketball scorecards were moved to A\u0026M 4216, the Annual West Virginia State High School Basketball Tournament Programs collection.","17 reels of undated sound recordings, chiefly relating to the political career of Rush Dew Holt, were separated to the oral history collection, C432 R699-R715 (17 tapes). These tapes include some personal material as well."],"userestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003ePermission to publish or reproduce is required from the copyright holder. For more information, please see the \u003ca href=\"https://wvrhc.lib.wvu.edu/visit/permissions-and-copyright\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ePermissions and Copyright page\u003c/a\u003e on the West Virginia and Regional History Center website.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"userestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Use"],"userestrict_tesim":["Permission to publish or reproduce is required from the copyright holder. For more information, please see the Permissions and Copyright page on the West Virginia and Regional History Center website."],"abstract_html_tesm":["\u003cabstract id=\"aspace_7f7aca18f594cb9e240c48f7fdefc04e\"\u003ePapers of Rush Dew Holt, Sr. (1905-1955) relating to his personal and political activities. Types of material include publications, clippings, correspondence, photographs, and ephemera, among others. The collection is divided into six series: Personal and Political Papers (1840-2000 and undated), Artifacts (1939-1952 and undated), Legislative Records (1920-1955 and undated), Constituent Services (1923-1954 and undated), Press and Media Activity (1925-2003 and undated), and Administrative Files (1937-1940).\u003c/abstract\u003e\n    "],"abstract_tesim":["Papers of Rush Dew Holt, Sr. (1905-1955) relating to his personal and political activities. Types of material include publications, clippings, correspondence, photographs, and ephemera, among others. The collection is divided into six series: Personal and Political Papers (1840-2000 and undated), Artifacts (1939-1952 and undated), Legislative Records (1920-1955 and undated), Constituent Services (1923-1954 and undated), Press and Media Activity (1925-2003 and undated), and Administrative Files (1937-1940)."],"physloc_html_tesm":["\u003cphysloc id=\"aspace_c13cef4864374dc7a447894b02986413\"\u003eWest Virginia and Regional History Center / West Virginia University / 1549 University Avenue / P.O. Box 6069 / Morgantown, WV 26506-6069 / Phone: 304-293-3536  / URL: \u003ca href=\"https://wvrhc.lib.wvu.edu/\"\u003eWest Virginia \u0026amp; Regional History Center\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/physloc\u003e\n    "],"physloc_tesim":["West Virginia and Regional History Center / West Virginia University / 1549 University Avenue / P.O. Box 6069 / Morgantown, WV 26506-6069 / Phone: 304-293-3536  / URL: West Virginia \u0026 Regional History Center"],"corpname_ssim":["West Virginia and Regional History Center","America First Committee","American Federation of Labor","Congress of Industrial Organizations (U.S.)","United States. National Bituminous Coal Commission","United States. National Labor Relations Board","Progressive Mine Workers of America","United Mine Workers of America","United States. National Recovery Administration","United States. Supreme Court","United States. Congress. Senate","West Virginia. Legislature","United States. Works Progress Administration","Democratic Party (U.S.)","Weston State Hospital"],"names_coll_ssim":["America First Committee","American Federation of Labor","Congress of Industrial Organizations (U.S.)","United States. National Bituminous Coal Commission","United States. National Labor Relations Board","Progressive Mine Workers of America","United Mine Workers of America","United States. National Recovery Administration","United States. Supreme Court","United States. Congress. Senate","West Virginia. Legislature","United States. Works Progress Administration","Democratic Party (U.S.)","Weston State Hospital","Bittner, Van A. (Van Amberg), 1885-1949","Black, Hugo LaFayette, 1886-1971","Coughlin, Charles E.","Edmiston, Andrew.","Farley, James A. (James Aloysius), 1888-1976","Green, William.","Holt, Helen Louise Froelich, 1913-2015","Holt, Mathew S., 1850-1939","Holt, Rush Dew, 1905-1955","Hopkins, Harry L. (Harry Lloyd), 1890-1946","Ickes, Harold L. (Harold LeClair), 1874-1952","Kump, Herman Guy, 1877-1962","La Follette, Robert M. (Robert Marion), 1855-1925","Neely, Matthew Mansfield, 1874-1958","Lewis, John L. (John Llewellyn), 1880-1969","Long, Huey Pierce, 1893-1935"],"persname_ssim":["Holt, Rush Dew, 1905-1955","Bittner, Van A. (Van Amberg), 1885-1949","Black, Hugo LaFayette, 1886-1971","Coughlin, Charles E.","Edmiston, Andrew.","Farley, James A. (James Aloysius), 1888-1976","Green, William.","Holt, Helen Louise Froelich, 1913-2015","Holt, Mathew S., 1850-1939","Hopkins, Harry L. (Harry Lloyd), 1890-1946","Ickes, Harold L. (Harold LeClair), 1874-1952","Kump, Herman Guy, 1877-1962","La Follette, Robert M. (Robert Marion), 1855-1925","Neely, Matthew Mansfield, 1874-1958","Lewis, John L. (John Llewellyn), 1880-1969","Long, Huey Pierce, 1893-1935"],"names_ssim":["West Virginia and Regional History Center","America First Committee","American Federation of Labor","Congress of Industrial Organizations (U.S.)","United States. National Bituminous Coal Commission","United States. National Labor Relations Board","Progressive Mine Workers of America","United Mine Workers of America","United States. National Recovery Administration","United States. Supreme Court","United States. Congress. Senate","West Virginia. Legislature","United States. Works Progress Administration","Democratic Party (U.S.)","Weston State Hospital","Holt, Rush Dew, 1905-1955","Bittner, Van A. (Van Amberg), 1885-1949","Black, Hugo LaFayette, 1886-1971","Coughlin, Charles E.","Edmiston, Andrew.","Farley, James A. (James Aloysius), 1888-1976","Green, William.","Holt, Helen Louise Froelich, 1913-2015","Holt, Mathew S., 1850-1939","Hopkins, Harry L. (Harry Lloyd), 1890-1946","Ickes, Harold L. (Harold LeClair), 1874-1952","Kump, Herman Guy, 1877-1962","La Follette, Robert M. (Robert Marion), 1855-1925","Neely, Matthew Mansfield, 1874-1958","Lewis, John L. (John Llewellyn), 1880-1969","Long, Huey Pierce, 1893-1935"],"language_ssim":["English"],"descrules_ssm":["Describing Archives: A Content Standard"],"total_component_count_is":938,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-09-01T16:09:24.514Z"}]}},"label":"Breadcrumbs"}}},"links":{"self":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687_c04_c02"}},{"id":"wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687_c04_c01","type":"Sub-Series","attributes":{"title":"Constituent Services--General Constituent Mail, 1923/1924","abstract_or_scope":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687_c04_c01#abstract_or_scope","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"\u003cp\u003eIncludes constituent mail received and sent by Rush Holt during his time in the West Virginia House of Delegates and the United States Senate. \u003c/p\u003e","label":"Abstract Or Scope"}},"breadcrumbs":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687_c04_c01#breadcrumbs","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":{"ref_ssi":"wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687_c04_c01","ref_ssm":["wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687_c04_c01"],"id":"wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687_c04_c01","ead_ssi":"wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687","_root_":"wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687","_nest_parent_":"wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687_c04","parent_ssi":"wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687_c04","parent_ssim":["Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, 1840/2003, bulk 1918/1955","Series 4. Constituent Services, 1923/1954"],"parent_ids_ssim":["wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687","wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687_c04"],"title_filing_ssi":"Constituent Services--General Constituent Mail","title_ssm":["Constituent Services--General Constituent Mail"],"title_tesim":["Constituent Services--General Constituent Mail"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Constituent Services--General Constituent Mail, 1923/1924"],"text":["Constituent Services--General Constituent Mail, 1923/1924","Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, 1840/2003, bulk 1918/1955","Series 4. Constituent Services, 1923/1954","Includes constituent mail received and sent by Rush Holt during his time in the West Virginia House of Delegates and the United States Senate.","Because of different original series of correspondence (including general correspondence, second copies, and correspondence sorted by topic), in addition to maintaining this original order, the material of this series, as a whole, is not in chronological order. It should also be noted that the letters that have been sorted by topic are not a complete representation of that subject.","Topics include World War II, neutrality, political issues (such as the Supreme Court proposed alteration, Rush Holt's age at the time of his election to the Senate, presidential third terms, etc.), state construction projects (such as roads and infrastructure), and state programs and relief efforts for issues such as the 1936 silicosis incident in West Virginia, among others.","General correspondence is arranged chronologically, then foldered by first letter of last name. It includes basic requests for material, facts, or brief opinions. Copies of typescript responses are stapled to the original constituent letter.","Second copies correspondence is arranged chronologically, but it contains only the typescript copies of Rush Holt's responses. For some, the first copy typescript and original letter are located in general correspondence; however, others are not.","Supreme Court correspondence is organized into two groups: Individuals for and against the proposed change. Attached to the initial letters from constituents is Rush Holt's response, and for those against the change, there are also form letters offering a publication commemorating the 150th anniversary of the first congressional meeting.","There are also a few boxes of West Virginia Taxpayer correspondence that include outgoing typescript copies of letters, mostly letters of thanks and solicitation for donations/subscription to support Holt's newsletter/publication, the West Virginia Taxpayer. There is a small amount of incoming correspondence as well. Copies of this publication can be found in Series 1. Personal and Political Papers, Publications.","For an example of a constituent mail log, please see Series 6. Administrative Files.","Additional constituent mail may also be found in Series 1. Personal and Political Papers—Correspondence."],"parent_unittitles_ssm":["Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, 1840/2003, bulk 1918/1955","Series 4. Constituent Services, 1923/1954"],"parent_unittitles_tesim":["Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, 1840/2003, bulk 1918/1955","Series 4. Constituent Services, 1923/1954"],"normalized_date_ssm":["1923/1924"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1923-1954 and undated"],"level_ssm":["Sub-Series"],"level_ssim":["Sub-series"],"component_level_isim":[2],"sort_isi":616,"repository_ssim":["West Virginia and Regional History Center"],"collection_ssim":["Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, 1840/2003, bulk 1918/1955"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"child_component_count_isi":171,"parent_access_restrict_tesm":["No special access restriction applies."],"parent_access_terms_tesm":["Permission to publish or reproduce is required from the copyright holder. For more information, please see the Permissions and Copyright page on the West Virginia and Regional History Center website."],"date_range_isim":[1923,1924],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eIncludes constituent mail received and sent by Rush Holt during his time in the West Virginia House of Delegates and the United States Senate. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eBecause of different original series of correspondence (including general correspondence, second copies, and correspondence sorted by topic), in addition to maintaining this original order, the material of this series, as a whole, is not in chronological order. It should also be noted that the letters that have been sorted by topic are not a complete representation of that subject. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eTopics include World War II, neutrality, political issues (such as the Supreme Court proposed alteration, Rush Holt's age at the time of his election to the Senate, presidential third terms, etc.), state construction projects (such as roads and infrastructure), and state programs and relief efforts for issues such as the 1936 silicosis incident in West Virginia, among others.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eGeneral correspondence is arranged chronologically, then foldered by first letter of last name. It includes basic requests for material, facts, or brief opinions. Copies of typescript responses are stapled to the original constituent letter. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSecond copies correspondence is arranged chronologically, but it contains only the typescript copies of Rush Holt's responses. For some, the first copy typescript and original letter are located in general correspondence; however, others are not. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSupreme Court correspondence is organized into two groups: Individuals for and against the proposed change. Attached to the initial letters from constituents is Rush Holt's response, and for those against the change, there are also form letters offering a publication commemorating the 150th anniversary of the first congressional meeting. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThere are also a few boxes of \u003cemph renderrender=\"italic\"\u003eWest Virginia Taxpayer\u003c/emph\u003e correspondence that include outgoing typescript copies of letters, mostly letters of thanks and solicitation for donations/subscription to support Holt's newsletter/publication, the \u003cemph render=\"italic\"\u003eWest Virginia Taxpayer\u003c/emph\u003e. There is a small amount of incoming correspondence as well. Copies of this publication can be found in Series 1. Personal and Political Papers, Publications.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e For an example of a constituent mail log, please see Series 6. Administrative Files.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e Additional constituent mail may also be found in Series 1. Personal and Political Papers—Correspondence.\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["Includes constituent mail received and sent by Rush Holt during his time in the West Virginia House of Delegates and the United States Senate.","Because of different original series of correspondence (including general correspondence, second copies, and correspondence sorted by topic), in addition to maintaining this original order, the material of this series, as a whole, is not in chronological order. It should also be noted that the letters that have been sorted by topic are not a complete representation of that subject.","Topics include World War II, neutrality, political issues (such as the Supreme Court proposed alteration, Rush Holt's age at the time of his election to the Senate, presidential third terms, etc.), state construction projects (such as roads and infrastructure), and state programs and relief efforts for issues such as the 1936 silicosis incident in West Virginia, among others.","General correspondence is arranged chronologically, then foldered by first letter of last name. It includes basic requests for material, facts, or brief opinions. Copies of typescript responses are stapled to the original constituent letter.","Second copies correspondence is arranged chronologically, but it contains only the typescript copies of Rush Holt's responses. For some, the first copy typescript and original letter are located in general correspondence; however, others are not.","Supreme Court correspondence is organized into two groups: Individuals for and against the proposed change. Attached to the initial letters from constituents is Rush Holt's response, and for those against the change, there are also form letters offering a publication commemorating the 150th anniversary of the first congressional meeting.","There are also a few boxes of West Virginia Taxpayer correspondence that include outgoing typescript copies of letters, mostly letters of thanks and solicitation for donations/subscription to support Holt's newsletter/publication, the West Virginia Taxpayer. There is a small amount of incoming correspondence as well. Copies of this publication can be found in Series 1. Personal and Political Papers, Publications.","For an example of a constituent mail log, please see Series 6. Administrative Files.","Additional constituent mail may also be found in Series 1. Personal and Political Papers—Correspondence."],"_nest_path_":"/components#3/components#0","timestamp":"2026-09-01T16:09:24.514Z","collection":{"numFound":1,"start":0,"numFoundExact":true,"docs":[{"id":"wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687","ead_ssi":"wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687","_root_":"wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687","_nest_parent_":"wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/WVU/repositories_2_resources_3687.xml","aspace_url_ssi":"https://archives.lib.wvu.edu/ark:/99999/208740","title_ssm":["Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers"],"title_tesim":["Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers"],"unitdate_ssm":["1840-2003","1918-1955"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1840-2003"],"unitdate_bulk_ssim":["1918-1955"],"normalized_date_ssm":["1840/2003, bulk 1918/1955"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, 1840/2003, bulk 1918/1955"],"text":["Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, 1840/2003, bulk 1918/1955","A\u0026M 0873","Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","/repositories/2/resources/3687","Lewis County.","West Virginia -- Politics and government","United States -- Politics and government","Coal mining - Labor organization.","Education","Elections","Guffey Coal Act.","New Deal, 1933-1939","Politics and government.","Public utilities","Taxation","Unions.","United States - Social Security.","Social Security -- United States","Wheeler-Rayburn Holding Company Act","Isolationism -- United States -- History -- 20th Century","World War, 1939-1945","Politicians -- United States","No special access restriction applies.","This collection is one of five (see also A\u0026M 1858, 4218, 4039, and 3943) pertaining to Rush Dew Holt, Sr. and his family. The records have been gathered via multiple accruals from 1956 to 2016. Originally, these collections were divided between A\u0026M 873 and A\u0026M 1701, the latter also being composed of thirteen addenda and A\u0026M 1858.","In an attempt to organize the collections in a more coherent fashion for patron use and to reflect the creator(s) in a more concise manner, the material was reevaluated and reorganized into the three sets of papers with distinct series and subseries: A\u0026M 873: Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers; A\u0026M 1858: Helen Holt (1913-2015) Papers; and A\u0026M 4218: Rush Dew Holt Family Papers.","Because of the 2016-2017 reorganization, the physical arrangement no longer matches the intellectual arrangement and series order. Furthermore, any box and folder citations created prior to the above-mentioned project are likely no longer accurate.","For assistance locating material using an older citation, please ask a staff member of the West Virginia \u0026 Regional History Center.","Rush Dew Holt was born in Weston, West Virginia, on June 19, 1905 to parents, Dr. Matthew S. Holt and Chihela (Dew) Holt. From an early age, Holt displayed scholarly potential. By age three, he was able to read first-grade primers, and eventually became interested in numerous topics for which he was able to provide detailed statistics. Among these interests was politics, and by age six, Holt had decided he would become a Democrat.","The potential displayed by Holt as a child continued into his school years. At age five, he began public education in the second grade, and he skipped grades on two more occasions. He attended Weston High School, and after graduating with honors at age fourteen, Holt applied to the University of Cincinnati; however, the register rejected the application because Holt, while academically qualified, was considered too young. Not one to admit defeat, a trait that would prove to be a lifelong characteristic, Holt turned to West Virginia University where he was accepted. As the youngest member of the freshman class, Holt found it difficult to obtain full acceptance as a college student, and his academic record reflected his apparent dissatisfaction. After two years at West Virginia University, Holt transferred to Salem College where the enrollment was smaller (approximately 300 students) and where he was able to live with his uncle, Professor Samuel Dew. It was at Salem College that Holt regained his self-confidence. His academic performance improved, and he maintained a B-plus average. In addition to academics, Holt excelled on the debate team. He was the editor-in-chief of the school paper, and he managed the tennis team.","In 1924, Holt received a Bachelor of Arts Degree and qualification to teach at secondary schools. Shortly after his graduation, he was hired to teach at Bedford High School in Virginia where he taught English and history in addition to serving as the school's athletic director. After one academic year, Holt returned to Weston, West Virginia, where he took a position at St. Patrick's High School as the athletic director. Holt also coached the basketball team with abundant success, leading the team to two national tournaments for Catholic schools. During this time, Holt also taught history as a part-time instructor at Glenville Normal School and Salem College, but his fascination with athletics persisted. In addition to coaching and occasional officiating, Holt also began writing about sports. Eventually, he began to contribute columns to daily West Virginia newspapers.","By the late 1920s, Holt was attracted to the political environment, and he began to contribute to candidates who were friends of and/or who shared the views of his father. In the summer of 1928, Holt went one step further by announcing his candidacy as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates. Despite Lewis County having been predominately Republican, in addition to not having received significant party backing, Holt still obtained a higher-than-expected amount of support, losing his race by only 500 votes. Once again, however, Holt would not admit defeat. In 1930 Holt again announced his candidacy for the West Virginia House of Delegates. During the campaign, he visited locations all around Lewis County, spoke to anyone who would listen, and ensured that the grievances such as those concerning government cost, increased taxes, and the power of privately owned public utilities would all be addressed. As expected with any campaign, Holt received criticism, and those who opposed him likened the young politician to his father who they declared was a radical, a socialist, and an atheist. Despite the scornful claims, Holt, by a margin of 2,150 votes, was elected to his first public office as a Democrat to the West Virginia Legislature where he served from 1931-1935. During his years as a delegate, as promised during his campaign, Holt spoke out against corrupt practices such as government spending, an issue he addressed not even a week into the 1931 session. In addition to debating issues in the House, Holt also wrote to state supported universities, highway commissioners, and auditors in West Virginia and numerous other states to gather financial figures concerning spending, salaries, and taxes among others. Holt also began an investigation in 1931 to uncover rates, operating costs, and profits of privately and publically owned utility companies. All of these endeavors were only the first chapter in Holt's political career.","By 1934 he had gained the political support and the backing of union workers which was enough to defeat incumbent United States Senator Henry Hatfield. At age twenty-nine, Holt became the youngest person to win a United States Senate seat; however, there was immediate criticism. No sooner had the votes been tallied before a protest was filed concerning Holt's credentials: the fact that he had run for an office when he had not been of the required age. In addition to discontent within his own state, Holt also received overwhelming opposition in Washington, D.C. from Senate Republicans who threatened to object on the grounds of the constitutional age requirement. Despite the criticism, Holt's election was not overturned; however, he had to wait until he turned thirty, over five months after the Seventy-forth Congress had convened, before he could participate in senatorial proceedings.","Just as he had been active in the West Virginia Legislature, Holt did not hesitate to address both major and minor issues on Capitol Hill either. During his time in the Senate, Holt served on several committees including Education and Labor, Immigration, Mines and Mining, Naval Affairs, and Post Offices and Post Roads. He also served as a member of the United States delegation to the 1939 Interparliamentary Conference in Oslo, Norway.","Although Holt had once been referred to as President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's \"Golden Boy,\" such alliances and the policies that had formed them began to dissolve by 1936. He became estranged from fellow Democrat and West Virginian Senator Matthew Neely, and Holt ended his support for the United Mine Workers of America and the Works Progress Administration, the latter of which he claimed was corrupt. Eventually, Holt criticized the Roosevelt administration for its New Deal policies, he adamantly fought Roosevelt's attempt to alter the Supreme Court by changing the number of sitting justices from nine to twelve, and he spoke out against the proposition of allowing a presidential third term. Furthermore, as unrest began in Europe with Germany's invasion of Poland, Holt campaigned against any attempts by the administration to involve the United States in the War. The responses from constituents about Holt's actions were mixed; nevertheless, the young senator's sudden change led to his unsuccessful renomination attempt in 1940. Holt did not even make it past the primary election.","After his Senate term ended, Holt remained in Washington, D.C. and began to support himself as a lecturer and a writer of political issues, particularly neutrality for which he received the support of the America First Committee. It was also during this time that Holt met Helen Louise Froelich, a biology teacher at National Park College near Washington. They were married a year later and moved to West Virginia. The couple had two children: a daughter, Helen Jane Holt (born in 1945) and a son, Rush Dew Holt, Jr. (born in 1948). When Senator Holt's sister, Jane (Holt) Chase, died in 1952, the couple adopted her son, David. After the Holts returned to West Virginia in 1941, Holt stayed involved in politics by accepting speaking engagements.","During the remainder of the 1940s, Holt ran several times for state offices with modest success. He was elected to the State House of Delegates in 1942 and was reelected in 1944 by write-in vote and 1946 without opposition. After a failed attempt to win the West Virginia Democratic gubernatorial nomination in 1944 and the nomination for United States Senator in 1948, Holt changed political affiliation. Despite this, his lack of success to achieve positions beyond the House of Delegates continued. In 1950, he won the Republican nomination to represent West Virginia's Third District in the United States House of Representatives but lost in the general election, and in 1952 Holt came very close to winning the race for West Virginia governor as the Republican candidate but lost to William Marland by fewer than 30,000 votes. Success returned in 1954 when Holt was elected to the West Virginia House of Delegates by the voters of Lewis County, but he was unable to finish his term due to illness.","Holt died on February 8, 1955 after a long, tough campaign against cancer.","Chronological List of Events:","June 19, 1905: born","1920: graduated from high school","1920-1922: attended West Virginia University","1922-1924: attended Salem College, received a BA degree","1924-1925: taught English and history and served as athletic director at Bedford High School in Virginia","1925-1928: served as athletic director and basketball coach at St. Patrick's High School (Catholic school) in Weston, West Virginia; taught history as a part-time instructor at Glenville Normal School and Salem College; and contributed sport columns to daily West Virginia newspapers","1928: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates, lost by 500 votes","1930: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates, won by 2,150 votes, served from 1931-1935","1934: ran as a Democrat for the United States Senate and won despite being only twenty-nine years old","1939: served as a member of the United States delegation to the Interparliamentary Conference in Oslo, Norway","1940: ran for renomination to the Senate, failed to win the primary election","1941: married Helen Louise Froelich","1942: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates and won, reelected in 1944, 1946, and 1948, served until 1950.","1944: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia gubernatorial nomination but was unsuccessful","1945: birth of Helen Jane Holt","1948: birth of Rush Dew Holt, Jr.","1948: ran as a Democrat for the United States Senate nomination but was unsuccessful","1948: switched political affiliation to the Republican Party","1952: ran as the Republican candidate for West Virginia Governor but lost to William Marland by fewer than 30,000 votes","1954: ran as a Republican for the West Virginia House of Delegates and won","February 8, 1955: death","Sources:","Coffey, William Ellis. Rush Dew Holt: The Boy Senator. Dissertation, West Virginia University, 1970.","A\u0026M 0873, Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, West Virginia and Regional History Center, West Virginia University Libraries.","1858, 3001, 3943, 4039, 4218, 4386","Papers of Rush Dew Holt, Sr. (1905-1955) relating to his personal and political activities. Types of material include publications, clippings, correspondence, photographs, and ephemera, among others. The collection is divided into six series: Personal and Political Papers (1840-2000 and undated) includes correspondence; invitations and cards; material representing campaign activities; and material from college courses, among other material that represents Rush Holt's personal life and political career; and ephemera collected by Rush Holt. Artifacts (1939-1952 and undated) includes personal and political items collected by Rush Holt. Legislative Records (1920-1955 and undated) includes correspondence, reports, publications, clippings, statistics, transcripts, financial records, and project records, among other miscellaneous material relative to Rush Holt's committee-based and general legislative activity. Constituent Services (1923-1954 and undated) includes mail received by Rush Holt during his time in the West Virginia House of Delegates and the United States Senate from constituents providing political opinions to Holt or requesting government publications and bulletins, copies of speeches, educational material, and Rush Holt's recommendation to the United States Military or Naval Academy. Press and Media Activity (1925-2003 and undated) includes original and photocopied articles from newspapers and similar publications, typescripts of press releases, pen-and-ink drawn political cartoons, transcripts of speeches, and sound recordings, among other material representing Rush Holt's involvement with the press and media. Administrative Files (1937-1940) includes material documenting the daily office activities of Rush Holt and his staff during the former's senatorial term.","The collection is divided into six series as follows:","Series 1. Personal and Political Papers; 1840-2000 and undated (bulk 1918-1955)","Includes material related to Rush Holt's personal, family, and political life. Additional material related to his work in politics can be found in Series 3 through 6. Types of material include correspondence; invitations and cards; material representing campaign activities; material from college courses; bills for recordings, radio station receipts, and election expenditures; typescripts, newsletters, manuscripts, and photocopies of material written by Rush Holt; publications to which Rush Holt subscribed and collected; photographs that represent Rush Holt's personal life and political career; ephemera collected by Rush Holt; and election results collected by Rush Holt.","Series 2. Artifacts; 1939-1952 and undated","Includes personal and political items collected by Rush Holt.","Series 3. Legislative Records; 1920-1955 and undated","Includes correspondence, reports, publications, clippings, statistics, transcripts, financial records, and project records, among other miscellaneous material relative to Rush Holt's committee-based and general legislative activity.","Series 4. Constituent Services; 1923-1954 and undated","Includes mail received by Rush Holt during his time in the West Virginia House of Delegates and the United States Senate from constituents requesting government publications and bulletins, copies of speeches, educational material, and Rush Holt's recommendation to the United States Military or Naval Academy. In some cases, this series also includes typescript responses, many of which are generic.","Series 5. Press and Media Activity; 1925-2003 and undated (bulk 1925-1955)","Includes original and photocopied articles from newspapers and similar publications, typescripts of press releases, pen-and-ink drawn political cartoons, transcripts of speeches, and sound recordings, among other material representing Rush Holt's involvement with the press and media.","Series 6. Administrative Files; 1937-1940","Includes material documenting the daily office activities of Rush Holt and his staff during the former's senatorial term.","Ephemeral items not specific to Rush Dew Holt were moved to the Printed Ephemera Collection. Several local basketball scorecards were moved to A\u0026M 4216, the Annual West Virginia State High School Basketball Tournament Programs collection.","17 reels of undated sound recordings, chiefly relating to the political career of Rush Dew Holt, were separated to the oral history collection, C432 R699-R715 (17 tapes). These tapes include some personal material as well.","Permission to publish or reproduce is required from the copyright holder. For more information, please see the Permissions and Copyright page on the West Virginia and Regional History Center website.","Papers of Rush Dew Holt, Sr. (1905-1955) relating to his personal and political activities. Types of material include publications, clippings, correspondence, photographs, and ephemera, among others. The collection is divided into six series: Personal and Political Papers (1840-2000 and undated), Artifacts (1939-1952 and undated), Legislative Records (1920-1955 and undated), Constituent Services (1923-1954 and undated), Press and Media Activity (1925-2003 and undated), and Administrative Files (1937-1940).","West Virginia and Regional History Center / West Virginia University / 1549 University Avenue / P.O. Box 6069 / Morgantown, WV 26506-6069 / Phone: 304-293-3536  / URL: West Virginia \u0026 Regional History Center","West Virginia and Regional History Center","America First Committee","American Federation of Labor","Congress of Industrial Organizations (U.S.)","United States. National Bituminous Coal Commission","United States. National Labor Relations Board","Progressive Mine Workers of America","United Mine Workers of America","United States. National Recovery Administration","United States. Supreme Court","United States. Congress. Senate","West Virginia. Legislature","United States. Works Progress Administration","Democratic Party (U.S.)","Weston State Hospital","Holt, Rush Dew, 1905-1955","Bittner, Van A. (Van Amberg), 1885-1949","Black, Hugo LaFayette, 1886-1971","Coughlin, Charles E.","Edmiston, Andrew.","Farley, James A. (James Aloysius), 1888-1976","Green, William.","Holt, Helen Louise Froelich, 1913-2015","Holt, Mathew S., 1850-1939","Hopkins, Harry L. (Harry Lloyd), 1890-1946","Ickes, Harold L. (Harold LeClair), 1874-1952","Kump, Herman Guy, 1877-1962","La Follette, Robert M. (Robert Marion), 1855-1925","Neely, Matthew Mansfield, 1874-1958","Lewis, John L. (John Llewellyn), 1880-1969","Long, Huey Pierce, 1893-1935","English"],"collection_title_tesim":["Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, 1840/2003, bulk 1918/1955"],"collection_ssim":["Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, 1840/2003, bulk 1918/1955"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["A\u0026M 0873","Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","/repositories/2/resources/3687"],"unitid_tesim":["A\u0026M 0873","Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","/repositories/2/resources/3687"],"repository_ssm":["West Virginia and Regional History Center"],"repository_ssim":["West Virginia and Regional History Center"],"geogname_ssm":["Lewis County.","West Virginia -- Politics and government","United States -- Politics and government"],"geogname_ssim":["Lewis County.","West Virginia -- Politics and government","United States -- Politics and government"],"places_ssim":["Lewis County.","West Virginia -- Politics and government","United States -- Politics and government"],"creator_ssm":["Holt, Rush Dew, 1905-1955"],"creator_ssim":["Holt, Rush Dew, 1905-1955"],"creator_persname_ssim":["Holt, Rush Dew, 1905-1955","Bittner, Van A. (Van Amberg), 1885-1949","Black, Hugo LaFayette, 1886-1971","Coughlin, Charles E.","Edmiston, Andrew.","Farley, James A. (James Aloysius), 1888-1976","Green, William.","Holt, Helen Louise Froelich, 1913-2015","Holt, Mathew S., 1850-1939","Hopkins, Harry L. (Harry Lloyd), 1890-1946","Ickes, Harold L. (Harold LeClair), 1874-1952","Kump, Herman Guy, 1877-1962","La Follette, Robert M. (Robert Marion), 1855-1925","Neely, Matthew Mansfield, 1874-1958","Lewis, John L. (John Llewellyn), 1880-1969","Long, Huey Pierce, 1893-1935"],"creator_corpname_ssim":["West Virginia and Regional History Center","America First Committee","American Federation of Labor","Congress of Industrial Organizations (U.S.)","United States. National Bituminous Coal Commission","United States. National Labor Relations Board","Progressive Mine Workers of America","United Mine Workers of America","United States. National Recovery Administration","United States. Supreme Court","United States. Congress. Senate","West Virginia. Legislature","United States. Works Progress Administration","Democratic Party (U.S.)","Weston State Hospital"],"creators_ssim":["Holt, Rush Dew, 1905-1955","Bittner, Van A. (Van Amberg), 1885-1949","Black, Hugo LaFayette, 1886-1971","Coughlin, Charles E.","Edmiston, Andrew.","Farley, James A. (James Aloysius), 1888-1976","Green, William.","Holt, Helen Louise Froelich, 1913-2015","Holt, Mathew S., 1850-1939","Hopkins, Harry L. (Harry Lloyd), 1890-1946","Ickes, Harold L. (Harold LeClair), 1874-1952","Kump, Herman Guy, 1877-1962","La Follette, Robert M. (Robert Marion), 1855-1925","Neely, Matthew Mansfield, 1874-1958","Lewis, John L. (John Llewellyn), 1880-1969","Long, Huey Pierce, 1893-1935","West Virginia and Regional History Center","America First Committee","American Federation of Labor","Congress of Industrial Organizations (U.S.)","United States. National Bituminous Coal Commission","United States. National Labor Relations Board","Progressive Mine Workers of America","United Mine Workers of America","United States. National Recovery Administration","United States. Supreme Court","United States. Congress. Senate","West Virginia. Legislature","United States. Works Progress Administration","Democratic Party (U.S.)","Weston State Hospital"],"access_terms_ssm":["Permission to publish or reproduce is required from the copyright holder. For more information, please see the Permissions and Copyright page on the West Virginia and Regional History Center website."],"acqinfo_ssim":["Gifts of Holt, Helen F., 1956-2016."],"access_subjects_ssim":["Coal mining - Labor organization.","Education","Elections","Guffey Coal Act.","New Deal, 1933-1939","Politics and government.","Public utilities","Taxation","Unions.","United States - Social Security.","Social Security -- United States","Wheeler-Rayburn Holding Company Act","Isolationism -- United States -- History -- 20th Century","World War, 1939-1945","Politicians -- United States"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Coal mining - Labor organization.","Education","Elections","Guffey Coal Act.","New Deal, 1933-1939","Politics and government.","Public utilities","Taxation","Unions.","United States - Social Security.","Social Security -- United States","Wheeler-Rayburn Holding Company Act","Isolationism -- United States -- History -- 20th Century","World War, 1939-1945","Politicians -- United States"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"extent_ssm":["156.21 Linear Feet 156 ft. 2 1/2 in. (360 document cases, 5 in. each); (1 document case, 4 in.); (14 document cases, 2 1/2 in.); (1 flat storage box, 5 in.); (1 flat storage box, 3 1/2 in.); (2 flat storage boxes, 3 in. each); (3 flat storage boxes, 2 1/2 in. each); (9 flat storage boxes, 1 1/2 in. each); (\n44 photos in photograph filing cabinets)","11.7 Gigabytes 131 TIFF files, 2 PDF files"],"extent_tesim":["156.21 Linear Feet 156 ft. 2 1/2 in. (360 document cases, 5 in. each); (1 document case, 4 in.); (14 document cases, 2 1/2 in.); (1 flat storage box, 5 in.); (1 flat storage box, 3 1/2 in.); (2 flat storage boxes, 3 in. each); (3 flat storage boxes, 2 1/2 in. each); (9 flat storage boxes, 1 1/2 in. each); (\n44 photos in photograph filing cabinets)","11.7 Gigabytes 131 TIFF files, 2 PDF files"],"date_range_isim":[1840,1841,1842,1843,1844,1845,1846,1847,1848,1849,1850,1851,1852,1853,1854,1855,1856,1857,1858,1859,1860,1861,1862,1863,1864,1865,1866,1867,1868,1869,1870,1871,1872,1873,1874,1875,1876,1877,1878,1879,1880,1881,1882,1883,1884,1885,1886,1887,1888,1889,1890,1891,1892,1893,1894,1895,1896,1897,1898,1899,1900,1901,1902,1903,1904,1905,1906,1907,1908,1909,1910,1911,1912,1913,1914,1915,1916,1917,1918,1919,1920,1921,1922,1923,1924,1925,1926,1927,1928,1929,1930,1931,1932,1933,1934,1935,1936,1937,1938,1939,1940,1941,1942,1943,1944,1945,1946,1947,1948,1949,1950,1951,1952,1953,1954,1955,1956,1957,1958,1959,1960,1961,1962,1963,1964,1965,1966,1967,1968,1969,1970,1971,1972,1973,1974,1975,1976,1977,1978,1979,1980,1981,1982,1983,1984,1985,1986,1987,1988,1989,1990,1991,1992,1993,1994,1995,1996,1997,1998,1999,2000,2001,2002,2003],"accessrestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp style=\"color: red;\"\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eNo special access restriction applies.\u003c/emph\u003e\u003c/p\u003e  "],"accessrestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Access"],"accessrestrict_tesim":["No special access restriction applies."],"arrangement_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThis collection is one of five (see also A\u0026amp;M 1858, 4218, 4039, and 3943) pertaining to Rush Dew Holt, Sr. and his family. The records have been gathered via multiple accruals from 1956 to 2016. Originally, these collections were divided between A\u0026amp;M 873 and A\u0026amp;M 1701, the latter also being composed of thirteen addenda and A\u0026amp;M 1858. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIn an attempt to organize the collections in a more coherent fashion for patron use and to reflect the creator(s) in a more concise manner, the material was reevaluated and reorganized into the three sets of papers with distinct series and subseries: A\u0026amp;M 873: Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers; A\u0026amp;M 1858: Helen Holt (1913-2015) Papers; and A\u0026amp;M 4218: Rush Dew Holt Family Papers.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eBecause of the 2016-2017 reorganization, the physical arrangement no longer matches the intellectual arrangement and series order. Furthermore, any box and folder citations created prior to the above-mentioned project are likely no longer accurate. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFor assistance locating material using an older citation, please ask a staff member of the West Virginia \u0026amp; Regional History Center.    \u003c/p\u003e  "],"arrangement_heading_ssm":["Arrangement"],"arrangement_tesim":["This collection is one of five (see also A\u0026M 1858, 4218, 4039, and 3943) pertaining to Rush Dew Holt, Sr. and his family. The records have been gathered via multiple accruals from 1956 to 2016. Originally, these collections were divided between A\u0026M 873 and A\u0026M 1701, the latter also being composed of thirteen addenda and A\u0026M 1858.","In an attempt to organize the collections in a more coherent fashion for patron use and to reflect the creator(s) in a more concise manner, the material was reevaluated and reorganized into the three sets of papers with distinct series and subseries: A\u0026M 873: Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers; A\u0026M 1858: Helen Holt (1913-2015) Papers; and A\u0026M 4218: Rush Dew Holt Family Papers.","Because of the 2016-2017 reorganization, the physical arrangement no longer matches the intellectual arrangement and series order. Furthermore, any box and folder citations created prior to the above-mentioned project are likely no longer accurate.","For assistance locating material using an older citation, please ask a staff member of the West Virginia \u0026 Regional History Center."],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eRush Dew Holt was born in Weston, West Virginia, on June 19, 1905 to parents, Dr. Matthew S. Holt and Chihela (Dew) Holt. From an early age, Holt displayed scholarly potential. By age three, he was able to read first-grade primers, and eventually became interested in numerous topics for which he was able to provide detailed statistics. Among these interests was politics, and by age six, Holt had decided he would become a Democrat.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe potential displayed by Holt as a child continued into his school years. At age five, he began public education in the second grade, and he skipped grades on two more occasions. He attended Weston High School, and after graduating with honors at age fourteen, Holt applied to the University of Cincinnati; however, the register rejected the application because Holt, while academically qualified, was considered too young. Not one to admit defeat, a trait that would prove to be a lifelong characteristic, Holt turned to West Virginia University where he was accepted. As the youngest member of the freshman class, Holt found it difficult to obtain full acceptance as a college student, and his academic record reflected his apparent dissatisfaction. After two years at West Virginia University, Holt transferred to Salem College where the enrollment was smaller (approximately 300 students) and where he was able to live with his uncle, Professor Samuel Dew. It was at Salem College that Holt regained his self-confidence. His academic performance improved, and he maintained a B-plus average. In addition to academics, Holt excelled on the debate team. He was the editor-in-chief of the school paper, and he managed the tennis team.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIn 1924, Holt received a Bachelor of Arts Degree and qualification to teach at secondary schools. Shortly after his graduation, he was hired to teach at Bedford High School in Virginia where he taught English and history in addition to serving as the school's athletic director. After one academic year, Holt returned to Weston, West Virginia, where he took a position at St. Patrick's High School as the athletic director. Holt also coached the basketball team with abundant success, leading the team to two national tournaments for Catholic schools. During this time, Holt also taught history as a part-time instructor at Glenville Normal School and Salem College, but his fascination with athletics persisted. In addition to coaching and occasional officiating, Holt also began writing about sports. Eventually, he began to contribute columns to daily West Virginia newspapers.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eBy the late 1920s, Holt was attracted to the political environment, and he began to contribute to candidates who were friends of and/or who shared the views of his father. In the summer of 1928, Holt went one step further by announcing his candidacy as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates. Despite Lewis County having been predominately Republican, in addition to not having received significant party backing, Holt still obtained a higher-than-expected amount of support, losing his race by only 500 votes. Once again, however, Holt would not admit defeat. In 1930 Holt again announced his candidacy for the West Virginia House of Delegates. During the campaign, he visited locations all around Lewis County, spoke to anyone who would listen, and ensured that the grievances such as those concerning government cost, increased taxes, and the power of privately owned public utilities would all be addressed. As expected with any campaign, Holt received criticism, and those who opposed him likened the young politician to his father who they declared was a radical, a socialist, and an atheist. Despite the scornful claims, Holt, by a margin of 2,150 votes, was elected to his first public office as a Democrat to the West Virginia Legislature where he served from 1931-1935. During his years as a delegate, as promised during his campaign, Holt spoke out against corrupt practices such as government spending, an issue he addressed not even a week into the 1931 session. In addition to debating issues in the House, Holt also wrote to state supported universities, highway commissioners, and auditors in West Virginia and numerous other states to gather financial figures concerning spending, salaries, and taxes among others. Holt also began an investigation in 1931 to uncover rates, operating costs, and profits of privately and publically owned utility companies. All of these endeavors were only the first chapter in Holt's political career.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eBy 1934 he had gained the political support and the backing of union workers which was enough to defeat incumbent United States Senator Henry Hatfield. At age twenty-nine, Holt became the youngest person to win a United States Senate seat; however, there was immediate criticism. No sooner had the votes been tallied before a protest was filed concerning Holt's credentials: the fact that he had run for an office when he had not been of the required age. In addition to discontent within his own state, Holt also received overwhelming opposition in Washington, D.C. from Senate Republicans who threatened to object on the grounds of the constitutional age requirement. Despite the criticism, Holt's election was not overturned; however, he had to wait until he turned thirty, over five months after the Seventy-forth Congress had convened, before he could participate in senatorial proceedings.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eJust as he had been active in the West Virginia Legislature, Holt did not hesitate to address both major and minor issues on Capitol Hill either. During his time in the Senate, Holt served on several committees including Education and Labor, Immigration, Mines and Mining, Naval Affairs, and Post Offices and Post Roads. He also served as a member of the United States delegation to the 1939 Interparliamentary Conference in Oslo, Norway.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAlthough Holt had once been referred to as President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's \"Golden Boy,\" such alliances and the policies that had formed them began to dissolve by 1936. He became estranged from fellow Democrat and West Virginian Senator Matthew Neely, and Holt ended his support for the United Mine Workers of America and the Works Progress Administration, the latter of which he claimed was corrupt. Eventually, Holt criticized the Roosevelt administration for its New Deal policies, he adamantly fought Roosevelt's attempt to alter the Supreme Court by changing the number of sitting justices from nine to twelve, and he spoke out against the proposition of allowing a presidential third term. Furthermore, as unrest began in Europe with Germany's invasion of Poland, Holt campaigned against any attempts by the administration to involve the United States in the War. The responses from constituents about Holt's actions were mixed; nevertheless, the young senator's sudden change led to his unsuccessful renomination attempt in 1940. Holt did not even make it past the primary election.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAfter his Senate term ended, Holt remained in Washington, D.C. and began to support himself as a lecturer and a writer of political issues, particularly neutrality for which he received the support of the America First Committee. It was also during this time that Holt met Helen Louise Froelich, a biology teacher at National Park College near Washington. They were married a year later and moved to West Virginia. The couple had two children: a daughter, Helen Jane Holt (born in 1945) and a son, Rush Dew Holt, Jr. (born in 1948). When Senator Holt's sister, Jane (Holt) Chase, died in 1952, the couple adopted her son, David. After the Holts returned to West Virginia in 1941, Holt stayed involved in politics by accepting speaking engagements. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDuring the remainder of the 1940s, Holt ran several times for state offices with modest success. He was elected to the State House of Delegates in 1942 and was reelected in 1944 by write-in vote and 1946 without opposition. After a failed attempt to win the West Virginia Democratic gubernatorial nomination in 1944 and the nomination for United States Senator in 1948, Holt changed political affiliation. Despite this, his lack of success to achieve positions beyond the House of Delegates continued. In 1950, he won the Republican nomination to represent West Virginia's Third District in the United States House of Representatives but lost in the general election, and in 1952 Holt came very close to winning the race for West Virginia governor as the Republican candidate but lost to William Marland by fewer than 30,000 votes. Success returned in 1954 when Holt was elected to the West Virginia House of Delegates by the voters of Lewis County, but he was unable to finish his term due to illness.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHolt died on February 8, 1955 after a long, tough campaign against cancer.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eChronological List of Events:\u003c/emph\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eJune 19, 1905: born\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1920: graduated from high school\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1920-1922: attended West Virginia University\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1922-1924: attended Salem College, received a BA degree \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1924-1925: taught English and history and served as athletic director at Bedford High School in Virginia\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1925-1928: served as athletic director and basketball coach at St. Patrick's High School (Catholic school) in Weston, West Virginia; taught history as a part-time instructor at Glenville Normal School and Salem College; and contributed sport columns to daily West Virginia newspapers\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1928: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates, lost by 500 votes \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1930: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates, won by 2,150 votes, served from 1931-1935 \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1934: ran as a Democrat for the United States Senate and won despite being only twenty-nine years old\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1939: served as a member of the United States delegation to the Interparliamentary Conference in Oslo, Norway\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1940: ran for renomination to the Senate, failed to win the primary election\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1941: married Helen Louise Froelich\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1942: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates and won, reelected in 1944, 1946, and 1948, served until 1950.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1944: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia gubernatorial nomination but was unsuccessful  \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1945: birth of Helen Jane Holt\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1948: birth of Rush Dew Holt, Jr.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1948: ran as a Democrat for the United States Senate nomination but was unsuccessful \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1948: switched political affiliation to the Republican Party \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1952: ran as the Republican candidate for West Virginia Governor but lost to William Marland by fewer than 30,000 votes\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1954: ran as a Republican for the West Virginia House of Delegates and won\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFebruary 8, 1955: death \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eSources:\u003c/emph\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCoffey, William Ellis. \u003cemph render=\"italic\"\u003eRush Dew Holt: The Boy Senator.\u003c/emph\u003e Dissertation, West Virginia University, 1970. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA\u0026amp;M 0873, Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, West Virginia and Regional History Center, West Virginia University Libraries.  \u003c/p\u003e  "],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical / Historical"],"bioghist_tesim":["Rush Dew Holt was born in Weston, West Virginia, on June 19, 1905 to parents, Dr. Matthew S. Holt and Chihela (Dew) Holt. From an early age, Holt displayed scholarly potential. By age three, he was able to read first-grade primers, and eventually became interested in numerous topics for which he was able to provide detailed statistics. Among these interests was politics, and by age six, Holt had decided he would become a Democrat.","The potential displayed by Holt as a child continued into his school years. At age five, he began public education in the second grade, and he skipped grades on two more occasions. He attended Weston High School, and after graduating with honors at age fourteen, Holt applied to the University of Cincinnati; however, the register rejected the application because Holt, while academically qualified, was considered too young. Not one to admit defeat, a trait that would prove to be a lifelong characteristic, Holt turned to West Virginia University where he was accepted. As the youngest member of the freshman class, Holt found it difficult to obtain full acceptance as a college student, and his academic record reflected his apparent dissatisfaction. After two years at West Virginia University, Holt transferred to Salem College where the enrollment was smaller (approximately 300 students) and where he was able to live with his uncle, Professor Samuel Dew. It was at Salem College that Holt regained his self-confidence. His academic performance improved, and he maintained a B-plus average. In addition to academics, Holt excelled on the debate team. He was the editor-in-chief of the school paper, and he managed the tennis team.","In 1924, Holt received a Bachelor of Arts Degree and qualification to teach at secondary schools. Shortly after his graduation, he was hired to teach at Bedford High School in Virginia where he taught English and history in addition to serving as the school's athletic director. After one academic year, Holt returned to Weston, West Virginia, where he took a position at St. Patrick's High School as the athletic director. Holt also coached the basketball team with abundant success, leading the team to two national tournaments for Catholic schools. During this time, Holt also taught history as a part-time instructor at Glenville Normal School and Salem College, but his fascination with athletics persisted. In addition to coaching and occasional officiating, Holt also began writing about sports. Eventually, he began to contribute columns to daily West Virginia newspapers.","By the late 1920s, Holt was attracted to the political environment, and he began to contribute to candidates who were friends of and/or who shared the views of his father. In the summer of 1928, Holt went one step further by announcing his candidacy as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates. Despite Lewis County having been predominately Republican, in addition to not having received significant party backing, Holt still obtained a higher-than-expected amount of support, losing his race by only 500 votes. Once again, however, Holt would not admit defeat. In 1930 Holt again announced his candidacy for the West Virginia House of Delegates. During the campaign, he visited locations all around Lewis County, spoke to anyone who would listen, and ensured that the grievances such as those concerning government cost, increased taxes, and the power of privately owned public utilities would all be addressed. As expected with any campaign, Holt received criticism, and those who opposed him likened the young politician to his father who they declared was a radical, a socialist, and an atheist. Despite the scornful claims, Holt, by a margin of 2,150 votes, was elected to his first public office as a Democrat to the West Virginia Legislature where he served from 1931-1935. During his years as a delegate, as promised during his campaign, Holt spoke out against corrupt practices such as government spending, an issue he addressed not even a week into the 1931 session. In addition to debating issues in the House, Holt also wrote to state supported universities, highway commissioners, and auditors in West Virginia and numerous other states to gather financial figures concerning spending, salaries, and taxes among others. Holt also began an investigation in 1931 to uncover rates, operating costs, and profits of privately and publically owned utility companies. All of these endeavors were only the first chapter in Holt's political career.","By 1934 he had gained the political support and the backing of union workers which was enough to defeat incumbent United States Senator Henry Hatfield. At age twenty-nine, Holt became the youngest person to win a United States Senate seat; however, there was immediate criticism. No sooner had the votes been tallied before a protest was filed concerning Holt's credentials: the fact that he had run for an office when he had not been of the required age. In addition to discontent within his own state, Holt also received overwhelming opposition in Washington, D.C. from Senate Republicans who threatened to object on the grounds of the constitutional age requirement. Despite the criticism, Holt's election was not overturned; however, he had to wait until he turned thirty, over five months after the Seventy-forth Congress had convened, before he could participate in senatorial proceedings.","Just as he had been active in the West Virginia Legislature, Holt did not hesitate to address both major and minor issues on Capitol Hill either. During his time in the Senate, Holt served on several committees including Education and Labor, Immigration, Mines and Mining, Naval Affairs, and Post Offices and Post Roads. He also served as a member of the United States delegation to the 1939 Interparliamentary Conference in Oslo, Norway.","Although Holt had once been referred to as President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's \"Golden Boy,\" such alliances and the policies that had formed them began to dissolve by 1936. He became estranged from fellow Democrat and West Virginian Senator Matthew Neely, and Holt ended his support for the United Mine Workers of America and the Works Progress Administration, the latter of which he claimed was corrupt. Eventually, Holt criticized the Roosevelt administration for its New Deal policies, he adamantly fought Roosevelt's attempt to alter the Supreme Court by changing the number of sitting justices from nine to twelve, and he spoke out against the proposition of allowing a presidential third term. Furthermore, as unrest began in Europe with Germany's invasion of Poland, Holt campaigned against any attempts by the administration to involve the United States in the War. The responses from constituents about Holt's actions were mixed; nevertheless, the young senator's sudden change led to his unsuccessful renomination attempt in 1940. Holt did not even make it past the primary election.","After his Senate term ended, Holt remained in Washington, D.C. and began to support himself as a lecturer and a writer of political issues, particularly neutrality for which he received the support of the America First Committee. It was also during this time that Holt met Helen Louise Froelich, a biology teacher at National Park College near Washington. They were married a year later and moved to West Virginia. The couple had two children: a daughter, Helen Jane Holt (born in 1945) and a son, Rush Dew Holt, Jr. (born in 1948). When Senator Holt's sister, Jane (Holt) Chase, died in 1952, the couple adopted her son, David. After the Holts returned to West Virginia in 1941, Holt stayed involved in politics by accepting speaking engagements.","During the remainder of the 1940s, Holt ran several times for state offices with modest success. He was elected to the State House of Delegates in 1942 and was reelected in 1944 by write-in vote and 1946 without opposition. After a failed attempt to win the West Virginia Democratic gubernatorial nomination in 1944 and the nomination for United States Senator in 1948, Holt changed political affiliation. Despite this, his lack of success to achieve positions beyond the House of Delegates continued. In 1950, he won the Republican nomination to represent West Virginia's Third District in the United States House of Representatives but lost in the general election, and in 1952 Holt came very close to winning the race for West Virginia governor as the Republican candidate but lost to William Marland by fewer than 30,000 votes. Success returned in 1954 when Holt was elected to the West Virginia House of Delegates by the voters of Lewis County, but he was unable to finish his term due to illness.","Holt died on February 8, 1955 after a long, tough campaign against cancer.","Chronological List of Events:","June 19, 1905: born","1920: graduated from high school","1920-1922: attended West Virginia University","1922-1924: attended Salem College, received a BA degree","1924-1925: taught English and history and served as athletic director at Bedford High School in Virginia","1925-1928: served as athletic director and basketball coach at St. Patrick's High School (Catholic school) in Weston, West Virginia; taught history as a part-time instructor at Glenville Normal School and Salem College; and contributed sport columns to daily West Virginia newspapers","1928: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates, lost by 500 votes","1930: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates, won by 2,150 votes, served from 1931-1935","1934: ran as a Democrat for the United States Senate and won despite being only twenty-nine years old","1939: served as a member of the United States delegation to the Interparliamentary Conference in Oslo, Norway","1940: ran for renomination to the Senate, failed to win the primary election","1941: married Helen Louise Froelich","1942: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates and won, reelected in 1944, 1946, and 1948, served until 1950.","1944: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia gubernatorial nomination but was unsuccessful","1945: birth of Helen Jane Holt","1948: birth of Rush Dew Holt, Jr.","1948: ran as a Democrat for the United States Senate nomination but was unsuccessful","1948: switched political affiliation to the Republican Party","1952: ran as the Republican candidate for West Virginia Governor but lost to William Marland by fewer than 30,000 votes","1954: ran as a Republican for the West Virginia House of Delegates and won","February 8, 1955: death","Sources:","Coffey, William Ellis. Rush Dew Holt: The Boy Senator. Dissertation, West Virginia University, 1970.","A\u0026M 0873, Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, West Virginia and Regional History Center, West Virginia University Libraries."],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e[Description and date of item], [Box/folder number], Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, A\u0026amp;M 0873, West Virginia and Regional History Center, West Virginia University Libraries, Morgantown, West Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"prefercite_tesim":["[Description and date of item], [Box/folder number], Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, A\u0026M 0873, West Virginia and Regional History Center, West Virginia University Libraries, Morgantown, West Virginia."],"relatedmaterial_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e1858, 3001, 3943, 4039, 4218, 4386\u003c/p\u003e  "],"relatedmaterial_heading_ssm":["Related A\u0026M Collections"],"relatedmaterial_tesim":["1858, 3001, 3943, 4039, 4218, 4386"],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003ePapers of Rush Dew Holt, Sr. (1905-1955) relating to his personal and political activities. Types of material include publications, clippings, correspondence, photographs, and ephemera, among others. The collection is divided into six series: Personal and Political Papers (1840-2000 and undated) includes correspondence; invitations and cards; material representing campaign activities; and material from college courses, among other material that represents Rush Holt's personal life and political career; and ephemera collected by Rush Holt. Artifacts (1939-1952 and undated) includes personal and political items collected by Rush Holt. Legislative Records (1920-1955 and undated) includes correspondence, reports, publications, clippings, statistics, transcripts, financial records, and project records, among other miscellaneous material relative to Rush Holt's committee-based and general legislative activity. Constituent Services (1923-1954 and undated) includes mail received by Rush Holt during his time in the West Virginia House of Delegates and the United States Senate from constituents providing political opinions to Holt or requesting government publications and bulletins, copies of speeches, educational material, and Rush Holt's recommendation to the United States Military or Naval Academy. Press and Media Activity (1925-2003 and undated) includes original and photocopied articles from newspapers and similar publications, typescripts of press releases, pen-and-ink drawn political cartoons, transcripts of speeches, and sound recordings, among other material representing Rush Holt's involvement with the press and media. Administrative Files (1937-1940) includes material documenting the daily office activities of Rush Holt and his staff during the former's senatorial term.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe collection is divided into six series as follows:\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eSeries 1. Personal and Political Papers; 1840-2000 and undated (bulk 1918-1955)\u003c/emph\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIncludes material related to Rush Holt's personal, family, and political life. Additional material related to his work in politics can be found in Series 3 through 6. Types of material include correspondence; invitations and cards; material representing campaign activities; material from college courses; bills for recordings, radio station receipts, and election expenditures; typescripts, newsletters, manuscripts, and photocopies of material written by Rush Holt; publications to which Rush Holt subscribed and collected; photographs that represent Rush Holt's personal life and political career; ephemera collected by Rush Holt; and election results collected by Rush Holt.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eSeries 2. Artifacts; 1939-1952 and undated\u003c/emph\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIncludes personal and political items collected by Rush Holt.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eSeries 3. Legislative Records; 1920-1955 and undated\u003c/emph\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIncludes correspondence, reports, publications, clippings, statistics, transcripts, financial records, and project records, among other miscellaneous material relative to Rush Holt's committee-based and general legislative activity.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eSeries 4. Constituent Services; 1923-1954 and undated\u003c/emph\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIncludes mail received by Rush Holt during his time in the West Virginia House of Delegates and the United States Senate from constituents requesting government publications and bulletins, copies of speeches, educational material, and Rush Holt's recommendation to the United States Military or Naval Academy. In some cases, this series also includes typescript responses, many of which are generic.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eSeries 5. Press and Media Activity; 1925-2003 and undated (bulk 1925-1955)\u003c/emph\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIncludes original and photocopied articles from newspapers and similar publications, typescripts of press releases, pen-and-ink drawn political cartoons, transcripts of speeches, and sound recordings, among other material representing Rush Holt's involvement with the press and media.    \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eSeries 6. Administrative Files; 1937-1940\u003c/emph\u003e \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIncludes material documenting the daily office activities of Rush Holt and his staff during the former's senatorial term.   \u003c/p\u003e  "],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["Papers of Rush Dew Holt, Sr. (1905-1955) relating to his personal and political activities. Types of material include publications, clippings, correspondence, photographs, and ephemera, among others. The collection is divided into six series: Personal and Political Papers (1840-2000 and undated) includes correspondence; invitations and cards; material representing campaign activities; and material from college courses, among other material that represents Rush Holt's personal life and political career; and ephemera collected by Rush Holt. Artifacts (1939-1952 and undated) includes personal and political items collected by Rush Holt. Legislative Records (1920-1955 and undated) includes correspondence, reports, publications, clippings, statistics, transcripts, financial records, and project records, among other miscellaneous material relative to Rush Holt's committee-based and general legislative activity. Constituent Services (1923-1954 and undated) includes mail received by Rush Holt during his time in the West Virginia House of Delegates and the United States Senate from constituents providing political opinions to Holt or requesting government publications and bulletins, copies of speeches, educational material, and Rush Holt's recommendation to the United States Military or Naval Academy. Press and Media Activity (1925-2003 and undated) includes original and photocopied articles from newspapers and similar publications, typescripts of press releases, pen-and-ink drawn political cartoons, transcripts of speeches, and sound recordings, among other material representing Rush Holt's involvement with the press and media. Administrative Files (1937-1940) includes material documenting the daily office activities of Rush Holt and his staff during the former's senatorial term.","The collection is divided into six series as follows:","Series 1. Personal and Political Papers; 1840-2000 and undated (bulk 1918-1955)","Includes material related to Rush Holt's personal, family, and political life. Additional material related to his work in politics can be found in Series 3 through 6. Types of material include correspondence; invitations and cards; material representing campaign activities; material from college courses; bills for recordings, radio station receipts, and election expenditures; typescripts, newsletters, manuscripts, and photocopies of material written by Rush Holt; publications to which Rush Holt subscribed and collected; photographs that represent Rush Holt's personal life and political career; ephemera collected by Rush Holt; and election results collected by Rush Holt.","Series 2. Artifacts; 1939-1952 and undated","Includes personal and political items collected by Rush Holt.","Series 3. Legislative Records; 1920-1955 and undated","Includes correspondence, reports, publications, clippings, statistics, transcripts, financial records, and project records, among other miscellaneous material relative to Rush Holt's committee-based and general legislative activity.","Series 4. Constituent Services; 1923-1954 and undated","Includes mail received by Rush Holt during his time in the West Virginia House of Delegates and the United States Senate from constituents requesting government publications and bulletins, copies of speeches, educational material, and Rush Holt's recommendation to the United States Military or Naval Academy. In some cases, this series also includes typescript responses, many of which are generic.","Series 5. Press and Media Activity; 1925-2003 and undated (bulk 1925-1955)","Includes original and photocopied articles from newspapers and similar publications, typescripts of press releases, pen-and-ink drawn political cartoons, transcripts of speeches, and sound recordings, among other material representing Rush Holt's involvement with the press and media.","Series 6. Administrative Files; 1937-1940","Includes material documenting the daily office activities of Rush Holt and his staff during the former's senatorial term."],"separatedmaterial_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eEphemeral items not specific to Rush Dew Holt were moved to the Printed Ephemera Collection. Several local basketball scorecards were moved to A\u0026amp;M 4216, the Annual West Virginia State High School Basketball Tournament Programs collection.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e17 reels of undated sound recordings, chiefly relating to the political career of Rush Dew Holt, were separated to the oral history collection, C432 R699-R715 (17 tapes). These tapes include some personal material as well.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"separatedmaterial_heading_ssm":["Separated Materials"],"separatedmaterial_tesim":["Ephemeral items not specific to Rush Dew Holt were moved to the Printed Ephemera Collection. Several local basketball scorecards were moved to A\u0026M 4216, the Annual West Virginia State High School Basketball Tournament Programs collection.","17 reels of undated sound recordings, chiefly relating to the political career of Rush Dew Holt, were separated to the oral history collection, C432 R699-R715 (17 tapes). These tapes include some personal material as well."],"userestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003ePermission to publish or reproduce is required from the copyright holder. For more information, please see the \u003ca href=\"https://wvrhc.lib.wvu.edu/visit/permissions-and-copyright\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ePermissions and Copyright page\u003c/a\u003e on the West Virginia and Regional History Center website.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"userestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Use"],"userestrict_tesim":["Permission to publish or reproduce is required from the copyright holder. For more information, please see the Permissions and Copyright page on the West Virginia and Regional History Center website."],"abstract_html_tesm":["\u003cabstract id=\"aspace_7f7aca18f594cb9e240c48f7fdefc04e\"\u003ePapers of Rush Dew Holt, Sr. (1905-1955) relating to his personal and political activities. Types of material include publications, clippings, correspondence, photographs, and ephemera, among others. The collection is divided into six series: Personal and Political Papers (1840-2000 and undated), Artifacts (1939-1952 and undated), Legislative Records (1920-1955 and undated), Constituent Services (1923-1954 and undated), Press and Media Activity (1925-2003 and undated), and Administrative Files (1937-1940).\u003c/abstract\u003e\n    "],"abstract_tesim":["Papers of Rush Dew Holt, Sr. (1905-1955) relating to his personal and political activities. Types of material include publications, clippings, correspondence, photographs, and ephemera, among others. The collection is divided into six series: Personal and Political Papers (1840-2000 and undated), Artifacts (1939-1952 and undated), Legislative Records (1920-1955 and undated), Constituent Services (1923-1954 and undated), Press and Media Activity (1925-2003 and undated), and Administrative Files (1937-1940)."],"physloc_html_tesm":["\u003cphysloc id=\"aspace_c13cef4864374dc7a447894b02986413\"\u003eWest Virginia and Regional History Center / West Virginia University / 1549 University Avenue / P.O. Box 6069 / Morgantown, WV 26506-6069 / Phone: 304-293-3536  / URL: \u003ca href=\"https://wvrhc.lib.wvu.edu/\"\u003eWest Virginia \u0026amp; Regional History Center\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/physloc\u003e\n    "],"physloc_tesim":["West Virginia and Regional History Center / West Virginia University / 1549 University Avenue / P.O. Box 6069 / Morgantown, WV 26506-6069 / Phone: 304-293-3536  / URL: West Virginia \u0026 Regional History Center"],"corpname_ssim":["West Virginia and Regional History Center","America First Committee","American Federation of Labor","Congress of Industrial Organizations (U.S.)","United States. National Bituminous Coal Commission","United States. National Labor Relations Board","Progressive Mine Workers of America","United Mine Workers of America","United States. National Recovery Administration","United States. Supreme Court","United States. Congress. Senate","West Virginia. Legislature","United States. Works Progress Administration","Democratic Party (U.S.)","Weston State Hospital"],"names_coll_ssim":["America First Committee","American Federation of Labor","Congress of Industrial Organizations (U.S.)","United States. National Bituminous Coal Commission","United States. National Labor Relations Board","Progressive Mine Workers of America","United Mine Workers of America","United States. National Recovery Administration","United States. Supreme Court","United States. Congress. Senate","West Virginia. Legislature","United States. Works Progress Administration","Democratic Party (U.S.)","Weston State Hospital","Bittner, Van A. (Van Amberg), 1885-1949","Black, Hugo LaFayette, 1886-1971","Coughlin, Charles E.","Edmiston, Andrew.","Farley, James A. (James Aloysius), 1888-1976","Green, William.","Holt, Helen Louise Froelich, 1913-2015","Holt, Mathew S., 1850-1939","Holt, Rush Dew, 1905-1955","Hopkins, Harry L. (Harry Lloyd), 1890-1946","Ickes, Harold L. (Harold LeClair), 1874-1952","Kump, Herman Guy, 1877-1962","La Follette, Robert M. (Robert Marion), 1855-1925","Neely, Matthew Mansfield, 1874-1958","Lewis, John L. (John Llewellyn), 1880-1969","Long, Huey Pierce, 1893-1935"],"persname_ssim":["Holt, Rush Dew, 1905-1955","Bittner, Van A. (Van Amberg), 1885-1949","Black, Hugo LaFayette, 1886-1971","Coughlin, Charles E.","Edmiston, Andrew.","Farley, James A. (James Aloysius), 1888-1976","Green, William.","Holt, Helen Louise Froelich, 1913-2015","Holt, Mathew S., 1850-1939","Hopkins, Harry L. (Harry Lloyd), 1890-1946","Ickes, Harold L. (Harold LeClair), 1874-1952","Kump, Herman Guy, 1877-1962","La Follette, Robert M. (Robert Marion), 1855-1925","Neely, Matthew Mansfield, 1874-1958","Lewis, John L. (John Llewellyn), 1880-1969","Long, Huey Pierce, 1893-1935"],"names_ssim":["West Virginia and Regional History Center","America First Committee","American Federation of Labor","Congress of Industrial Organizations (U.S.)","United States. National Bituminous Coal Commission","United States. National Labor Relations Board","Progressive Mine Workers of America","United Mine Workers of America","United States. National Recovery Administration","United States. Supreme Court","United States. Congress. Senate","West Virginia. Legislature","United States. Works Progress Administration","Democratic Party (U.S.)","Weston State Hospital","Holt, Rush Dew, 1905-1955","Bittner, Van A. (Van Amberg), 1885-1949","Black, Hugo LaFayette, 1886-1971","Coughlin, Charles E.","Edmiston, Andrew.","Farley, James A. (James Aloysius), 1888-1976","Green, William.","Holt, Helen Louise Froelich, 1913-2015","Holt, Mathew S., 1850-1939","Hopkins, Harry L. (Harry Lloyd), 1890-1946","Ickes, Harold L. (Harold LeClair), 1874-1952","Kump, Herman Guy, 1877-1962","La Follette, Robert M. (Robert Marion), 1855-1925","Neely, Matthew Mansfield, 1874-1958","Lewis, John L. (John Llewellyn), 1880-1969","Long, Huey Pierce, 1893-1935"],"language_ssim":["English"],"descrules_ssm":["Describing Archives: A Content Standard"],"total_component_count_is":938,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-09-01T16:09:24.514Z"}]}},"label":"Breadcrumbs"}}},"links":{"self":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687_c04_c01"}},{"id":"wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687_c04_c03","type":"Sub-Series","attributes":{"title":"Constituent Services--Requests, 1934/1941","abstract_or_scope":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687_c04_c03#abstract_or_scope","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"\u003cp\u003eIncludes constituent letters asking for government publications and bulletins, copies of speeches, and educational material. The material is generally separated by date and state or correspondent.\u003c/p\u003e","label":"Abstract Or Scope"}},"breadcrumbs":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687_c04_c03#breadcrumbs","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":{"ref_ssi":"wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687_c04_c03","ref_ssm":["wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687_c04_c03"],"id":"wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687_c04_c03","ead_ssi":"wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687","_root_":"wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687","_nest_parent_":"wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687_c04","parent_ssi":"wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687_c04","parent_ssim":["Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, 1840/2003, bulk 1918/1955","Series 4. Constituent Services, 1923/1954"],"parent_ids_ssim":["wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687","wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687_c04"],"title_filing_ssi":"Constituent Services--Requests","title_ssm":["Constituent Services--Requests"],"title_tesim":["Constituent Services--Requests"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Constituent Services--Requests, 1934/1941"],"text":["Constituent Services--Requests, 1934/1941","Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, 1840/2003, bulk 1918/1955","Series 4. Constituent Services, 1923/1954","Includes constituent letters asking for government publications and bulletins, copies of speeches, and educational material. The material is generally separated by date and state or correspondent.","Requests for government publications and bulletins include a mixture of educational and personal use requests for publications such as the Agricultural Yearbook and the Farmer's Bulletin. Also included are requests for publications about political topics (e.g. a presidential third term).","Requests for speeches include letters from constituents reflecting their opinions about Rush Holt's speeches in addition to asking for copies. Topics of speeches requested include World War II (particularly the \"Youth Faces War\" and \"Keep America Neutral\" speeches), the Works Progress Administration, the Supreme Court issue, the Conscription bill, and the Burke-Wardsworth bill, among others.","Requests for educational material are primarily from teachers and students asking Rush Holt for material to support curriculum activities. Subjects represented include vocational school topics and issues, West Virginia and United States geography, and United States commerce, among others."],"parent_unittitles_ssm":["Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, 1840/2003, bulk 1918/1955","Series 4. Constituent Services, 1923/1954"],"parent_unittitles_tesim":["Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, 1840/2003, bulk 1918/1955","Series 4. Constituent Services, 1923/1954"],"normalized_date_ssm":["1934/1941"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1934–1941"],"level_ssm":["Sub-Series"],"level_ssim":["Sub-series"],"component_level_isim":[2],"sort_isi":793,"repository_ssim":["West Virginia and Regional History Center"],"collection_ssim":["Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, 1840/2003, bulk 1918/1955"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"child_component_count_isi":51,"parent_access_restrict_tesm":["No special access restriction applies."],"parent_access_terms_tesm":["Permission to publish or reproduce is required from the copyright holder. For more information, please see the Permissions and Copyright page on the West Virginia and Regional History Center website."],"date_range_isim":[1934,1935,1936,1937,1938,1939,1940,1941],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eIncludes constituent letters asking for government publications and bulletins, copies of speeches, and educational material. The material is generally separated by date and state or correspondent.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e Requests for government publications and bulletins include a mixture of educational and personal use requests for publications such as the \u003cemph renderrender=\"italic\"\u003eAgricultural Yearbook\u003c/emph\u003e and the \u003cemph renderrender=\"italic\"\u003eFarmer's Bulletin\u003c/emph\u003e. Also included are requests for publications about political topics (e.g. a presidential third term).\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e Requests for speeches include letters from constituents reflecting their opinions about Rush Holt's speeches in addition to asking for copies. Topics of speeches requested include World War II (particularly the \"Youth Faces War\" and \"Keep America Neutral\" speeches), the Works Progress Administration, the Supreme Court issue, the Conscription bill, and the Burke-Wardsworth bill, among others. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e Requests for educational material are primarily from teachers and students asking Rush Holt for material to support curriculum activities. Subjects represented include vocational school topics and issues, West Virginia and United States geography, and United States commerce, among others.\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["Includes constituent letters asking for government publications and bulletins, copies of speeches, and educational material. The material is generally separated by date and state or correspondent.","Requests for government publications and bulletins include a mixture of educational and personal use requests for publications such as the Agricultural Yearbook and the Farmer's Bulletin. Also included are requests for publications about political topics (e.g. a presidential third term).","Requests for speeches include letters from constituents reflecting their opinions about Rush Holt's speeches in addition to asking for copies. Topics of speeches requested include World War II (particularly the \"Youth Faces War\" and \"Keep America Neutral\" speeches), the Works Progress Administration, the Supreme Court issue, the Conscription bill, and the Burke-Wardsworth bill, among others.","Requests for educational material are primarily from teachers and students asking Rush Holt for material to support curriculum activities. Subjects represented include vocational school topics and issues, West Virginia and United States geography, and United States commerce, among others."],"_nest_path_":"/components#3/components#2","timestamp":"2026-09-01T16:09:24.514Z","collection":{"numFound":1,"start":0,"numFoundExact":true,"docs":[{"id":"wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687","ead_ssi":"wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687","_root_":"wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687","_nest_parent_":"wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/WVU/repositories_2_resources_3687.xml","aspace_url_ssi":"https://archives.lib.wvu.edu/ark:/99999/208740","title_ssm":["Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers"],"title_tesim":["Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers"],"unitdate_ssm":["1840-2003","1918-1955"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1840-2003"],"unitdate_bulk_ssim":["1918-1955"],"normalized_date_ssm":["1840/2003, bulk 1918/1955"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, 1840/2003, bulk 1918/1955"],"text":["Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, 1840/2003, bulk 1918/1955","A\u0026M 0873","Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","/repositories/2/resources/3687","Lewis County.","West Virginia -- Politics and government","United States -- Politics and government","Coal mining - Labor organization.","Education","Elections","Guffey Coal Act.","New Deal, 1933-1939","Politics and government.","Public utilities","Taxation","Unions.","United States - Social Security.","Social Security -- United States","Wheeler-Rayburn Holding Company Act","Isolationism -- United States -- History -- 20th Century","World War, 1939-1945","Politicians -- United States","No special access restriction applies.","This collection is one of five (see also A\u0026M 1858, 4218, 4039, and 3943) pertaining to Rush Dew Holt, Sr. and his family. The records have been gathered via multiple accruals from 1956 to 2016. Originally, these collections were divided between A\u0026M 873 and A\u0026M 1701, the latter also being composed of thirteen addenda and A\u0026M 1858.","In an attempt to organize the collections in a more coherent fashion for patron use and to reflect the creator(s) in a more concise manner, the material was reevaluated and reorganized into the three sets of papers with distinct series and subseries: A\u0026M 873: Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers; A\u0026M 1858: Helen Holt (1913-2015) Papers; and A\u0026M 4218: Rush Dew Holt Family Papers.","Because of the 2016-2017 reorganization, the physical arrangement no longer matches the intellectual arrangement and series order. Furthermore, any box and folder citations created prior to the above-mentioned project are likely no longer accurate.","For assistance locating material using an older citation, please ask a staff member of the West Virginia \u0026 Regional History Center.","Rush Dew Holt was born in Weston, West Virginia, on June 19, 1905 to parents, Dr. Matthew S. Holt and Chihela (Dew) Holt. From an early age, Holt displayed scholarly potential. By age three, he was able to read first-grade primers, and eventually became interested in numerous topics for which he was able to provide detailed statistics. Among these interests was politics, and by age six, Holt had decided he would become a Democrat.","The potential displayed by Holt as a child continued into his school years. At age five, he began public education in the second grade, and he skipped grades on two more occasions. He attended Weston High School, and after graduating with honors at age fourteen, Holt applied to the University of Cincinnati; however, the register rejected the application because Holt, while academically qualified, was considered too young. Not one to admit defeat, a trait that would prove to be a lifelong characteristic, Holt turned to West Virginia University where he was accepted. As the youngest member of the freshman class, Holt found it difficult to obtain full acceptance as a college student, and his academic record reflected his apparent dissatisfaction. After two years at West Virginia University, Holt transferred to Salem College where the enrollment was smaller (approximately 300 students) and where he was able to live with his uncle, Professor Samuel Dew. It was at Salem College that Holt regained his self-confidence. His academic performance improved, and he maintained a B-plus average. In addition to academics, Holt excelled on the debate team. He was the editor-in-chief of the school paper, and he managed the tennis team.","In 1924, Holt received a Bachelor of Arts Degree and qualification to teach at secondary schools. Shortly after his graduation, he was hired to teach at Bedford High School in Virginia where he taught English and history in addition to serving as the school's athletic director. After one academic year, Holt returned to Weston, West Virginia, where he took a position at St. Patrick's High School as the athletic director. Holt also coached the basketball team with abundant success, leading the team to two national tournaments for Catholic schools. During this time, Holt also taught history as a part-time instructor at Glenville Normal School and Salem College, but his fascination with athletics persisted. In addition to coaching and occasional officiating, Holt also began writing about sports. Eventually, he began to contribute columns to daily West Virginia newspapers.","By the late 1920s, Holt was attracted to the political environment, and he began to contribute to candidates who were friends of and/or who shared the views of his father. In the summer of 1928, Holt went one step further by announcing his candidacy as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates. Despite Lewis County having been predominately Republican, in addition to not having received significant party backing, Holt still obtained a higher-than-expected amount of support, losing his race by only 500 votes. Once again, however, Holt would not admit defeat. In 1930 Holt again announced his candidacy for the West Virginia House of Delegates. During the campaign, he visited locations all around Lewis County, spoke to anyone who would listen, and ensured that the grievances such as those concerning government cost, increased taxes, and the power of privately owned public utilities would all be addressed. As expected with any campaign, Holt received criticism, and those who opposed him likened the young politician to his father who they declared was a radical, a socialist, and an atheist. Despite the scornful claims, Holt, by a margin of 2,150 votes, was elected to his first public office as a Democrat to the West Virginia Legislature where he served from 1931-1935. During his years as a delegate, as promised during his campaign, Holt spoke out against corrupt practices such as government spending, an issue he addressed not even a week into the 1931 session. In addition to debating issues in the House, Holt also wrote to state supported universities, highway commissioners, and auditors in West Virginia and numerous other states to gather financial figures concerning spending, salaries, and taxes among others. Holt also began an investigation in 1931 to uncover rates, operating costs, and profits of privately and publically owned utility companies. All of these endeavors were only the first chapter in Holt's political career.","By 1934 he had gained the political support and the backing of union workers which was enough to defeat incumbent United States Senator Henry Hatfield. At age twenty-nine, Holt became the youngest person to win a United States Senate seat; however, there was immediate criticism. No sooner had the votes been tallied before a protest was filed concerning Holt's credentials: the fact that he had run for an office when he had not been of the required age. In addition to discontent within his own state, Holt also received overwhelming opposition in Washington, D.C. from Senate Republicans who threatened to object on the grounds of the constitutional age requirement. Despite the criticism, Holt's election was not overturned; however, he had to wait until he turned thirty, over five months after the Seventy-forth Congress had convened, before he could participate in senatorial proceedings.","Just as he had been active in the West Virginia Legislature, Holt did not hesitate to address both major and minor issues on Capitol Hill either. During his time in the Senate, Holt served on several committees including Education and Labor, Immigration, Mines and Mining, Naval Affairs, and Post Offices and Post Roads. He also served as a member of the United States delegation to the 1939 Interparliamentary Conference in Oslo, Norway.","Although Holt had once been referred to as President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's \"Golden Boy,\" such alliances and the policies that had formed them began to dissolve by 1936. He became estranged from fellow Democrat and West Virginian Senator Matthew Neely, and Holt ended his support for the United Mine Workers of America and the Works Progress Administration, the latter of which he claimed was corrupt. Eventually, Holt criticized the Roosevelt administration for its New Deal policies, he adamantly fought Roosevelt's attempt to alter the Supreme Court by changing the number of sitting justices from nine to twelve, and he spoke out against the proposition of allowing a presidential third term. Furthermore, as unrest began in Europe with Germany's invasion of Poland, Holt campaigned against any attempts by the administration to involve the United States in the War. The responses from constituents about Holt's actions were mixed; nevertheless, the young senator's sudden change led to his unsuccessful renomination attempt in 1940. Holt did not even make it past the primary election.","After his Senate term ended, Holt remained in Washington, D.C. and began to support himself as a lecturer and a writer of political issues, particularly neutrality for which he received the support of the America First Committee. It was also during this time that Holt met Helen Louise Froelich, a biology teacher at National Park College near Washington. They were married a year later and moved to West Virginia. The couple had two children: a daughter, Helen Jane Holt (born in 1945) and a son, Rush Dew Holt, Jr. (born in 1948). When Senator Holt's sister, Jane (Holt) Chase, died in 1952, the couple adopted her son, David. After the Holts returned to West Virginia in 1941, Holt stayed involved in politics by accepting speaking engagements.","During the remainder of the 1940s, Holt ran several times for state offices with modest success. He was elected to the State House of Delegates in 1942 and was reelected in 1944 by write-in vote and 1946 without opposition. After a failed attempt to win the West Virginia Democratic gubernatorial nomination in 1944 and the nomination for United States Senator in 1948, Holt changed political affiliation. Despite this, his lack of success to achieve positions beyond the House of Delegates continued. In 1950, he won the Republican nomination to represent West Virginia's Third District in the United States House of Representatives but lost in the general election, and in 1952 Holt came very close to winning the race for West Virginia governor as the Republican candidate but lost to William Marland by fewer than 30,000 votes. Success returned in 1954 when Holt was elected to the West Virginia House of Delegates by the voters of Lewis County, but he was unable to finish his term due to illness.","Holt died on February 8, 1955 after a long, tough campaign against cancer.","Chronological List of Events:","June 19, 1905: born","1920: graduated from high school","1920-1922: attended West Virginia University","1922-1924: attended Salem College, received a BA degree","1924-1925: taught English and history and served as athletic director at Bedford High School in Virginia","1925-1928: served as athletic director and basketball coach at St. Patrick's High School (Catholic school) in Weston, West Virginia; taught history as a part-time instructor at Glenville Normal School and Salem College; and contributed sport columns to daily West Virginia newspapers","1928: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates, lost by 500 votes","1930: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates, won by 2,150 votes, served from 1931-1935","1934: ran as a Democrat for the United States Senate and won despite being only twenty-nine years old","1939: served as a member of the United States delegation to the Interparliamentary Conference in Oslo, Norway","1940: ran for renomination to the Senate, failed to win the primary election","1941: married Helen Louise Froelich","1942: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates and won, reelected in 1944, 1946, and 1948, served until 1950.","1944: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia gubernatorial nomination but was unsuccessful","1945: birth of Helen Jane Holt","1948: birth of Rush Dew Holt, Jr.","1948: ran as a Democrat for the United States Senate nomination but was unsuccessful","1948: switched political affiliation to the Republican Party","1952: ran as the Republican candidate for West Virginia Governor but lost to William Marland by fewer than 30,000 votes","1954: ran as a Republican for the West Virginia House of Delegates and won","February 8, 1955: death","Sources:","Coffey, William Ellis. Rush Dew Holt: The Boy Senator. Dissertation, West Virginia University, 1970.","A\u0026M 0873, Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, West Virginia and Regional History Center, West Virginia University Libraries.","1858, 3001, 3943, 4039, 4218, 4386","Papers of Rush Dew Holt, Sr. (1905-1955) relating to his personal and political activities. Types of material include publications, clippings, correspondence, photographs, and ephemera, among others. The collection is divided into six series: Personal and Political Papers (1840-2000 and undated) includes correspondence; invitations and cards; material representing campaign activities; and material from college courses, among other material that represents Rush Holt's personal life and political career; and ephemera collected by Rush Holt. Artifacts (1939-1952 and undated) includes personal and political items collected by Rush Holt. Legislative Records (1920-1955 and undated) includes correspondence, reports, publications, clippings, statistics, transcripts, financial records, and project records, among other miscellaneous material relative to Rush Holt's committee-based and general legislative activity. Constituent Services (1923-1954 and undated) includes mail received by Rush Holt during his time in the West Virginia House of Delegates and the United States Senate from constituents providing political opinions to Holt or requesting government publications and bulletins, copies of speeches, educational material, and Rush Holt's recommendation to the United States Military or Naval Academy. Press and Media Activity (1925-2003 and undated) includes original and photocopied articles from newspapers and similar publications, typescripts of press releases, pen-and-ink drawn political cartoons, transcripts of speeches, and sound recordings, among other material representing Rush Holt's involvement with the press and media. Administrative Files (1937-1940) includes material documenting the daily office activities of Rush Holt and his staff during the former's senatorial term.","The collection is divided into six series as follows:","Series 1. Personal and Political Papers; 1840-2000 and undated (bulk 1918-1955)","Includes material related to Rush Holt's personal, family, and political life. Additional material related to his work in politics can be found in Series 3 through 6. Types of material include correspondence; invitations and cards; material representing campaign activities; material from college courses; bills for recordings, radio station receipts, and election expenditures; typescripts, newsletters, manuscripts, and photocopies of material written by Rush Holt; publications to which Rush Holt subscribed and collected; photographs that represent Rush Holt's personal life and political career; ephemera collected by Rush Holt; and election results collected by Rush Holt.","Series 2. Artifacts; 1939-1952 and undated","Includes personal and political items collected by Rush Holt.","Series 3. Legislative Records; 1920-1955 and undated","Includes correspondence, reports, publications, clippings, statistics, transcripts, financial records, and project records, among other miscellaneous material relative to Rush Holt's committee-based and general legislative activity.","Series 4. Constituent Services; 1923-1954 and undated","Includes mail received by Rush Holt during his time in the West Virginia House of Delegates and the United States Senate from constituents requesting government publications and bulletins, copies of speeches, educational material, and Rush Holt's recommendation to the United States Military or Naval Academy. In some cases, this series also includes typescript responses, many of which are generic.","Series 5. Press and Media Activity; 1925-2003 and undated (bulk 1925-1955)","Includes original and photocopied articles from newspapers and similar publications, typescripts of press releases, pen-and-ink drawn political cartoons, transcripts of speeches, and sound recordings, among other material representing Rush Holt's involvement with the press and media.","Series 6. Administrative Files; 1937-1940","Includes material documenting the daily office activities of Rush Holt and his staff during the former's senatorial term.","Ephemeral items not specific to Rush Dew Holt were moved to the Printed Ephemera Collection. Several local basketball scorecards were moved to A\u0026M 4216, the Annual West Virginia State High School Basketball Tournament Programs collection.","17 reels of undated sound recordings, chiefly relating to the political career of Rush Dew Holt, were separated to the oral history collection, C432 R699-R715 (17 tapes). These tapes include some personal material as well.","Permission to publish or reproduce is required from the copyright holder. For more information, please see the Permissions and Copyright page on the West Virginia and Regional History Center website.","Papers of Rush Dew Holt, Sr. (1905-1955) relating to his personal and political activities. Types of material include publications, clippings, correspondence, photographs, and ephemera, among others. The collection is divided into six series: Personal and Political Papers (1840-2000 and undated), Artifacts (1939-1952 and undated), Legislative Records (1920-1955 and undated), Constituent Services (1923-1954 and undated), Press and Media Activity (1925-2003 and undated), and Administrative Files (1937-1940).","West Virginia and Regional History Center / West Virginia University / 1549 University Avenue / P.O. Box 6069 / Morgantown, WV 26506-6069 / Phone: 304-293-3536  / URL: West Virginia \u0026 Regional History Center","West Virginia and Regional History Center","America First Committee","American Federation of Labor","Congress of Industrial Organizations (U.S.)","United States. National Bituminous Coal Commission","United States. National Labor Relations Board","Progressive Mine Workers of America","United Mine Workers of America","United States. National Recovery Administration","United States. Supreme Court","United States. Congress. Senate","West Virginia. Legislature","United States. Works Progress Administration","Democratic Party (U.S.)","Weston State Hospital","Holt, Rush Dew, 1905-1955","Bittner, Van A. (Van Amberg), 1885-1949","Black, Hugo LaFayette, 1886-1971","Coughlin, Charles E.","Edmiston, Andrew.","Farley, James A. (James Aloysius), 1888-1976","Green, William.","Holt, Helen Louise Froelich, 1913-2015","Holt, Mathew S., 1850-1939","Hopkins, Harry L. (Harry Lloyd), 1890-1946","Ickes, Harold L. (Harold LeClair), 1874-1952","Kump, Herman Guy, 1877-1962","La Follette, Robert M. (Robert Marion), 1855-1925","Neely, Matthew Mansfield, 1874-1958","Lewis, John L. (John Llewellyn), 1880-1969","Long, Huey Pierce, 1893-1935","English"],"collection_title_tesim":["Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, 1840/2003, bulk 1918/1955"],"collection_ssim":["Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, 1840/2003, bulk 1918/1955"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["A\u0026M 0873","Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","/repositories/2/resources/3687"],"unitid_tesim":["A\u0026M 0873","Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","/repositories/2/resources/3687"],"repository_ssm":["West Virginia and Regional History Center"],"repository_ssim":["West Virginia and Regional History Center"],"geogname_ssm":["Lewis County.","West Virginia -- Politics and government","United States -- Politics and government"],"geogname_ssim":["Lewis County.","West Virginia -- Politics and government","United States -- Politics and government"],"places_ssim":["Lewis County.","West Virginia -- Politics and government","United States -- Politics and government"],"creator_ssm":["Holt, Rush Dew, 1905-1955"],"creator_ssim":["Holt, Rush Dew, 1905-1955"],"creator_persname_ssim":["Holt, Rush Dew, 1905-1955","Bittner, Van A. (Van Amberg), 1885-1949","Black, Hugo LaFayette, 1886-1971","Coughlin, Charles E.","Edmiston, Andrew.","Farley, James A. (James Aloysius), 1888-1976","Green, William.","Holt, Helen Louise Froelich, 1913-2015","Holt, Mathew S., 1850-1939","Hopkins, Harry L. (Harry Lloyd), 1890-1946","Ickes, Harold L. (Harold LeClair), 1874-1952","Kump, Herman Guy, 1877-1962","La Follette, Robert M. (Robert Marion), 1855-1925","Neely, Matthew Mansfield, 1874-1958","Lewis, John L. (John Llewellyn), 1880-1969","Long, Huey Pierce, 1893-1935"],"creator_corpname_ssim":["West Virginia and Regional History Center","America First Committee","American Federation of Labor","Congress of Industrial Organizations (U.S.)","United States. National Bituminous Coal Commission","United States. National Labor Relations Board","Progressive Mine Workers of America","United Mine Workers of America","United States. National Recovery Administration","United States. Supreme Court","United States. Congress. Senate","West Virginia. Legislature","United States. Works Progress Administration","Democratic Party (U.S.)","Weston State Hospital"],"creators_ssim":["Holt, Rush Dew, 1905-1955","Bittner, Van A. (Van Amberg), 1885-1949","Black, Hugo LaFayette, 1886-1971","Coughlin, Charles E.","Edmiston, Andrew.","Farley, James A. (James Aloysius), 1888-1976","Green, William.","Holt, Helen Louise Froelich, 1913-2015","Holt, Mathew S., 1850-1939","Hopkins, Harry L. (Harry Lloyd), 1890-1946","Ickes, Harold L. (Harold LeClair), 1874-1952","Kump, Herman Guy, 1877-1962","La Follette, Robert M. (Robert Marion), 1855-1925","Neely, Matthew Mansfield, 1874-1958","Lewis, John L. (John Llewellyn), 1880-1969","Long, Huey Pierce, 1893-1935","West Virginia and Regional History Center","America First Committee","American Federation of Labor","Congress of Industrial Organizations (U.S.)","United States. National Bituminous Coal Commission","United States. National Labor Relations Board","Progressive Mine Workers of America","United Mine Workers of America","United States. National Recovery Administration","United States. Supreme Court","United States. Congress. Senate","West Virginia. Legislature","United States. Works Progress Administration","Democratic Party (U.S.)","Weston State Hospital"],"access_terms_ssm":["Permission to publish or reproduce is required from the copyright holder. For more information, please see the Permissions and Copyright page on the West Virginia and Regional History Center website."],"acqinfo_ssim":["Gifts of Holt, Helen F., 1956-2016."],"access_subjects_ssim":["Coal mining - Labor organization.","Education","Elections","Guffey Coal Act.","New Deal, 1933-1939","Politics and government.","Public utilities","Taxation","Unions.","United States - Social Security.","Social Security -- United States","Wheeler-Rayburn Holding Company Act","Isolationism -- United States -- History -- 20th Century","World War, 1939-1945","Politicians -- United States"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Coal mining - Labor organization.","Education","Elections","Guffey Coal Act.","New Deal, 1933-1939","Politics and government.","Public utilities","Taxation","Unions.","United States - Social Security.","Social Security -- United States","Wheeler-Rayburn Holding Company Act","Isolationism -- United States -- History -- 20th Century","World War, 1939-1945","Politicians -- United States"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"extent_ssm":["156.21 Linear Feet 156 ft. 2 1/2 in. (360 document cases, 5 in. each); (1 document case, 4 in.); (14 document cases, 2 1/2 in.); (1 flat storage box, 5 in.); (1 flat storage box, 3 1/2 in.); (2 flat storage boxes, 3 in. each); (3 flat storage boxes, 2 1/2 in. each); (9 flat storage boxes, 1 1/2 in. each); (\n44 photos in photograph filing cabinets)","11.7 Gigabytes 131 TIFF files, 2 PDF files"],"extent_tesim":["156.21 Linear Feet 156 ft. 2 1/2 in. (360 document cases, 5 in. each); (1 document case, 4 in.); (14 document cases, 2 1/2 in.); (1 flat storage box, 5 in.); (1 flat storage box, 3 1/2 in.); (2 flat storage boxes, 3 in. each); (3 flat storage boxes, 2 1/2 in. each); (9 flat storage boxes, 1 1/2 in. each); (\n44 photos in photograph filing cabinets)","11.7 Gigabytes 131 TIFF files, 2 PDF files"],"date_range_isim":[1840,1841,1842,1843,1844,1845,1846,1847,1848,1849,1850,1851,1852,1853,1854,1855,1856,1857,1858,1859,1860,1861,1862,1863,1864,1865,1866,1867,1868,1869,1870,1871,1872,1873,1874,1875,1876,1877,1878,1879,1880,1881,1882,1883,1884,1885,1886,1887,1888,1889,1890,1891,1892,1893,1894,1895,1896,1897,1898,1899,1900,1901,1902,1903,1904,1905,1906,1907,1908,1909,1910,1911,1912,1913,1914,1915,1916,1917,1918,1919,1920,1921,1922,1923,1924,1925,1926,1927,1928,1929,1930,1931,1932,1933,1934,1935,1936,1937,1938,1939,1940,1941,1942,1943,1944,1945,1946,1947,1948,1949,1950,1951,1952,1953,1954,1955,1956,1957,1958,1959,1960,1961,1962,1963,1964,1965,1966,1967,1968,1969,1970,1971,1972,1973,1974,1975,1976,1977,1978,1979,1980,1981,1982,1983,1984,1985,1986,1987,1988,1989,1990,1991,1992,1993,1994,1995,1996,1997,1998,1999,2000,2001,2002,2003],"accessrestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp style=\"color: red;\"\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eNo special access restriction applies.\u003c/emph\u003e\u003c/p\u003e  "],"accessrestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Access"],"accessrestrict_tesim":["No special access restriction applies."],"arrangement_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThis collection is one of five (see also A\u0026amp;M 1858, 4218, 4039, and 3943) pertaining to Rush Dew Holt, Sr. and his family. The records have been gathered via multiple accruals from 1956 to 2016. Originally, these collections were divided between A\u0026amp;M 873 and A\u0026amp;M 1701, the latter also being composed of thirteen addenda and A\u0026amp;M 1858. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIn an attempt to organize the collections in a more coherent fashion for patron use and to reflect the creator(s) in a more concise manner, the material was reevaluated and reorganized into the three sets of papers with distinct series and subseries: A\u0026amp;M 873: Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers; A\u0026amp;M 1858: Helen Holt (1913-2015) Papers; and A\u0026amp;M 4218: Rush Dew Holt Family Papers.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eBecause of the 2016-2017 reorganization, the physical arrangement no longer matches the intellectual arrangement and series order. Furthermore, any box and folder citations created prior to the above-mentioned project are likely no longer accurate. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFor assistance locating material using an older citation, please ask a staff member of the West Virginia \u0026amp; Regional History Center.    \u003c/p\u003e  "],"arrangement_heading_ssm":["Arrangement"],"arrangement_tesim":["This collection is one of five (see also A\u0026M 1858, 4218, 4039, and 3943) pertaining to Rush Dew Holt, Sr. and his family. The records have been gathered via multiple accruals from 1956 to 2016. Originally, these collections were divided between A\u0026M 873 and A\u0026M 1701, the latter also being composed of thirteen addenda and A\u0026M 1858.","In an attempt to organize the collections in a more coherent fashion for patron use and to reflect the creator(s) in a more concise manner, the material was reevaluated and reorganized into the three sets of papers with distinct series and subseries: A\u0026M 873: Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers; A\u0026M 1858: Helen Holt (1913-2015) Papers; and A\u0026M 4218: Rush Dew Holt Family Papers.","Because of the 2016-2017 reorganization, the physical arrangement no longer matches the intellectual arrangement and series order. Furthermore, any box and folder citations created prior to the above-mentioned project are likely no longer accurate.","For assistance locating material using an older citation, please ask a staff member of the West Virginia \u0026 Regional History Center."],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eRush Dew Holt was born in Weston, West Virginia, on June 19, 1905 to parents, Dr. Matthew S. Holt and Chihela (Dew) Holt. From an early age, Holt displayed scholarly potential. By age three, he was able to read first-grade primers, and eventually became interested in numerous topics for which he was able to provide detailed statistics. Among these interests was politics, and by age six, Holt had decided he would become a Democrat.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe potential displayed by Holt as a child continued into his school years. At age five, he began public education in the second grade, and he skipped grades on two more occasions. He attended Weston High School, and after graduating with honors at age fourteen, Holt applied to the University of Cincinnati; however, the register rejected the application because Holt, while academically qualified, was considered too young. Not one to admit defeat, a trait that would prove to be a lifelong characteristic, Holt turned to West Virginia University where he was accepted. As the youngest member of the freshman class, Holt found it difficult to obtain full acceptance as a college student, and his academic record reflected his apparent dissatisfaction. After two years at West Virginia University, Holt transferred to Salem College where the enrollment was smaller (approximately 300 students) and where he was able to live with his uncle, Professor Samuel Dew. It was at Salem College that Holt regained his self-confidence. His academic performance improved, and he maintained a B-plus average. In addition to academics, Holt excelled on the debate team. He was the editor-in-chief of the school paper, and he managed the tennis team.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIn 1924, Holt received a Bachelor of Arts Degree and qualification to teach at secondary schools. Shortly after his graduation, he was hired to teach at Bedford High School in Virginia where he taught English and history in addition to serving as the school's athletic director. After one academic year, Holt returned to Weston, West Virginia, where he took a position at St. Patrick's High School as the athletic director. Holt also coached the basketball team with abundant success, leading the team to two national tournaments for Catholic schools. During this time, Holt also taught history as a part-time instructor at Glenville Normal School and Salem College, but his fascination with athletics persisted. In addition to coaching and occasional officiating, Holt also began writing about sports. Eventually, he began to contribute columns to daily West Virginia newspapers.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eBy the late 1920s, Holt was attracted to the political environment, and he began to contribute to candidates who were friends of and/or who shared the views of his father. In the summer of 1928, Holt went one step further by announcing his candidacy as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates. Despite Lewis County having been predominately Republican, in addition to not having received significant party backing, Holt still obtained a higher-than-expected amount of support, losing his race by only 500 votes. Once again, however, Holt would not admit defeat. In 1930 Holt again announced his candidacy for the West Virginia House of Delegates. During the campaign, he visited locations all around Lewis County, spoke to anyone who would listen, and ensured that the grievances such as those concerning government cost, increased taxes, and the power of privately owned public utilities would all be addressed. As expected with any campaign, Holt received criticism, and those who opposed him likened the young politician to his father who they declared was a radical, a socialist, and an atheist. Despite the scornful claims, Holt, by a margin of 2,150 votes, was elected to his first public office as a Democrat to the West Virginia Legislature where he served from 1931-1935. During his years as a delegate, as promised during his campaign, Holt spoke out against corrupt practices such as government spending, an issue he addressed not even a week into the 1931 session. In addition to debating issues in the House, Holt also wrote to state supported universities, highway commissioners, and auditors in West Virginia and numerous other states to gather financial figures concerning spending, salaries, and taxes among others. Holt also began an investigation in 1931 to uncover rates, operating costs, and profits of privately and publically owned utility companies. All of these endeavors were only the first chapter in Holt's political career.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eBy 1934 he had gained the political support and the backing of union workers which was enough to defeat incumbent United States Senator Henry Hatfield. At age twenty-nine, Holt became the youngest person to win a United States Senate seat; however, there was immediate criticism. No sooner had the votes been tallied before a protest was filed concerning Holt's credentials: the fact that he had run for an office when he had not been of the required age. In addition to discontent within his own state, Holt also received overwhelming opposition in Washington, D.C. from Senate Republicans who threatened to object on the grounds of the constitutional age requirement. Despite the criticism, Holt's election was not overturned; however, he had to wait until he turned thirty, over five months after the Seventy-forth Congress had convened, before he could participate in senatorial proceedings.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eJust as he had been active in the West Virginia Legislature, Holt did not hesitate to address both major and minor issues on Capitol Hill either. During his time in the Senate, Holt served on several committees including Education and Labor, Immigration, Mines and Mining, Naval Affairs, and Post Offices and Post Roads. He also served as a member of the United States delegation to the 1939 Interparliamentary Conference in Oslo, Norway.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAlthough Holt had once been referred to as President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's \"Golden Boy,\" such alliances and the policies that had formed them began to dissolve by 1936. He became estranged from fellow Democrat and West Virginian Senator Matthew Neely, and Holt ended his support for the United Mine Workers of America and the Works Progress Administration, the latter of which he claimed was corrupt. Eventually, Holt criticized the Roosevelt administration for its New Deal policies, he adamantly fought Roosevelt's attempt to alter the Supreme Court by changing the number of sitting justices from nine to twelve, and he spoke out against the proposition of allowing a presidential third term. Furthermore, as unrest began in Europe with Germany's invasion of Poland, Holt campaigned against any attempts by the administration to involve the United States in the War. The responses from constituents about Holt's actions were mixed; nevertheless, the young senator's sudden change led to his unsuccessful renomination attempt in 1940. Holt did not even make it past the primary election.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAfter his Senate term ended, Holt remained in Washington, D.C. and began to support himself as a lecturer and a writer of political issues, particularly neutrality for which he received the support of the America First Committee. It was also during this time that Holt met Helen Louise Froelich, a biology teacher at National Park College near Washington. They were married a year later and moved to West Virginia. The couple had two children: a daughter, Helen Jane Holt (born in 1945) and a son, Rush Dew Holt, Jr. (born in 1948). When Senator Holt's sister, Jane (Holt) Chase, died in 1952, the couple adopted her son, David. After the Holts returned to West Virginia in 1941, Holt stayed involved in politics by accepting speaking engagements. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDuring the remainder of the 1940s, Holt ran several times for state offices with modest success. He was elected to the State House of Delegates in 1942 and was reelected in 1944 by write-in vote and 1946 without opposition. After a failed attempt to win the West Virginia Democratic gubernatorial nomination in 1944 and the nomination for United States Senator in 1948, Holt changed political affiliation. Despite this, his lack of success to achieve positions beyond the House of Delegates continued. In 1950, he won the Republican nomination to represent West Virginia's Third District in the United States House of Representatives but lost in the general election, and in 1952 Holt came very close to winning the race for West Virginia governor as the Republican candidate but lost to William Marland by fewer than 30,000 votes. Success returned in 1954 when Holt was elected to the West Virginia House of Delegates by the voters of Lewis County, but he was unable to finish his term due to illness.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHolt died on February 8, 1955 after a long, tough campaign against cancer.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eChronological List of Events:\u003c/emph\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eJune 19, 1905: born\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1920: graduated from high school\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1920-1922: attended West Virginia University\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1922-1924: attended Salem College, received a BA degree \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1924-1925: taught English and history and served as athletic director at Bedford High School in Virginia\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1925-1928: served as athletic director and basketball coach at St. Patrick's High School (Catholic school) in Weston, West Virginia; taught history as a part-time instructor at Glenville Normal School and Salem College; and contributed sport columns to daily West Virginia newspapers\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1928: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates, lost by 500 votes \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1930: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates, won by 2,150 votes, served from 1931-1935 \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1934: ran as a Democrat for the United States Senate and won despite being only twenty-nine years old\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1939: served as a member of the United States delegation to the Interparliamentary Conference in Oslo, Norway\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1940: ran for renomination to the Senate, failed to win the primary election\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1941: married Helen Louise Froelich\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1942: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates and won, reelected in 1944, 1946, and 1948, served until 1950.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1944: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia gubernatorial nomination but was unsuccessful  \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1945: birth of Helen Jane Holt\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1948: birth of Rush Dew Holt, Jr.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1948: ran as a Democrat for the United States Senate nomination but was unsuccessful \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1948: switched political affiliation to the Republican Party \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1952: ran as the Republican candidate for West Virginia Governor but lost to William Marland by fewer than 30,000 votes\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1954: ran as a Republican for the West Virginia House of Delegates and won\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFebruary 8, 1955: death \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eSources:\u003c/emph\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCoffey, William Ellis. \u003cemph render=\"italic\"\u003eRush Dew Holt: The Boy Senator.\u003c/emph\u003e Dissertation, West Virginia University, 1970. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA\u0026amp;M 0873, Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, West Virginia and Regional History Center, West Virginia University Libraries.  \u003c/p\u003e  "],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical / Historical"],"bioghist_tesim":["Rush Dew Holt was born in Weston, West Virginia, on June 19, 1905 to parents, Dr. Matthew S. Holt and Chihela (Dew) Holt. From an early age, Holt displayed scholarly potential. By age three, he was able to read first-grade primers, and eventually became interested in numerous topics for which he was able to provide detailed statistics. Among these interests was politics, and by age six, Holt had decided he would become a Democrat.","The potential displayed by Holt as a child continued into his school years. At age five, he began public education in the second grade, and he skipped grades on two more occasions. He attended Weston High School, and after graduating with honors at age fourteen, Holt applied to the University of Cincinnati; however, the register rejected the application because Holt, while academically qualified, was considered too young. Not one to admit defeat, a trait that would prove to be a lifelong characteristic, Holt turned to West Virginia University where he was accepted. As the youngest member of the freshman class, Holt found it difficult to obtain full acceptance as a college student, and his academic record reflected his apparent dissatisfaction. After two years at West Virginia University, Holt transferred to Salem College where the enrollment was smaller (approximately 300 students) and where he was able to live with his uncle, Professor Samuel Dew. It was at Salem College that Holt regained his self-confidence. His academic performance improved, and he maintained a B-plus average. In addition to academics, Holt excelled on the debate team. He was the editor-in-chief of the school paper, and he managed the tennis team.","In 1924, Holt received a Bachelor of Arts Degree and qualification to teach at secondary schools. Shortly after his graduation, he was hired to teach at Bedford High School in Virginia where he taught English and history in addition to serving as the school's athletic director. After one academic year, Holt returned to Weston, West Virginia, where he took a position at St. Patrick's High School as the athletic director. Holt also coached the basketball team with abundant success, leading the team to two national tournaments for Catholic schools. During this time, Holt also taught history as a part-time instructor at Glenville Normal School and Salem College, but his fascination with athletics persisted. In addition to coaching and occasional officiating, Holt also began writing about sports. Eventually, he began to contribute columns to daily West Virginia newspapers.","By the late 1920s, Holt was attracted to the political environment, and he began to contribute to candidates who were friends of and/or who shared the views of his father. In the summer of 1928, Holt went one step further by announcing his candidacy as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates. Despite Lewis County having been predominately Republican, in addition to not having received significant party backing, Holt still obtained a higher-than-expected amount of support, losing his race by only 500 votes. Once again, however, Holt would not admit defeat. In 1930 Holt again announced his candidacy for the West Virginia House of Delegates. During the campaign, he visited locations all around Lewis County, spoke to anyone who would listen, and ensured that the grievances such as those concerning government cost, increased taxes, and the power of privately owned public utilities would all be addressed. As expected with any campaign, Holt received criticism, and those who opposed him likened the young politician to his father who they declared was a radical, a socialist, and an atheist. Despite the scornful claims, Holt, by a margin of 2,150 votes, was elected to his first public office as a Democrat to the West Virginia Legislature where he served from 1931-1935. During his years as a delegate, as promised during his campaign, Holt spoke out against corrupt practices such as government spending, an issue he addressed not even a week into the 1931 session. In addition to debating issues in the House, Holt also wrote to state supported universities, highway commissioners, and auditors in West Virginia and numerous other states to gather financial figures concerning spending, salaries, and taxes among others. Holt also began an investigation in 1931 to uncover rates, operating costs, and profits of privately and publically owned utility companies. All of these endeavors were only the first chapter in Holt's political career.","By 1934 he had gained the political support and the backing of union workers which was enough to defeat incumbent United States Senator Henry Hatfield. At age twenty-nine, Holt became the youngest person to win a United States Senate seat; however, there was immediate criticism. No sooner had the votes been tallied before a protest was filed concerning Holt's credentials: the fact that he had run for an office when he had not been of the required age. In addition to discontent within his own state, Holt also received overwhelming opposition in Washington, D.C. from Senate Republicans who threatened to object on the grounds of the constitutional age requirement. Despite the criticism, Holt's election was not overturned; however, he had to wait until he turned thirty, over five months after the Seventy-forth Congress had convened, before he could participate in senatorial proceedings.","Just as he had been active in the West Virginia Legislature, Holt did not hesitate to address both major and minor issues on Capitol Hill either. During his time in the Senate, Holt served on several committees including Education and Labor, Immigration, Mines and Mining, Naval Affairs, and Post Offices and Post Roads. He also served as a member of the United States delegation to the 1939 Interparliamentary Conference in Oslo, Norway.","Although Holt had once been referred to as President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's \"Golden Boy,\" such alliances and the policies that had formed them began to dissolve by 1936. He became estranged from fellow Democrat and West Virginian Senator Matthew Neely, and Holt ended his support for the United Mine Workers of America and the Works Progress Administration, the latter of which he claimed was corrupt. Eventually, Holt criticized the Roosevelt administration for its New Deal policies, he adamantly fought Roosevelt's attempt to alter the Supreme Court by changing the number of sitting justices from nine to twelve, and he spoke out against the proposition of allowing a presidential third term. Furthermore, as unrest began in Europe with Germany's invasion of Poland, Holt campaigned against any attempts by the administration to involve the United States in the War. The responses from constituents about Holt's actions were mixed; nevertheless, the young senator's sudden change led to his unsuccessful renomination attempt in 1940. Holt did not even make it past the primary election.","After his Senate term ended, Holt remained in Washington, D.C. and began to support himself as a lecturer and a writer of political issues, particularly neutrality for which he received the support of the America First Committee. It was also during this time that Holt met Helen Louise Froelich, a biology teacher at National Park College near Washington. They were married a year later and moved to West Virginia. The couple had two children: a daughter, Helen Jane Holt (born in 1945) and a son, Rush Dew Holt, Jr. (born in 1948). When Senator Holt's sister, Jane (Holt) Chase, died in 1952, the couple adopted her son, David. After the Holts returned to West Virginia in 1941, Holt stayed involved in politics by accepting speaking engagements.","During the remainder of the 1940s, Holt ran several times for state offices with modest success. He was elected to the State House of Delegates in 1942 and was reelected in 1944 by write-in vote and 1946 without opposition. After a failed attempt to win the West Virginia Democratic gubernatorial nomination in 1944 and the nomination for United States Senator in 1948, Holt changed political affiliation. Despite this, his lack of success to achieve positions beyond the House of Delegates continued. In 1950, he won the Republican nomination to represent West Virginia's Third District in the United States House of Representatives but lost in the general election, and in 1952 Holt came very close to winning the race for West Virginia governor as the Republican candidate but lost to William Marland by fewer than 30,000 votes. Success returned in 1954 when Holt was elected to the West Virginia House of Delegates by the voters of Lewis County, but he was unable to finish his term due to illness.","Holt died on February 8, 1955 after a long, tough campaign against cancer.","Chronological List of Events:","June 19, 1905: born","1920: graduated from high school","1920-1922: attended West Virginia University","1922-1924: attended Salem College, received a BA degree","1924-1925: taught English and history and served as athletic director at Bedford High School in Virginia","1925-1928: served as athletic director and basketball coach at St. Patrick's High School (Catholic school) in Weston, West Virginia; taught history as a part-time instructor at Glenville Normal School and Salem College; and contributed sport columns to daily West Virginia newspapers","1928: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates, lost by 500 votes","1930: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates, won by 2,150 votes, served from 1931-1935","1934: ran as a Democrat for the United States Senate and won despite being only twenty-nine years old","1939: served as a member of the United States delegation to the Interparliamentary Conference in Oslo, Norway","1940: ran for renomination to the Senate, failed to win the primary election","1941: married Helen Louise Froelich","1942: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates and won, reelected in 1944, 1946, and 1948, served until 1950.","1944: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia gubernatorial nomination but was unsuccessful","1945: birth of Helen Jane Holt","1948: birth of Rush Dew Holt, Jr.","1948: ran as a Democrat for the United States Senate nomination but was unsuccessful","1948: switched political affiliation to the Republican Party","1952: ran as the Republican candidate for West Virginia Governor but lost to William Marland by fewer than 30,000 votes","1954: ran as a Republican for the West Virginia House of Delegates and won","February 8, 1955: death","Sources:","Coffey, William Ellis. Rush Dew Holt: The Boy Senator. Dissertation, West Virginia University, 1970.","A\u0026M 0873, Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, West Virginia and Regional History Center, West Virginia University Libraries."],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e[Description and date of item], [Box/folder number], Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, A\u0026amp;M 0873, West Virginia and Regional History Center, West Virginia University Libraries, Morgantown, West Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"prefercite_tesim":["[Description and date of item], [Box/folder number], Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, A\u0026M 0873, West Virginia and Regional History Center, West Virginia University Libraries, Morgantown, West Virginia."],"relatedmaterial_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e1858, 3001, 3943, 4039, 4218, 4386\u003c/p\u003e  "],"relatedmaterial_heading_ssm":["Related A\u0026M Collections"],"relatedmaterial_tesim":["1858, 3001, 3943, 4039, 4218, 4386"],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003ePapers of Rush Dew Holt, Sr. (1905-1955) relating to his personal and political activities. Types of material include publications, clippings, correspondence, photographs, and ephemera, among others. The collection is divided into six series: Personal and Political Papers (1840-2000 and undated) includes correspondence; invitations and cards; material representing campaign activities; and material from college courses, among other material that represents Rush Holt's personal life and political career; and ephemera collected by Rush Holt. Artifacts (1939-1952 and undated) includes personal and political items collected by Rush Holt. Legislative Records (1920-1955 and undated) includes correspondence, reports, publications, clippings, statistics, transcripts, financial records, and project records, among other miscellaneous material relative to Rush Holt's committee-based and general legislative activity. Constituent Services (1923-1954 and undated) includes mail received by Rush Holt during his time in the West Virginia House of Delegates and the United States Senate from constituents providing political opinions to Holt or requesting government publications and bulletins, copies of speeches, educational material, and Rush Holt's recommendation to the United States Military or Naval Academy. Press and Media Activity (1925-2003 and undated) includes original and photocopied articles from newspapers and similar publications, typescripts of press releases, pen-and-ink drawn political cartoons, transcripts of speeches, and sound recordings, among other material representing Rush Holt's involvement with the press and media. Administrative Files (1937-1940) includes material documenting the daily office activities of Rush Holt and his staff during the former's senatorial term.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe collection is divided into six series as follows:\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eSeries 1. Personal and Political Papers; 1840-2000 and undated (bulk 1918-1955)\u003c/emph\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIncludes material related to Rush Holt's personal, family, and political life. Additional material related to his work in politics can be found in Series 3 through 6. Types of material include correspondence; invitations and cards; material representing campaign activities; material from college courses; bills for recordings, radio station receipts, and election expenditures; typescripts, newsletters, manuscripts, and photocopies of material written by Rush Holt; publications to which Rush Holt subscribed and collected; photographs that represent Rush Holt's personal life and political career; ephemera collected by Rush Holt; and election results collected by Rush Holt.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eSeries 2. Artifacts; 1939-1952 and undated\u003c/emph\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIncludes personal and political items collected by Rush Holt.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eSeries 3. Legislative Records; 1920-1955 and undated\u003c/emph\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIncludes correspondence, reports, publications, clippings, statistics, transcripts, financial records, and project records, among other miscellaneous material relative to Rush Holt's committee-based and general legislative activity.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eSeries 4. Constituent Services; 1923-1954 and undated\u003c/emph\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIncludes mail received by Rush Holt during his time in the West Virginia House of Delegates and the United States Senate from constituents requesting government publications and bulletins, copies of speeches, educational material, and Rush Holt's recommendation to the United States Military or Naval Academy. In some cases, this series also includes typescript responses, many of which are generic.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eSeries 5. Press and Media Activity; 1925-2003 and undated (bulk 1925-1955)\u003c/emph\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIncludes original and photocopied articles from newspapers and similar publications, typescripts of press releases, pen-and-ink drawn political cartoons, transcripts of speeches, and sound recordings, among other material representing Rush Holt's involvement with the press and media.    \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eSeries 6. Administrative Files; 1937-1940\u003c/emph\u003e \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIncludes material documenting the daily office activities of Rush Holt and his staff during the former's senatorial term.   \u003c/p\u003e  "],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["Papers of Rush Dew Holt, Sr. (1905-1955) relating to his personal and political activities. Types of material include publications, clippings, correspondence, photographs, and ephemera, among others. The collection is divided into six series: Personal and Political Papers (1840-2000 and undated) includes correspondence; invitations and cards; material representing campaign activities; and material from college courses, among other material that represents Rush Holt's personal life and political career; and ephemera collected by Rush Holt. Artifacts (1939-1952 and undated) includes personal and political items collected by Rush Holt. Legislative Records (1920-1955 and undated) includes correspondence, reports, publications, clippings, statistics, transcripts, financial records, and project records, among other miscellaneous material relative to Rush Holt's committee-based and general legislative activity. Constituent Services (1923-1954 and undated) includes mail received by Rush Holt during his time in the West Virginia House of Delegates and the United States Senate from constituents providing political opinions to Holt or requesting government publications and bulletins, copies of speeches, educational material, and Rush Holt's recommendation to the United States Military or Naval Academy. Press and Media Activity (1925-2003 and undated) includes original and photocopied articles from newspapers and similar publications, typescripts of press releases, pen-and-ink drawn political cartoons, transcripts of speeches, and sound recordings, among other material representing Rush Holt's involvement with the press and media. Administrative Files (1937-1940) includes material documenting the daily office activities of Rush Holt and his staff during the former's senatorial term.","The collection is divided into six series as follows:","Series 1. Personal and Political Papers; 1840-2000 and undated (bulk 1918-1955)","Includes material related to Rush Holt's personal, family, and political life. Additional material related to his work in politics can be found in Series 3 through 6. Types of material include correspondence; invitations and cards; material representing campaign activities; material from college courses; bills for recordings, radio station receipts, and election expenditures; typescripts, newsletters, manuscripts, and photocopies of material written by Rush Holt; publications to which Rush Holt subscribed and collected; photographs that represent Rush Holt's personal life and political career; ephemera collected by Rush Holt; and election results collected by Rush Holt.","Series 2. Artifacts; 1939-1952 and undated","Includes personal and political items collected by Rush Holt.","Series 3. Legislative Records; 1920-1955 and undated","Includes correspondence, reports, publications, clippings, statistics, transcripts, financial records, and project records, among other miscellaneous material relative to Rush Holt's committee-based and general legislative activity.","Series 4. Constituent Services; 1923-1954 and undated","Includes mail received by Rush Holt during his time in the West Virginia House of Delegates and the United States Senate from constituents requesting government publications and bulletins, copies of speeches, educational material, and Rush Holt's recommendation to the United States Military or Naval Academy. In some cases, this series also includes typescript responses, many of which are generic.","Series 5. Press and Media Activity; 1925-2003 and undated (bulk 1925-1955)","Includes original and photocopied articles from newspapers and similar publications, typescripts of press releases, pen-and-ink drawn political cartoons, transcripts of speeches, and sound recordings, among other material representing Rush Holt's involvement with the press and media.","Series 6. Administrative Files; 1937-1940","Includes material documenting the daily office activities of Rush Holt and his staff during the former's senatorial term."],"separatedmaterial_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eEphemeral items not specific to Rush Dew Holt were moved to the Printed Ephemera Collection. Several local basketball scorecards were moved to A\u0026amp;M 4216, the Annual West Virginia State High School Basketball Tournament Programs collection.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e17 reels of undated sound recordings, chiefly relating to the political career of Rush Dew Holt, were separated to the oral history collection, C432 R699-R715 (17 tapes). These tapes include some personal material as well.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"separatedmaterial_heading_ssm":["Separated Materials"],"separatedmaterial_tesim":["Ephemeral items not specific to Rush Dew Holt were moved to the Printed Ephemera Collection. Several local basketball scorecards were moved to A\u0026M 4216, the Annual West Virginia State High School Basketball Tournament Programs collection.","17 reels of undated sound recordings, chiefly relating to the political career of Rush Dew Holt, were separated to the oral history collection, C432 R699-R715 (17 tapes). These tapes include some personal material as well."],"userestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003ePermission to publish or reproduce is required from the copyright holder. For more information, please see the \u003ca href=\"https://wvrhc.lib.wvu.edu/visit/permissions-and-copyright\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ePermissions and Copyright page\u003c/a\u003e on the West Virginia and Regional History Center website.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"userestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Use"],"userestrict_tesim":["Permission to publish or reproduce is required from the copyright holder. For more information, please see the Permissions and Copyright page on the West Virginia and Regional History Center website."],"abstract_html_tesm":["\u003cabstract id=\"aspace_7f7aca18f594cb9e240c48f7fdefc04e\"\u003ePapers of Rush Dew Holt, Sr. (1905-1955) relating to his personal and political activities. Types of material include publications, clippings, correspondence, photographs, and ephemera, among others. The collection is divided into six series: Personal and Political Papers (1840-2000 and undated), Artifacts (1939-1952 and undated), Legislative Records (1920-1955 and undated), Constituent Services (1923-1954 and undated), Press and Media Activity (1925-2003 and undated), and Administrative Files (1937-1940).\u003c/abstract\u003e\n    "],"abstract_tesim":["Papers of Rush Dew Holt, Sr. (1905-1955) relating to his personal and political activities. Types of material include publications, clippings, correspondence, photographs, and ephemera, among others. The collection is divided into six series: Personal and Political Papers (1840-2000 and undated), Artifacts (1939-1952 and undated), Legislative Records (1920-1955 and undated), Constituent Services (1923-1954 and undated), Press and Media Activity (1925-2003 and undated), and Administrative Files (1937-1940)."],"physloc_html_tesm":["\u003cphysloc id=\"aspace_c13cef4864374dc7a447894b02986413\"\u003eWest Virginia and Regional History Center / West Virginia University / 1549 University Avenue / P.O. Box 6069 / Morgantown, WV 26506-6069 / Phone: 304-293-3536  / URL: \u003ca href=\"https://wvrhc.lib.wvu.edu/\"\u003eWest Virginia \u0026amp; Regional History Center\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/physloc\u003e\n    "],"physloc_tesim":["West Virginia and Regional History Center / West Virginia University / 1549 University Avenue / P.O. Box 6069 / Morgantown, WV 26506-6069 / Phone: 304-293-3536  / URL: West Virginia \u0026 Regional History Center"],"corpname_ssim":["West Virginia and Regional History Center","America First Committee","American Federation of Labor","Congress of Industrial Organizations (U.S.)","United States. National Bituminous Coal Commission","United States. National Labor Relations Board","Progressive Mine Workers of America","United Mine Workers of America","United States. National Recovery Administration","United States. Supreme Court","United States. Congress. Senate","West Virginia. Legislature","United States. Works Progress Administration","Democratic Party (U.S.)","Weston State Hospital"],"names_coll_ssim":["America First Committee","American Federation of Labor","Congress of Industrial Organizations (U.S.)","United States. National Bituminous Coal Commission","United States. National Labor Relations Board","Progressive Mine Workers of America","United Mine Workers of America","United States. National Recovery Administration","United States. Supreme Court","United States. Congress. Senate","West Virginia. Legislature","United States. Works Progress Administration","Democratic Party (U.S.)","Weston State Hospital","Bittner, Van A. (Van Amberg), 1885-1949","Black, Hugo LaFayette, 1886-1971","Coughlin, Charles E.","Edmiston, Andrew.","Farley, James A. (James Aloysius), 1888-1976","Green, William.","Holt, Helen Louise Froelich, 1913-2015","Holt, Mathew S., 1850-1939","Holt, Rush Dew, 1905-1955","Hopkins, Harry L. (Harry Lloyd), 1890-1946","Ickes, Harold L. (Harold LeClair), 1874-1952","Kump, Herman Guy, 1877-1962","La Follette, Robert M. (Robert Marion), 1855-1925","Neely, Matthew Mansfield, 1874-1958","Lewis, John L. (John Llewellyn), 1880-1969","Long, Huey Pierce, 1893-1935"],"persname_ssim":["Holt, Rush Dew, 1905-1955","Bittner, Van A. (Van Amberg), 1885-1949","Black, Hugo LaFayette, 1886-1971","Coughlin, Charles E.","Edmiston, Andrew.","Farley, James A. (James Aloysius), 1888-1976","Green, William.","Holt, Helen Louise Froelich, 1913-2015","Holt, Mathew S., 1850-1939","Hopkins, Harry L. (Harry Lloyd), 1890-1946","Ickes, Harold L. (Harold LeClair), 1874-1952","Kump, Herman Guy, 1877-1962","La Follette, Robert M. (Robert Marion), 1855-1925","Neely, Matthew Mansfield, 1874-1958","Lewis, John L. (John Llewellyn), 1880-1969","Long, Huey Pierce, 1893-1935"],"names_ssim":["West Virginia and Regional History Center","America First Committee","American Federation of Labor","Congress of Industrial Organizations (U.S.)","United States. National Bituminous Coal Commission","United States. National Labor Relations Board","Progressive Mine Workers of America","United Mine Workers of America","United States. National Recovery Administration","United States. Supreme Court","United States. Congress. Senate","West Virginia. Legislature","United States. Works Progress Administration","Democratic Party (U.S.)","Weston State Hospital","Holt, Rush Dew, 1905-1955","Bittner, Van A. (Van Amberg), 1885-1949","Black, Hugo LaFayette, 1886-1971","Coughlin, Charles E.","Edmiston, Andrew.","Farley, James A. (James Aloysius), 1888-1976","Green, William.","Holt, Helen Louise Froelich, 1913-2015","Holt, Mathew S., 1850-1939","Hopkins, Harry L. (Harry Lloyd), 1890-1946","Ickes, Harold L. (Harold LeClair), 1874-1952","Kump, Herman Guy, 1877-1962","La Follette, Robert M. (Robert Marion), 1855-1925","Neely, Matthew Mansfield, 1874-1958","Lewis, John L. (John Llewellyn), 1880-1969","Long, Huey Pierce, 1893-1935"],"language_ssim":["English"],"descrules_ssm":["Describing Archives: A Content Standard"],"total_component_count_is":938,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-09-01T16:09:24.514Z"}]}},"label":"Breadcrumbs"}}},"links":{"self":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687_c04_c03"}},{"id":"wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687_c03_c05","type":"Sub-Series","attributes":{"title":"Legislative Records--Miscellaneous, 1920/1955","abstract_or_scope":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687_c03_c05#abstract_or_scope","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"\u003cp\u003eIncludes typescripts, statistics, publications, reports, and other miscellaneous records pertaining to Rush Holt's legislative activity.\u003c/p\u003e","label":"Abstract Or Scope"}},"breadcrumbs":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687_c03_c05#breadcrumbs","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":{"ref_ssi":"wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687_c03_c05","ref_ssm":["wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687_c03_c05"],"id":"wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687_c03_c05","ead_ssi":"wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687","_root_":"wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687","_nest_parent_":"wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687_c03","parent_ssi":"wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687_c03","parent_ssim":["Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, 1840/2003, bulk 1918/1955","Series 3. Legislative Records, 1920/1955"],"parent_ids_ssim":["wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687","wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687_c03"],"title_filing_ssi":"Legislative Records--Miscellaneous","title_ssm":["Legislative Records--Miscellaneous"],"title_tesim":["Legislative Records--Miscellaneous"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Legislative Records--Miscellaneous, 1920/1955"],"text":["Legislative Records--Miscellaneous, 1920/1955","Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, 1840/2003, bulk 1918/1955","Series 3. Legislative Records, 1920/1955","Includes typescripts, statistics, publications, reports, and other miscellaneous records pertaining to Rush Holt's legislative activity.","Topics represented by the material include municipal operations, education, neutrality, and immigration, among others.","Records of note include copies of the West Virginia Legislature Journal for the 1944 first extraordinary session of the state's House of Delegates and Senate (located in box 339, folder 14), a five-year plan for West Virginia highways (located in box 294, folder 6), and annual reports written and sent to the West Virginia Public Service Commission (located in box 296, folder 2 to box 297, folder 2).","Additional correspondence related to Holt's legislative activity, and more general political topics, can be found in Series 1. Personal and Political Papers—Correspondence and Miscellaneous."],"parent_unittitles_ssm":["Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, 1840/2003, bulk 1918/1955","Series 3. Legislative Records, 1920/1955"],"parent_unittitles_tesim":["Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, 1840/2003, bulk 1918/1955","Series 3. Legislative Records, 1920/1955"],"normalized_date_ssm":["1920/1955"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1920-1955 and undated"],"level_ssm":["Sub-Series"],"level_ssim":["Sub-series"],"component_level_isim":[2],"sort_isi":562,"repository_ssim":["West Virginia and Regional History Center"],"collection_ssim":["Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, 1840/2003, bulk 1918/1955"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"child_component_count_isi":52,"parent_access_restrict_tesm":["No special access restriction applies."],"parent_access_terms_tesm":["Permission to publish or reproduce is required from the copyright holder. For more information, please see the Permissions and Copyright page on the West Virginia and Regional History Center website."],"date_range_isim":[1920,1921,1922,1923,1924,1925,1926,1927,1928,1929,1930,1931,1932,1933,1934,1935,1936,1937,1938,1939,1940,1941,1942,1943,1944,1945,1946,1947,1948,1949,1950,1951,1952,1953,1954,1955],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eIncludes typescripts, statistics, publications, reports, and other miscellaneous records pertaining to Rush Holt's legislative activity.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eTopics represented by the material include municipal operations, education, neutrality, and immigration, among others.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRecords of note include copies of the West \u003cemph renderrender=\"italic\"\u003eVirginia Legislature Journal\u003c/emph\u003e for the 1944 first extraordinary session of the state's House of Delegates and Senate (located in box 339, folder 14), a five-year plan for West Virginia highways (located in box 294, folder 6), and annual reports written and sent to the West Virginia Public Service Commission (located in box 296, folder 2 to box 297, folder 2).\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e Additional correspondence related to Holt's legislative activity, and more general political topics, can be found in Series 1. Personal and Political Papers—Correspondence and Miscellaneous.\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["Includes typescripts, statistics, publications, reports, and other miscellaneous records pertaining to Rush Holt's legislative activity.","Topics represented by the material include municipal operations, education, neutrality, and immigration, among others.","Records of note include copies of the West Virginia Legislature Journal for the 1944 first extraordinary session of the state's House of Delegates and Senate (located in box 339, folder 14), a five-year plan for West Virginia highways (located in box 294, folder 6), and annual reports written and sent to the West Virginia Public Service Commission (located in box 296, folder 2 to box 297, folder 2).","Additional correspondence related to Holt's legislative activity, and more general political topics, can be found in Series 1. Personal and Political Papers—Correspondence and Miscellaneous."],"_nest_path_":"/components#2/components#4","timestamp":"2026-09-01T16:09:24.514Z","collection":{"numFound":1,"start":0,"numFoundExact":true,"docs":[{"id":"wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687","ead_ssi":"wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687","_root_":"wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687","_nest_parent_":"wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/WVU/repositories_2_resources_3687.xml","aspace_url_ssi":"https://archives.lib.wvu.edu/ark:/99999/208740","title_ssm":["Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers"],"title_tesim":["Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers"],"unitdate_ssm":["1840-2003","1918-1955"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1840-2003"],"unitdate_bulk_ssim":["1918-1955"],"normalized_date_ssm":["1840/2003, bulk 1918/1955"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, 1840/2003, bulk 1918/1955"],"text":["Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, 1840/2003, bulk 1918/1955","A\u0026M 0873","Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","/repositories/2/resources/3687","Lewis County.","West Virginia -- Politics and government","United States -- Politics and government","Coal mining - Labor organization.","Education","Elections","Guffey Coal Act.","New Deal, 1933-1939","Politics and government.","Public utilities","Taxation","Unions.","United States - Social Security.","Social Security -- United States","Wheeler-Rayburn Holding Company Act","Isolationism -- United States -- History -- 20th Century","World War, 1939-1945","Politicians -- United States","No special access restriction applies.","This collection is one of five (see also A\u0026M 1858, 4218, 4039, and 3943) pertaining to Rush Dew Holt, Sr. and his family. The records have been gathered via multiple accruals from 1956 to 2016. Originally, these collections were divided between A\u0026M 873 and A\u0026M 1701, the latter also being composed of thirteen addenda and A\u0026M 1858.","In an attempt to organize the collections in a more coherent fashion for patron use and to reflect the creator(s) in a more concise manner, the material was reevaluated and reorganized into the three sets of papers with distinct series and subseries: A\u0026M 873: Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers; A\u0026M 1858: Helen Holt (1913-2015) Papers; and A\u0026M 4218: Rush Dew Holt Family Papers.","Because of the 2016-2017 reorganization, the physical arrangement no longer matches the intellectual arrangement and series order. Furthermore, any box and folder citations created prior to the above-mentioned project are likely no longer accurate.","For assistance locating material using an older citation, please ask a staff member of the West Virginia \u0026 Regional History Center.","Rush Dew Holt was born in Weston, West Virginia, on June 19, 1905 to parents, Dr. Matthew S. Holt and Chihela (Dew) Holt. From an early age, Holt displayed scholarly potential. By age three, he was able to read first-grade primers, and eventually became interested in numerous topics for which he was able to provide detailed statistics. Among these interests was politics, and by age six, Holt had decided he would become a Democrat.","The potential displayed by Holt as a child continued into his school years. At age five, he began public education in the second grade, and he skipped grades on two more occasions. He attended Weston High School, and after graduating with honors at age fourteen, Holt applied to the University of Cincinnati; however, the register rejected the application because Holt, while academically qualified, was considered too young. Not one to admit defeat, a trait that would prove to be a lifelong characteristic, Holt turned to West Virginia University where he was accepted. As the youngest member of the freshman class, Holt found it difficult to obtain full acceptance as a college student, and his academic record reflected his apparent dissatisfaction. After two years at West Virginia University, Holt transferred to Salem College where the enrollment was smaller (approximately 300 students) and where he was able to live with his uncle, Professor Samuel Dew. It was at Salem College that Holt regained his self-confidence. His academic performance improved, and he maintained a B-plus average. In addition to academics, Holt excelled on the debate team. He was the editor-in-chief of the school paper, and he managed the tennis team.","In 1924, Holt received a Bachelor of Arts Degree and qualification to teach at secondary schools. Shortly after his graduation, he was hired to teach at Bedford High School in Virginia where he taught English and history in addition to serving as the school's athletic director. After one academic year, Holt returned to Weston, West Virginia, where he took a position at St. Patrick's High School as the athletic director. Holt also coached the basketball team with abundant success, leading the team to two national tournaments for Catholic schools. During this time, Holt also taught history as a part-time instructor at Glenville Normal School and Salem College, but his fascination with athletics persisted. In addition to coaching and occasional officiating, Holt also began writing about sports. Eventually, he began to contribute columns to daily West Virginia newspapers.","By the late 1920s, Holt was attracted to the political environment, and he began to contribute to candidates who were friends of and/or who shared the views of his father. In the summer of 1928, Holt went one step further by announcing his candidacy as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates. Despite Lewis County having been predominately Republican, in addition to not having received significant party backing, Holt still obtained a higher-than-expected amount of support, losing his race by only 500 votes. Once again, however, Holt would not admit defeat. In 1930 Holt again announced his candidacy for the West Virginia House of Delegates. During the campaign, he visited locations all around Lewis County, spoke to anyone who would listen, and ensured that the grievances such as those concerning government cost, increased taxes, and the power of privately owned public utilities would all be addressed. As expected with any campaign, Holt received criticism, and those who opposed him likened the young politician to his father who they declared was a radical, a socialist, and an atheist. Despite the scornful claims, Holt, by a margin of 2,150 votes, was elected to his first public office as a Democrat to the West Virginia Legislature where he served from 1931-1935. During his years as a delegate, as promised during his campaign, Holt spoke out against corrupt practices such as government spending, an issue he addressed not even a week into the 1931 session. In addition to debating issues in the House, Holt also wrote to state supported universities, highway commissioners, and auditors in West Virginia and numerous other states to gather financial figures concerning spending, salaries, and taxes among others. Holt also began an investigation in 1931 to uncover rates, operating costs, and profits of privately and publically owned utility companies. All of these endeavors were only the first chapter in Holt's political career.","By 1934 he had gained the political support and the backing of union workers which was enough to defeat incumbent United States Senator Henry Hatfield. At age twenty-nine, Holt became the youngest person to win a United States Senate seat; however, there was immediate criticism. No sooner had the votes been tallied before a protest was filed concerning Holt's credentials: the fact that he had run for an office when he had not been of the required age. In addition to discontent within his own state, Holt also received overwhelming opposition in Washington, D.C. from Senate Republicans who threatened to object on the grounds of the constitutional age requirement. Despite the criticism, Holt's election was not overturned; however, he had to wait until he turned thirty, over five months after the Seventy-forth Congress had convened, before he could participate in senatorial proceedings.","Just as he had been active in the West Virginia Legislature, Holt did not hesitate to address both major and minor issues on Capitol Hill either. During his time in the Senate, Holt served on several committees including Education and Labor, Immigration, Mines and Mining, Naval Affairs, and Post Offices and Post Roads. He also served as a member of the United States delegation to the 1939 Interparliamentary Conference in Oslo, Norway.","Although Holt had once been referred to as President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's \"Golden Boy,\" such alliances and the policies that had formed them began to dissolve by 1936. He became estranged from fellow Democrat and West Virginian Senator Matthew Neely, and Holt ended his support for the United Mine Workers of America and the Works Progress Administration, the latter of which he claimed was corrupt. Eventually, Holt criticized the Roosevelt administration for its New Deal policies, he adamantly fought Roosevelt's attempt to alter the Supreme Court by changing the number of sitting justices from nine to twelve, and he spoke out against the proposition of allowing a presidential third term. Furthermore, as unrest began in Europe with Germany's invasion of Poland, Holt campaigned against any attempts by the administration to involve the United States in the War. The responses from constituents about Holt's actions were mixed; nevertheless, the young senator's sudden change led to his unsuccessful renomination attempt in 1940. Holt did not even make it past the primary election.","After his Senate term ended, Holt remained in Washington, D.C. and began to support himself as a lecturer and a writer of political issues, particularly neutrality for which he received the support of the America First Committee. It was also during this time that Holt met Helen Louise Froelich, a biology teacher at National Park College near Washington. They were married a year later and moved to West Virginia. The couple had two children: a daughter, Helen Jane Holt (born in 1945) and a son, Rush Dew Holt, Jr. (born in 1948). When Senator Holt's sister, Jane (Holt) Chase, died in 1952, the couple adopted her son, David. After the Holts returned to West Virginia in 1941, Holt stayed involved in politics by accepting speaking engagements.","During the remainder of the 1940s, Holt ran several times for state offices with modest success. He was elected to the State House of Delegates in 1942 and was reelected in 1944 by write-in vote and 1946 without opposition. After a failed attempt to win the West Virginia Democratic gubernatorial nomination in 1944 and the nomination for United States Senator in 1948, Holt changed political affiliation. Despite this, his lack of success to achieve positions beyond the House of Delegates continued. In 1950, he won the Republican nomination to represent West Virginia's Third District in the United States House of Representatives but lost in the general election, and in 1952 Holt came very close to winning the race for West Virginia governor as the Republican candidate but lost to William Marland by fewer than 30,000 votes. Success returned in 1954 when Holt was elected to the West Virginia House of Delegates by the voters of Lewis County, but he was unable to finish his term due to illness.","Holt died on February 8, 1955 after a long, tough campaign against cancer.","Chronological List of Events:","June 19, 1905: born","1920: graduated from high school","1920-1922: attended West Virginia University","1922-1924: attended Salem College, received a BA degree","1924-1925: taught English and history and served as athletic director at Bedford High School in Virginia","1925-1928: served as athletic director and basketball coach at St. Patrick's High School (Catholic school) in Weston, West Virginia; taught history as a part-time instructor at Glenville Normal School and Salem College; and contributed sport columns to daily West Virginia newspapers","1928: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates, lost by 500 votes","1930: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates, won by 2,150 votes, served from 1931-1935","1934: ran as a Democrat for the United States Senate and won despite being only twenty-nine years old","1939: served as a member of the United States delegation to the Interparliamentary Conference in Oslo, Norway","1940: ran for renomination to the Senate, failed to win the primary election","1941: married Helen Louise Froelich","1942: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates and won, reelected in 1944, 1946, and 1948, served until 1950.","1944: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia gubernatorial nomination but was unsuccessful","1945: birth of Helen Jane Holt","1948: birth of Rush Dew Holt, Jr.","1948: ran as a Democrat for the United States Senate nomination but was unsuccessful","1948: switched political affiliation to the Republican Party","1952: ran as the Republican candidate for West Virginia Governor but lost to William Marland by fewer than 30,000 votes","1954: ran as a Republican for the West Virginia House of Delegates and won","February 8, 1955: death","Sources:","Coffey, William Ellis. Rush Dew Holt: The Boy Senator. Dissertation, West Virginia University, 1970.","A\u0026M 0873, Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, West Virginia and Regional History Center, West Virginia University Libraries.","1858, 3001, 3943, 4039, 4218, 4386","Papers of Rush Dew Holt, Sr. (1905-1955) relating to his personal and political activities. Types of material include publications, clippings, correspondence, photographs, and ephemera, among others. The collection is divided into six series: Personal and Political Papers (1840-2000 and undated) includes correspondence; invitations and cards; material representing campaign activities; and material from college courses, among other material that represents Rush Holt's personal life and political career; and ephemera collected by Rush Holt. Artifacts (1939-1952 and undated) includes personal and political items collected by Rush Holt. Legislative Records (1920-1955 and undated) includes correspondence, reports, publications, clippings, statistics, transcripts, financial records, and project records, among other miscellaneous material relative to Rush Holt's committee-based and general legislative activity. Constituent Services (1923-1954 and undated) includes mail received by Rush Holt during his time in the West Virginia House of Delegates and the United States Senate from constituents providing political opinions to Holt or requesting government publications and bulletins, copies of speeches, educational material, and Rush Holt's recommendation to the United States Military or Naval Academy. Press and Media Activity (1925-2003 and undated) includes original and photocopied articles from newspapers and similar publications, typescripts of press releases, pen-and-ink drawn political cartoons, transcripts of speeches, and sound recordings, among other material representing Rush Holt's involvement with the press and media. Administrative Files (1937-1940) includes material documenting the daily office activities of Rush Holt and his staff during the former's senatorial term.","The collection is divided into six series as follows:","Series 1. Personal and Political Papers; 1840-2000 and undated (bulk 1918-1955)","Includes material related to Rush Holt's personal, family, and political life. Additional material related to his work in politics can be found in Series 3 through 6. Types of material include correspondence; invitations and cards; material representing campaign activities; material from college courses; bills for recordings, radio station receipts, and election expenditures; typescripts, newsletters, manuscripts, and photocopies of material written by Rush Holt; publications to which Rush Holt subscribed and collected; photographs that represent Rush Holt's personal life and political career; ephemera collected by Rush Holt; and election results collected by Rush Holt.","Series 2. Artifacts; 1939-1952 and undated","Includes personal and political items collected by Rush Holt.","Series 3. Legislative Records; 1920-1955 and undated","Includes correspondence, reports, publications, clippings, statistics, transcripts, financial records, and project records, among other miscellaneous material relative to Rush Holt's committee-based and general legislative activity.","Series 4. Constituent Services; 1923-1954 and undated","Includes mail received by Rush Holt during his time in the West Virginia House of Delegates and the United States Senate from constituents requesting government publications and bulletins, copies of speeches, educational material, and Rush Holt's recommendation to the United States Military or Naval Academy. In some cases, this series also includes typescript responses, many of which are generic.","Series 5. Press and Media Activity; 1925-2003 and undated (bulk 1925-1955)","Includes original and photocopied articles from newspapers and similar publications, typescripts of press releases, pen-and-ink drawn political cartoons, transcripts of speeches, and sound recordings, among other material representing Rush Holt's involvement with the press and media.","Series 6. Administrative Files; 1937-1940","Includes material documenting the daily office activities of Rush Holt and his staff during the former's senatorial term.","Ephemeral items not specific to Rush Dew Holt were moved to the Printed Ephemera Collection. Several local basketball scorecards were moved to A\u0026M 4216, the Annual West Virginia State High School Basketball Tournament Programs collection.","17 reels of undated sound recordings, chiefly relating to the political career of Rush Dew Holt, were separated to the oral history collection, C432 R699-R715 (17 tapes). These tapes include some personal material as well.","Permission to publish or reproduce is required from the copyright holder. For more information, please see the Permissions and Copyright page on the West Virginia and Regional History Center website.","Papers of Rush Dew Holt, Sr. (1905-1955) relating to his personal and political activities. Types of material include publications, clippings, correspondence, photographs, and ephemera, among others. The collection is divided into six series: Personal and Political Papers (1840-2000 and undated), Artifacts (1939-1952 and undated), Legislative Records (1920-1955 and undated), Constituent Services (1923-1954 and undated), Press and Media Activity (1925-2003 and undated), and Administrative Files (1937-1940).","West Virginia and Regional History Center / West Virginia University / 1549 University Avenue / P.O. Box 6069 / Morgantown, WV 26506-6069 / Phone: 304-293-3536  / URL: West Virginia \u0026 Regional History Center","West Virginia and Regional History Center","America First Committee","American Federation of Labor","Congress of Industrial Organizations (U.S.)","United States. National Bituminous Coal Commission","United States. National Labor Relations Board","Progressive Mine Workers of America","United Mine Workers of America","United States. National Recovery Administration","United States. Supreme Court","United States. Congress. Senate","West Virginia. Legislature","United States. Works Progress Administration","Democratic Party (U.S.)","Weston State Hospital","Holt, Rush Dew, 1905-1955","Bittner, Van A. (Van Amberg), 1885-1949","Black, Hugo LaFayette, 1886-1971","Coughlin, Charles E.","Edmiston, Andrew.","Farley, James A. (James Aloysius), 1888-1976","Green, William.","Holt, Helen Louise Froelich, 1913-2015","Holt, Mathew S., 1850-1939","Hopkins, Harry L. (Harry Lloyd), 1890-1946","Ickes, Harold L. (Harold LeClair), 1874-1952","Kump, Herman Guy, 1877-1962","La Follette, Robert M. (Robert Marion), 1855-1925","Neely, Matthew Mansfield, 1874-1958","Lewis, John L. (John Llewellyn), 1880-1969","Long, Huey Pierce, 1893-1935","English"],"collection_title_tesim":["Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, 1840/2003, bulk 1918/1955"],"collection_ssim":["Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, 1840/2003, bulk 1918/1955"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["A\u0026M 0873","Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","/repositories/2/resources/3687"],"unitid_tesim":["A\u0026M 0873","Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","/repositories/2/resources/3687"],"repository_ssm":["West Virginia and Regional History Center"],"repository_ssim":["West Virginia and Regional History Center"],"geogname_ssm":["Lewis County.","West Virginia -- Politics and government","United States -- Politics and government"],"geogname_ssim":["Lewis County.","West Virginia -- Politics and government","United States -- Politics and government"],"places_ssim":["Lewis County.","West Virginia -- Politics and government","United States -- Politics and government"],"creator_ssm":["Holt, Rush Dew, 1905-1955"],"creator_ssim":["Holt, Rush Dew, 1905-1955"],"creator_persname_ssim":["Holt, Rush Dew, 1905-1955","Bittner, Van A. (Van Amberg), 1885-1949","Black, Hugo LaFayette, 1886-1971","Coughlin, Charles E.","Edmiston, Andrew.","Farley, James A. (James Aloysius), 1888-1976","Green, William.","Holt, Helen Louise Froelich, 1913-2015","Holt, Mathew S., 1850-1939","Hopkins, Harry L. (Harry Lloyd), 1890-1946","Ickes, Harold L. (Harold LeClair), 1874-1952","Kump, Herman Guy, 1877-1962","La Follette, Robert M. (Robert Marion), 1855-1925","Neely, Matthew Mansfield, 1874-1958","Lewis, John L. (John Llewellyn), 1880-1969","Long, Huey Pierce, 1893-1935"],"creator_corpname_ssim":["West Virginia and Regional History Center","America First Committee","American Federation of Labor","Congress of Industrial Organizations (U.S.)","United States. National Bituminous Coal Commission","United States. National Labor Relations Board","Progressive Mine Workers of America","United Mine Workers of America","United States. National Recovery Administration","United States. Supreme Court","United States. Congress. Senate","West Virginia. Legislature","United States. Works Progress Administration","Democratic Party (U.S.)","Weston State Hospital"],"creators_ssim":["Holt, Rush Dew, 1905-1955","Bittner, Van A. (Van Amberg), 1885-1949","Black, Hugo LaFayette, 1886-1971","Coughlin, Charles E.","Edmiston, Andrew.","Farley, James A. (James Aloysius), 1888-1976","Green, William.","Holt, Helen Louise Froelich, 1913-2015","Holt, Mathew S., 1850-1939","Hopkins, Harry L. (Harry Lloyd), 1890-1946","Ickes, Harold L. (Harold LeClair), 1874-1952","Kump, Herman Guy, 1877-1962","La Follette, Robert M. (Robert Marion), 1855-1925","Neely, Matthew Mansfield, 1874-1958","Lewis, John L. (John Llewellyn), 1880-1969","Long, Huey Pierce, 1893-1935","West Virginia and Regional History Center","America First Committee","American Federation of Labor","Congress of Industrial Organizations (U.S.)","United States. National Bituminous Coal Commission","United States. National Labor Relations Board","Progressive Mine Workers of America","United Mine Workers of America","United States. National Recovery Administration","United States. Supreme Court","United States. Congress. Senate","West Virginia. Legislature","United States. Works Progress Administration","Democratic Party (U.S.)","Weston State Hospital"],"access_terms_ssm":["Permission to publish or reproduce is required from the copyright holder. For more information, please see the Permissions and Copyright page on the West Virginia and Regional History Center website."],"acqinfo_ssim":["Gifts of Holt, Helen F., 1956-2016."],"access_subjects_ssim":["Coal mining - Labor organization.","Education","Elections","Guffey Coal Act.","New Deal, 1933-1939","Politics and government.","Public utilities","Taxation","Unions.","United States - Social Security.","Social Security -- United States","Wheeler-Rayburn Holding Company Act","Isolationism -- United States -- History -- 20th Century","World War, 1939-1945","Politicians -- United States"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Coal mining - Labor organization.","Education","Elections","Guffey Coal Act.","New Deal, 1933-1939","Politics and government.","Public utilities","Taxation","Unions.","United States - Social Security.","Social Security -- United States","Wheeler-Rayburn Holding Company Act","Isolationism -- United States -- History -- 20th Century","World War, 1939-1945","Politicians -- United States"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"extent_ssm":["156.21 Linear Feet 156 ft. 2 1/2 in. (360 document cases, 5 in. each); (1 document case, 4 in.); (14 document cases, 2 1/2 in.); (1 flat storage box, 5 in.); (1 flat storage box, 3 1/2 in.); (2 flat storage boxes, 3 in. each); (3 flat storage boxes, 2 1/2 in. each); (9 flat storage boxes, 1 1/2 in. each); (\n44 photos in photograph filing cabinets)","11.7 Gigabytes 131 TIFF files, 2 PDF files"],"extent_tesim":["156.21 Linear Feet 156 ft. 2 1/2 in. (360 document cases, 5 in. each); (1 document case, 4 in.); (14 document cases, 2 1/2 in.); (1 flat storage box, 5 in.); (1 flat storage box, 3 1/2 in.); (2 flat storage boxes, 3 in. each); (3 flat storage boxes, 2 1/2 in. each); (9 flat storage boxes, 1 1/2 in. each); (\n44 photos in photograph filing cabinets)","11.7 Gigabytes 131 TIFF files, 2 PDF files"],"date_range_isim":[1840,1841,1842,1843,1844,1845,1846,1847,1848,1849,1850,1851,1852,1853,1854,1855,1856,1857,1858,1859,1860,1861,1862,1863,1864,1865,1866,1867,1868,1869,1870,1871,1872,1873,1874,1875,1876,1877,1878,1879,1880,1881,1882,1883,1884,1885,1886,1887,1888,1889,1890,1891,1892,1893,1894,1895,1896,1897,1898,1899,1900,1901,1902,1903,1904,1905,1906,1907,1908,1909,1910,1911,1912,1913,1914,1915,1916,1917,1918,1919,1920,1921,1922,1923,1924,1925,1926,1927,1928,1929,1930,1931,1932,1933,1934,1935,1936,1937,1938,1939,1940,1941,1942,1943,1944,1945,1946,1947,1948,1949,1950,1951,1952,1953,1954,1955,1956,1957,1958,1959,1960,1961,1962,1963,1964,1965,1966,1967,1968,1969,1970,1971,1972,1973,1974,1975,1976,1977,1978,1979,1980,1981,1982,1983,1984,1985,1986,1987,1988,1989,1990,1991,1992,1993,1994,1995,1996,1997,1998,1999,2000,2001,2002,2003],"accessrestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp style=\"color: red;\"\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eNo special access restriction applies.\u003c/emph\u003e\u003c/p\u003e  "],"accessrestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Access"],"accessrestrict_tesim":["No special access restriction applies."],"arrangement_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThis collection is one of five (see also A\u0026amp;M 1858, 4218, 4039, and 3943) pertaining to Rush Dew Holt, Sr. and his family. The records have been gathered via multiple accruals from 1956 to 2016. Originally, these collections were divided between A\u0026amp;M 873 and A\u0026amp;M 1701, the latter also being composed of thirteen addenda and A\u0026amp;M 1858. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIn an attempt to organize the collections in a more coherent fashion for patron use and to reflect the creator(s) in a more concise manner, the material was reevaluated and reorganized into the three sets of papers with distinct series and subseries: A\u0026amp;M 873: Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers; A\u0026amp;M 1858: Helen Holt (1913-2015) Papers; and A\u0026amp;M 4218: Rush Dew Holt Family Papers.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eBecause of the 2016-2017 reorganization, the physical arrangement no longer matches the intellectual arrangement and series order. Furthermore, any box and folder citations created prior to the above-mentioned project are likely no longer accurate. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFor assistance locating material using an older citation, please ask a staff member of the West Virginia \u0026amp; Regional History Center.    \u003c/p\u003e  "],"arrangement_heading_ssm":["Arrangement"],"arrangement_tesim":["This collection is one of five (see also A\u0026M 1858, 4218, 4039, and 3943) pertaining to Rush Dew Holt, Sr. and his family. The records have been gathered via multiple accruals from 1956 to 2016. Originally, these collections were divided between A\u0026M 873 and A\u0026M 1701, the latter also being composed of thirteen addenda and A\u0026M 1858.","In an attempt to organize the collections in a more coherent fashion for patron use and to reflect the creator(s) in a more concise manner, the material was reevaluated and reorganized into the three sets of papers with distinct series and subseries: A\u0026M 873: Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers; A\u0026M 1858: Helen Holt (1913-2015) Papers; and A\u0026M 4218: Rush Dew Holt Family Papers.","Because of the 2016-2017 reorganization, the physical arrangement no longer matches the intellectual arrangement and series order. Furthermore, any box and folder citations created prior to the above-mentioned project are likely no longer accurate.","For assistance locating material using an older citation, please ask a staff member of the West Virginia \u0026 Regional History Center."],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eRush Dew Holt was born in Weston, West Virginia, on June 19, 1905 to parents, Dr. Matthew S. Holt and Chihela (Dew) Holt. From an early age, Holt displayed scholarly potential. By age three, he was able to read first-grade primers, and eventually became interested in numerous topics for which he was able to provide detailed statistics. Among these interests was politics, and by age six, Holt had decided he would become a Democrat.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe potential displayed by Holt as a child continued into his school years. At age five, he began public education in the second grade, and he skipped grades on two more occasions. He attended Weston High School, and after graduating with honors at age fourteen, Holt applied to the University of Cincinnati; however, the register rejected the application because Holt, while academically qualified, was considered too young. Not one to admit defeat, a trait that would prove to be a lifelong characteristic, Holt turned to West Virginia University where he was accepted. As the youngest member of the freshman class, Holt found it difficult to obtain full acceptance as a college student, and his academic record reflected his apparent dissatisfaction. After two years at West Virginia University, Holt transferred to Salem College where the enrollment was smaller (approximately 300 students) and where he was able to live with his uncle, Professor Samuel Dew. It was at Salem College that Holt regained his self-confidence. His academic performance improved, and he maintained a B-plus average. In addition to academics, Holt excelled on the debate team. He was the editor-in-chief of the school paper, and he managed the tennis team.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIn 1924, Holt received a Bachelor of Arts Degree and qualification to teach at secondary schools. Shortly after his graduation, he was hired to teach at Bedford High School in Virginia where he taught English and history in addition to serving as the school's athletic director. After one academic year, Holt returned to Weston, West Virginia, where he took a position at St. Patrick's High School as the athletic director. Holt also coached the basketball team with abundant success, leading the team to two national tournaments for Catholic schools. During this time, Holt also taught history as a part-time instructor at Glenville Normal School and Salem College, but his fascination with athletics persisted. In addition to coaching and occasional officiating, Holt also began writing about sports. Eventually, he began to contribute columns to daily West Virginia newspapers.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eBy the late 1920s, Holt was attracted to the political environment, and he began to contribute to candidates who were friends of and/or who shared the views of his father. In the summer of 1928, Holt went one step further by announcing his candidacy as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates. Despite Lewis County having been predominately Republican, in addition to not having received significant party backing, Holt still obtained a higher-than-expected amount of support, losing his race by only 500 votes. Once again, however, Holt would not admit defeat. In 1930 Holt again announced his candidacy for the West Virginia House of Delegates. During the campaign, he visited locations all around Lewis County, spoke to anyone who would listen, and ensured that the grievances such as those concerning government cost, increased taxes, and the power of privately owned public utilities would all be addressed. As expected with any campaign, Holt received criticism, and those who opposed him likened the young politician to his father who they declared was a radical, a socialist, and an atheist. Despite the scornful claims, Holt, by a margin of 2,150 votes, was elected to his first public office as a Democrat to the West Virginia Legislature where he served from 1931-1935. During his years as a delegate, as promised during his campaign, Holt spoke out against corrupt practices such as government spending, an issue he addressed not even a week into the 1931 session. In addition to debating issues in the House, Holt also wrote to state supported universities, highway commissioners, and auditors in West Virginia and numerous other states to gather financial figures concerning spending, salaries, and taxes among others. Holt also began an investigation in 1931 to uncover rates, operating costs, and profits of privately and publically owned utility companies. All of these endeavors were only the first chapter in Holt's political career.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eBy 1934 he had gained the political support and the backing of union workers which was enough to defeat incumbent United States Senator Henry Hatfield. At age twenty-nine, Holt became the youngest person to win a United States Senate seat; however, there was immediate criticism. No sooner had the votes been tallied before a protest was filed concerning Holt's credentials: the fact that he had run for an office when he had not been of the required age. In addition to discontent within his own state, Holt also received overwhelming opposition in Washington, D.C. from Senate Republicans who threatened to object on the grounds of the constitutional age requirement. Despite the criticism, Holt's election was not overturned; however, he had to wait until he turned thirty, over five months after the Seventy-forth Congress had convened, before he could participate in senatorial proceedings.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eJust as he had been active in the West Virginia Legislature, Holt did not hesitate to address both major and minor issues on Capitol Hill either. During his time in the Senate, Holt served on several committees including Education and Labor, Immigration, Mines and Mining, Naval Affairs, and Post Offices and Post Roads. He also served as a member of the United States delegation to the 1939 Interparliamentary Conference in Oslo, Norway.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAlthough Holt had once been referred to as President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's \"Golden Boy,\" such alliances and the policies that had formed them began to dissolve by 1936. He became estranged from fellow Democrat and West Virginian Senator Matthew Neely, and Holt ended his support for the United Mine Workers of America and the Works Progress Administration, the latter of which he claimed was corrupt. Eventually, Holt criticized the Roosevelt administration for its New Deal policies, he adamantly fought Roosevelt's attempt to alter the Supreme Court by changing the number of sitting justices from nine to twelve, and he spoke out against the proposition of allowing a presidential third term. Furthermore, as unrest began in Europe with Germany's invasion of Poland, Holt campaigned against any attempts by the administration to involve the United States in the War. The responses from constituents about Holt's actions were mixed; nevertheless, the young senator's sudden change led to his unsuccessful renomination attempt in 1940. Holt did not even make it past the primary election.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAfter his Senate term ended, Holt remained in Washington, D.C. and began to support himself as a lecturer and a writer of political issues, particularly neutrality for which he received the support of the America First Committee. It was also during this time that Holt met Helen Louise Froelich, a biology teacher at National Park College near Washington. They were married a year later and moved to West Virginia. The couple had two children: a daughter, Helen Jane Holt (born in 1945) and a son, Rush Dew Holt, Jr. (born in 1948). When Senator Holt's sister, Jane (Holt) Chase, died in 1952, the couple adopted her son, David. After the Holts returned to West Virginia in 1941, Holt stayed involved in politics by accepting speaking engagements. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDuring the remainder of the 1940s, Holt ran several times for state offices with modest success. He was elected to the State House of Delegates in 1942 and was reelected in 1944 by write-in vote and 1946 without opposition. After a failed attempt to win the West Virginia Democratic gubernatorial nomination in 1944 and the nomination for United States Senator in 1948, Holt changed political affiliation. Despite this, his lack of success to achieve positions beyond the House of Delegates continued. In 1950, he won the Republican nomination to represent West Virginia's Third District in the United States House of Representatives but lost in the general election, and in 1952 Holt came very close to winning the race for West Virginia governor as the Republican candidate but lost to William Marland by fewer than 30,000 votes. Success returned in 1954 when Holt was elected to the West Virginia House of Delegates by the voters of Lewis County, but he was unable to finish his term due to illness.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHolt died on February 8, 1955 after a long, tough campaign against cancer.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eChronological List of Events:\u003c/emph\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eJune 19, 1905: born\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1920: graduated from high school\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1920-1922: attended West Virginia University\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1922-1924: attended Salem College, received a BA degree \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1924-1925: taught English and history and served as athletic director at Bedford High School in Virginia\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1925-1928: served as athletic director and basketball coach at St. Patrick's High School (Catholic school) in Weston, West Virginia; taught history as a part-time instructor at Glenville Normal School and Salem College; and contributed sport columns to daily West Virginia newspapers\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1928: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates, lost by 500 votes \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1930: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates, won by 2,150 votes, served from 1931-1935 \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1934: ran as a Democrat for the United States Senate and won despite being only twenty-nine years old\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1939: served as a member of the United States delegation to the Interparliamentary Conference in Oslo, Norway\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1940: ran for renomination to the Senate, failed to win the primary election\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1941: married Helen Louise Froelich\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1942: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates and won, reelected in 1944, 1946, and 1948, served until 1950.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1944: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia gubernatorial nomination but was unsuccessful  \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1945: birth of Helen Jane Holt\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1948: birth of Rush Dew Holt, Jr.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1948: ran as a Democrat for the United States Senate nomination but was unsuccessful \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1948: switched political affiliation to the Republican Party \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1952: ran as the Republican candidate for West Virginia Governor but lost to William Marland by fewer than 30,000 votes\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1954: ran as a Republican for the West Virginia House of Delegates and won\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFebruary 8, 1955: death \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eSources:\u003c/emph\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCoffey, William Ellis. \u003cemph render=\"italic\"\u003eRush Dew Holt: The Boy Senator.\u003c/emph\u003e Dissertation, West Virginia University, 1970. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA\u0026amp;M 0873, Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, West Virginia and Regional History Center, West Virginia University Libraries.  \u003c/p\u003e  "],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical / Historical"],"bioghist_tesim":["Rush Dew Holt was born in Weston, West Virginia, on June 19, 1905 to parents, Dr. Matthew S. Holt and Chihela (Dew) Holt. From an early age, Holt displayed scholarly potential. By age three, he was able to read first-grade primers, and eventually became interested in numerous topics for which he was able to provide detailed statistics. Among these interests was politics, and by age six, Holt had decided he would become a Democrat.","The potential displayed by Holt as a child continued into his school years. At age five, he began public education in the second grade, and he skipped grades on two more occasions. He attended Weston High School, and after graduating with honors at age fourteen, Holt applied to the University of Cincinnati; however, the register rejected the application because Holt, while academically qualified, was considered too young. Not one to admit defeat, a trait that would prove to be a lifelong characteristic, Holt turned to West Virginia University where he was accepted. As the youngest member of the freshman class, Holt found it difficult to obtain full acceptance as a college student, and his academic record reflected his apparent dissatisfaction. After two years at West Virginia University, Holt transferred to Salem College where the enrollment was smaller (approximately 300 students) and where he was able to live with his uncle, Professor Samuel Dew. It was at Salem College that Holt regained his self-confidence. His academic performance improved, and he maintained a B-plus average. In addition to academics, Holt excelled on the debate team. He was the editor-in-chief of the school paper, and he managed the tennis team.","In 1924, Holt received a Bachelor of Arts Degree and qualification to teach at secondary schools. Shortly after his graduation, he was hired to teach at Bedford High School in Virginia where he taught English and history in addition to serving as the school's athletic director. After one academic year, Holt returned to Weston, West Virginia, where he took a position at St. Patrick's High School as the athletic director. Holt also coached the basketball team with abundant success, leading the team to two national tournaments for Catholic schools. During this time, Holt also taught history as a part-time instructor at Glenville Normal School and Salem College, but his fascination with athletics persisted. In addition to coaching and occasional officiating, Holt also began writing about sports. Eventually, he began to contribute columns to daily West Virginia newspapers.","By the late 1920s, Holt was attracted to the political environment, and he began to contribute to candidates who were friends of and/or who shared the views of his father. In the summer of 1928, Holt went one step further by announcing his candidacy as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates. Despite Lewis County having been predominately Republican, in addition to not having received significant party backing, Holt still obtained a higher-than-expected amount of support, losing his race by only 500 votes. Once again, however, Holt would not admit defeat. In 1930 Holt again announced his candidacy for the West Virginia House of Delegates. During the campaign, he visited locations all around Lewis County, spoke to anyone who would listen, and ensured that the grievances such as those concerning government cost, increased taxes, and the power of privately owned public utilities would all be addressed. As expected with any campaign, Holt received criticism, and those who opposed him likened the young politician to his father who they declared was a radical, a socialist, and an atheist. Despite the scornful claims, Holt, by a margin of 2,150 votes, was elected to his first public office as a Democrat to the West Virginia Legislature where he served from 1931-1935. During his years as a delegate, as promised during his campaign, Holt spoke out against corrupt practices such as government spending, an issue he addressed not even a week into the 1931 session. In addition to debating issues in the House, Holt also wrote to state supported universities, highway commissioners, and auditors in West Virginia and numerous other states to gather financial figures concerning spending, salaries, and taxes among others. Holt also began an investigation in 1931 to uncover rates, operating costs, and profits of privately and publically owned utility companies. All of these endeavors were only the first chapter in Holt's political career.","By 1934 he had gained the political support and the backing of union workers which was enough to defeat incumbent United States Senator Henry Hatfield. At age twenty-nine, Holt became the youngest person to win a United States Senate seat; however, there was immediate criticism. No sooner had the votes been tallied before a protest was filed concerning Holt's credentials: the fact that he had run for an office when he had not been of the required age. In addition to discontent within his own state, Holt also received overwhelming opposition in Washington, D.C. from Senate Republicans who threatened to object on the grounds of the constitutional age requirement. Despite the criticism, Holt's election was not overturned; however, he had to wait until he turned thirty, over five months after the Seventy-forth Congress had convened, before he could participate in senatorial proceedings.","Just as he had been active in the West Virginia Legislature, Holt did not hesitate to address both major and minor issues on Capitol Hill either. During his time in the Senate, Holt served on several committees including Education and Labor, Immigration, Mines and Mining, Naval Affairs, and Post Offices and Post Roads. He also served as a member of the United States delegation to the 1939 Interparliamentary Conference in Oslo, Norway.","Although Holt had once been referred to as President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's \"Golden Boy,\" such alliances and the policies that had formed them began to dissolve by 1936. He became estranged from fellow Democrat and West Virginian Senator Matthew Neely, and Holt ended his support for the United Mine Workers of America and the Works Progress Administration, the latter of which he claimed was corrupt. Eventually, Holt criticized the Roosevelt administration for its New Deal policies, he adamantly fought Roosevelt's attempt to alter the Supreme Court by changing the number of sitting justices from nine to twelve, and he spoke out against the proposition of allowing a presidential third term. Furthermore, as unrest began in Europe with Germany's invasion of Poland, Holt campaigned against any attempts by the administration to involve the United States in the War. The responses from constituents about Holt's actions were mixed; nevertheless, the young senator's sudden change led to his unsuccessful renomination attempt in 1940. Holt did not even make it past the primary election.","After his Senate term ended, Holt remained in Washington, D.C. and began to support himself as a lecturer and a writer of political issues, particularly neutrality for which he received the support of the America First Committee. It was also during this time that Holt met Helen Louise Froelich, a biology teacher at National Park College near Washington. They were married a year later and moved to West Virginia. The couple had two children: a daughter, Helen Jane Holt (born in 1945) and a son, Rush Dew Holt, Jr. (born in 1948). When Senator Holt's sister, Jane (Holt) Chase, died in 1952, the couple adopted her son, David. After the Holts returned to West Virginia in 1941, Holt stayed involved in politics by accepting speaking engagements.","During the remainder of the 1940s, Holt ran several times for state offices with modest success. He was elected to the State House of Delegates in 1942 and was reelected in 1944 by write-in vote and 1946 without opposition. After a failed attempt to win the West Virginia Democratic gubernatorial nomination in 1944 and the nomination for United States Senator in 1948, Holt changed political affiliation. Despite this, his lack of success to achieve positions beyond the House of Delegates continued. In 1950, he won the Republican nomination to represent West Virginia's Third District in the United States House of Representatives but lost in the general election, and in 1952 Holt came very close to winning the race for West Virginia governor as the Republican candidate but lost to William Marland by fewer than 30,000 votes. Success returned in 1954 when Holt was elected to the West Virginia House of Delegates by the voters of Lewis County, but he was unable to finish his term due to illness.","Holt died on February 8, 1955 after a long, tough campaign against cancer.","Chronological List of Events:","June 19, 1905: born","1920: graduated from high school","1920-1922: attended West Virginia University","1922-1924: attended Salem College, received a BA degree","1924-1925: taught English and history and served as athletic director at Bedford High School in Virginia","1925-1928: served as athletic director and basketball coach at St. Patrick's High School (Catholic school) in Weston, West Virginia; taught history as a part-time instructor at Glenville Normal School and Salem College; and contributed sport columns to daily West Virginia newspapers","1928: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates, lost by 500 votes","1930: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates, won by 2,150 votes, served from 1931-1935","1934: ran as a Democrat for the United States Senate and won despite being only twenty-nine years old","1939: served as a member of the United States delegation to the Interparliamentary Conference in Oslo, Norway","1940: ran for renomination to the Senate, failed to win the primary election","1941: married Helen Louise Froelich","1942: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates and won, reelected in 1944, 1946, and 1948, served until 1950.","1944: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia gubernatorial nomination but was unsuccessful","1945: birth of Helen Jane Holt","1948: birth of Rush Dew Holt, Jr.","1948: ran as a Democrat for the United States Senate nomination but was unsuccessful","1948: switched political affiliation to the Republican Party","1952: ran as the Republican candidate for West Virginia Governor but lost to William Marland by fewer than 30,000 votes","1954: ran as a Republican for the West Virginia House of Delegates and won","February 8, 1955: death","Sources:","Coffey, William Ellis. Rush Dew Holt: The Boy Senator. Dissertation, West Virginia University, 1970.","A\u0026M 0873, Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, West Virginia and Regional History Center, West Virginia University Libraries."],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e[Description and date of item], [Box/folder number], Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, A\u0026amp;M 0873, West Virginia and Regional History Center, West Virginia University Libraries, Morgantown, West Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"prefercite_tesim":["[Description and date of item], [Box/folder number], Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, A\u0026M 0873, West Virginia and Regional History Center, West Virginia University Libraries, Morgantown, West Virginia."],"relatedmaterial_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e1858, 3001, 3943, 4039, 4218, 4386\u003c/p\u003e  "],"relatedmaterial_heading_ssm":["Related A\u0026M Collections"],"relatedmaterial_tesim":["1858, 3001, 3943, 4039, 4218, 4386"],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003ePapers of Rush Dew Holt, Sr. (1905-1955) relating to his personal and political activities. Types of material include publications, clippings, correspondence, photographs, and ephemera, among others. The collection is divided into six series: Personal and Political Papers (1840-2000 and undated) includes correspondence; invitations and cards; material representing campaign activities; and material from college courses, among other material that represents Rush Holt's personal life and political career; and ephemera collected by Rush Holt. Artifacts (1939-1952 and undated) includes personal and political items collected by Rush Holt. Legislative Records (1920-1955 and undated) includes correspondence, reports, publications, clippings, statistics, transcripts, financial records, and project records, among other miscellaneous material relative to Rush Holt's committee-based and general legislative activity. Constituent Services (1923-1954 and undated) includes mail received by Rush Holt during his time in the West Virginia House of Delegates and the United States Senate from constituents providing political opinions to Holt or requesting government publications and bulletins, copies of speeches, educational material, and Rush Holt's recommendation to the United States Military or Naval Academy. Press and Media Activity (1925-2003 and undated) includes original and photocopied articles from newspapers and similar publications, typescripts of press releases, pen-and-ink drawn political cartoons, transcripts of speeches, and sound recordings, among other material representing Rush Holt's involvement with the press and media. Administrative Files (1937-1940) includes material documenting the daily office activities of Rush Holt and his staff during the former's senatorial term.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe collection is divided into six series as follows:\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eSeries 1. Personal and Political Papers; 1840-2000 and undated (bulk 1918-1955)\u003c/emph\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIncludes material related to Rush Holt's personal, family, and political life. Additional material related to his work in politics can be found in Series 3 through 6. Types of material include correspondence; invitations and cards; material representing campaign activities; material from college courses; bills for recordings, radio station receipts, and election expenditures; typescripts, newsletters, manuscripts, and photocopies of material written by Rush Holt; publications to which Rush Holt subscribed and collected; photographs that represent Rush Holt's personal life and political career; ephemera collected by Rush Holt; and election results collected by Rush Holt.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eSeries 2. Artifacts; 1939-1952 and undated\u003c/emph\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIncludes personal and political items collected by Rush Holt.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eSeries 3. Legislative Records; 1920-1955 and undated\u003c/emph\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIncludes correspondence, reports, publications, clippings, statistics, transcripts, financial records, and project records, among other miscellaneous material relative to Rush Holt's committee-based and general legislative activity.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eSeries 4. Constituent Services; 1923-1954 and undated\u003c/emph\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIncludes mail received by Rush Holt during his time in the West Virginia House of Delegates and the United States Senate from constituents requesting government publications and bulletins, copies of speeches, educational material, and Rush Holt's recommendation to the United States Military or Naval Academy. In some cases, this series also includes typescript responses, many of which are generic.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eSeries 5. Press and Media Activity; 1925-2003 and undated (bulk 1925-1955)\u003c/emph\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIncludes original and photocopied articles from newspapers and similar publications, typescripts of press releases, pen-and-ink drawn political cartoons, transcripts of speeches, and sound recordings, among other material representing Rush Holt's involvement with the press and media.    \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eSeries 6. Administrative Files; 1937-1940\u003c/emph\u003e \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIncludes material documenting the daily office activities of Rush Holt and his staff during the former's senatorial term.   \u003c/p\u003e  "],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["Papers of Rush Dew Holt, Sr. (1905-1955) relating to his personal and political activities. Types of material include publications, clippings, correspondence, photographs, and ephemera, among others. The collection is divided into six series: Personal and Political Papers (1840-2000 and undated) includes correspondence; invitations and cards; material representing campaign activities; and material from college courses, among other material that represents Rush Holt's personal life and political career; and ephemera collected by Rush Holt. Artifacts (1939-1952 and undated) includes personal and political items collected by Rush Holt. Legislative Records (1920-1955 and undated) includes correspondence, reports, publications, clippings, statistics, transcripts, financial records, and project records, among other miscellaneous material relative to Rush Holt's committee-based and general legislative activity. Constituent Services (1923-1954 and undated) includes mail received by Rush Holt during his time in the West Virginia House of Delegates and the United States Senate from constituents providing political opinions to Holt or requesting government publications and bulletins, copies of speeches, educational material, and Rush Holt's recommendation to the United States Military or Naval Academy. Press and Media Activity (1925-2003 and undated) includes original and photocopied articles from newspapers and similar publications, typescripts of press releases, pen-and-ink drawn political cartoons, transcripts of speeches, and sound recordings, among other material representing Rush Holt's involvement with the press and media. Administrative Files (1937-1940) includes material documenting the daily office activities of Rush Holt and his staff during the former's senatorial term.","The collection is divided into six series as follows:","Series 1. Personal and Political Papers; 1840-2000 and undated (bulk 1918-1955)","Includes material related to Rush Holt's personal, family, and political life. Additional material related to his work in politics can be found in Series 3 through 6. Types of material include correspondence; invitations and cards; material representing campaign activities; material from college courses; bills for recordings, radio station receipts, and election expenditures; typescripts, newsletters, manuscripts, and photocopies of material written by Rush Holt; publications to which Rush Holt subscribed and collected; photographs that represent Rush Holt's personal life and political career; ephemera collected by Rush Holt; and election results collected by Rush Holt.","Series 2. Artifacts; 1939-1952 and undated","Includes personal and political items collected by Rush Holt.","Series 3. Legislative Records; 1920-1955 and undated","Includes correspondence, reports, publications, clippings, statistics, transcripts, financial records, and project records, among other miscellaneous material relative to Rush Holt's committee-based and general legislative activity.","Series 4. Constituent Services; 1923-1954 and undated","Includes mail received by Rush Holt during his time in the West Virginia House of Delegates and the United States Senate from constituents requesting government publications and bulletins, copies of speeches, educational material, and Rush Holt's recommendation to the United States Military or Naval Academy. In some cases, this series also includes typescript responses, many of which are generic.","Series 5. Press and Media Activity; 1925-2003 and undated (bulk 1925-1955)","Includes original and photocopied articles from newspapers and similar publications, typescripts of press releases, pen-and-ink drawn political cartoons, transcripts of speeches, and sound recordings, among other material representing Rush Holt's involvement with the press and media.","Series 6. Administrative Files; 1937-1940","Includes material documenting the daily office activities of Rush Holt and his staff during the former's senatorial term."],"separatedmaterial_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eEphemeral items not specific to Rush Dew Holt were moved to the Printed Ephemera Collection. Several local basketball scorecards were moved to A\u0026amp;M 4216, the Annual West Virginia State High School Basketball Tournament Programs collection.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e17 reels of undated sound recordings, chiefly relating to the political career of Rush Dew Holt, were separated to the oral history collection, C432 R699-R715 (17 tapes). These tapes include some personal material as well.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"separatedmaterial_heading_ssm":["Separated Materials"],"separatedmaterial_tesim":["Ephemeral items not specific to Rush Dew Holt were moved to the Printed Ephemera Collection. Several local basketball scorecards were moved to A\u0026M 4216, the Annual West Virginia State High School Basketball Tournament Programs collection.","17 reels of undated sound recordings, chiefly relating to the political career of Rush Dew Holt, were separated to the oral history collection, C432 R699-R715 (17 tapes). These tapes include some personal material as well."],"userestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003ePermission to publish or reproduce is required from the copyright holder. For more information, please see the \u003ca href=\"https://wvrhc.lib.wvu.edu/visit/permissions-and-copyright\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ePermissions and Copyright page\u003c/a\u003e on the West Virginia and Regional History Center website.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"userestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Use"],"userestrict_tesim":["Permission to publish or reproduce is required from the copyright holder. For more information, please see the Permissions and Copyright page on the West Virginia and Regional History Center website."],"abstract_html_tesm":["\u003cabstract id=\"aspace_7f7aca18f594cb9e240c48f7fdefc04e\"\u003ePapers of Rush Dew Holt, Sr. (1905-1955) relating to his personal and political activities. Types of material include publications, clippings, correspondence, photographs, and ephemera, among others. The collection is divided into six series: Personal and Political Papers (1840-2000 and undated), Artifacts (1939-1952 and undated), Legislative Records (1920-1955 and undated), Constituent Services (1923-1954 and undated), Press and Media Activity (1925-2003 and undated), and Administrative Files (1937-1940).\u003c/abstract\u003e\n    "],"abstract_tesim":["Papers of Rush Dew Holt, Sr. (1905-1955) relating to his personal and political activities. Types of material include publications, clippings, correspondence, photographs, and ephemera, among others. The collection is divided into six series: Personal and Political Papers (1840-2000 and undated), Artifacts (1939-1952 and undated), Legislative Records (1920-1955 and undated), Constituent Services (1923-1954 and undated), Press and Media Activity (1925-2003 and undated), and Administrative Files (1937-1940)."],"physloc_html_tesm":["\u003cphysloc id=\"aspace_c13cef4864374dc7a447894b02986413\"\u003eWest Virginia and Regional History Center / West Virginia University / 1549 University Avenue / P.O. Box 6069 / Morgantown, WV 26506-6069 / Phone: 304-293-3536  / URL: \u003ca href=\"https://wvrhc.lib.wvu.edu/\"\u003eWest Virginia \u0026amp; Regional History Center\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/physloc\u003e\n    "],"physloc_tesim":["West Virginia and Regional History Center / West Virginia University / 1549 University Avenue / P.O. Box 6069 / Morgantown, WV 26506-6069 / Phone: 304-293-3536  / URL: West Virginia \u0026 Regional History Center"],"corpname_ssim":["West Virginia and Regional History Center","America First Committee","American Federation of Labor","Congress of Industrial Organizations (U.S.)","United States. National Bituminous Coal Commission","United States. National Labor Relations Board","Progressive Mine Workers of America","United Mine Workers of America","United States. National Recovery Administration","United States. Supreme Court","United States. Congress. Senate","West Virginia. Legislature","United States. Works Progress Administration","Democratic Party (U.S.)","Weston State Hospital"],"names_coll_ssim":["America First Committee","American Federation of Labor","Congress of Industrial Organizations (U.S.)","United States. National Bituminous Coal Commission","United States. National Labor Relations Board","Progressive Mine Workers of America","United Mine Workers of America","United States. National Recovery Administration","United States. Supreme Court","United States. Congress. Senate","West Virginia. Legislature","United States. Works Progress Administration","Democratic Party (U.S.)","Weston State Hospital","Bittner, Van A. (Van Amberg), 1885-1949","Black, Hugo LaFayette, 1886-1971","Coughlin, Charles E.","Edmiston, Andrew.","Farley, James A. (James Aloysius), 1888-1976","Green, William.","Holt, Helen Louise Froelich, 1913-2015","Holt, Mathew S., 1850-1939","Holt, Rush Dew, 1905-1955","Hopkins, Harry L. (Harry Lloyd), 1890-1946","Ickes, Harold L. (Harold LeClair), 1874-1952","Kump, Herman Guy, 1877-1962","La Follette, Robert M. (Robert Marion), 1855-1925","Neely, Matthew Mansfield, 1874-1958","Lewis, John L. (John Llewellyn), 1880-1969","Long, Huey Pierce, 1893-1935"],"persname_ssim":["Holt, Rush Dew, 1905-1955","Bittner, Van A. (Van Amberg), 1885-1949","Black, Hugo LaFayette, 1886-1971","Coughlin, Charles E.","Edmiston, Andrew.","Farley, James A. (James Aloysius), 1888-1976","Green, William.","Holt, Helen Louise Froelich, 1913-2015","Holt, Mathew S., 1850-1939","Hopkins, Harry L. (Harry Lloyd), 1890-1946","Ickes, Harold L. (Harold LeClair), 1874-1952","Kump, Herman Guy, 1877-1962","La Follette, Robert M. (Robert Marion), 1855-1925","Neely, Matthew Mansfield, 1874-1958","Lewis, John L. (John Llewellyn), 1880-1969","Long, Huey Pierce, 1893-1935"],"names_ssim":["West Virginia and Regional History Center","America First Committee","American Federation of Labor","Congress of Industrial Organizations (U.S.)","United States. National Bituminous Coal Commission","United States. National Labor Relations Board","Progressive Mine Workers of America","United Mine Workers of America","United States. National Recovery Administration","United States. Supreme Court","United States. Congress. Senate","West Virginia. Legislature","United States. Works Progress Administration","Democratic Party (U.S.)","Weston State Hospital","Holt, Rush Dew, 1905-1955","Bittner, Van A. (Van Amberg), 1885-1949","Black, Hugo LaFayette, 1886-1971","Coughlin, Charles E.","Edmiston, Andrew.","Farley, James A. (James Aloysius), 1888-1976","Green, William.","Holt, Helen Louise Froelich, 1913-2015","Holt, Mathew S., 1850-1939","Hopkins, Harry L. (Harry Lloyd), 1890-1946","Ickes, Harold L. (Harold LeClair), 1874-1952","Kump, Herman Guy, 1877-1962","La Follette, Robert M. (Robert Marion), 1855-1925","Neely, Matthew Mansfield, 1874-1958","Lewis, John L. (John Llewellyn), 1880-1969","Long, Huey Pierce, 1893-1935"],"language_ssim":["English"],"descrules_ssm":["Describing Archives: A Content Standard"],"total_component_count_is":938,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-09-01T16:09:24.514Z"}]}},"label":"Breadcrumbs"}}},"links":{"self":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687_c03_c05"}},{"id":"wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687_c03_c03","type":"Sub-Series","attributes":{"title":"Legislative Records--West Virginia House of Delegates Interstate Cooperation Commission Files, 1946/1950","abstract_or_scope":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687_c03_c03#abstract_or_scope","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"\u003cp\u003eIncludes financial records requested by and maintained by Rush Holt during his time as a member of the Interstate Cooperation Commission.\u003c/p\u003e","label":"Abstract Or Scope"}},"breadcrumbs":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687_c03_c03#breadcrumbs","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":{"ref_ssi":"wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687_c03_c03","ref_ssm":["wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687_c03_c03"],"id":"wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687_c03_c03","ead_ssi":"wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687","_root_":"wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687","_nest_parent_":"wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687_c03","parent_ssi":"wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687_c03","parent_ssim":["Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, 1840/2003, bulk 1918/1955","Series 3. Legislative Records, 1920/1955"],"parent_ids_ssim":["wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687","wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687_c03"],"title_filing_ssi":"Legislative Records--West Virginia House of Delegates Interstate Cooperation Commission Files","title_ssm":["Legislative Records--West Virginia House of Delegates Interstate Cooperation Commission Files"],"title_tesim":["Legislative Records--West Virginia House of Delegates Interstate Cooperation Commission Files"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Legislative Records--West Virginia House of Delegates Interstate Cooperation Commission Files, 1946/1950"],"text":["Legislative Records--West Virginia House of Delegates Interstate Cooperation Commission Files, 1946/1950","Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, 1840/2003, bulk 1918/1955","Series 3. Legislative Records, 1920/1955","Includes financial records requested by and maintained by Rush Holt during his time as a member of the Interstate Cooperation Commission.","Types of records include correspondence, financial and payroll statistics, and budgetary reports, among others.","Entities represented include departments of state, governmental offices of state, educational institutions (including West Virginia University), and hospitals, among others."],"parent_unittitles_ssm":["Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, 1840/2003, bulk 1918/1955","Series 3. Legislative Records, 1920/1955"],"parent_unittitles_tesim":["Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, 1840/2003, bulk 1918/1955","Series 3. Legislative Records, 1920/1955"],"normalized_date_ssm":["1946/1950"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1946–1950"],"level_ssm":["Sub-Series"],"level_ssim":["Sub-series"],"component_level_isim":[2],"sort_isi":442,"repository_ssim":["West Virginia and Regional History Center"],"collection_ssim":["Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, 1840/2003, bulk 1918/1955"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"child_component_count_isi":18,"parent_access_restrict_tesm":["No special access restriction applies."],"parent_access_terms_tesm":["Permission to publish or reproduce is required from the copyright holder. For more information, please see the Permissions and Copyright page on the West Virginia and Regional History Center website."],"date_range_isim":[1946,1947,1948,1949,1950],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eIncludes financial records requested by and maintained by Rush Holt during his time as a member of the Interstate Cooperation Commission.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e Types of records include correspondence, financial and payroll statistics, and budgetary reports, among others.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e Entities represented include departments of state, governmental offices of state, educational institutions (including West Virginia University), and hospitals, among others.\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["Includes financial records requested by and maintained by Rush Holt during his time as a member of the Interstate Cooperation Commission.","Types of records include correspondence, financial and payroll statistics, and budgetary reports, among others.","Entities represented include departments of state, governmental offices of state, educational institutions (including West Virginia University), and hospitals, among others."],"_nest_path_":"/components#2/components#2","timestamp":"2026-09-01T16:09:24.514Z","collection":{"numFound":1,"start":0,"numFoundExact":true,"docs":[{"id":"wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687","ead_ssi":"wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687","_root_":"wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687","_nest_parent_":"wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/WVU/repositories_2_resources_3687.xml","aspace_url_ssi":"https://archives.lib.wvu.edu/ark:/99999/208740","title_ssm":["Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers"],"title_tesim":["Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers"],"unitdate_ssm":["1840-2003","1918-1955"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1840-2003"],"unitdate_bulk_ssim":["1918-1955"],"normalized_date_ssm":["1840/2003, bulk 1918/1955"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, 1840/2003, bulk 1918/1955"],"text":["Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, 1840/2003, bulk 1918/1955","A\u0026M 0873","Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","/repositories/2/resources/3687","Lewis County.","West Virginia -- Politics and government","United States -- Politics and government","Coal mining - Labor organization.","Education","Elections","Guffey Coal Act.","New Deal, 1933-1939","Politics and government.","Public utilities","Taxation","Unions.","United States - Social Security.","Social Security -- United States","Wheeler-Rayburn Holding Company Act","Isolationism -- United States -- History -- 20th Century","World War, 1939-1945","Politicians -- United States","No special access restriction applies.","This collection is one of five (see also A\u0026M 1858, 4218, 4039, and 3943) pertaining to Rush Dew Holt, Sr. and his family. The records have been gathered via multiple accruals from 1956 to 2016. Originally, these collections were divided between A\u0026M 873 and A\u0026M 1701, the latter also being composed of thirteen addenda and A\u0026M 1858.","In an attempt to organize the collections in a more coherent fashion for patron use and to reflect the creator(s) in a more concise manner, the material was reevaluated and reorganized into the three sets of papers with distinct series and subseries: A\u0026M 873: Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers; A\u0026M 1858: Helen Holt (1913-2015) Papers; and A\u0026M 4218: Rush Dew Holt Family Papers.","Because of the 2016-2017 reorganization, the physical arrangement no longer matches the intellectual arrangement and series order. Furthermore, any box and folder citations created prior to the above-mentioned project are likely no longer accurate.","For assistance locating material using an older citation, please ask a staff member of the West Virginia \u0026 Regional History Center.","Rush Dew Holt was born in Weston, West Virginia, on June 19, 1905 to parents, Dr. Matthew S. Holt and Chihela (Dew) Holt. From an early age, Holt displayed scholarly potential. By age three, he was able to read first-grade primers, and eventually became interested in numerous topics for which he was able to provide detailed statistics. Among these interests was politics, and by age six, Holt had decided he would become a Democrat.","The potential displayed by Holt as a child continued into his school years. At age five, he began public education in the second grade, and he skipped grades on two more occasions. He attended Weston High School, and after graduating with honors at age fourteen, Holt applied to the University of Cincinnati; however, the register rejected the application because Holt, while academically qualified, was considered too young. Not one to admit defeat, a trait that would prove to be a lifelong characteristic, Holt turned to West Virginia University where he was accepted. As the youngest member of the freshman class, Holt found it difficult to obtain full acceptance as a college student, and his academic record reflected his apparent dissatisfaction. After two years at West Virginia University, Holt transferred to Salem College where the enrollment was smaller (approximately 300 students) and where he was able to live with his uncle, Professor Samuel Dew. It was at Salem College that Holt regained his self-confidence. His academic performance improved, and he maintained a B-plus average. In addition to academics, Holt excelled on the debate team. He was the editor-in-chief of the school paper, and he managed the tennis team.","In 1924, Holt received a Bachelor of Arts Degree and qualification to teach at secondary schools. Shortly after his graduation, he was hired to teach at Bedford High School in Virginia where he taught English and history in addition to serving as the school's athletic director. After one academic year, Holt returned to Weston, West Virginia, where he took a position at St. Patrick's High School as the athletic director. Holt also coached the basketball team with abundant success, leading the team to two national tournaments for Catholic schools. During this time, Holt also taught history as a part-time instructor at Glenville Normal School and Salem College, but his fascination with athletics persisted. In addition to coaching and occasional officiating, Holt also began writing about sports. Eventually, he began to contribute columns to daily West Virginia newspapers.","By the late 1920s, Holt was attracted to the political environment, and he began to contribute to candidates who were friends of and/or who shared the views of his father. In the summer of 1928, Holt went one step further by announcing his candidacy as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates. Despite Lewis County having been predominately Republican, in addition to not having received significant party backing, Holt still obtained a higher-than-expected amount of support, losing his race by only 500 votes. Once again, however, Holt would not admit defeat. In 1930 Holt again announced his candidacy for the West Virginia House of Delegates. During the campaign, he visited locations all around Lewis County, spoke to anyone who would listen, and ensured that the grievances such as those concerning government cost, increased taxes, and the power of privately owned public utilities would all be addressed. As expected with any campaign, Holt received criticism, and those who opposed him likened the young politician to his father who they declared was a radical, a socialist, and an atheist. Despite the scornful claims, Holt, by a margin of 2,150 votes, was elected to his first public office as a Democrat to the West Virginia Legislature where he served from 1931-1935. During his years as a delegate, as promised during his campaign, Holt spoke out against corrupt practices such as government spending, an issue he addressed not even a week into the 1931 session. In addition to debating issues in the House, Holt also wrote to state supported universities, highway commissioners, and auditors in West Virginia and numerous other states to gather financial figures concerning spending, salaries, and taxes among others. Holt also began an investigation in 1931 to uncover rates, operating costs, and profits of privately and publically owned utility companies. All of these endeavors were only the first chapter in Holt's political career.","By 1934 he had gained the political support and the backing of union workers which was enough to defeat incumbent United States Senator Henry Hatfield. At age twenty-nine, Holt became the youngest person to win a United States Senate seat; however, there was immediate criticism. No sooner had the votes been tallied before a protest was filed concerning Holt's credentials: the fact that he had run for an office when he had not been of the required age. In addition to discontent within his own state, Holt also received overwhelming opposition in Washington, D.C. from Senate Republicans who threatened to object on the grounds of the constitutional age requirement. Despite the criticism, Holt's election was not overturned; however, he had to wait until he turned thirty, over five months after the Seventy-forth Congress had convened, before he could participate in senatorial proceedings.","Just as he had been active in the West Virginia Legislature, Holt did not hesitate to address both major and minor issues on Capitol Hill either. During his time in the Senate, Holt served on several committees including Education and Labor, Immigration, Mines and Mining, Naval Affairs, and Post Offices and Post Roads. He also served as a member of the United States delegation to the 1939 Interparliamentary Conference in Oslo, Norway.","Although Holt had once been referred to as President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's \"Golden Boy,\" such alliances and the policies that had formed them began to dissolve by 1936. He became estranged from fellow Democrat and West Virginian Senator Matthew Neely, and Holt ended his support for the United Mine Workers of America and the Works Progress Administration, the latter of which he claimed was corrupt. Eventually, Holt criticized the Roosevelt administration for its New Deal policies, he adamantly fought Roosevelt's attempt to alter the Supreme Court by changing the number of sitting justices from nine to twelve, and he spoke out against the proposition of allowing a presidential third term. Furthermore, as unrest began in Europe with Germany's invasion of Poland, Holt campaigned against any attempts by the administration to involve the United States in the War. The responses from constituents about Holt's actions were mixed; nevertheless, the young senator's sudden change led to his unsuccessful renomination attempt in 1940. Holt did not even make it past the primary election.","After his Senate term ended, Holt remained in Washington, D.C. and began to support himself as a lecturer and a writer of political issues, particularly neutrality for which he received the support of the America First Committee. It was also during this time that Holt met Helen Louise Froelich, a biology teacher at National Park College near Washington. They were married a year later and moved to West Virginia. The couple had two children: a daughter, Helen Jane Holt (born in 1945) and a son, Rush Dew Holt, Jr. (born in 1948). When Senator Holt's sister, Jane (Holt) Chase, died in 1952, the couple adopted her son, David. After the Holts returned to West Virginia in 1941, Holt stayed involved in politics by accepting speaking engagements.","During the remainder of the 1940s, Holt ran several times for state offices with modest success. He was elected to the State House of Delegates in 1942 and was reelected in 1944 by write-in vote and 1946 without opposition. After a failed attempt to win the West Virginia Democratic gubernatorial nomination in 1944 and the nomination for United States Senator in 1948, Holt changed political affiliation. Despite this, his lack of success to achieve positions beyond the House of Delegates continued. In 1950, he won the Republican nomination to represent West Virginia's Third District in the United States House of Representatives but lost in the general election, and in 1952 Holt came very close to winning the race for West Virginia governor as the Republican candidate but lost to William Marland by fewer than 30,000 votes. Success returned in 1954 when Holt was elected to the West Virginia House of Delegates by the voters of Lewis County, but he was unable to finish his term due to illness.","Holt died on February 8, 1955 after a long, tough campaign against cancer.","Chronological List of Events:","June 19, 1905: born","1920: graduated from high school","1920-1922: attended West Virginia University","1922-1924: attended Salem College, received a BA degree","1924-1925: taught English and history and served as athletic director at Bedford High School in Virginia","1925-1928: served as athletic director and basketball coach at St. Patrick's High School (Catholic school) in Weston, West Virginia; taught history as a part-time instructor at Glenville Normal School and Salem College; and contributed sport columns to daily West Virginia newspapers","1928: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates, lost by 500 votes","1930: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates, won by 2,150 votes, served from 1931-1935","1934: ran as a Democrat for the United States Senate and won despite being only twenty-nine years old","1939: served as a member of the United States delegation to the Interparliamentary Conference in Oslo, Norway","1940: ran for renomination to the Senate, failed to win the primary election","1941: married Helen Louise Froelich","1942: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates and won, reelected in 1944, 1946, and 1948, served until 1950.","1944: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia gubernatorial nomination but was unsuccessful","1945: birth of Helen Jane Holt","1948: birth of Rush Dew Holt, Jr.","1948: ran as a Democrat for the United States Senate nomination but was unsuccessful","1948: switched political affiliation to the Republican Party","1952: ran as the Republican candidate for West Virginia Governor but lost to William Marland by fewer than 30,000 votes","1954: ran as a Republican for the West Virginia House of Delegates and won","February 8, 1955: death","Sources:","Coffey, William Ellis. Rush Dew Holt: The Boy Senator. Dissertation, West Virginia University, 1970.","A\u0026M 0873, Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, West Virginia and Regional History Center, West Virginia University Libraries.","1858, 3001, 3943, 4039, 4218, 4386","Papers of Rush Dew Holt, Sr. (1905-1955) relating to his personal and political activities. Types of material include publications, clippings, correspondence, photographs, and ephemera, among others. The collection is divided into six series: Personal and Political Papers (1840-2000 and undated) includes correspondence; invitations and cards; material representing campaign activities; and material from college courses, among other material that represents Rush Holt's personal life and political career; and ephemera collected by Rush Holt. Artifacts (1939-1952 and undated) includes personal and political items collected by Rush Holt. Legislative Records (1920-1955 and undated) includes correspondence, reports, publications, clippings, statistics, transcripts, financial records, and project records, among other miscellaneous material relative to Rush Holt's committee-based and general legislative activity. Constituent Services (1923-1954 and undated) includes mail received by Rush Holt during his time in the West Virginia House of Delegates and the United States Senate from constituents providing political opinions to Holt or requesting government publications and bulletins, copies of speeches, educational material, and Rush Holt's recommendation to the United States Military or Naval Academy. Press and Media Activity (1925-2003 and undated) includes original and photocopied articles from newspapers and similar publications, typescripts of press releases, pen-and-ink drawn political cartoons, transcripts of speeches, and sound recordings, among other material representing Rush Holt's involvement with the press and media. Administrative Files (1937-1940) includes material documenting the daily office activities of Rush Holt and his staff during the former's senatorial term.","The collection is divided into six series as follows:","Series 1. Personal and Political Papers; 1840-2000 and undated (bulk 1918-1955)","Includes material related to Rush Holt's personal, family, and political life. Additional material related to his work in politics can be found in Series 3 through 6. Types of material include correspondence; invitations and cards; material representing campaign activities; material from college courses; bills for recordings, radio station receipts, and election expenditures; typescripts, newsletters, manuscripts, and photocopies of material written by Rush Holt; publications to which Rush Holt subscribed and collected; photographs that represent Rush Holt's personal life and political career; ephemera collected by Rush Holt; and election results collected by Rush Holt.","Series 2. Artifacts; 1939-1952 and undated","Includes personal and political items collected by Rush Holt.","Series 3. Legislative Records; 1920-1955 and undated","Includes correspondence, reports, publications, clippings, statistics, transcripts, financial records, and project records, among other miscellaneous material relative to Rush Holt's committee-based and general legislative activity.","Series 4. Constituent Services; 1923-1954 and undated","Includes mail received by Rush Holt during his time in the West Virginia House of Delegates and the United States Senate from constituents requesting government publications and bulletins, copies of speeches, educational material, and Rush Holt's recommendation to the United States Military or Naval Academy. In some cases, this series also includes typescript responses, many of which are generic.","Series 5. Press and Media Activity; 1925-2003 and undated (bulk 1925-1955)","Includes original and photocopied articles from newspapers and similar publications, typescripts of press releases, pen-and-ink drawn political cartoons, transcripts of speeches, and sound recordings, among other material representing Rush Holt's involvement with the press and media.","Series 6. Administrative Files; 1937-1940","Includes material documenting the daily office activities of Rush Holt and his staff during the former's senatorial term.","Ephemeral items not specific to Rush Dew Holt were moved to the Printed Ephemera Collection. Several local basketball scorecards were moved to A\u0026M 4216, the Annual West Virginia State High School Basketball Tournament Programs collection.","17 reels of undated sound recordings, chiefly relating to the political career of Rush Dew Holt, were separated to the oral history collection, C432 R699-R715 (17 tapes). These tapes include some personal material as well.","Permission to publish or reproduce is required from the copyright holder. For more information, please see the Permissions and Copyright page on the West Virginia and Regional History Center website.","Papers of Rush Dew Holt, Sr. (1905-1955) relating to his personal and political activities. Types of material include publications, clippings, correspondence, photographs, and ephemera, among others. The collection is divided into six series: Personal and Political Papers (1840-2000 and undated), Artifacts (1939-1952 and undated), Legislative Records (1920-1955 and undated), Constituent Services (1923-1954 and undated), Press and Media Activity (1925-2003 and undated), and Administrative Files (1937-1940).","West Virginia and Regional History Center / West Virginia University / 1549 University Avenue / P.O. Box 6069 / Morgantown, WV 26506-6069 / Phone: 304-293-3536  / URL: West Virginia \u0026 Regional History Center","West Virginia and Regional History Center","America First Committee","American Federation of Labor","Congress of Industrial Organizations (U.S.)","United States. National Bituminous Coal Commission","United States. National Labor Relations Board","Progressive Mine Workers of America","United Mine Workers of America","United States. National Recovery Administration","United States. Supreme Court","United States. Congress. Senate","West Virginia. Legislature","United States. Works Progress Administration","Democratic Party (U.S.)","Weston State Hospital","Holt, Rush Dew, 1905-1955","Bittner, Van A. (Van Amberg), 1885-1949","Black, Hugo LaFayette, 1886-1971","Coughlin, Charles E.","Edmiston, Andrew.","Farley, James A. (James Aloysius), 1888-1976","Green, William.","Holt, Helen Louise Froelich, 1913-2015","Holt, Mathew S., 1850-1939","Hopkins, Harry L. (Harry Lloyd), 1890-1946","Ickes, Harold L. (Harold LeClair), 1874-1952","Kump, Herman Guy, 1877-1962","La Follette, Robert M. (Robert Marion), 1855-1925","Neely, Matthew Mansfield, 1874-1958","Lewis, John L. (John Llewellyn), 1880-1969","Long, Huey Pierce, 1893-1935","English"],"collection_title_tesim":["Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, 1840/2003, bulk 1918/1955"],"collection_ssim":["Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, 1840/2003, bulk 1918/1955"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["A\u0026M 0873","Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","/repositories/2/resources/3687"],"unitid_tesim":["A\u0026M 0873","Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","/repositories/2/resources/3687"],"repository_ssm":["West Virginia and Regional History Center"],"repository_ssim":["West Virginia and Regional History Center"],"geogname_ssm":["Lewis County.","West Virginia -- Politics and government","United States -- Politics and government"],"geogname_ssim":["Lewis County.","West Virginia -- Politics and government","United States -- Politics and government"],"places_ssim":["Lewis County.","West Virginia -- Politics and government","United States -- Politics and government"],"creator_ssm":["Holt, Rush Dew, 1905-1955"],"creator_ssim":["Holt, Rush Dew, 1905-1955"],"creator_persname_ssim":["Holt, Rush Dew, 1905-1955","Bittner, Van A. (Van Amberg), 1885-1949","Black, Hugo LaFayette, 1886-1971","Coughlin, Charles E.","Edmiston, Andrew.","Farley, James A. (James Aloysius), 1888-1976","Green, William.","Holt, Helen Louise Froelich, 1913-2015","Holt, Mathew S., 1850-1939","Hopkins, Harry L. (Harry Lloyd), 1890-1946","Ickes, Harold L. (Harold LeClair), 1874-1952","Kump, Herman Guy, 1877-1962","La Follette, Robert M. (Robert Marion), 1855-1925","Neely, Matthew Mansfield, 1874-1958","Lewis, John L. (John Llewellyn), 1880-1969","Long, Huey Pierce, 1893-1935"],"creator_corpname_ssim":["West Virginia and Regional History Center","America First Committee","American Federation of Labor","Congress of Industrial Organizations (U.S.)","United States. National Bituminous Coal Commission","United States. National Labor Relations Board","Progressive Mine Workers of America","United Mine Workers of America","United States. National Recovery Administration","United States. Supreme Court","United States. Congress. Senate","West Virginia. Legislature","United States. Works Progress Administration","Democratic Party (U.S.)","Weston State Hospital"],"creators_ssim":["Holt, Rush Dew, 1905-1955","Bittner, Van A. (Van Amberg), 1885-1949","Black, Hugo LaFayette, 1886-1971","Coughlin, Charles E.","Edmiston, Andrew.","Farley, James A. (James Aloysius), 1888-1976","Green, William.","Holt, Helen Louise Froelich, 1913-2015","Holt, Mathew S., 1850-1939","Hopkins, Harry L. (Harry Lloyd), 1890-1946","Ickes, Harold L. (Harold LeClair), 1874-1952","Kump, Herman Guy, 1877-1962","La Follette, Robert M. (Robert Marion), 1855-1925","Neely, Matthew Mansfield, 1874-1958","Lewis, John L. (John Llewellyn), 1880-1969","Long, Huey Pierce, 1893-1935","West Virginia and Regional History Center","America First Committee","American Federation of Labor","Congress of Industrial Organizations (U.S.)","United States. National Bituminous Coal Commission","United States. National Labor Relations Board","Progressive Mine Workers of America","United Mine Workers of America","United States. National Recovery Administration","United States. Supreme Court","United States. Congress. Senate","West Virginia. Legislature","United States. Works Progress Administration","Democratic Party (U.S.)","Weston State Hospital"],"access_terms_ssm":["Permission to publish or reproduce is required from the copyright holder. For more information, please see the Permissions and Copyright page on the West Virginia and Regional History Center website."],"acqinfo_ssim":["Gifts of Holt, Helen F., 1956-2016."],"access_subjects_ssim":["Coal mining - Labor organization.","Education","Elections","Guffey Coal Act.","New Deal, 1933-1939","Politics and government.","Public utilities","Taxation","Unions.","United States - Social Security.","Social Security -- United States","Wheeler-Rayburn Holding Company Act","Isolationism -- United States -- History -- 20th Century","World War, 1939-1945","Politicians -- United States"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Coal mining - Labor organization.","Education","Elections","Guffey Coal Act.","New Deal, 1933-1939","Politics and government.","Public utilities","Taxation","Unions.","United States - Social Security.","Social Security -- United States","Wheeler-Rayburn Holding Company Act","Isolationism -- United States -- History -- 20th Century","World War, 1939-1945","Politicians -- United States"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"extent_ssm":["156.21 Linear Feet 156 ft. 2 1/2 in. (360 document cases, 5 in. each); (1 document case, 4 in.); (14 document cases, 2 1/2 in.); (1 flat storage box, 5 in.); (1 flat storage box, 3 1/2 in.); (2 flat storage boxes, 3 in. each); (3 flat storage boxes, 2 1/2 in. each); (9 flat storage boxes, 1 1/2 in. each); (\n44 photos in photograph filing cabinets)","11.7 Gigabytes 131 TIFF files, 2 PDF files"],"extent_tesim":["156.21 Linear Feet 156 ft. 2 1/2 in. (360 document cases, 5 in. each); (1 document case, 4 in.); (14 document cases, 2 1/2 in.); (1 flat storage box, 5 in.); (1 flat storage box, 3 1/2 in.); (2 flat storage boxes, 3 in. each); (3 flat storage boxes, 2 1/2 in. each); (9 flat storage boxes, 1 1/2 in. each); (\n44 photos in photograph filing cabinets)","11.7 Gigabytes 131 TIFF files, 2 PDF files"],"date_range_isim":[1840,1841,1842,1843,1844,1845,1846,1847,1848,1849,1850,1851,1852,1853,1854,1855,1856,1857,1858,1859,1860,1861,1862,1863,1864,1865,1866,1867,1868,1869,1870,1871,1872,1873,1874,1875,1876,1877,1878,1879,1880,1881,1882,1883,1884,1885,1886,1887,1888,1889,1890,1891,1892,1893,1894,1895,1896,1897,1898,1899,1900,1901,1902,1903,1904,1905,1906,1907,1908,1909,1910,1911,1912,1913,1914,1915,1916,1917,1918,1919,1920,1921,1922,1923,1924,1925,1926,1927,1928,1929,1930,1931,1932,1933,1934,1935,1936,1937,1938,1939,1940,1941,1942,1943,1944,1945,1946,1947,1948,1949,1950,1951,1952,1953,1954,1955,1956,1957,1958,1959,1960,1961,1962,1963,1964,1965,1966,1967,1968,1969,1970,1971,1972,1973,1974,1975,1976,1977,1978,1979,1980,1981,1982,1983,1984,1985,1986,1987,1988,1989,1990,1991,1992,1993,1994,1995,1996,1997,1998,1999,2000,2001,2002,2003],"accessrestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp style=\"color: red;\"\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eNo special access restriction applies.\u003c/emph\u003e\u003c/p\u003e  "],"accessrestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Access"],"accessrestrict_tesim":["No special access restriction applies."],"arrangement_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThis collection is one of five (see also A\u0026amp;M 1858, 4218, 4039, and 3943) pertaining to Rush Dew Holt, Sr. and his family. The records have been gathered via multiple accruals from 1956 to 2016. Originally, these collections were divided between A\u0026amp;M 873 and A\u0026amp;M 1701, the latter also being composed of thirteen addenda and A\u0026amp;M 1858. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIn an attempt to organize the collections in a more coherent fashion for patron use and to reflect the creator(s) in a more concise manner, the material was reevaluated and reorganized into the three sets of papers with distinct series and subseries: A\u0026amp;M 873: Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers; A\u0026amp;M 1858: Helen Holt (1913-2015) Papers; and A\u0026amp;M 4218: Rush Dew Holt Family Papers.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eBecause of the 2016-2017 reorganization, the physical arrangement no longer matches the intellectual arrangement and series order. Furthermore, any box and folder citations created prior to the above-mentioned project are likely no longer accurate. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFor assistance locating material using an older citation, please ask a staff member of the West Virginia \u0026amp; Regional History Center.    \u003c/p\u003e  "],"arrangement_heading_ssm":["Arrangement"],"arrangement_tesim":["This collection is one of five (see also A\u0026M 1858, 4218, 4039, and 3943) pertaining to Rush Dew Holt, Sr. and his family. The records have been gathered via multiple accruals from 1956 to 2016. Originally, these collections were divided between A\u0026M 873 and A\u0026M 1701, the latter also being composed of thirteen addenda and A\u0026M 1858.","In an attempt to organize the collections in a more coherent fashion for patron use and to reflect the creator(s) in a more concise manner, the material was reevaluated and reorganized into the three sets of papers with distinct series and subseries: A\u0026M 873: Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers; A\u0026M 1858: Helen Holt (1913-2015) Papers; and A\u0026M 4218: Rush Dew Holt Family Papers.","Because of the 2016-2017 reorganization, the physical arrangement no longer matches the intellectual arrangement and series order. Furthermore, any box and folder citations created prior to the above-mentioned project are likely no longer accurate.","For assistance locating material using an older citation, please ask a staff member of the West Virginia \u0026 Regional History Center."],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eRush Dew Holt was born in Weston, West Virginia, on June 19, 1905 to parents, Dr. Matthew S. Holt and Chihela (Dew) Holt. From an early age, Holt displayed scholarly potential. By age three, he was able to read first-grade primers, and eventually became interested in numerous topics for which he was able to provide detailed statistics. Among these interests was politics, and by age six, Holt had decided he would become a Democrat.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe potential displayed by Holt as a child continued into his school years. At age five, he began public education in the second grade, and he skipped grades on two more occasions. He attended Weston High School, and after graduating with honors at age fourteen, Holt applied to the University of Cincinnati; however, the register rejected the application because Holt, while academically qualified, was considered too young. Not one to admit defeat, a trait that would prove to be a lifelong characteristic, Holt turned to West Virginia University where he was accepted. As the youngest member of the freshman class, Holt found it difficult to obtain full acceptance as a college student, and his academic record reflected his apparent dissatisfaction. After two years at West Virginia University, Holt transferred to Salem College where the enrollment was smaller (approximately 300 students) and where he was able to live with his uncle, Professor Samuel Dew. It was at Salem College that Holt regained his self-confidence. His academic performance improved, and he maintained a B-plus average. In addition to academics, Holt excelled on the debate team. He was the editor-in-chief of the school paper, and he managed the tennis team.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIn 1924, Holt received a Bachelor of Arts Degree and qualification to teach at secondary schools. Shortly after his graduation, he was hired to teach at Bedford High School in Virginia where he taught English and history in addition to serving as the school's athletic director. After one academic year, Holt returned to Weston, West Virginia, where he took a position at St. Patrick's High School as the athletic director. Holt also coached the basketball team with abundant success, leading the team to two national tournaments for Catholic schools. During this time, Holt also taught history as a part-time instructor at Glenville Normal School and Salem College, but his fascination with athletics persisted. In addition to coaching and occasional officiating, Holt also began writing about sports. Eventually, he began to contribute columns to daily West Virginia newspapers.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eBy the late 1920s, Holt was attracted to the political environment, and he began to contribute to candidates who were friends of and/or who shared the views of his father. In the summer of 1928, Holt went one step further by announcing his candidacy as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates. Despite Lewis County having been predominately Republican, in addition to not having received significant party backing, Holt still obtained a higher-than-expected amount of support, losing his race by only 500 votes. Once again, however, Holt would not admit defeat. In 1930 Holt again announced his candidacy for the West Virginia House of Delegates. During the campaign, he visited locations all around Lewis County, spoke to anyone who would listen, and ensured that the grievances such as those concerning government cost, increased taxes, and the power of privately owned public utilities would all be addressed. As expected with any campaign, Holt received criticism, and those who opposed him likened the young politician to his father who they declared was a radical, a socialist, and an atheist. Despite the scornful claims, Holt, by a margin of 2,150 votes, was elected to his first public office as a Democrat to the West Virginia Legislature where he served from 1931-1935. During his years as a delegate, as promised during his campaign, Holt spoke out against corrupt practices such as government spending, an issue he addressed not even a week into the 1931 session. In addition to debating issues in the House, Holt also wrote to state supported universities, highway commissioners, and auditors in West Virginia and numerous other states to gather financial figures concerning spending, salaries, and taxes among others. Holt also began an investigation in 1931 to uncover rates, operating costs, and profits of privately and publically owned utility companies. All of these endeavors were only the first chapter in Holt's political career.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eBy 1934 he had gained the political support and the backing of union workers which was enough to defeat incumbent United States Senator Henry Hatfield. At age twenty-nine, Holt became the youngest person to win a United States Senate seat; however, there was immediate criticism. No sooner had the votes been tallied before a protest was filed concerning Holt's credentials: the fact that he had run for an office when he had not been of the required age. In addition to discontent within his own state, Holt also received overwhelming opposition in Washington, D.C. from Senate Republicans who threatened to object on the grounds of the constitutional age requirement. Despite the criticism, Holt's election was not overturned; however, he had to wait until he turned thirty, over five months after the Seventy-forth Congress had convened, before he could participate in senatorial proceedings.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eJust as he had been active in the West Virginia Legislature, Holt did not hesitate to address both major and minor issues on Capitol Hill either. During his time in the Senate, Holt served on several committees including Education and Labor, Immigration, Mines and Mining, Naval Affairs, and Post Offices and Post Roads. He also served as a member of the United States delegation to the 1939 Interparliamentary Conference in Oslo, Norway.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAlthough Holt had once been referred to as President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's \"Golden Boy,\" such alliances and the policies that had formed them began to dissolve by 1936. He became estranged from fellow Democrat and West Virginian Senator Matthew Neely, and Holt ended his support for the United Mine Workers of America and the Works Progress Administration, the latter of which he claimed was corrupt. Eventually, Holt criticized the Roosevelt administration for its New Deal policies, he adamantly fought Roosevelt's attempt to alter the Supreme Court by changing the number of sitting justices from nine to twelve, and he spoke out against the proposition of allowing a presidential third term. Furthermore, as unrest began in Europe with Germany's invasion of Poland, Holt campaigned against any attempts by the administration to involve the United States in the War. The responses from constituents about Holt's actions were mixed; nevertheless, the young senator's sudden change led to his unsuccessful renomination attempt in 1940. Holt did not even make it past the primary election.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAfter his Senate term ended, Holt remained in Washington, D.C. and began to support himself as a lecturer and a writer of political issues, particularly neutrality for which he received the support of the America First Committee. It was also during this time that Holt met Helen Louise Froelich, a biology teacher at National Park College near Washington. They were married a year later and moved to West Virginia. The couple had two children: a daughter, Helen Jane Holt (born in 1945) and a son, Rush Dew Holt, Jr. (born in 1948). When Senator Holt's sister, Jane (Holt) Chase, died in 1952, the couple adopted her son, David. After the Holts returned to West Virginia in 1941, Holt stayed involved in politics by accepting speaking engagements. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDuring the remainder of the 1940s, Holt ran several times for state offices with modest success. He was elected to the State House of Delegates in 1942 and was reelected in 1944 by write-in vote and 1946 without opposition. After a failed attempt to win the West Virginia Democratic gubernatorial nomination in 1944 and the nomination for United States Senator in 1948, Holt changed political affiliation. Despite this, his lack of success to achieve positions beyond the House of Delegates continued. In 1950, he won the Republican nomination to represent West Virginia's Third District in the United States House of Representatives but lost in the general election, and in 1952 Holt came very close to winning the race for West Virginia governor as the Republican candidate but lost to William Marland by fewer than 30,000 votes. Success returned in 1954 when Holt was elected to the West Virginia House of Delegates by the voters of Lewis County, but he was unable to finish his term due to illness.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHolt died on February 8, 1955 after a long, tough campaign against cancer.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eChronological List of Events:\u003c/emph\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eJune 19, 1905: born\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1920: graduated from high school\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1920-1922: attended West Virginia University\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1922-1924: attended Salem College, received a BA degree \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1924-1925: taught English and history and served as athletic director at Bedford High School in Virginia\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1925-1928: served as athletic director and basketball coach at St. Patrick's High School (Catholic school) in Weston, West Virginia; taught history as a part-time instructor at Glenville Normal School and Salem College; and contributed sport columns to daily West Virginia newspapers\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1928: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates, lost by 500 votes \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1930: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates, won by 2,150 votes, served from 1931-1935 \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1934: ran as a Democrat for the United States Senate and won despite being only twenty-nine years old\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1939: served as a member of the United States delegation to the Interparliamentary Conference in Oslo, Norway\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1940: ran for renomination to the Senate, failed to win the primary election\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1941: married Helen Louise Froelich\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1942: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates and won, reelected in 1944, 1946, and 1948, served until 1950.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1944: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia gubernatorial nomination but was unsuccessful  \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1945: birth of Helen Jane Holt\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1948: birth of Rush Dew Holt, Jr.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1948: ran as a Democrat for the United States Senate nomination but was unsuccessful \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1948: switched political affiliation to the Republican Party \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1952: ran as the Republican candidate for West Virginia Governor but lost to William Marland by fewer than 30,000 votes\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1954: ran as a Republican for the West Virginia House of Delegates and won\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFebruary 8, 1955: death \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eSources:\u003c/emph\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCoffey, William Ellis. \u003cemph render=\"italic\"\u003eRush Dew Holt: The Boy Senator.\u003c/emph\u003e Dissertation, West Virginia University, 1970. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA\u0026amp;M 0873, Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, West Virginia and Regional History Center, West Virginia University Libraries.  \u003c/p\u003e  "],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical / Historical"],"bioghist_tesim":["Rush Dew Holt was born in Weston, West Virginia, on June 19, 1905 to parents, Dr. Matthew S. Holt and Chihela (Dew) Holt. From an early age, Holt displayed scholarly potential. By age three, he was able to read first-grade primers, and eventually became interested in numerous topics for which he was able to provide detailed statistics. Among these interests was politics, and by age six, Holt had decided he would become a Democrat.","The potential displayed by Holt as a child continued into his school years. At age five, he began public education in the second grade, and he skipped grades on two more occasions. He attended Weston High School, and after graduating with honors at age fourteen, Holt applied to the University of Cincinnati; however, the register rejected the application because Holt, while academically qualified, was considered too young. Not one to admit defeat, a trait that would prove to be a lifelong characteristic, Holt turned to West Virginia University where he was accepted. As the youngest member of the freshman class, Holt found it difficult to obtain full acceptance as a college student, and his academic record reflected his apparent dissatisfaction. After two years at West Virginia University, Holt transferred to Salem College where the enrollment was smaller (approximately 300 students) and where he was able to live with his uncle, Professor Samuel Dew. It was at Salem College that Holt regained his self-confidence. His academic performance improved, and he maintained a B-plus average. In addition to academics, Holt excelled on the debate team. He was the editor-in-chief of the school paper, and he managed the tennis team.","In 1924, Holt received a Bachelor of Arts Degree and qualification to teach at secondary schools. Shortly after his graduation, he was hired to teach at Bedford High School in Virginia where he taught English and history in addition to serving as the school's athletic director. After one academic year, Holt returned to Weston, West Virginia, where he took a position at St. Patrick's High School as the athletic director. Holt also coached the basketball team with abundant success, leading the team to two national tournaments for Catholic schools. During this time, Holt also taught history as a part-time instructor at Glenville Normal School and Salem College, but his fascination with athletics persisted. In addition to coaching and occasional officiating, Holt also began writing about sports. Eventually, he began to contribute columns to daily West Virginia newspapers.","By the late 1920s, Holt was attracted to the political environment, and he began to contribute to candidates who were friends of and/or who shared the views of his father. In the summer of 1928, Holt went one step further by announcing his candidacy as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates. Despite Lewis County having been predominately Republican, in addition to not having received significant party backing, Holt still obtained a higher-than-expected amount of support, losing his race by only 500 votes. Once again, however, Holt would not admit defeat. In 1930 Holt again announced his candidacy for the West Virginia House of Delegates. During the campaign, he visited locations all around Lewis County, spoke to anyone who would listen, and ensured that the grievances such as those concerning government cost, increased taxes, and the power of privately owned public utilities would all be addressed. As expected with any campaign, Holt received criticism, and those who opposed him likened the young politician to his father who they declared was a radical, a socialist, and an atheist. Despite the scornful claims, Holt, by a margin of 2,150 votes, was elected to his first public office as a Democrat to the West Virginia Legislature where he served from 1931-1935. During his years as a delegate, as promised during his campaign, Holt spoke out against corrupt practices such as government spending, an issue he addressed not even a week into the 1931 session. In addition to debating issues in the House, Holt also wrote to state supported universities, highway commissioners, and auditors in West Virginia and numerous other states to gather financial figures concerning spending, salaries, and taxes among others. Holt also began an investigation in 1931 to uncover rates, operating costs, and profits of privately and publically owned utility companies. All of these endeavors were only the first chapter in Holt's political career.","By 1934 he had gained the political support and the backing of union workers which was enough to defeat incumbent United States Senator Henry Hatfield. At age twenty-nine, Holt became the youngest person to win a United States Senate seat; however, there was immediate criticism. No sooner had the votes been tallied before a protest was filed concerning Holt's credentials: the fact that he had run for an office when he had not been of the required age. In addition to discontent within his own state, Holt also received overwhelming opposition in Washington, D.C. from Senate Republicans who threatened to object on the grounds of the constitutional age requirement. Despite the criticism, Holt's election was not overturned; however, he had to wait until he turned thirty, over five months after the Seventy-forth Congress had convened, before he could participate in senatorial proceedings.","Just as he had been active in the West Virginia Legislature, Holt did not hesitate to address both major and minor issues on Capitol Hill either. During his time in the Senate, Holt served on several committees including Education and Labor, Immigration, Mines and Mining, Naval Affairs, and Post Offices and Post Roads. He also served as a member of the United States delegation to the 1939 Interparliamentary Conference in Oslo, Norway.","Although Holt had once been referred to as President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's \"Golden Boy,\" such alliances and the policies that had formed them began to dissolve by 1936. He became estranged from fellow Democrat and West Virginian Senator Matthew Neely, and Holt ended his support for the United Mine Workers of America and the Works Progress Administration, the latter of which he claimed was corrupt. Eventually, Holt criticized the Roosevelt administration for its New Deal policies, he adamantly fought Roosevelt's attempt to alter the Supreme Court by changing the number of sitting justices from nine to twelve, and he spoke out against the proposition of allowing a presidential third term. Furthermore, as unrest began in Europe with Germany's invasion of Poland, Holt campaigned against any attempts by the administration to involve the United States in the War. The responses from constituents about Holt's actions were mixed; nevertheless, the young senator's sudden change led to his unsuccessful renomination attempt in 1940. Holt did not even make it past the primary election.","After his Senate term ended, Holt remained in Washington, D.C. and began to support himself as a lecturer and a writer of political issues, particularly neutrality for which he received the support of the America First Committee. It was also during this time that Holt met Helen Louise Froelich, a biology teacher at National Park College near Washington. They were married a year later and moved to West Virginia. The couple had two children: a daughter, Helen Jane Holt (born in 1945) and a son, Rush Dew Holt, Jr. (born in 1948). When Senator Holt's sister, Jane (Holt) Chase, died in 1952, the couple adopted her son, David. After the Holts returned to West Virginia in 1941, Holt stayed involved in politics by accepting speaking engagements.","During the remainder of the 1940s, Holt ran several times for state offices with modest success. He was elected to the State House of Delegates in 1942 and was reelected in 1944 by write-in vote and 1946 without opposition. After a failed attempt to win the West Virginia Democratic gubernatorial nomination in 1944 and the nomination for United States Senator in 1948, Holt changed political affiliation. Despite this, his lack of success to achieve positions beyond the House of Delegates continued. In 1950, he won the Republican nomination to represent West Virginia's Third District in the United States House of Representatives but lost in the general election, and in 1952 Holt came very close to winning the race for West Virginia governor as the Republican candidate but lost to William Marland by fewer than 30,000 votes. Success returned in 1954 when Holt was elected to the West Virginia House of Delegates by the voters of Lewis County, but he was unable to finish his term due to illness.","Holt died on February 8, 1955 after a long, tough campaign against cancer.","Chronological List of Events:","June 19, 1905: born","1920: graduated from high school","1920-1922: attended West Virginia University","1922-1924: attended Salem College, received a BA degree","1924-1925: taught English and history and served as athletic director at Bedford High School in Virginia","1925-1928: served as athletic director and basketball coach at St. Patrick's High School (Catholic school) in Weston, West Virginia; taught history as a part-time instructor at Glenville Normal School and Salem College; and contributed sport columns to daily West Virginia newspapers","1928: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates, lost by 500 votes","1930: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates, won by 2,150 votes, served from 1931-1935","1934: ran as a Democrat for the United States Senate and won despite being only twenty-nine years old","1939: served as a member of the United States delegation to the Interparliamentary Conference in Oslo, Norway","1940: ran for renomination to the Senate, failed to win the primary election","1941: married Helen Louise Froelich","1942: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates and won, reelected in 1944, 1946, and 1948, served until 1950.","1944: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia gubernatorial nomination but was unsuccessful","1945: birth of Helen Jane Holt","1948: birth of Rush Dew Holt, Jr.","1948: ran as a Democrat for the United States Senate nomination but was unsuccessful","1948: switched political affiliation to the Republican Party","1952: ran as the Republican candidate for West Virginia Governor but lost to William Marland by fewer than 30,000 votes","1954: ran as a Republican for the West Virginia House of Delegates and won","February 8, 1955: death","Sources:","Coffey, William Ellis. Rush Dew Holt: The Boy Senator. Dissertation, West Virginia University, 1970.","A\u0026M 0873, Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, West Virginia and Regional History Center, West Virginia University Libraries."],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e[Description and date of item], [Box/folder number], Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, A\u0026amp;M 0873, West Virginia and Regional History Center, West Virginia University Libraries, Morgantown, West Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"prefercite_tesim":["[Description and date of item], [Box/folder number], Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, A\u0026M 0873, West Virginia and Regional History Center, West Virginia University Libraries, Morgantown, West Virginia."],"relatedmaterial_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e1858, 3001, 3943, 4039, 4218, 4386\u003c/p\u003e  "],"relatedmaterial_heading_ssm":["Related A\u0026M Collections"],"relatedmaterial_tesim":["1858, 3001, 3943, 4039, 4218, 4386"],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003ePapers of Rush Dew Holt, Sr. (1905-1955) relating to his personal and political activities. Types of material include publications, clippings, correspondence, photographs, and ephemera, among others. The collection is divided into six series: Personal and Political Papers (1840-2000 and undated) includes correspondence; invitations and cards; material representing campaign activities; and material from college courses, among other material that represents Rush Holt's personal life and political career; and ephemera collected by Rush Holt. Artifacts (1939-1952 and undated) includes personal and political items collected by Rush Holt. Legislative Records (1920-1955 and undated) includes correspondence, reports, publications, clippings, statistics, transcripts, financial records, and project records, among other miscellaneous material relative to Rush Holt's committee-based and general legislative activity. Constituent Services (1923-1954 and undated) includes mail received by Rush Holt during his time in the West Virginia House of Delegates and the United States Senate from constituents providing political opinions to Holt or requesting government publications and bulletins, copies of speeches, educational material, and Rush Holt's recommendation to the United States Military or Naval Academy. Press and Media Activity (1925-2003 and undated) includes original and photocopied articles from newspapers and similar publications, typescripts of press releases, pen-and-ink drawn political cartoons, transcripts of speeches, and sound recordings, among other material representing Rush Holt's involvement with the press and media. Administrative Files (1937-1940) includes material documenting the daily office activities of Rush Holt and his staff during the former's senatorial term.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe collection is divided into six series as follows:\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eSeries 1. Personal and Political Papers; 1840-2000 and undated (bulk 1918-1955)\u003c/emph\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIncludes material related to Rush Holt's personal, family, and political life. Additional material related to his work in politics can be found in Series 3 through 6. Types of material include correspondence; invitations and cards; material representing campaign activities; material from college courses; bills for recordings, radio station receipts, and election expenditures; typescripts, newsletters, manuscripts, and photocopies of material written by Rush Holt; publications to which Rush Holt subscribed and collected; photographs that represent Rush Holt's personal life and political career; ephemera collected by Rush Holt; and election results collected by Rush Holt.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eSeries 2. Artifacts; 1939-1952 and undated\u003c/emph\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIncludes personal and political items collected by Rush Holt.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eSeries 3. Legislative Records; 1920-1955 and undated\u003c/emph\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIncludes correspondence, reports, publications, clippings, statistics, transcripts, financial records, and project records, among other miscellaneous material relative to Rush Holt's committee-based and general legislative activity.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eSeries 4. Constituent Services; 1923-1954 and undated\u003c/emph\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIncludes mail received by Rush Holt during his time in the West Virginia House of Delegates and the United States Senate from constituents requesting government publications and bulletins, copies of speeches, educational material, and Rush Holt's recommendation to the United States Military or Naval Academy. In some cases, this series also includes typescript responses, many of which are generic.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eSeries 5. Press and Media Activity; 1925-2003 and undated (bulk 1925-1955)\u003c/emph\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIncludes original and photocopied articles from newspapers and similar publications, typescripts of press releases, pen-and-ink drawn political cartoons, transcripts of speeches, and sound recordings, among other material representing Rush Holt's involvement with the press and media.    \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eSeries 6. Administrative Files; 1937-1940\u003c/emph\u003e \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIncludes material documenting the daily office activities of Rush Holt and his staff during the former's senatorial term.   \u003c/p\u003e  "],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["Papers of Rush Dew Holt, Sr. (1905-1955) relating to his personal and political activities. Types of material include publications, clippings, correspondence, photographs, and ephemera, among others. The collection is divided into six series: Personal and Political Papers (1840-2000 and undated) includes correspondence; invitations and cards; material representing campaign activities; and material from college courses, among other material that represents Rush Holt's personal life and political career; and ephemera collected by Rush Holt. Artifacts (1939-1952 and undated) includes personal and political items collected by Rush Holt. Legislative Records (1920-1955 and undated) includes correspondence, reports, publications, clippings, statistics, transcripts, financial records, and project records, among other miscellaneous material relative to Rush Holt's committee-based and general legislative activity. Constituent Services (1923-1954 and undated) includes mail received by Rush Holt during his time in the West Virginia House of Delegates and the United States Senate from constituents providing political opinions to Holt or requesting government publications and bulletins, copies of speeches, educational material, and Rush Holt's recommendation to the United States Military or Naval Academy. Press and Media Activity (1925-2003 and undated) includes original and photocopied articles from newspapers and similar publications, typescripts of press releases, pen-and-ink drawn political cartoons, transcripts of speeches, and sound recordings, among other material representing Rush Holt's involvement with the press and media. Administrative Files (1937-1940) includes material documenting the daily office activities of Rush Holt and his staff during the former's senatorial term.","The collection is divided into six series as follows:","Series 1. Personal and Political Papers; 1840-2000 and undated (bulk 1918-1955)","Includes material related to Rush Holt's personal, family, and political life. Additional material related to his work in politics can be found in Series 3 through 6. Types of material include correspondence; invitations and cards; material representing campaign activities; material from college courses; bills for recordings, radio station receipts, and election expenditures; typescripts, newsletters, manuscripts, and photocopies of material written by Rush Holt; publications to which Rush Holt subscribed and collected; photographs that represent Rush Holt's personal life and political career; ephemera collected by Rush Holt; and election results collected by Rush Holt.","Series 2. Artifacts; 1939-1952 and undated","Includes personal and political items collected by Rush Holt.","Series 3. Legislative Records; 1920-1955 and undated","Includes correspondence, reports, publications, clippings, statistics, transcripts, financial records, and project records, among other miscellaneous material relative to Rush Holt's committee-based and general legislative activity.","Series 4. Constituent Services; 1923-1954 and undated","Includes mail received by Rush Holt during his time in the West Virginia House of Delegates and the United States Senate from constituents requesting government publications and bulletins, copies of speeches, educational material, and Rush Holt's recommendation to the United States Military or Naval Academy. In some cases, this series also includes typescript responses, many of which are generic.","Series 5. Press and Media Activity; 1925-2003 and undated (bulk 1925-1955)","Includes original and photocopied articles from newspapers and similar publications, typescripts of press releases, pen-and-ink drawn political cartoons, transcripts of speeches, and sound recordings, among other material representing Rush Holt's involvement with the press and media.","Series 6. Administrative Files; 1937-1940","Includes material documenting the daily office activities of Rush Holt and his staff during the former's senatorial term."],"separatedmaterial_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eEphemeral items not specific to Rush Dew Holt were moved to the Printed Ephemera Collection. Several local basketball scorecards were moved to A\u0026amp;M 4216, the Annual West Virginia State High School Basketball Tournament Programs collection.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e17 reels of undated sound recordings, chiefly relating to the political career of Rush Dew Holt, were separated to the oral history collection, C432 R699-R715 (17 tapes). These tapes include some personal material as well.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"separatedmaterial_heading_ssm":["Separated Materials"],"separatedmaterial_tesim":["Ephemeral items not specific to Rush Dew Holt were moved to the Printed Ephemera Collection. Several local basketball scorecards were moved to A\u0026M 4216, the Annual West Virginia State High School Basketball Tournament Programs collection.","17 reels of undated sound recordings, chiefly relating to the political career of Rush Dew Holt, were separated to the oral history collection, C432 R699-R715 (17 tapes). These tapes include some personal material as well."],"userestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003ePermission to publish or reproduce is required from the copyright holder. For more information, please see the \u003ca href=\"https://wvrhc.lib.wvu.edu/visit/permissions-and-copyright\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ePermissions and Copyright page\u003c/a\u003e on the West Virginia and Regional History Center website.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"userestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Use"],"userestrict_tesim":["Permission to publish or reproduce is required from the copyright holder. For more information, please see the Permissions and Copyright page on the West Virginia and Regional History Center website."],"abstract_html_tesm":["\u003cabstract id=\"aspace_7f7aca18f594cb9e240c48f7fdefc04e\"\u003ePapers of Rush Dew Holt, Sr. (1905-1955) relating to his personal and political activities. Types of material include publications, clippings, correspondence, photographs, and ephemera, among others. The collection is divided into six series: Personal and Political Papers (1840-2000 and undated), Artifacts (1939-1952 and undated), Legislative Records (1920-1955 and undated), Constituent Services (1923-1954 and undated), Press and Media Activity (1925-2003 and undated), and Administrative Files (1937-1940).\u003c/abstract\u003e\n    "],"abstract_tesim":["Papers of Rush Dew Holt, Sr. (1905-1955) relating to his personal and political activities. Types of material include publications, clippings, correspondence, photographs, and ephemera, among others. The collection is divided into six series: Personal and Political Papers (1840-2000 and undated), Artifacts (1939-1952 and undated), Legislative Records (1920-1955 and undated), Constituent Services (1923-1954 and undated), Press and Media Activity (1925-2003 and undated), and Administrative Files (1937-1940)."],"physloc_html_tesm":["\u003cphysloc id=\"aspace_c13cef4864374dc7a447894b02986413\"\u003eWest Virginia and Regional History Center / West Virginia University / 1549 University Avenue / P.O. Box 6069 / Morgantown, WV 26506-6069 / Phone: 304-293-3536  / URL: \u003ca href=\"https://wvrhc.lib.wvu.edu/\"\u003eWest Virginia \u0026amp; Regional History Center\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/physloc\u003e\n    "],"physloc_tesim":["West Virginia and Regional History Center / West Virginia University / 1549 University Avenue / P.O. Box 6069 / Morgantown, WV 26506-6069 / Phone: 304-293-3536  / URL: West Virginia \u0026 Regional History Center"],"corpname_ssim":["West Virginia and Regional History Center","America First Committee","American Federation of Labor","Congress of Industrial Organizations (U.S.)","United States. National Bituminous Coal Commission","United States. National Labor Relations Board","Progressive Mine Workers of America","United Mine Workers of America","United States. National Recovery Administration","United States. Supreme Court","United States. Congress. Senate","West Virginia. Legislature","United States. Works Progress Administration","Democratic Party (U.S.)","Weston State Hospital"],"names_coll_ssim":["America First Committee","American Federation of Labor","Congress of Industrial Organizations (U.S.)","United States. National Bituminous Coal Commission","United States. National Labor Relations Board","Progressive Mine Workers of America","United Mine Workers of America","United States. National Recovery Administration","United States. Supreme Court","United States. Congress. Senate","West Virginia. Legislature","United States. Works Progress Administration","Democratic Party (U.S.)","Weston State Hospital","Bittner, Van A. (Van Amberg), 1885-1949","Black, Hugo LaFayette, 1886-1971","Coughlin, Charles E.","Edmiston, Andrew.","Farley, James A. (James Aloysius), 1888-1976","Green, William.","Holt, Helen Louise Froelich, 1913-2015","Holt, Mathew S., 1850-1939","Holt, Rush Dew, 1905-1955","Hopkins, Harry L. (Harry Lloyd), 1890-1946","Ickes, Harold L. (Harold LeClair), 1874-1952","Kump, Herman Guy, 1877-1962","La Follette, Robert M. (Robert Marion), 1855-1925","Neely, Matthew Mansfield, 1874-1958","Lewis, John L. (John Llewellyn), 1880-1969","Long, Huey Pierce, 1893-1935"],"persname_ssim":["Holt, Rush Dew, 1905-1955","Bittner, Van A. (Van Amberg), 1885-1949","Black, Hugo LaFayette, 1886-1971","Coughlin, Charles E.","Edmiston, Andrew.","Farley, James A. (James Aloysius), 1888-1976","Green, William.","Holt, Helen Louise Froelich, 1913-2015","Holt, Mathew S., 1850-1939","Hopkins, Harry L. (Harry Lloyd), 1890-1946","Ickes, Harold L. (Harold LeClair), 1874-1952","Kump, Herman Guy, 1877-1962","La Follette, Robert M. (Robert Marion), 1855-1925","Neely, Matthew Mansfield, 1874-1958","Lewis, John L. (John Llewellyn), 1880-1969","Long, Huey Pierce, 1893-1935"],"names_ssim":["West Virginia and Regional History Center","America First Committee","American Federation of Labor","Congress of Industrial Organizations (U.S.)","United States. National Bituminous Coal Commission","United States. National Labor Relations Board","Progressive Mine Workers of America","United Mine Workers of America","United States. National Recovery Administration","United States. Supreme Court","United States. Congress. Senate","West Virginia. Legislature","United States. Works Progress Administration","Democratic Party (U.S.)","Weston State Hospital","Holt, Rush Dew, 1905-1955","Bittner, Van A. (Van Amberg), 1885-1949","Black, Hugo LaFayette, 1886-1971","Coughlin, Charles E.","Edmiston, Andrew.","Farley, James A. (James Aloysius), 1888-1976","Green, William.","Holt, Helen Louise Froelich, 1913-2015","Holt, Mathew S., 1850-1939","Hopkins, Harry L. (Harry Lloyd), 1890-1946","Ickes, Harold L. (Harold LeClair), 1874-1952","Kump, Herman Guy, 1877-1962","La Follette, Robert M. (Robert Marion), 1855-1925","Neely, Matthew Mansfield, 1874-1958","Lewis, John L. (John Llewellyn), 1880-1969","Long, Huey Pierce, 1893-1935"],"language_ssim":["English"],"descrules_ssm":["Describing Archives: A Content Standard"],"total_component_count_is":938,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-09-01T16:09:24.514Z"}]}},"label":"Breadcrumbs"}}},"links":{"self":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687_c03_c03"}},{"id":"wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687_c03_c02","type":"Sub-Series","attributes":{"title":"Legislative Records--West Virginia House of Delegates State Government Costs Committee, 1943","abstract_or_scope":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687_c03_c02#abstract_or_scope","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"\u003cp\u003eIncludes correspondence, statistics, reports, and transcripts relative to Rush Holt's activity with the Government Costs Committee.\u003c/p\u003e","label":"Abstract Or Scope"}},"breadcrumbs":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687_c03_c02#breadcrumbs","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":{"ref_ssi":"wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687_c03_c02","ref_ssm":["wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687_c03_c02"],"id":"wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687_c03_c02","ead_ssi":"wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687","_root_":"wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687","_nest_parent_":"wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687_c03","parent_ssi":"wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687_c03","parent_ssim":["Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, 1840/2003, bulk 1918/1955","Series 3. Legislative Records, 1920/1955"],"parent_ids_ssim":["wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687","wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687_c03"],"title_filing_ssi":"Legislative Records--West Virginia House of Delegates State Government Costs Committee","title_ssm":["Legislative Records--West Virginia House of Delegates State Government Costs Committee"],"title_tesim":["Legislative Records--West Virginia House of Delegates State Government Costs Committee"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Legislative Records--West Virginia House of Delegates State Government Costs Committee, 1943"],"text":["Legislative Records--West Virginia House of Delegates State Government Costs Committee, 1943","Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, 1840/2003, bulk 1918/1955","Series 3. Legislative Records, 1920/1955","Includes correspondence, statistics, reports, and transcripts relative to Rush Holt's activity with the Government Costs Committee.","Correspondence includes letters sent and received by Rush Holt regarding expenditures for West Virginia and other states.","Statistics and reports include information sent to and gathered by Rush Holt regarding state-owned cars in West Virginia.","Institutions and departments represented include the Department of Agriculture, West Virginia University, Huntington State Hospital, the Department of Mines, and the State Road Commission, among others.","The transcript document testimonies in the February 5 to March 1, 1943 hearings to investigate the cost of state government for which Rush Holt served as chairman. Entities represented by the testimonies include the Publicity Commission, the Bureau of Negro Welfare, the Road Commission, and the Labor Department, among others."],"parent_unittitles_ssm":["Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, 1840/2003, bulk 1918/1955","Series 3. Legislative Records, 1920/1955"],"parent_unittitles_tesim":["Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, 1840/2003, bulk 1918/1955","Series 3. Legislative Records, 1920/1955"],"normalized_date_ssm":["1943"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1943"],"level_ssm":["Sub-Series"],"level_ssim":["Sub-series"],"component_level_isim":[2],"sort_isi":438,"repository_ssim":["West Virginia and Regional History Center"],"collection_ssim":["Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, 1840/2003, bulk 1918/1955"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"child_component_count_isi":3,"parent_access_restrict_tesm":["No special access restriction applies."],"parent_access_terms_tesm":["Permission to publish or reproduce is required from the copyright holder. For more information, please see the Permissions and Copyright page on the West Virginia and Regional History Center website."],"date_range_isim":[1943],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eIncludes correspondence, statistics, reports, and transcripts relative to Rush Holt's activity with the Government Costs Committee.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e Correspondence includes letters sent and received by Rush Holt regarding expenditures for West Virginia and other states. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e Statistics and reports include information sent to and gathered by Rush Holt regarding state-owned cars in West Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e Institutions and departments represented include the Department of Agriculture, West Virginia University, Huntington State Hospital, the Department of Mines, and the State Road Commission, among others.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e The transcript document testimonies in the February 5 to March 1, 1943 hearings to investigate the cost of state government for which Rush Holt served as chairman. Entities represented by the testimonies include the Publicity Commission, the Bureau of Negro Welfare, the Road Commission, and the Labor Department, among others.\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["Includes correspondence, statistics, reports, and transcripts relative to Rush Holt's activity with the Government Costs Committee.","Correspondence includes letters sent and received by Rush Holt regarding expenditures for West Virginia and other states.","Statistics and reports include information sent to and gathered by Rush Holt regarding state-owned cars in West Virginia.","Institutions and departments represented include the Department of Agriculture, West Virginia University, Huntington State Hospital, the Department of Mines, and the State Road Commission, among others.","The transcript document testimonies in the February 5 to March 1, 1943 hearings to investigate the cost of state government for which Rush Holt served as chairman. Entities represented by the testimonies include the Publicity Commission, the Bureau of Negro Welfare, the Road Commission, and the Labor Department, among others."],"_nest_path_":"/components#2/components#1","timestamp":"2026-09-01T16:09:24.514Z","collection":{"numFound":1,"start":0,"numFoundExact":true,"docs":[{"id":"wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687","ead_ssi":"wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687","_root_":"wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687","_nest_parent_":"wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/WVU/repositories_2_resources_3687.xml","aspace_url_ssi":"https://archives.lib.wvu.edu/ark:/99999/208740","title_ssm":["Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers"],"title_tesim":["Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers"],"unitdate_ssm":["1840-2003","1918-1955"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1840-2003"],"unitdate_bulk_ssim":["1918-1955"],"normalized_date_ssm":["1840/2003, bulk 1918/1955"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, 1840/2003, bulk 1918/1955"],"text":["Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, 1840/2003, bulk 1918/1955","A\u0026M 0873","Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","/repositories/2/resources/3687","Lewis County.","West Virginia -- Politics and government","United States -- Politics and government","Coal mining - Labor organization.","Education","Elections","Guffey Coal Act.","New Deal, 1933-1939","Politics and government.","Public utilities","Taxation","Unions.","United States - Social Security.","Social Security -- United States","Wheeler-Rayburn Holding Company Act","Isolationism -- United States -- History -- 20th Century","World War, 1939-1945","Politicians -- United States","No special access restriction applies.","This collection is one of five (see also A\u0026M 1858, 4218, 4039, and 3943) pertaining to Rush Dew Holt, Sr. and his family. The records have been gathered via multiple accruals from 1956 to 2016. Originally, these collections were divided between A\u0026M 873 and A\u0026M 1701, the latter also being composed of thirteen addenda and A\u0026M 1858.","In an attempt to organize the collections in a more coherent fashion for patron use and to reflect the creator(s) in a more concise manner, the material was reevaluated and reorganized into the three sets of papers with distinct series and subseries: A\u0026M 873: Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers; A\u0026M 1858: Helen Holt (1913-2015) Papers; and A\u0026M 4218: Rush Dew Holt Family Papers.","Because of the 2016-2017 reorganization, the physical arrangement no longer matches the intellectual arrangement and series order. Furthermore, any box and folder citations created prior to the above-mentioned project are likely no longer accurate.","For assistance locating material using an older citation, please ask a staff member of the West Virginia \u0026 Regional History Center.","Rush Dew Holt was born in Weston, West Virginia, on June 19, 1905 to parents, Dr. Matthew S. Holt and Chihela (Dew) Holt. From an early age, Holt displayed scholarly potential. By age three, he was able to read first-grade primers, and eventually became interested in numerous topics for which he was able to provide detailed statistics. Among these interests was politics, and by age six, Holt had decided he would become a Democrat.","The potential displayed by Holt as a child continued into his school years. At age five, he began public education in the second grade, and he skipped grades on two more occasions. He attended Weston High School, and after graduating with honors at age fourteen, Holt applied to the University of Cincinnati; however, the register rejected the application because Holt, while academically qualified, was considered too young. Not one to admit defeat, a trait that would prove to be a lifelong characteristic, Holt turned to West Virginia University where he was accepted. As the youngest member of the freshman class, Holt found it difficult to obtain full acceptance as a college student, and his academic record reflected his apparent dissatisfaction. After two years at West Virginia University, Holt transferred to Salem College where the enrollment was smaller (approximately 300 students) and where he was able to live with his uncle, Professor Samuel Dew. It was at Salem College that Holt regained his self-confidence. His academic performance improved, and he maintained a B-plus average. In addition to academics, Holt excelled on the debate team. He was the editor-in-chief of the school paper, and he managed the tennis team.","In 1924, Holt received a Bachelor of Arts Degree and qualification to teach at secondary schools. Shortly after his graduation, he was hired to teach at Bedford High School in Virginia where he taught English and history in addition to serving as the school's athletic director. After one academic year, Holt returned to Weston, West Virginia, where he took a position at St. Patrick's High School as the athletic director. Holt also coached the basketball team with abundant success, leading the team to two national tournaments for Catholic schools. During this time, Holt also taught history as a part-time instructor at Glenville Normal School and Salem College, but his fascination with athletics persisted. In addition to coaching and occasional officiating, Holt also began writing about sports. Eventually, he began to contribute columns to daily West Virginia newspapers.","By the late 1920s, Holt was attracted to the political environment, and he began to contribute to candidates who were friends of and/or who shared the views of his father. In the summer of 1928, Holt went one step further by announcing his candidacy as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates. Despite Lewis County having been predominately Republican, in addition to not having received significant party backing, Holt still obtained a higher-than-expected amount of support, losing his race by only 500 votes. Once again, however, Holt would not admit defeat. In 1930 Holt again announced his candidacy for the West Virginia House of Delegates. During the campaign, he visited locations all around Lewis County, spoke to anyone who would listen, and ensured that the grievances such as those concerning government cost, increased taxes, and the power of privately owned public utilities would all be addressed. As expected with any campaign, Holt received criticism, and those who opposed him likened the young politician to his father who they declared was a radical, a socialist, and an atheist. Despite the scornful claims, Holt, by a margin of 2,150 votes, was elected to his first public office as a Democrat to the West Virginia Legislature where he served from 1931-1935. During his years as a delegate, as promised during his campaign, Holt spoke out against corrupt practices such as government spending, an issue he addressed not even a week into the 1931 session. In addition to debating issues in the House, Holt also wrote to state supported universities, highway commissioners, and auditors in West Virginia and numerous other states to gather financial figures concerning spending, salaries, and taxes among others. Holt also began an investigation in 1931 to uncover rates, operating costs, and profits of privately and publically owned utility companies. All of these endeavors were only the first chapter in Holt's political career.","By 1934 he had gained the political support and the backing of union workers which was enough to defeat incumbent United States Senator Henry Hatfield. At age twenty-nine, Holt became the youngest person to win a United States Senate seat; however, there was immediate criticism. No sooner had the votes been tallied before a protest was filed concerning Holt's credentials: the fact that he had run for an office when he had not been of the required age. In addition to discontent within his own state, Holt also received overwhelming opposition in Washington, D.C. from Senate Republicans who threatened to object on the grounds of the constitutional age requirement. Despite the criticism, Holt's election was not overturned; however, he had to wait until he turned thirty, over five months after the Seventy-forth Congress had convened, before he could participate in senatorial proceedings.","Just as he had been active in the West Virginia Legislature, Holt did not hesitate to address both major and minor issues on Capitol Hill either. During his time in the Senate, Holt served on several committees including Education and Labor, Immigration, Mines and Mining, Naval Affairs, and Post Offices and Post Roads. He also served as a member of the United States delegation to the 1939 Interparliamentary Conference in Oslo, Norway.","Although Holt had once been referred to as President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's \"Golden Boy,\" such alliances and the policies that had formed them began to dissolve by 1936. He became estranged from fellow Democrat and West Virginian Senator Matthew Neely, and Holt ended his support for the United Mine Workers of America and the Works Progress Administration, the latter of which he claimed was corrupt. Eventually, Holt criticized the Roosevelt administration for its New Deal policies, he adamantly fought Roosevelt's attempt to alter the Supreme Court by changing the number of sitting justices from nine to twelve, and he spoke out against the proposition of allowing a presidential third term. Furthermore, as unrest began in Europe with Germany's invasion of Poland, Holt campaigned against any attempts by the administration to involve the United States in the War. The responses from constituents about Holt's actions were mixed; nevertheless, the young senator's sudden change led to his unsuccessful renomination attempt in 1940. Holt did not even make it past the primary election.","After his Senate term ended, Holt remained in Washington, D.C. and began to support himself as a lecturer and a writer of political issues, particularly neutrality for which he received the support of the America First Committee. It was also during this time that Holt met Helen Louise Froelich, a biology teacher at National Park College near Washington. They were married a year later and moved to West Virginia. The couple had two children: a daughter, Helen Jane Holt (born in 1945) and a son, Rush Dew Holt, Jr. (born in 1948). When Senator Holt's sister, Jane (Holt) Chase, died in 1952, the couple adopted her son, David. After the Holts returned to West Virginia in 1941, Holt stayed involved in politics by accepting speaking engagements.","During the remainder of the 1940s, Holt ran several times for state offices with modest success. He was elected to the State House of Delegates in 1942 and was reelected in 1944 by write-in vote and 1946 without opposition. After a failed attempt to win the West Virginia Democratic gubernatorial nomination in 1944 and the nomination for United States Senator in 1948, Holt changed political affiliation. Despite this, his lack of success to achieve positions beyond the House of Delegates continued. In 1950, he won the Republican nomination to represent West Virginia's Third District in the United States House of Representatives but lost in the general election, and in 1952 Holt came very close to winning the race for West Virginia governor as the Republican candidate but lost to William Marland by fewer than 30,000 votes. Success returned in 1954 when Holt was elected to the West Virginia House of Delegates by the voters of Lewis County, but he was unable to finish his term due to illness.","Holt died on February 8, 1955 after a long, tough campaign against cancer.","Chronological List of Events:","June 19, 1905: born","1920: graduated from high school","1920-1922: attended West Virginia University","1922-1924: attended Salem College, received a BA degree","1924-1925: taught English and history and served as athletic director at Bedford High School in Virginia","1925-1928: served as athletic director and basketball coach at St. Patrick's High School (Catholic school) in Weston, West Virginia; taught history as a part-time instructor at Glenville Normal School and Salem College; and contributed sport columns to daily West Virginia newspapers","1928: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates, lost by 500 votes","1930: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates, won by 2,150 votes, served from 1931-1935","1934: ran as a Democrat for the United States Senate and won despite being only twenty-nine years old","1939: served as a member of the United States delegation to the Interparliamentary Conference in Oslo, Norway","1940: ran for renomination to the Senate, failed to win the primary election","1941: married Helen Louise Froelich","1942: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates and won, reelected in 1944, 1946, and 1948, served until 1950.","1944: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia gubernatorial nomination but was unsuccessful","1945: birth of Helen Jane Holt","1948: birth of Rush Dew Holt, Jr.","1948: ran as a Democrat for the United States Senate nomination but was unsuccessful","1948: switched political affiliation to the Republican Party","1952: ran as the Republican candidate for West Virginia Governor but lost to William Marland by fewer than 30,000 votes","1954: ran as a Republican for the West Virginia House of Delegates and won","February 8, 1955: death","Sources:","Coffey, William Ellis. Rush Dew Holt: The Boy Senator. Dissertation, West Virginia University, 1970.","A\u0026M 0873, Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, West Virginia and Regional History Center, West Virginia University Libraries.","1858, 3001, 3943, 4039, 4218, 4386","Papers of Rush Dew Holt, Sr. (1905-1955) relating to his personal and political activities. Types of material include publications, clippings, correspondence, photographs, and ephemera, among others. The collection is divided into six series: Personal and Political Papers (1840-2000 and undated) includes correspondence; invitations and cards; material representing campaign activities; and material from college courses, among other material that represents Rush Holt's personal life and political career; and ephemera collected by Rush Holt. Artifacts (1939-1952 and undated) includes personal and political items collected by Rush Holt. Legislative Records (1920-1955 and undated) includes correspondence, reports, publications, clippings, statistics, transcripts, financial records, and project records, among other miscellaneous material relative to Rush Holt's committee-based and general legislative activity. Constituent Services (1923-1954 and undated) includes mail received by Rush Holt during his time in the West Virginia House of Delegates and the United States Senate from constituents providing political opinions to Holt or requesting government publications and bulletins, copies of speeches, educational material, and Rush Holt's recommendation to the United States Military or Naval Academy. Press and Media Activity (1925-2003 and undated) includes original and photocopied articles from newspapers and similar publications, typescripts of press releases, pen-and-ink drawn political cartoons, transcripts of speeches, and sound recordings, among other material representing Rush Holt's involvement with the press and media. Administrative Files (1937-1940) includes material documenting the daily office activities of Rush Holt and his staff during the former's senatorial term.","The collection is divided into six series as follows:","Series 1. Personal and Political Papers; 1840-2000 and undated (bulk 1918-1955)","Includes material related to Rush Holt's personal, family, and political life. Additional material related to his work in politics can be found in Series 3 through 6. Types of material include correspondence; invitations and cards; material representing campaign activities; material from college courses; bills for recordings, radio station receipts, and election expenditures; typescripts, newsletters, manuscripts, and photocopies of material written by Rush Holt; publications to which Rush Holt subscribed and collected; photographs that represent Rush Holt's personal life and political career; ephemera collected by Rush Holt; and election results collected by Rush Holt.","Series 2. Artifacts; 1939-1952 and undated","Includes personal and political items collected by Rush Holt.","Series 3. Legislative Records; 1920-1955 and undated","Includes correspondence, reports, publications, clippings, statistics, transcripts, financial records, and project records, among other miscellaneous material relative to Rush Holt's committee-based and general legislative activity.","Series 4. Constituent Services; 1923-1954 and undated","Includes mail received by Rush Holt during his time in the West Virginia House of Delegates and the United States Senate from constituents requesting government publications and bulletins, copies of speeches, educational material, and Rush Holt's recommendation to the United States Military or Naval Academy. In some cases, this series also includes typescript responses, many of which are generic.","Series 5. Press and Media Activity; 1925-2003 and undated (bulk 1925-1955)","Includes original and photocopied articles from newspapers and similar publications, typescripts of press releases, pen-and-ink drawn political cartoons, transcripts of speeches, and sound recordings, among other material representing Rush Holt's involvement with the press and media.","Series 6. Administrative Files; 1937-1940","Includes material documenting the daily office activities of Rush Holt and his staff during the former's senatorial term.","Ephemeral items not specific to Rush Dew Holt were moved to the Printed Ephemera Collection. Several local basketball scorecards were moved to A\u0026M 4216, the Annual West Virginia State High School Basketball Tournament Programs collection.","17 reels of undated sound recordings, chiefly relating to the political career of Rush Dew Holt, were separated to the oral history collection, C432 R699-R715 (17 tapes). These tapes include some personal material as well.","Permission to publish or reproduce is required from the copyright holder. For more information, please see the Permissions and Copyright page on the West Virginia and Regional History Center website.","Papers of Rush Dew Holt, Sr. (1905-1955) relating to his personal and political activities. Types of material include publications, clippings, correspondence, photographs, and ephemera, among others. The collection is divided into six series: Personal and Political Papers (1840-2000 and undated), Artifacts (1939-1952 and undated), Legislative Records (1920-1955 and undated), Constituent Services (1923-1954 and undated), Press and Media Activity (1925-2003 and undated), and Administrative Files (1937-1940).","West Virginia and Regional History Center / West Virginia University / 1549 University Avenue / P.O. Box 6069 / Morgantown, WV 26506-6069 / Phone: 304-293-3536  / URL: West Virginia \u0026 Regional History Center","West Virginia and Regional History Center","America First Committee","American Federation of Labor","Congress of Industrial Organizations (U.S.)","United States. National Bituminous Coal Commission","United States. National Labor Relations Board","Progressive Mine Workers of America","United Mine Workers of America","United States. National Recovery Administration","United States. Supreme Court","United States. Congress. Senate","West Virginia. Legislature","United States. Works Progress Administration","Democratic Party (U.S.)","Weston State Hospital","Holt, Rush Dew, 1905-1955","Bittner, Van A. (Van Amberg), 1885-1949","Black, Hugo LaFayette, 1886-1971","Coughlin, Charles E.","Edmiston, Andrew.","Farley, James A. (James Aloysius), 1888-1976","Green, William.","Holt, Helen Louise Froelich, 1913-2015","Holt, Mathew S., 1850-1939","Hopkins, Harry L. (Harry Lloyd), 1890-1946","Ickes, Harold L. (Harold LeClair), 1874-1952","Kump, Herman Guy, 1877-1962","La Follette, Robert M. (Robert Marion), 1855-1925","Neely, Matthew Mansfield, 1874-1958","Lewis, John L. (John Llewellyn), 1880-1969","Long, Huey Pierce, 1893-1935","English"],"collection_title_tesim":["Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, 1840/2003, bulk 1918/1955"],"collection_ssim":["Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, 1840/2003, bulk 1918/1955"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["A\u0026M 0873","Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","/repositories/2/resources/3687"],"unitid_tesim":["A\u0026M 0873","Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","/repositories/2/resources/3687"],"repository_ssm":["West Virginia and Regional History Center"],"repository_ssim":["West Virginia and Regional History Center"],"geogname_ssm":["Lewis County.","West Virginia -- Politics and government","United States -- Politics and government"],"geogname_ssim":["Lewis County.","West Virginia -- Politics and government","United States -- Politics and government"],"places_ssim":["Lewis County.","West Virginia -- Politics and government","United States -- Politics and government"],"creator_ssm":["Holt, Rush Dew, 1905-1955"],"creator_ssim":["Holt, Rush Dew, 1905-1955"],"creator_persname_ssim":["Holt, Rush Dew, 1905-1955","Bittner, Van A. (Van Amberg), 1885-1949","Black, Hugo LaFayette, 1886-1971","Coughlin, Charles E.","Edmiston, Andrew.","Farley, James A. (James Aloysius), 1888-1976","Green, William.","Holt, Helen Louise Froelich, 1913-2015","Holt, Mathew S., 1850-1939","Hopkins, Harry L. (Harry Lloyd), 1890-1946","Ickes, Harold L. (Harold LeClair), 1874-1952","Kump, Herman Guy, 1877-1962","La Follette, Robert M. (Robert Marion), 1855-1925","Neely, Matthew Mansfield, 1874-1958","Lewis, John L. (John Llewellyn), 1880-1969","Long, Huey Pierce, 1893-1935"],"creator_corpname_ssim":["West Virginia and Regional History Center","America First Committee","American Federation of Labor","Congress of Industrial Organizations (U.S.)","United States. National Bituminous Coal Commission","United States. National Labor Relations Board","Progressive Mine Workers of America","United Mine Workers of America","United States. National Recovery Administration","United States. Supreme Court","United States. Congress. Senate","West Virginia. Legislature","United States. Works Progress Administration","Democratic Party (U.S.)","Weston State Hospital"],"creators_ssim":["Holt, Rush Dew, 1905-1955","Bittner, Van A. (Van Amberg), 1885-1949","Black, Hugo LaFayette, 1886-1971","Coughlin, Charles E.","Edmiston, Andrew.","Farley, James A. (James Aloysius), 1888-1976","Green, William.","Holt, Helen Louise Froelich, 1913-2015","Holt, Mathew S., 1850-1939","Hopkins, Harry L. (Harry Lloyd), 1890-1946","Ickes, Harold L. (Harold LeClair), 1874-1952","Kump, Herman Guy, 1877-1962","La Follette, Robert M. (Robert Marion), 1855-1925","Neely, Matthew Mansfield, 1874-1958","Lewis, John L. (John Llewellyn), 1880-1969","Long, Huey Pierce, 1893-1935","West Virginia and Regional History Center","America First Committee","American Federation of Labor","Congress of Industrial Organizations (U.S.)","United States. National Bituminous Coal Commission","United States. National Labor Relations Board","Progressive Mine Workers of America","United Mine Workers of America","United States. National Recovery Administration","United States. Supreme Court","United States. Congress. Senate","West Virginia. Legislature","United States. Works Progress Administration","Democratic Party (U.S.)","Weston State Hospital"],"access_terms_ssm":["Permission to publish or reproduce is required from the copyright holder. For more information, please see the Permissions and Copyright page on the West Virginia and Regional History Center website."],"acqinfo_ssim":["Gifts of Holt, Helen F., 1956-2016."],"access_subjects_ssim":["Coal mining - Labor organization.","Education","Elections","Guffey Coal Act.","New Deal, 1933-1939","Politics and government.","Public utilities","Taxation","Unions.","United States - Social Security.","Social Security -- United States","Wheeler-Rayburn Holding Company Act","Isolationism -- United States -- History -- 20th Century","World War, 1939-1945","Politicians -- United States"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Coal mining - Labor organization.","Education","Elections","Guffey Coal Act.","New Deal, 1933-1939","Politics and government.","Public utilities","Taxation","Unions.","United States - Social Security.","Social Security -- United States","Wheeler-Rayburn Holding Company Act","Isolationism -- United States -- History -- 20th Century","World War, 1939-1945","Politicians -- United States"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"extent_ssm":["156.21 Linear Feet 156 ft. 2 1/2 in. (360 document cases, 5 in. each); (1 document case, 4 in.); (14 document cases, 2 1/2 in.); (1 flat storage box, 5 in.); (1 flat storage box, 3 1/2 in.); (2 flat storage boxes, 3 in. each); (3 flat storage boxes, 2 1/2 in. each); (9 flat storage boxes, 1 1/2 in. each); (\n44 photos in photograph filing cabinets)","11.7 Gigabytes 131 TIFF files, 2 PDF files"],"extent_tesim":["156.21 Linear Feet 156 ft. 2 1/2 in. (360 document cases, 5 in. each); (1 document case, 4 in.); (14 document cases, 2 1/2 in.); (1 flat storage box, 5 in.); (1 flat storage box, 3 1/2 in.); (2 flat storage boxes, 3 in. each); (3 flat storage boxes, 2 1/2 in. each); (9 flat storage boxes, 1 1/2 in. each); (\n44 photos in photograph filing cabinets)","11.7 Gigabytes 131 TIFF files, 2 PDF files"],"date_range_isim":[1840,1841,1842,1843,1844,1845,1846,1847,1848,1849,1850,1851,1852,1853,1854,1855,1856,1857,1858,1859,1860,1861,1862,1863,1864,1865,1866,1867,1868,1869,1870,1871,1872,1873,1874,1875,1876,1877,1878,1879,1880,1881,1882,1883,1884,1885,1886,1887,1888,1889,1890,1891,1892,1893,1894,1895,1896,1897,1898,1899,1900,1901,1902,1903,1904,1905,1906,1907,1908,1909,1910,1911,1912,1913,1914,1915,1916,1917,1918,1919,1920,1921,1922,1923,1924,1925,1926,1927,1928,1929,1930,1931,1932,1933,1934,1935,1936,1937,1938,1939,1940,1941,1942,1943,1944,1945,1946,1947,1948,1949,1950,1951,1952,1953,1954,1955,1956,1957,1958,1959,1960,1961,1962,1963,1964,1965,1966,1967,1968,1969,1970,1971,1972,1973,1974,1975,1976,1977,1978,1979,1980,1981,1982,1983,1984,1985,1986,1987,1988,1989,1990,1991,1992,1993,1994,1995,1996,1997,1998,1999,2000,2001,2002,2003],"accessrestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp style=\"color: red;\"\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eNo special access restriction applies.\u003c/emph\u003e\u003c/p\u003e  "],"accessrestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Access"],"accessrestrict_tesim":["No special access restriction applies."],"arrangement_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThis collection is one of five (see also A\u0026amp;M 1858, 4218, 4039, and 3943) pertaining to Rush Dew Holt, Sr. and his family. The records have been gathered via multiple accruals from 1956 to 2016. Originally, these collections were divided between A\u0026amp;M 873 and A\u0026amp;M 1701, the latter also being composed of thirteen addenda and A\u0026amp;M 1858. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIn an attempt to organize the collections in a more coherent fashion for patron use and to reflect the creator(s) in a more concise manner, the material was reevaluated and reorganized into the three sets of papers with distinct series and subseries: A\u0026amp;M 873: Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers; A\u0026amp;M 1858: Helen Holt (1913-2015) Papers; and A\u0026amp;M 4218: Rush Dew Holt Family Papers.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eBecause of the 2016-2017 reorganization, the physical arrangement no longer matches the intellectual arrangement and series order. Furthermore, any box and folder citations created prior to the above-mentioned project are likely no longer accurate. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFor assistance locating material using an older citation, please ask a staff member of the West Virginia \u0026amp; Regional History Center.    \u003c/p\u003e  "],"arrangement_heading_ssm":["Arrangement"],"arrangement_tesim":["This collection is one of five (see also A\u0026M 1858, 4218, 4039, and 3943) pertaining to Rush Dew Holt, Sr. and his family. The records have been gathered via multiple accruals from 1956 to 2016. Originally, these collections were divided between A\u0026M 873 and A\u0026M 1701, the latter also being composed of thirteen addenda and A\u0026M 1858.","In an attempt to organize the collections in a more coherent fashion for patron use and to reflect the creator(s) in a more concise manner, the material was reevaluated and reorganized into the three sets of papers with distinct series and subseries: A\u0026M 873: Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers; A\u0026M 1858: Helen Holt (1913-2015) Papers; and A\u0026M 4218: Rush Dew Holt Family Papers.","Because of the 2016-2017 reorganization, the physical arrangement no longer matches the intellectual arrangement and series order. Furthermore, any box and folder citations created prior to the above-mentioned project are likely no longer accurate.","For assistance locating material using an older citation, please ask a staff member of the West Virginia \u0026 Regional History Center."],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eRush Dew Holt was born in Weston, West Virginia, on June 19, 1905 to parents, Dr. Matthew S. Holt and Chihela (Dew) Holt. From an early age, Holt displayed scholarly potential. By age three, he was able to read first-grade primers, and eventually became interested in numerous topics for which he was able to provide detailed statistics. Among these interests was politics, and by age six, Holt had decided he would become a Democrat.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe potential displayed by Holt as a child continued into his school years. At age five, he began public education in the second grade, and he skipped grades on two more occasions. He attended Weston High School, and after graduating with honors at age fourteen, Holt applied to the University of Cincinnati; however, the register rejected the application because Holt, while academically qualified, was considered too young. Not one to admit defeat, a trait that would prove to be a lifelong characteristic, Holt turned to West Virginia University where he was accepted. As the youngest member of the freshman class, Holt found it difficult to obtain full acceptance as a college student, and his academic record reflected his apparent dissatisfaction. After two years at West Virginia University, Holt transferred to Salem College where the enrollment was smaller (approximately 300 students) and where he was able to live with his uncle, Professor Samuel Dew. It was at Salem College that Holt regained his self-confidence. His academic performance improved, and he maintained a B-plus average. In addition to academics, Holt excelled on the debate team. He was the editor-in-chief of the school paper, and he managed the tennis team.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIn 1924, Holt received a Bachelor of Arts Degree and qualification to teach at secondary schools. Shortly after his graduation, he was hired to teach at Bedford High School in Virginia where he taught English and history in addition to serving as the school's athletic director. After one academic year, Holt returned to Weston, West Virginia, where he took a position at St. Patrick's High School as the athletic director. Holt also coached the basketball team with abundant success, leading the team to two national tournaments for Catholic schools. During this time, Holt also taught history as a part-time instructor at Glenville Normal School and Salem College, but his fascination with athletics persisted. In addition to coaching and occasional officiating, Holt also began writing about sports. Eventually, he began to contribute columns to daily West Virginia newspapers.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eBy the late 1920s, Holt was attracted to the political environment, and he began to contribute to candidates who were friends of and/or who shared the views of his father. In the summer of 1928, Holt went one step further by announcing his candidacy as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates. Despite Lewis County having been predominately Republican, in addition to not having received significant party backing, Holt still obtained a higher-than-expected amount of support, losing his race by only 500 votes. Once again, however, Holt would not admit defeat. In 1930 Holt again announced his candidacy for the West Virginia House of Delegates. During the campaign, he visited locations all around Lewis County, spoke to anyone who would listen, and ensured that the grievances such as those concerning government cost, increased taxes, and the power of privately owned public utilities would all be addressed. As expected with any campaign, Holt received criticism, and those who opposed him likened the young politician to his father who they declared was a radical, a socialist, and an atheist. Despite the scornful claims, Holt, by a margin of 2,150 votes, was elected to his first public office as a Democrat to the West Virginia Legislature where he served from 1931-1935. During his years as a delegate, as promised during his campaign, Holt spoke out against corrupt practices such as government spending, an issue he addressed not even a week into the 1931 session. In addition to debating issues in the House, Holt also wrote to state supported universities, highway commissioners, and auditors in West Virginia and numerous other states to gather financial figures concerning spending, salaries, and taxes among others. Holt also began an investigation in 1931 to uncover rates, operating costs, and profits of privately and publically owned utility companies. All of these endeavors were only the first chapter in Holt's political career.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eBy 1934 he had gained the political support and the backing of union workers which was enough to defeat incumbent United States Senator Henry Hatfield. At age twenty-nine, Holt became the youngest person to win a United States Senate seat; however, there was immediate criticism. No sooner had the votes been tallied before a protest was filed concerning Holt's credentials: the fact that he had run for an office when he had not been of the required age. In addition to discontent within his own state, Holt also received overwhelming opposition in Washington, D.C. from Senate Republicans who threatened to object on the grounds of the constitutional age requirement. Despite the criticism, Holt's election was not overturned; however, he had to wait until he turned thirty, over five months after the Seventy-forth Congress had convened, before he could participate in senatorial proceedings.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eJust as he had been active in the West Virginia Legislature, Holt did not hesitate to address both major and minor issues on Capitol Hill either. During his time in the Senate, Holt served on several committees including Education and Labor, Immigration, Mines and Mining, Naval Affairs, and Post Offices and Post Roads. He also served as a member of the United States delegation to the 1939 Interparliamentary Conference in Oslo, Norway.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAlthough Holt had once been referred to as President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's \"Golden Boy,\" such alliances and the policies that had formed them began to dissolve by 1936. He became estranged from fellow Democrat and West Virginian Senator Matthew Neely, and Holt ended his support for the United Mine Workers of America and the Works Progress Administration, the latter of which he claimed was corrupt. Eventually, Holt criticized the Roosevelt administration for its New Deal policies, he adamantly fought Roosevelt's attempt to alter the Supreme Court by changing the number of sitting justices from nine to twelve, and he spoke out against the proposition of allowing a presidential third term. Furthermore, as unrest began in Europe with Germany's invasion of Poland, Holt campaigned against any attempts by the administration to involve the United States in the War. The responses from constituents about Holt's actions were mixed; nevertheless, the young senator's sudden change led to his unsuccessful renomination attempt in 1940. Holt did not even make it past the primary election.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAfter his Senate term ended, Holt remained in Washington, D.C. and began to support himself as a lecturer and a writer of political issues, particularly neutrality for which he received the support of the America First Committee. It was also during this time that Holt met Helen Louise Froelich, a biology teacher at National Park College near Washington. They were married a year later and moved to West Virginia. The couple had two children: a daughter, Helen Jane Holt (born in 1945) and a son, Rush Dew Holt, Jr. (born in 1948). When Senator Holt's sister, Jane (Holt) Chase, died in 1952, the couple adopted her son, David. After the Holts returned to West Virginia in 1941, Holt stayed involved in politics by accepting speaking engagements. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDuring the remainder of the 1940s, Holt ran several times for state offices with modest success. He was elected to the State House of Delegates in 1942 and was reelected in 1944 by write-in vote and 1946 without opposition. After a failed attempt to win the West Virginia Democratic gubernatorial nomination in 1944 and the nomination for United States Senator in 1948, Holt changed political affiliation. Despite this, his lack of success to achieve positions beyond the House of Delegates continued. In 1950, he won the Republican nomination to represent West Virginia's Third District in the United States House of Representatives but lost in the general election, and in 1952 Holt came very close to winning the race for West Virginia governor as the Republican candidate but lost to William Marland by fewer than 30,000 votes. Success returned in 1954 when Holt was elected to the West Virginia House of Delegates by the voters of Lewis County, but he was unable to finish his term due to illness.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHolt died on February 8, 1955 after a long, tough campaign against cancer.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eChronological List of Events:\u003c/emph\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eJune 19, 1905: born\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1920: graduated from high school\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1920-1922: attended West Virginia University\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1922-1924: attended Salem College, received a BA degree \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1924-1925: taught English and history and served as athletic director at Bedford High School in Virginia\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1925-1928: served as athletic director and basketball coach at St. Patrick's High School (Catholic school) in Weston, West Virginia; taught history as a part-time instructor at Glenville Normal School and Salem College; and contributed sport columns to daily West Virginia newspapers\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1928: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates, lost by 500 votes \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1930: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates, won by 2,150 votes, served from 1931-1935 \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1934: ran as a Democrat for the United States Senate and won despite being only twenty-nine years old\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1939: served as a member of the United States delegation to the Interparliamentary Conference in Oslo, Norway\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1940: ran for renomination to the Senate, failed to win the primary election\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1941: married Helen Louise Froelich\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1942: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates and won, reelected in 1944, 1946, and 1948, served until 1950.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1944: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia gubernatorial nomination but was unsuccessful  \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1945: birth of Helen Jane Holt\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1948: birth of Rush Dew Holt, Jr.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1948: ran as a Democrat for the United States Senate nomination but was unsuccessful \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1948: switched political affiliation to the Republican Party \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1952: ran as the Republican candidate for West Virginia Governor but lost to William Marland by fewer than 30,000 votes\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1954: ran as a Republican for the West Virginia House of Delegates and won\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFebruary 8, 1955: death \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eSources:\u003c/emph\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCoffey, William Ellis. \u003cemph render=\"italic\"\u003eRush Dew Holt: The Boy Senator.\u003c/emph\u003e Dissertation, West Virginia University, 1970. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA\u0026amp;M 0873, Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, West Virginia and Regional History Center, West Virginia University Libraries.  \u003c/p\u003e  "],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical / Historical"],"bioghist_tesim":["Rush Dew Holt was born in Weston, West Virginia, on June 19, 1905 to parents, Dr. Matthew S. Holt and Chihela (Dew) Holt. From an early age, Holt displayed scholarly potential. By age three, he was able to read first-grade primers, and eventually became interested in numerous topics for which he was able to provide detailed statistics. Among these interests was politics, and by age six, Holt had decided he would become a Democrat.","The potential displayed by Holt as a child continued into his school years. At age five, he began public education in the second grade, and he skipped grades on two more occasions. He attended Weston High School, and after graduating with honors at age fourteen, Holt applied to the University of Cincinnati; however, the register rejected the application because Holt, while academically qualified, was considered too young. Not one to admit defeat, a trait that would prove to be a lifelong characteristic, Holt turned to West Virginia University where he was accepted. As the youngest member of the freshman class, Holt found it difficult to obtain full acceptance as a college student, and his academic record reflected his apparent dissatisfaction. After two years at West Virginia University, Holt transferred to Salem College where the enrollment was smaller (approximately 300 students) and where he was able to live with his uncle, Professor Samuel Dew. It was at Salem College that Holt regained his self-confidence. His academic performance improved, and he maintained a B-plus average. In addition to academics, Holt excelled on the debate team. He was the editor-in-chief of the school paper, and he managed the tennis team.","In 1924, Holt received a Bachelor of Arts Degree and qualification to teach at secondary schools. Shortly after his graduation, he was hired to teach at Bedford High School in Virginia where he taught English and history in addition to serving as the school's athletic director. After one academic year, Holt returned to Weston, West Virginia, where he took a position at St. Patrick's High School as the athletic director. Holt also coached the basketball team with abundant success, leading the team to two national tournaments for Catholic schools. During this time, Holt also taught history as a part-time instructor at Glenville Normal School and Salem College, but his fascination with athletics persisted. In addition to coaching and occasional officiating, Holt also began writing about sports. Eventually, he began to contribute columns to daily West Virginia newspapers.","By the late 1920s, Holt was attracted to the political environment, and he began to contribute to candidates who were friends of and/or who shared the views of his father. In the summer of 1928, Holt went one step further by announcing his candidacy as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates. Despite Lewis County having been predominately Republican, in addition to not having received significant party backing, Holt still obtained a higher-than-expected amount of support, losing his race by only 500 votes. Once again, however, Holt would not admit defeat. In 1930 Holt again announced his candidacy for the West Virginia House of Delegates. During the campaign, he visited locations all around Lewis County, spoke to anyone who would listen, and ensured that the grievances such as those concerning government cost, increased taxes, and the power of privately owned public utilities would all be addressed. As expected with any campaign, Holt received criticism, and those who opposed him likened the young politician to his father who they declared was a radical, a socialist, and an atheist. Despite the scornful claims, Holt, by a margin of 2,150 votes, was elected to his first public office as a Democrat to the West Virginia Legislature where he served from 1931-1935. During his years as a delegate, as promised during his campaign, Holt spoke out against corrupt practices such as government spending, an issue he addressed not even a week into the 1931 session. In addition to debating issues in the House, Holt also wrote to state supported universities, highway commissioners, and auditors in West Virginia and numerous other states to gather financial figures concerning spending, salaries, and taxes among others. Holt also began an investigation in 1931 to uncover rates, operating costs, and profits of privately and publically owned utility companies. All of these endeavors were only the first chapter in Holt's political career.","By 1934 he had gained the political support and the backing of union workers which was enough to defeat incumbent United States Senator Henry Hatfield. At age twenty-nine, Holt became the youngest person to win a United States Senate seat; however, there was immediate criticism. No sooner had the votes been tallied before a protest was filed concerning Holt's credentials: the fact that he had run for an office when he had not been of the required age. In addition to discontent within his own state, Holt also received overwhelming opposition in Washington, D.C. from Senate Republicans who threatened to object on the grounds of the constitutional age requirement. Despite the criticism, Holt's election was not overturned; however, he had to wait until he turned thirty, over five months after the Seventy-forth Congress had convened, before he could participate in senatorial proceedings.","Just as he had been active in the West Virginia Legislature, Holt did not hesitate to address both major and minor issues on Capitol Hill either. During his time in the Senate, Holt served on several committees including Education and Labor, Immigration, Mines and Mining, Naval Affairs, and Post Offices and Post Roads. He also served as a member of the United States delegation to the 1939 Interparliamentary Conference in Oslo, Norway.","Although Holt had once been referred to as President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's \"Golden Boy,\" such alliances and the policies that had formed them began to dissolve by 1936. He became estranged from fellow Democrat and West Virginian Senator Matthew Neely, and Holt ended his support for the United Mine Workers of America and the Works Progress Administration, the latter of which he claimed was corrupt. Eventually, Holt criticized the Roosevelt administration for its New Deal policies, he adamantly fought Roosevelt's attempt to alter the Supreme Court by changing the number of sitting justices from nine to twelve, and he spoke out against the proposition of allowing a presidential third term. Furthermore, as unrest began in Europe with Germany's invasion of Poland, Holt campaigned against any attempts by the administration to involve the United States in the War. The responses from constituents about Holt's actions were mixed; nevertheless, the young senator's sudden change led to his unsuccessful renomination attempt in 1940. Holt did not even make it past the primary election.","After his Senate term ended, Holt remained in Washington, D.C. and began to support himself as a lecturer and a writer of political issues, particularly neutrality for which he received the support of the America First Committee. It was also during this time that Holt met Helen Louise Froelich, a biology teacher at National Park College near Washington. They were married a year later and moved to West Virginia. The couple had two children: a daughter, Helen Jane Holt (born in 1945) and a son, Rush Dew Holt, Jr. (born in 1948). When Senator Holt's sister, Jane (Holt) Chase, died in 1952, the couple adopted her son, David. After the Holts returned to West Virginia in 1941, Holt stayed involved in politics by accepting speaking engagements.","During the remainder of the 1940s, Holt ran several times for state offices with modest success. He was elected to the State House of Delegates in 1942 and was reelected in 1944 by write-in vote and 1946 without opposition. After a failed attempt to win the West Virginia Democratic gubernatorial nomination in 1944 and the nomination for United States Senator in 1948, Holt changed political affiliation. Despite this, his lack of success to achieve positions beyond the House of Delegates continued. In 1950, he won the Republican nomination to represent West Virginia's Third District in the United States House of Representatives but lost in the general election, and in 1952 Holt came very close to winning the race for West Virginia governor as the Republican candidate but lost to William Marland by fewer than 30,000 votes. Success returned in 1954 when Holt was elected to the West Virginia House of Delegates by the voters of Lewis County, but he was unable to finish his term due to illness.","Holt died on February 8, 1955 after a long, tough campaign against cancer.","Chronological List of Events:","June 19, 1905: born","1920: graduated from high school","1920-1922: attended West Virginia University","1922-1924: attended Salem College, received a BA degree","1924-1925: taught English and history and served as athletic director at Bedford High School in Virginia","1925-1928: served as athletic director and basketball coach at St. Patrick's High School (Catholic school) in Weston, West Virginia; taught history as a part-time instructor at Glenville Normal School and Salem College; and contributed sport columns to daily West Virginia newspapers","1928: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates, lost by 500 votes","1930: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates, won by 2,150 votes, served from 1931-1935","1934: ran as a Democrat for the United States Senate and won despite being only twenty-nine years old","1939: served as a member of the United States delegation to the Interparliamentary Conference in Oslo, Norway","1940: ran for renomination to the Senate, failed to win the primary election","1941: married Helen Louise Froelich","1942: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates and won, reelected in 1944, 1946, and 1948, served until 1950.","1944: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia gubernatorial nomination but was unsuccessful","1945: birth of Helen Jane Holt","1948: birth of Rush Dew Holt, Jr.","1948: ran as a Democrat for the United States Senate nomination but was unsuccessful","1948: switched political affiliation to the Republican Party","1952: ran as the Republican candidate for West Virginia Governor but lost to William Marland by fewer than 30,000 votes","1954: ran as a Republican for the West Virginia House of Delegates and won","February 8, 1955: death","Sources:","Coffey, William Ellis. Rush Dew Holt: The Boy Senator. Dissertation, West Virginia University, 1970.","A\u0026M 0873, Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, West Virginia and Regional History Center, West Virginia University Libraries."],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e[Description and date of item], [Box/folder number], Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, A\u0026amp;M 0873, West Virginia and Regional History Center, West Virginia University Libraries, Morgantown, West Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"prefercite_tesim":["[Description and date of item], [Box/folder number], Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, A\u0026M 0873, West Virginia and Regional History Center, West Virginia University Libraries, Morgantown, West Virginia."],"relatedmaterial_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e1858, 3001, 3943, 4039, 4218, 4386\u003c/p\u003e  "],"relatedmaterial_heading_ssm":["Related A\u0026M Collections"],"relatedmaterial_tesim":["1858, 3001, 3943, 4039, 4218, 4386"],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003ePapers of Rush Dew Holt, Sr. (1905-1955) relating to his personal and political activities. Types of material include publications, clippings, correspondence, photographs, and ephemera, among others. The collection is divided into six series: Personal and Political Papers (1840-2000 and undated) includes correspondence; invitations and cards; material representing campaign activities; and material from college courses, among other material that represents Rush Holt's personal life and political career; and ephemera collected by Rush Holt. Artifacts (1939-1952 and undated) includes personal and political items collected by Rush Holt. Legislative Records (1920-1955 and undated) includes correspondence, reports, publications, clippings, statistics, transcripts, financial records, and project records, among other miscellaneous material relative to Rush Holt's committee-based and general legislative activity. Constituent Services (1923-1954 and undated) includes mail received by Rush Holt during his time in the West Virginia House of Delegates and the United States Senate from constituents providing political opinions to Holt or requesting government publications and bulletins, copies of speeches, educational material, and Rush Holt's recommendation to the United States Military or Naval Academy. Press and Media Activity (1925-2003 and undated) includes original and photocopied articles from newspapers and similar publications, typescripts of press releases, pen-and-ink drawn political cartoons, transcripts of speeches, and sound recordings, among other material representing Rush Holt's involvement with the press and media. Administrative Files (1937-1940) includes material documenting the daily office activities of Rush Holt and his staff during the former's senatorial term.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe collection is divided into six series as follows:\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eSeries 1. Personal and Political Papers; 1840-2000 and undated (bulk 1918-1955)\u003c/emph\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIncludes material related to Rush Holt's personal, family, and political life. Additional material related to his work in politics can be found in Series 3 through 6. Types of material include correspondence; invitations and cards; material representing campaign activities; material from college courses; bills for recordings, radio station receipts, and election expenditures; typescripts, newsletters, manuscripts, and photocopies of material written by Rush Holt; publications to which Rush Holt subscribed and collected; photographs that represent Rush Holt's personal life and political career; ephemera collected by Rush Holt; and election results collected by Rush Holt.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eSeries 2. Artifacts; 1939-1952 and undated\u003c/emph\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIncludes personal and political items collected by Rush Holt.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eSeries 3. Legislative Records; 1920-1955 and undated\u003c/emph\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIncludes correspondence, reports, publications, clippings, statistics, transcripts, financial records, and project records, among other miscellaneous material relative to Rush Holt's committee-based and general legislative activity.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eSeries 4. Constituent Services; 1923-1954 and undated\u003c/emph\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIncludes mail received by Rush Holt during his time in the West Virginia House of Delegates and the United States Senate from constituents requesting government publications and bulletins, copies of speeches, educational material, and Rush Holt's recommendation to the United States Military or Naval Academy. In some cases, this series also includes typescript responses, many of which are generic.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eSeries 5. Press and Media Activity; 1925-2003 and undated (bulk 1925-1955)\u003c/emph\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIncludes original and photocopied articles from newspapers and similar publications, typescripts of press releases, pen-and-ink drawn political cartoons, transcripts of speeches, and sound recordings, among other material representing Rush Holt's involvement with the press and media.    \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eSeries 6. Administrative Files; 1937-1940\u003c/emph\u003e \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIncludes material documenting the daily office activities of Rush Holt and his staff during the former's senatorial term.   \u003c/p\u003e  "],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["Papers of Rush Dew Holt, Sr. (1905-1955) relating to his personal and political activities. Types of material include publications, clippings, correspondence, photographs, and ephemera, among others. The collection is divided into six series: Personal and Political Papers (1840-2000 and undated) includes correspondence; invitations and cards; material representing campaign activities; and material from college courses, among other material that represents Rush Holt's personal life and political career; and ephemera collected by Rush Holt. Artifacts (1939-1952 and undated) includes personal and political items collected by Rush Holt. Legislative Records (1920-1955 and undated) includes correspondence, reports, publications, clippings, statistics, transcripts, financial records, and project records, among other miscellaneous material relative to Rush Holt's committee-based and general legislative activity. Constituent Services (1923-1954 and undated) includes mail received by Rush Holt during his time in the West Virginia House of Delegates and the United States Senate from constituents providing political opinions to Holt or requesting government publications and bulletins, copies of speeches, educational material, and Rush Holt's recommendation to the United States Military or Naval Academy. Press and Media Activity (1925-2003 and undated) includes original and photocopied articles from newspapers and similar publications, typescripts of press releases, pen-and-ink drawn political cartoons, transcripts of speeches, and sound recordings, among other material representing Rush Holt's involvement with the press and media. Administrative Files (1937-1940) includes material documenting the daily office activities of Rush Holt and his staff during the former's senatorial term.","The collection is divided into six series as follows:","Series 1. Personal and Political Papers; 1840-2000 and undated (bulk 1918-1955)","Includes material related to Rush Holt's personal, family, and political life. Additional material related to his work in politics can be found in Series 3 through 6. Types of material include correspondence; invitations and cards; material representing campaign activities; material from college courses; bills for recordings, radio station receipts, and election expenditures; typescripts, newsletters, manuscripts, and photocopies of material written by Rush Holt; publications to which Rush Holt subscribed and collected; photographs that represent Rush Holt's personal life and political career; ephemera collected by Rush Holt; and election results collected by Rush Holt.","Series 2. Artifacts; 1939-1952 and undated","Includes personal and political items collected by Rush Holt.","Series 3. Legislative Records; 1920-1955 and undated","Includes correspondence, reports, publications, clippings, statistics, transcripts, financial records, and project records, among other miscellaneous material relative to Rush Holt's committee-based and general legislative activity.","Series 4. Constituent Services; 1923-1954 and undated","Includes mail received by Rush Holt during his time in the West Virginia House of Delegates and the United States Senate from constituents requesting government publications and bulletins, copies of speeches, educational material, and Rush Holt's recommendation to the United States Military or Naval Academy. In some cases, this series also includes typescript responses, many of which are generic.","Series 5. Press and Media Activity; 1925-2003 and undated (bulk 1925-1955)","Includes original and photocopied articles from newspapers and similar publications, typescripts of press releases, pen-and-ink drawn political cartoons, transcripts of speeches, and sound recordings, among other material representing Rush Holt's involvement with the press and media.","Series 6. Administrative Files; 1937-1940","Includes material documenting the daily office activities of Rush Holt and his staff during the former's senatorial term."],"separatedmaterial_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eEphemeral items not specific to Rush Dew Holt were moved to the Printed Ephemera Collection. Several local basketball scorecards were moved to A\u0026amp;M 4216, the Annual West Virginia State High School Basketball Tournament Programs collection.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e17 reels of undated sound recordings, chiefly relating to the political career of Rush Dew Holt, were separated to the oral history collection, C432 R699-R715 (17 tapes). These tapes include some personal material as well.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"separatedmaterial_heading_ssm":["Separated Materials"],"separatedmaterial_tesim":["Ephemeral items not specific to Rush Dew Holt were moved to the Printed Ephemera Collection. Several local basketball scorecards were moved to A\u0026M 4216, the Annual West Virginia State High School Basketball Tournament Programs collection.","17 reels of undated sound recordings, chiefly relating to the political career of Rush Dew Holt, were separated to the oral history collection, C432 R699-R715 (17 tapes). These tapes include some personal material as well."],"userestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003ePermission to publish or reproduce is required from the copyright holder. For more information, please see the \u003ca href=\"https://wvrhc.lib.wvu.edu/visit/permissions-and-copyright\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ePermissions and Copyright page\u003c/a\u003e on the West Virginia and Regional History Center website.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"userestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Use"],"userestrict_tesim":["Permission to publish or reproduce is required from the copyright holder. For more information, please see the Permissions and Copyright page on the West Virginia and Regional History Center website."],"abstract_html_tesm":["\u003cabstract id=\"aspace_7f7aca18f594cb9e240c48f7fdefc04e\"\u003ePapers of Rush Dew Holt, Sr. (1905-1955) relating to his personal and political activities. Types of material include publications, clippings, correspondence, photographs, and ephemera, among others. The collection is divided into six series: Personal and Political Papers (1840-2000 and undated), Artifacts (1939-1952 and undated), Legislative Records (1920-1955 and undated), Constituent Services (1923-1954 and undated), Press and Media Activity (1925-2003 and undated), and Administrative Files (1937-1940).\u003c/abstract\u003e\n    "],"abstract_tesim":["Papers of Rush Dew Holt, Sr. (1905-1955) relating to his personal and political activities. Types of material include publications, clippings, correspondence, photographs, and ephemera, among others. The collection is divided into six series: Personal and Political Papers (1840-2000 and undated), Artifacts (1939-1952 and undated), Legislative Records (1920-1955 and undated), Constituent Services (1923-1954 and undated), Press and Media Activity (1925-2003 and undated), and Administrative Files (1937-1940)."],"physloc_html_tesm":["\u003cphysloc id=\"aspace_c13cef4864374dc7a447894b02986413\"\u003eWest Virginia and Regional History Center / West Virginia University / 1549 University Avenue / P.O. Box 6069 / Morgantown, WV 26506-6069 / Phone: 304-293-3536  / URL: \u003ca href=\"https://wvrhc.lib.wvu.edu/\"\u003eWest Virginia \u0026amp; Regional History Center\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/physloc\u003e\n    "],"physloc_tesim":["West Virginia and Regional History Center / West Virginia University / 1549 University Avenue / P.O. Box 6069 / Morgantown, WV 26506-6069 / Phone: 304-293-3536  / URL: West Virginia \u0026 Regional History Center"],"corpname_ssim":["West Virginia and Regional History Center","America First Committee","American Federation of Labor","Congress of Industrial Organizations (U.S.)","United States. National Bituminous Coal Commission","United States. National Labor Relations Board","Progressive Mine Workers of America","United Mine Workers of America","United States. National Recovery Administration","United States. Supreme Court","United States. Congress. Senate","West Virginia. Legislature","United States. Works Progress Administration","Democratic Party (U.S.)","Weston State Hospital"],"names_coll_ssim":["America First Committee","American Federation of Labor","Congress of Industrial Organizations (U.S.)","United States. National Bituminous Coal Commission","United States. National Labor Relations Board","Progressive Mine Workers of America","United Mine Workers of America","United States. National Recovery Administration","United States. Supreme Court","United States. Congress. Senate","West Virginia. Legislature","United States. Works Progress Administration","Democratic Party (U.S.)","Weston State Hospital","Bittner, Van A. (Van Amberg), 1885-1949","Black, Hugo LaFayette, 1886-1971","Coughlin, Charles E.","Edmiston, Andrew.","Farley, James A. (James Aloysius), 1888-1976","Green, William.","Holt, Helen Louise Froelich, 1913-2015","Holt, Mathew S., 1850-1939","Holt, Rush Dew, 1905-1955","Hopkins, Harry L. (Harry Lloyd), 1890-1946","Ickes, Harold L. (Harold LeClair), 1874-1952","Kump, Herman Guy, 1877-1962","La Follette, Robert M. (Robert Marion), 1855-1925","Neely, Matthew Mansfield, 1874-1958","Lewis, John L. (John Llewellyn), 1880-1969","Long, Huey Pierce, 1893-1935"],"persname_ssim":["Holt, Rush Dew, 1905-1955","Bittner, Van A. (Van Amberg), 1885-1949","Black, Hugo LaFayette, 1886-1971","Coughlin, Charles E.","Edmiston, Andrew.","Farley, James A. (James Aloysius), 1888-1976","Green, William.","Holt, Helen Louise Froelich, 1913-2015","Holt, Mathew S., 1850-1939","Hopkins, Harry L. (Harry Lloyd), 1890-1946","Ickes, Harold L. (Harold LeClair), 1874-1952","Kump, Herman Guy, 1877-1962","La Follette, Robert M. (Robert Marion), 1855-1925","Neely, Matthew Mansfield, 1874-1958","Lewis, John L. (John Llewellyn), 1880-1969","Long, Huey Pierce, 1893-1935"],"names_ssim":["West Virginia and Regional History Center","America First Committee","American Federation of Labor","Congress of Industrial Organizations (U.S.)","United States. National Bituminous Coal Commission","United States. National Labor Relations Board","Progressive Mine Workers of America","United Mine Workers of America","United States. National Recovery Administration","United States. Supreme Court","United States. Congress. Senate","West Virginia. Legislature","United States. Works Progress Administration","Democratic Party (U.S.)","Weston State Hospital","Holt, Rush Dew, 1905-1955","Bittner, Van A. (Van Amberg), 1885-1949","Black, Hugo LaFayette, 1886-1971","Coughlin, Charles E.","Edmiston, Andrew.","Farley, James A. (James Aloysius), 1888-1976","Green, William.","Holt, Helen Louise Froelich, 1913-2015","Holt, Mathew S., 1850-1939","Hopkins, Harry L. (Harry Lloyd), 1890-1946","Ickes, Harold L. (Harold LeClair), 1874-1952","Kump, Herman Guy, 1877-1962","La Follette, Robert M. (Robert Marion), 1855-1925","Neely, Matthew Mansfield, 1874-1958","Lewis, John L. (John Llewellyn), 1880-1969","Long, Huey Pierce, 1893-1935"],"language_ssim":["English"],"descrules_ssm":["Describing Archives: A Content Standard"],"total_component_count_is":938,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-09-01T16:09:24.514Z"}]}},"label":"Breadcrumbs"}}},"links":{"self":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687_c03_c02"}},{"id":"wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687_c03_c01","type":"Sub-Series","attributes":{"title":"Legislative Records--West Virginia House of Delegates Utility Investigating Committee Files, 1929/1935","abstract_or_scope":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687_c03_c01#abstract_or_scope","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"\u003cp\u003eIncludes correspondence, reports, and clippings bearing primarily upon Rush Holt's activities as chairman of the Utility Investigating Committee \u003c/p\u003e","label":"Abstract Or Scope"}},"breadcrumbs":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687_c03_c01#breadcrumbs","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":{"ref_ssi":"wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687_c03_c01","ref_ssm":["wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687_c03_c01"],"id":"wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687_c03_c01","ead_ssi":"wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687","_root_":"wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687","_nest_parent_":"wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687_c03","parent_ssi":"wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687_c03","parent_ssim":["Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, 1840/2003, bulk 1918/1955","Series 3. Legislative Records, 1920/1955"],"parent_ids_ssim":["wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687","wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687_c03"],"title_filing_ssi":"Legislative Records--West Virginia House of Delegates Utility Investigating Committee Files","title_ssm":["Legislative Records--West Virginia House of Delegates Utility Investigating Committee Files"],"title_tesim":["Legislative Records--West Virginia House of Delegates Utility Investigating Committee Files"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Legislative Records--West Virginia House of Delegates Utility Investigating Committee Files, 1929/1935"],"text":["Legislative Records--West Virginia House of Delegates Utility Investigating Committee Files, 1929/1935","Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, 1840/2003, bulk 1918/1955","Series 3. Legislative Records, 1920/1955","Includes correspondence, reports, and clippings bearing primarily upon Rush Holt's activities as chairman of the Utility Investigating Committee","The material is representative of Rush Holt's interaction with and study of utility companies throughout West Virginia and the United States.","Topics include gas, electricity, fuel rates, and municipal-owned utilities, among others.","Material of note includes testimonies of utility representatives during special hearings to examine the costs of state utilities. These hearings were held in Charleston, West Virginia between February 6, 1933 and April 11, 1933 (located in box 177, folder 1 to box 180, folder 4)."],"parent_unittitles_ssm":["Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, 1840/2003, bulk 1918/1955","Series 3. Legislative Records, 1920/1955"],"parent_unittitles_tesim":["Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, 1840/2003, bulk 1918/1955","Series 3. Legislative Records, 1920/1955"],"normalized_date_ssm":["1929/1935"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1929-1935 and undated"],"level_ssm":["Sub-Series"],"level_ssim":["Sub-series"],"component_level_isim":[2],"sort_isi":370,"repository_ssim":["West Virginia and Regional History Center"],"collection_ssim":["Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, 1840/2003, bulk 1918/1955"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"child_component_count_isi":67,"parent_access_restrict_tesm":["No special access restriction applies."],"parent_access_terms_tesm":["Permission to publish or reproduce is required from the copyright holder. For more information, please see the Permissions and Copyright page on the West Virginia and Regional History Center website."],"date_range_isim":[1929,1930,1931,1932,1933,1934,1935],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eIncludes correspondence, reports, and clippings bearing primarily upon Rush Holt's activities as chairman of the Utility Investigating Committee \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e The material is representative of Rush Holt's interaction with and study of utility companies throughout West Virginia and the United States.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e Topics include gas, electricity, fuel rates, and municipal-owned utilities, among others.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e Material of note includes testimonies of utility representatives during special hearings to examine the costs of state utilities. These hearings were held in Charleston, West Virginia between February 6, 1933 and April 11, 1933 (located in box 177, folder 1 to box 180, folder 4).\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["Includes correspondence, reports, and clippings bearing primarily upon Rush Holt's activities as chairman of the Utility Investigating Committee","The material is representative of Rush Holt's interaction with and study of utility companies throughout West Virginia and the United States.","Topics include gas, electricity, fuel rates, and municipal-owned utilities, among others.","Material of note includes testimonies of utility representatives during special hearings to examine the costs of state utilities. These hearings were held in Charleston, West Virginia between February 6, 1933 and April 11, 1933 (located in box 177, folder 1 to box 180, folder 4)."],"_nest_path_":"/components#2/components#0","timestamp":"2026-09-01T16:09:24.514Z","collection":{"numFound":1,"start":0,"numFoundExact":true,"docs":[{"id":"wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687","ead_ssi":"wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687","_root_":"wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687","_nest_parent_":"wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/WVU/repositories_2_resources_3687.xml","aspace_url_ssi":"https://archives.lib.wvu.edu/ark:/99999/208740","title_ssm":["Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers"],"title_tesim":["Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers"],"unitdate_ssm":["1840-2003","1918-1955"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1840-2003"],"unitdate_bulk_ssim":["1918-1955"],"normalized_date_ssm":["1840/2003, bulk 1918/1955"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, 1840/2003, bulk 1918/1955"],"text":["Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, 1840/2003, bulk 1918/1955","A\u0026M 0873","Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","/repositories/2/resources/3687","Lewis County.","West Virginia -- Politics and government","United States -- Politics and government","Coal mining - Labor organization.","Education","Elections","Guffey Coal Act.","New Deal, 1933-1939","Politics and government.","Public utilities","Taxation","Unions.","United States - Social Security.","Social Security -- United States","Wheeler-Rayburn Holding Company Act","Isolationism -- United States -- History -- 20th Century","World War, 1939-1945","Politicians -- United States","No special access restriction applies.","This collection is one of five (see also A\u0026M 1858, 4218, 4039, and 3943) pertaining to Rush Dew Holt, Sr. and his family. The records have been gathered via multiple accruals from 1956 to 2016. Originally, these collections were divided between A\u0026M 873 and A\u0026M 1701, the latter also being composed of thirteen addenda and A\u0026M 1858.","In an attempt to organize the collections in a more coherent fashion for patron use and to reflect the creator(s) in a more concise manner, the material was reevaluated and reorganized into the three sets of papers with distinct series and subseries: A\u0026M 873: Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers; A\u0026M 1858: Helen Holt (1913-2015) Papers; and A\u0026M 4218: Rush Dew Holt Family Papers.","Because of the 2016-2017 reorganization, the physical arrangement no longer matches the intellectual arrangement and series order. Furthermore, any box and folder citations created prior to the above-mentioned project are likely no longer accurate.","For assistance locating material using an older citation, please ask a staff member of the West Virginia \u0026 Regional History Center.","Rush Dew Holt was born in Weston, West Virginia, on June 19, 1905 to parents, Dr. Matthew S. Holt and Chihela (Dew) Holt. From an early age, Holt displayed scholarly potential. By age three, he was able to read first-grade primers, and eventually became interested in numerous topics for which he was able to provide detailed statistics. Among these interests was politics, and by age six, Holt had decided he would become a Democrat.","The potential displayed by Holt as a child continued into his school years. At age five, he began public education in the second grade, and he skipped grades on two more occasions. He attended Weston High School, and after graduating with honors at age fourteen, Holt applied to the University of Cincinnati; however, the register rejected the application because Holt, while academically qualified, was considered too young. Not one to admit defeat, a trait that would prove to be a lifelong characteristic, Holt turned to West Virginia University where he was accepted. As the youngest member of the freshman class, Holt found it difficult to obtain full acceptance as a college student, and his academic record reflected his apparent dissatisfaction. After two years at West Virginia University, Holt transferred to Salem College where the enrollment was smaller (approximately 300 students) and where he was able to live with his uncle, Professor Samuel Dew. It was at Salem College that Holt regained his self-confidence. His academic performance improved, and he maintained a B-plus average. In addition to academics, Holt excelled on the debate team. He was the editor-in-chief of the school paper, and he managed the tennis team.","In 1924, Holt received a Bachelor of Arts Degree and qualification to teach at secondary schools. Shortly after his graduation, he was hired to teach at Bedford High School in Virginia where he taught English and history in addition to serving as the school's athletic director. After one academic year, Holt returned to Weston, West Virginia, where he took a position at St. Patrick's High School as the athletic director. Holt also coached the basketball team with abundant success, leading the team to two national tournaments for Catholic schools. During this time, Holt also taught history as a part-time instructor at Glenville Normal School and Salem College, but his fascination with athletics persisted. In addition to coaching and occasional officiating, Holt also began writing about sports. Eventually, he began to contribute columns to daily West Virginia newspapers.","By the late 1920s, Holt was attracted to the political environment, and he began to contribute to candidates who were friends of and/or who shared the views of his father. In the summer of 1928, Holt went one step further by announcing his candidacy as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates. Despite Lewis County having been predominately Republican, in addition to not having received significant party backing, Holt still obtained a higher-than-expected amount of support, losing his race by only 500 votes. Once again, however, Holt would not admit defeat. In 1930 Holt again announced his candidacy for the West Virginia House of Delegates. During the campaign, he visited locations all around Lewis County, spoke to anyone who would listen, and ensured that the grievances such as those concerning government cost, increased taxes, and the power of privately owned public utilities would all be addressed. As expected with any campaign, Holt received criticism, and those who opposed him likened the young politician to his father who they declared was a radical, a socialist, and an atheist. Despite the scornful claims, Holt, by a margin of 2,150 votes, was elected to his first public office as a Democrat to the West Virginia Legislature where he served from 1931-1935. During his years as a delegate, as promised during his campaign, Holt spoke out against corrupt practices such as government spending, an issue he addressed not even a week into the 1931 session. In addition to debating issues in the House, Holt also wrote to state supported universities, highway commissioners, and auditors in West Virginia and numerous other states to gather financial figures concerning spending, salaries, and taxes among others. Holt also began an investigation in 1931 to uncover rates, operating costs, and profits of privately and publically owned utility companies. All of these endeavors were only the first chapter in Holt's political career.","By 1934 he had gained the political support and the backing of union workers which was enough to defeat incumbent United States Senator Henry Hatfield. At age twenty-nine, Holt became the youngest person to win a United States Senate seat; however, there was immediate criticism. No sooner had the votes been tallied before a protest was filed concerning Holt's credentials: the fact that he had run for an office when he had not been of the required age. In addition to discontent within his own state, Holt also received overwhelming opposition in Washington, D.C. from Senate Republicans who threatened to object on the grounds of the constitutional age requirement. Despite the criticism, Holt's election was not overturned; however, he had to wait until he turned thirty, over five months after the Seventy-forth Congress had convened, before he could participate in senatorial proceedings.","Just as he had been active in the West Virginia Legislature, Holt did not hesitate to address both major and minor issues on Capitol Hill either. During his time in the Senate, Holt served on several committees including Education and Labor, Immigration, Mines and Mining, Naval Affairs, and Post Offices and Post Roads. He also served as a member of the United States delegation to the 1939 Interparliamentary Conference in Oslo, Norway.","Although Holt had once been referred to as President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's \"Golden Boy,\" such alliances and the policies that had formed them began to dissolve by 1936. He became estranged from fellow Democrat and West Virginian Senator Matthew Neely, and Holt ended his support for the United Mine Workers of America and the Works Progress Administration, the latter of which he claimed was corrupt. Eventually, Holt criticized the Roosevelt administration for its New Deal policies, he adamantly fought Roosevelt's attempt to alter the Supreme Court by changing the number of sitting justices from nine to twelve, and he spoke out against the proposition of allowing a presidential third term. Furthermore, as unrest began in Europe with Germany's invasion of Poland, Holt campaigned against any attempts by the administration to involve the United States in the War. The responses from constituents about Holt's actions were mixed; nevertheless, the young senator's sudden change led to his unsuccessful renomination attempt in 1940. Holt did not even make it past the primary election.","After his Senate term ended, Holt remained in Washington, D.C. and began to support himself as a lecturer and a writer of political issues, particularly neutrality for which he received the support of the America First Committee. It was also during this time that Holt met Helen Louise Froelich, a biology teacher at National Park College near Washington. They were married a year later and moved to West Virginia. The couple had two children: a daughter, Helen Jane Holt (born in 1945) and a son, Rush Dew Holt, Jr. (born in 1948). When Senator Holt's sister, Jane (Holt) Chase, died in 1952, the couple adopted her son, David. After the Holts returned to West Virginia in 1941, Holt stayed involved in politics by accepting speaking engagements.","During the remainder of the 1940s, Holt ran several times for state offices with modest success. He was elected to the State House of Delegates in 1942 and was reelected in 1944 by write-in vote and 1946 without opposition. After a failed attempt to win the West Virginia Democratic gubernatorial nomination in 1944 and the nomination for United States Senator in 1948, Holt changed political affiliation. Despite this, his lack of success to achieve positions beyond the House of Delegates continued. In 1950, he won the Republican nomination to represent West Virginia's Third District in the United States House of Representatives but lost in the general election, and in 1952 Holt came very close to winning the race for West Virginia governor as the Republican candidate but lost to William Marland by fewer than 30,000 votes. Success returned in 1954 when Holt was elected to the West Virginia House of Delegates by the voters of Lewis County, but he was unable to finish his term due to illness.","Holt died on February 8, 1955 after a long, tough campaign against cancer.","Chronological List of Events:","June 19, 1905: born","1920: graduated from high school","1920-1922: attended West Virginia University","1922-1924: attended Salem College, received a BA degree","1924-1925: taught English and history and served as athletic director at Bedford High School in Virginia","1925-1928: served as athletic director and basketball coach at St. Patrick's High School (Catholic school) in Weston, West Virginia; taught history as a part-time instructor at Glenville Normal School and Salem College; and contributed sport columns to daily West Virginia newspapers","1928: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates, lost by 500 votes","1930: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates, won by 2,150 votes, served from 1931-1935","1934: ran as a Democrat for the United States Senate and won despite being only twenty-nine years old","1939: served as a member of the United States delegation to the Interparliamentary Conference in Oslo, Norway","1940: ran for renomination to the Senate, failed to win the primary election","1941: married Helen Louise Froelich","1942: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates and won, reelected in 1944, 1946, and 1948, served until 1950.","1944: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia gubernatorial nomination but was unsuccessful","1945: birth of Helen Jane Holt","1948: birth of Rush Dew Holt, Jr.","1948: ran as a Democrat for the United States Senate nomination but was unsuccessful","1948: switched political affiliation to the Republican Party","1952: ran as the Republican candidate for West Virginia Governor but lost to William Marland by fewer than 30,000 votes","1954: ran as a Republican for the West Virginia House of Delegates and won","February 8, 1955: death","Sources:","Coffey, William Ellis. Rush Dew Holt: The Boy Senator. Dissertation, West Virginia University, 1970.","A\u0026M 0873, Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, West Virginia and Regional History Center, West Virginia University Libraries.","1858, 3001, 3943, 4039, 4218, 4386","Papers of Rush Dew Holt, Sr. (1905-1955) relating to his personal and political activities. Types of material include publications, clippings, correspondence, photographs, and ephemera, among others. The collection is divided into six series: Personal and Political Papers (1840-2000 and undated) includes correspondence; invitations and cards; material representing campaign activities; and material from college courses, among other material that represents Rush Holt's personal life and political career; and ephemera collected by Rush Holt. Artifacts (1939-1952 and undated) includes personal and political items collected by Rush Holt. Legislative Records (1920-1955 and undated) includes correspondence, reports, publications, clippings, statistics, transcripts, financial records, and project records, among other miscellaneous material relative to Rush Holt's committee-based and general legislative activity. Constituent Services (1923-1954 and undated) includes mail received by Rush Holt during his time in the West Virginia House of Delegates and the United States Senate from constituents providing political opinions to Holt or requesting government publications and bulletins, copies of speeches, educational material, and Rush Holt's recommendation to the United States Military or Naval Academy. Press and Media Activity (1925-2003 and undated) includes original and photocopied articles from newspapers and similar publications, typescripts of press releases, pen-and-ink drawn political cartoons, transcripts of speeches, and sound recordings, among other material representing Rush Holt's involvement with the press and media. Administrative Files (1937-1940) includes material documenting the daily office activities of Rush Holt and his staff during the former's senatorial term.","The collection is divided into six series as follows:","Series 1. Personal and Political Papers; 1840-2000 and undated (bulk 1918-1955)","Includes material related to Rush Holt's personal, family, and political life. Additional material related to his work in politics can be found in Series 3 through 6. Types of material include correspondence; invitations and cards; material representing campaign activities; material from college courses; bills for recordings, radio station receipts, and election expenditures; typescripts, newsletters, manuscripts, and photocopies of material written by Rush Holt; publications to which Rush Holt subscribed and collected; photographs that represent Rush Holt's personal life and political career; ephemera collected by Rush Holt; and election results collected by Rush Holt.","Series 2. Artifacts; 1939-1952 and undated","Includes personal and political items collected by Rush Holt.","Series 3. Legislative Records; 1920-1955 and undated","Includes correspondence, reports, publications, clippings, statistics, transcripts, financial records, and project records, among other miscellaneous material relative to Rush Holt's committee-based and general legislative activity.","Series 4. Constituent Services; 1923-1954 and undated","Includes mail received by Rush Holt during his time in the West Virginia House of Delegates and the United States Senate from constituents requesting government publications and bulletins, copies of speeches, educational material, and Rush Holt's recommendation to the United States Military or Naval Academy. In some cases, this series also includes typescript responses, many of which are generic.","Series 5. Press and Media Activity; 1925-2003 and undated (bulk 1925-1955)","Includes original and photocopied articles from newspapers and similar publications, typescripts of press releases, pen-and-ink drawn political cartoons, transcripts of speeches, and sound recordings, among other material representing Rush Holt's involvement with the press and media.","Series 6. Administrative Files; 1937-1940","Includes material documenting the daily office activities of Rush Holt and his staff during the former's senatorial term.","Ephemeral items not specific to Rush Dew Holt were moved to the Printed Ephemera Collection. Several local basketball scorecards were moved to A\u0026M 4216, the Annual West Virginia State High School Basketball Tournament Programs collection.","17 reels of undated sound recordings, chiefly relating to the political career of Rush Dew Holt, were separated to the oral history collection, C432 R699-R715 (17 tapes). These tapes include some personal material as well.","Permission to publish or reproduce is required from the copyright holder. For more information, please see the Permissions and Copyright page on the West Virginia and Regional History Center website.","Papers of Rush Dew Holt, Sr. (1905-1955) relating to his personal and political activities. Types of material include publications, clippings, correspondence, photographs, and ephemera, among others. The collection is divided into six series: Personal and Political Papers (1840-2000 and undated), Artifacts (1939-1952 and undated), Legislative Records (1920-1955 and undated), Constituent Services (1923-1954 and undated), Press and Media Activity (1925-2003 and undated), and Administrative Files (1937-1940).","West Virginia and Regional History Center / West Virginia University / 1549 University Avenue / P.O. Box 6069 / Morgantown, WV 26506-6069 / Phone: 304-293-3536  / URL: West Virginia \u0026 Regional History Center","West Virginia and Regional History Center","America First Committee","American Federation of Labor","Congress of Industrial Organizations (U.S.)","United States. National Bituminous Coal Commission","United States. National Labor Relations Board","Progressive Mine Workers of America","United Mine Workers of America","United States. National Recovery Administration","United States. Supreme Court","United States. Congress. Senate","West Virginia. Legislature","United States. Works Progress Administration","Democratic Party (U.S.)","Weston State Hospital","Holt, Rush Dew, 1905-1955","Bittner, Van A. (Van Amberg), 1885-1949","Black, Hugo LaFayette, 1886-1971","Coughlin, Charles E.","Edmiston, Andrew.","Farley, James A. (James Aloysius), 1888-1976","Green, William.","Holt, Helen Louise Froelich, 1913-2015","Holt, Mathew S., 1850-1939","Hopkins, Harry L. (Harry Lloyd), 1890-1946","Ickes, Harold L. (Harold LeClair), 1874-1952","Kump, Herman Guy, 1877-1962","La Follette, Robert M. (Robert Marion), 1855-1925","Neely, Matthew Mansfield, 1874-1958","Lewis, John L. (John Llewellyn), 1880-1969","Long, Huey Pierce, 1893-1935","English"],"collection_title_tesim":["Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, 1840/2003, bulk 1918/1955"],"collection_ssim":["Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, 1840/2003, bulk 1918/1955"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["A\u0026M 0873","Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","/repositories/2/resources/3687"],"unitid_tesim":["A\u0026M 0873","Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","/repositories/2/resources/3687"],"repository_ssm":["West Virginia and Regional History Center"],"repository_ssim":["West Virginia and Regional History Center"],"geogname_ssm":["Lewis County.","West Virginia -- Politics and government","United States -- Politics and government"],"geogname_ssim":["Lewis County.","West Virginia -- Politics and government","United States -- Politics and government"],"places_ssim":["Lewis County.","West Virginia -- Politics and government","United States -- Politics and government"],"creator_ssm":["Holt, Rush Dew, 1905-1955"],"creator_ssim":["Holt, Rush Dew, 1905-1955"],"creator_persname_ssim":["Holt, Rush Dew, 1905-1955","Bittner, Van A. (Van Amberg), 1885-1949","Black, Hugo LaFayette, 1886-1971","Coughlin, Charles E.","Edmiston, Andrew.","Farley, James A. (James Aloysius), 1888-1976","Green, William.","Holt, Helen Louise Froelich, 1913-2015","Holt, Mathew S., 1850-1939","Hopkins, Harry L. (Harry Lloyd), 1890-1946","Ickes, Harold L. (Harold LeClair), 1874-1952","Kump, Herman Guy, 1877-1962","La Follette, Robert M. (Robert Marion), 1855-1925","Neely, Matthew Mansfield, 1874-1958","Lewis, John L. (John Llewellyn), 1880-1969","Long, Huey Pierce, 1893-1935"],"creator_corpname_ssim":["West Virginia and Regional History Center","America First Committee","American Federation of Labor","Congress of Industrial Organizations (U.S.)","United States. National Bituminous Coal Commission","United States. National Labor Relations Board","Progressive Mine Workers of America","United Mine Workers of America","United States. National Recovery Administration","United States. Supreme Court","United States. Congress. Senate","West Virginia. Legislature","United States. Works Progress Administration","Democratic Party (U.S.)","Weston State Hospital"],"creators_ssim":["Holt, Rush Dew, 1905-1955","Bittner, Van A. (Van Amberg), 1885-1949","Black, Hugo LaFayette, 1886-1971","Coughlin, Charles E.","Edmiston, Andrew.","Farley, James A. (James Aloysius), 1888-1976","Green, William.","Holt, Helen Louise Froelich, 1913-2015","Holt, Mathew S., 1850-1939","Hopkins, Harry L. (Harry Lloyd), 1890-1946","Ickes, Harold L. (Harold LeClair), 1874-1952","Kump, Herman Guy, 1877-1962","La Follette, Robert M. (Robert Marion), 1855-1925","Neely, Matthew Mansfield, 1874-1958","Lewis, John L. (John Llewellyn), 1880-1969","Long, Huey Pierce, 1893-1935","West Virginia and Regional History Center","America First Committee","American Federation of Labor","Congress of Industrial Organizations (U.S.)","United States. National Bituminous Coal Commission","United States. National Labor Relations Board","Progressive Mine Workers of America","United Mine Workers of America","United States. National Recovery Administration","United States. Supreme Court","United States. Congress. Senate","West Virginia. Legislature","United States. Works Progress Administration","Democratic Party (U.S.)","Weston State Hospital"],"access_terms_ssm":["Permission to publish or reproduce is required from the copyright holder. For more information, please see the Permissions and Copyright page on the West Virginia and Regional History Center website."],"acqinfo_ssim":["Gifts of Holt, Helen F., 1956-2016."],"access_subjects_ssim":["Coal mining - Labor organization.","Education","Elections","Guffey Coal Act.","New Deal, 1933-1939","Politics and government.","Public utilities","Taxation","Unions.","United States - Social Security.","Social Security -- United States","Wheeler-Rayburn Holding Company Act","Isolationism -- United States -- History -- 20th Century","World War, 1939-1945","Politicians -- United States"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Coal mining - Labor organization.","Education","Elections","Guffey Coal Act.","New Deal, 1933-1939","Politics and government.","Public utilities","Taxation","Unions.","United States - Social Security.","Social Security -- United States","Wheeler-Rayburn Holding Company Act","Isolationism -- United States -- History -- 20th Century","World War, 1939-1945","Politicians -- United States"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"extent_ssm":["156.21 Linear Feet 156 ft. 2 1/2 in. (360 document cases, 5 in. each); (1 document case, 4 in.); (14 document cases, 2 1/2 in.); (1 flat storage box, 5 in.); (1 flat storage box, 3 1/2 in.); (2 flat storage boxes, 3 in. each); (3 flat storage boxes, 2 1/2 in. each); (9 flat storage boxes, 1 1/2 in. each); (\n44 photos in photograph filing cabinets)","11.7 Gigabytes 131 TIFF files, 2 PDF files"],"extent_tesim":["156.21 Linear Feet 156 ft. 2 1/2 in. (360 document cases, 5 in. each); (1 document case, 4 in.); (14 document cases, 2 1/2 in.); (1 flat storage box, 5 in.); (1 flat storage box, 3 1/2 in.); (2 flat storage boxes, 3 in. each); (3 flat storage boxes, 2 1/2 in. each); (9 flat storage boxes, 1 1/2 in. each); (\n44 photos in photograph filing cabinets)","11.7 Gigabytes 131 TIFF files, 2 PDF files"],"date_range_isim":[1840,1841,1842,1843,1844,1845,1846,1847,1848,1849,1850,1851,1852,1853,1854,1855,1856,1857,1858,1859,1860,1861,1862,1863,1864,1865,1866,1867,1868,1869,1870,1871,1872,1873,1874,1875,1876,1877,1878,1879,1880,1881,1882,1883,1884,1885,1886,1887,1888,1889,1890,1891,1892,1893,1894,1895,1896,1897,1898,1899,1900,1901,1902,1903,1904,1905,1906,1907,1908,1909,1910,1911,1912,1913,1914,1915,1916,1917,1918,1919,1920,1921,1922,1923,1924,1925,1926,1927,1928,1929,1930,1931,1932,1933,1934,1935,1936,1937,1938,1939,1940,1941,1942,1943,1944,1945,1946,1947,1948,1949,1950,1951,1952,1953,1954,1955,1956,1957,1958,1959,1960,1961,1962,1963,1964,1965,1966,1967,1968,1969,1970,1971,1972,1973,1974,1975,1976,1977,1978,1979,1980,1981,1982,1983,1984,1985,1986,1987,1988,1989,1990,1991,1992,1993,1994,1995,1996,1997,1998,1999,2000,2001,2002,2003],"accessrestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp style=\"color: red;\"\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eNo special access restriction applies.\u003c/emph\u003e\u003c/p\u003e  "],"accessrestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Access"],"accessrestrict_tesim":["No special access restriction applies."],"arrangement_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThis collection is one of five (see also A\u0026amp;M 1858, 4218, 4039, and 3943) pertaining to Rush Dew Holt, Sr. and his family. The records have been gathered via multiple accruals from 1956 to 2016. Originally, these collections were divided between A\u0026amp;M 873 and A\u0026amp;M 1701, the latter also being composed of thirteen addenda and A\u0026amp;M 1858. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIn an attempt to organize the collections in a more coherent fashion for patron use and to reflect the creator(s) in a more concise manner, the material was reevaluated and reorganized into the three sets of papers with distinct series and subseries: A\u0026amp;M 873: Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers; A\u0026amp;M 1858: Helen Holt (1913-2015) Papers; and A\u0026amp;M 4218: Rush Dew Holt Family Papers.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eBecause of the 2016-2017 reorganization, the physical arrangement no longer matches the intellectual arrangement and series order. Furthermore, any box and folder citations created prior to the above-mentioned project are likely no longer accurate. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFor assistance locating material using an older citation, please ask a staff member of the West Virginia \u0026amp; Regional History Center.    \u003c/p\u003e  "],"arrangement_heading_ssm":["Arrangement"],"arrangement_tesim":["This collection is one of five (see also A\u0026M 1858, 4218, 4039, and 3943) pertaining to Rush Dew Holt, Sr. and his family. The records have been gathered via multiple accruals from 1956 to 2016. Originally, these collections were divided between A\u0026M 873 and A\u0026M 1701, the latter also being composed of thirteen addenda and A\u0026M 1858.","In an attempt to organize the collections in a more coherent fashion for patron use and to reflect the creator(s) in a more concise manner, the material was reevaluated and reorganized into the three sets of papers with distinct series and subseries: A\u0026M 873: Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers; A\u0026M 1858: Helen Holt (1913-2015) Papers; and A\u0026M 4218: Rush Dew Holt Family Papers.","Because of the 2016-2017 reorganization, the physical arrangement no longer matches the intellectual arrangement and series order. Furthermore, any box and folder citations created prior to the above-mentioned project are likely no longer accurate.","For assistance locating material using an older citation, please ask a staff member of the West Virginia \u0026 Regional History Center."],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eRush Dew Holt was born in Weston, West Virginia, on June 19, 1905 to parents, Dr. Matthew S. Holt and Chihela (Dew) Holt. From an early age, Holt displayed scholarly potential. By age three, he was able to read first-grade primers, and eventually became interested in numerous topics for which he was able to provide detailed statistics. Among these interests was politics, and by age six, Holt had decided he would become a Democrat.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe potential displayed by Holt as a child continued into his school years. At age five, he began public education in the second grade, and he skipped grades on two more occasions. He attended Weston High School, and after graduating with honors at age fourteen, Holt applied to the University of Cincinnati; however, the register rejected the application because Holt, while academically qualified, was considered too young. Not one to admit defeat, a trait that would prove to be a lifelong characteristic, Holt turned to West Virginia University where he was accepted. As the youngest member of the freshman class, Holt found it difficult to obtain full acceptance as a college student, and his academic record reflected his apparent dissatisfaction. After two years at West Virginia University, Holt transferred to Salem College where the enrollment was smaller (approximately 300 students) and where he was able to live with his uncle, Professor Samuel Dew. It was at Salem College that Holt regained his self-confidence. His academic performance improved, and he maintained a B-plus average. In addition to academics, Holt excelled on the debate team. He was the editor-in-chief of the school paper, and he managed the tennis team.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIn 1924, Holt received a Bachelor of Arts Degree and qualification to teach at secondary schools. Shortly after his graduation, he was hired to teach at Bedford High School in Virginia where he taught English and history in addition to serving as the school's athletic director. After one academic year, Holt returned to Weston, West Virginia, where he took a position at St. Patrick's High School as the athletic director. Holt also coached the basketball team with abundant success, leading the team to two national tournaments for Catholic schools. During this time, Holt also taught history as a part-time instructor at Glenville Normal School and Salem College, but his fascination with athletics persisted. In addition to coaching and occasional officiating, Holt also began writing about sports. Eventually, he began to contribute columns to daily West Virginia newspapers.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eBy the late 1920s, Holt was attracted to the political environment, and he began to contribute to candidates who were friends of and/or who shared the views of his father. In the summer of 1928, Holt went one step further by announcing his candidacy as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates. Despite Lewis County having been predominately Republican, in addition to not having received significant party backing, Holt still obtained a higher-than-expected amount of support, losing his race by only 500 votes. Once again, however, Holt would not admit defeat. In 1930 Holt again announced his candidacy for the West Virginia House of Delegates. During the campaign, he visited locations all around Lewis County, spoke to anyone who would listen, and ensured that the grievances such as those concerning government cost, increased taxes, and the power of privately owned public utilities would all be addressed. As expected with any campaign, Holt received criticism, and those who opposed him likened the young politician to his father who they declared was a radical, a socialist, and an atheist. Despite the scornful claims, Holt, by a margin of 2,150 votes, was elected to his first public office as a Democrat to the West Virginia Legislature where he served from 1931-1935. During his years as a delegate, as promised during his campaign, Holt spoke out against corrupt practices such as government spending, an issue he addressed not even a week into the 1931 session. In addition to debating issues in the House, Holt also wrote to state supported universities, highway commissioners, and auditors in West Virginia and numerous other states to gather financial figures concerning spending, salaries, and taxes among others. Holt also began an investigation in 1931 to uncover rates, operating costs, and profits of privately and publically owned utility companies. All of these endeavors were only the first chapter in Holt's political career.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eBy 1934 he had gained the political support and the backing of union workers which was enough to defeat incumbent United States Senator Henry Hatfield. At age twenty-nine, Holt became the youngest person to win a United States Senate seat; however, there was immediate criticism. No sooner had the votes been tallied before a protest was filed concerning Holt's credentials: the fact that he had run for an office when he had not been of the required age. In addition to discontent within his own state, Holt also received overwhelming opposition in Washington, D.C. from Senate Republicans who threatened to object on the grounds of the constitutional age requirement. Despite the criticism, Holt's election was not overturned; however, he had to wait until he turned thirty, over five months after the Seventy-forth Congress had convened, before he could participate in senatorial proceedings.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eJust as he had been active in the West Virginia Legislature, Holt did not hesitate to address both major and minor issues on Capitol Hill either. During his time in the Senate, Holt served on several committees including Education and Labor, Immigration, Mines and Mining, Naval Affairs, and Post Offices and Post Roads. He also served as a member of the United States delegation to the 1939 Interparliamentary Conference in Oslo, Norway.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAlthough Holt had once been referred to as President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's \"Golden Boy,\" such alliances and the policies that had formed them began to dissolve by 1936. He became estranged from fellow Democrat and West Virginian Senator Matthew Neely, and Holt ended his support for the United Mine Workers of America and the Works Progress Administration, the latter of which he claimed was corrupt. Eventually, Holt criticized the Roosevelt administration for its New Deal policies, he adamantly fought Roosevelt's attempt to alter the Supreme Court by changing the number of sitting justices from nine to twelve, and he spoke out against the proposition of allowing a presidential third term. Furthermore, as unrest began in Europe with Germany's invasion of Poland, Holt campaigned against any attempts by the administration to involve the United States in the War. The responses from constituents about Holt's actions were mixed; nevertheless, the young senator's sudden change led to his unsuccessful renomination attempt in 1940. Holt did not even make it past the primary election.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAfter his Senate term ended, Holt remained in Washington, D.C. and began to support himself as a lecturer and a writer of political issues, particularly neutrality for which he received the support of the America First Committee. It was also during this time that Holt met Helen Louise Froelich, a biology teacher at National Park College near Washington. They were married a year later and moved to West Virginia. The couple had two children: a daughter, Helen Jane Holt (born in 1945) and a son, Rush Dew Holt, Jr. (born in 1948). When Senator Holt's sister, Jane (Holt) Chase, died in 1952, the couple adopted her son, David. After the Holts returned to West Virginia in 1941, Holt stayed involved in politics by accepting speaking engagements. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDuring the remainder of the 1940s, Holt ran several times for state offices with modest success. He was elected to the State House of Delegates in 1942 and was reelected in 1944 by write-in vote and 1946 without opposition. After a failed attempt to win the West Virginia Democratic gubernatorial nomination in 1944 and the nomination for United States Senator in 1948, Holt changed political affiliation. Despite this, his lack of success to achieve positions beyond the House of Delegates continued. In 1950, he won the Republican nomination to represent West Virginia's Third District in the United States House of Representatives but lost in the general election, and in 1952 Holt came very close to winning the race for West Virginia governor as the Republican candidate but lost to William Marland by fewer than 30,000 votes. Success returned in 1954 when Holt was elected to the West Virginia House of Delegates by the voters of Lewis County, but he was unable to finish his term due to illness.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHolt died on February 8, 1955 after a long, tough campaign against cancer.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eChronological List of Events:\u003c/emph\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eJune 19, 1905: born\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1920: graduated from high school\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1920-1922: attended West Virginia University\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1922-1924: attended Salem College, received a BA degree \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1924-1925: taught English and history and served as athletic director at Bedford High School in Virginia\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1925-1928: served as athletic director and basketball coach at St. Patrick's High School (Catholic school) in Weston, West Virginia; taught history as a part-time instructor at Glenville Normal School and Salem College; and contributed sport columns to daily West Virginia newspapers\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1928: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates, lost by 500 votes \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1930: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates, won by 2,150 votes, served from 1931-1935 \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1934: ran as a Democrat for the United States Senate and won despite being only twenty-nine years old\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1939: served as a member of the United States delegation to the Interparliamentary Conference in Oslo, Norway\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1940: ran for renomination to the Senate, failed to win the primary election\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1941: married Helen Louise Froelich\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1942: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates and won, reelected in 1944, 1946, and 1948, served until 1950.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1944: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia gubernatorial nomination but was unsuccessful  \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1945: birth of Helen Jane Holt\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1948: birth of Rush Dew Holt, Jr.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1948: ran as a Democrat for the United States Senate nomination but was unsuccessful \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1948: switched political affiliation to the Republican Party \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1952: ran as the Republican candidate for West Virginia Governor but lost to William Marland by fewer than 30,000 votes\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1954: ran as a Republican for the West Virginia House of Delegates and won\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFebruary 8, 1955: death \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eSources:\u003c/emph\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCoffey, William Ellis. \u003cemph render=\"italic\"\u003eRush Dew Holt: The Boy Senator.\u003c/emph\u003e Dissertation, West Virginia University, 1970. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA\u0026amp;M 0873, Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, West Virginia and Regional History Center, West Virginia University Libraries.  \u003c/p\u003e  "],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical / Historical"],"bioghist_tesim":["Rush Dew Holt was born in Weston, West Virginia, on June 19, 1905 to parents, Dr. Matthew S. Holt and Chihela (Dew) Holt. From an early age, Holt displayed scholarly potential. By age three, he was able to read first-grade primers, and eventually became interested in numerous topics for which he was able to provide detailed statistics. Among these interests was politics, and by age six, Holt had decided he would become a Democrat.","The potential displayed by Holt as a child continued into his school years. At age five, he began public education in the second grade, and he skipped grades on two more occasions. He attended Weston High School, and after graduating with honors at age fourteen, Holt applied to the University of Cincinnati; however, the register rejected the application because Holt, while academically qualified, was considered too young. Not one to admit defeat, a trait that would prove to be a lifelong characteristic, Holt turned to West Virginia University where he was accepted. As the youngest member of the freshman class, Holt found it difficult to obtain full acceptance as a college student, and his academic record reflected his apparent dissatisfaction. After two years at West Virginia University, Holt transferred to Salem College where the enrollment was smaller (approximately 300 students) and where he was able to live with his uncle, Professor Samuel Dew. It was at Salem College that Holt regained his self-confidence. His academic performance improved, and he maintained a B-plus average. In addition to academics, Holt excelled on the debate team. He was the editor-in-chief of the school paper, and he managed the tennis team.","In 1924, Holt received a Bachelor of Arts Degree and qualification to teach at secondary schools. Shortly after his graduation, he was hired to teach at Bedford High School in Virginia where he taught English and history in addition to serving as the school's athletic director. After one academic year, Holt returned to Weston, West Virginia, where he took a position at St. Patrick's High School as the athletic director. Holt also coached the basketball team with abundant success, leading the team to two national tournaments for Catholic schools. During this time, Holt also taught history as a part-time instructor at Glenville Normal School and Salem College, but his fascination with athletics persisted. In addition to coaching and occasional officiating, Holt also began writing about sports. Eventually, he began to contribute columns to daily West Virginia newspapers.","By the late 1920s, Holt was attracted to the political environment, and he began to contribute to candidates who were friends of and/or who shared the views of his father. In the summer of 1928, Holt went one step further by announcing his candidacy as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates. Despite Lewis County having been predominately Republican, in addition to not having received significant party backing, Holt still obtained a higher-than-expected amount of support, losing his race by only 500 votes. Once again, however, Holt would not admit defeat. In 1930 Holt again announced his candidacy for the West Virginia House of Delegates. During the campaign, he visited locations all around Lewis County, spoke to anyone who would listen, and ensured that the grievances such as those concerning government cost, increased taxes, and the power of privately owned public utilities would all be addressed. As expected with any campaign, Holt received criticism, and those who opposed him likened the young politician to his father who they declared was a radical, a socialist, and an atheist. Despite the scornful claims, Holt, by a margin of 2,150 votes, was elected to his first public office as a Democrat to the West Virginia Legislature where he served from 1931-1935. During his years as a delegate, as promised during his campaign, Holt spoke out against corrupt practices such as government spending, an issue he addressed not even a week into the 1931 session. In addition to debating issues in the House, Holt also wrote to state supported universities, highway commissioners, and auditors in West Virginia and numerous other states to gather financial figures concerning spending, salaries, and taxes among others. Holt also began an investigation in 1931 to uncover rates, operating costs, and profits of privately and publically owned utility companies. All of these endeavors were only the first chapter in Holt's political career.","By 1934 he had gained the political support and the backing of union workers which was enough to defeat incumbent United States Senator Henry Hatfield. At age twenty-nine, Holt became the youngest person to win a United States Senate seat; however, there was immediate criticism. No sooner had the votes been tallied before a protest was filed concerning Holt's credentials: the fact that he had run for an office when he had not been of the required age. In addition to discontent within his own state, Holt also received overwhelming opposition in Washington, D.C. from Senate Republicans who threatened to object on the grounds of the constitutional age requirement. Despite the criticism, Holt's election was not overturned; however, he had to wait until he turned thirty, over five months after the Seventy-forth Congress had convened, before he could participate in senatorial proceedings.","Just as he had been active in the West Virginia Legislature, Holt did not hesitate to address both major and minor issues on Capitol Hill either. During his time in the Senate, Holt served on several committees including Education and Labor, Immigration, Mines and Mining, Naval Affairs, and Post Offices and Post Roads. He also served as a member of the United States delegation to the 1939 Interparliamentary Conference in Oslo, Norway.","Although Holt had once been referred to as President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's \"Golden Boy,\" such alliances and the policies that had formed them began to dissolve by 1936. He became estranged from fellow Democrat and West Virginian Senator Matthew Neely, and Holt ended his support for the United Mine Workers of America and the Works Progress Administration, the latter of which he claimed was corrupt. Eventually, Holt criticized the Roosevelt administration for its New Deal policies, he adamantly fought Roosevelt's attempt to alter the Supreme Court by changing the number of sitting justices from nine to twelve, and he spoke out against the proposition of allowing a presidential third term. Furthermore, as unrest began in Europe with Germany's invasion of Poland, Holt campaigned against any attempts by the administration to involve the United States in the War. The responses from constituents about Holt's actions were mixed; nevertheless, the young senator's sudden change led to his unsuccessful renomination attempt in 1940. Holt did not even make it past the primary election.","After his Senate term ended, Holt remained in Washington, D.C. and began to support himself as a lecturer and a writer of political issues, particularly neutrality for which he received the support of the America First Committee. It was also during this time that Holt met Helen Louise Froelich, a biology teacher at National Park College near Washington. They were married a year later and moved to West Virginia. The couple had two children: a daughter, Helen Jane Holt (born in 1945) and a son, Rush Dew Holt, Jr. (born in 1948). When Senator Holt's sister, Jane (Holt) Chase, died in 1952, the couple adopted her son, David. After the Holts returned to West Virginia in 1941, Holt stayed involved in politics by accepting speaking engagements.","During the remainder of the 1940s, Holt ran several times for state offices with modest success. He was elected to the State House of Delegates in 1942 and was reelected in 1944 by write-in vote and 1946 without opposition. After a failed attempt to win the West Virginia Democratic gubernatorial nomination in 1944 and the nomination for United States Senator in 1948, Holt changed political affiliation. Despite this, his lack of success to achieve positions beyond the House of Delegates continued. In 1950, he won the Republican nomination to represent West Virginia's Third District in the United States House of Representatives but lost in the general election, and in 1952 Holt came very close to winning the race for West Virginia governor as the Republican candidate but lost to William Marland by fewer than 30,000 votes. Success returned in 1954 when Holt was elected to the West Virginia House of Delegates by the voters of Lewis County, but he was unable to finish his term due to illness.","Holt died on February 8, 1955 after a long, tough campaign against cancer.","Chronological List of Events:","June 19, 1905: born","1920: graduated from high school","1920-1922: attended West Virginia University","1922-1924: attended Salem College, received a BA degree","1924-1925: taught English and history and served as athletic director at Bedford High School in Virginia","1925-1928: served as athletic director and basketball coach at St. Patrick's High School (Catholic school) in Weston, West Virginia; taught history as a part-time instructor at Glenville Normal School and Salem College; and contributed sport columns to daily West Virginia newspapers","1928: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates, lost by 500 votes","1930: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates, won by 2,150 votes, served from 1931-1935","1934: ran as a Democrat for the United States Senate and won despite being only twenty-nine years old","1939: served as a member of the United States delegation to the Interparliamentary Conference in Oslo, Norway","1940: ran for renomination to the Senate, failed to win the primary election","1941: married Helen Louise Froelich","1942: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates and won, reelected in 1944, 1946, and 1948, served until 1950.","1944: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia gubernatorial nomination but was unsuccessful","1945: birth of Helen Jane Holt","1948: birth of Rush Dew Holt, Jr.","1948: ran as a Democrat for the United States Senate nomination but was unsuccessful","1948: switched political affiliation to the Republican Party","1952: ran as the Republican candidate for West Virginia Governor but lost to William Marland by fewer than 30,000 votes","1954: ran as a Republican for the West Virginia House of Delegates and won","February 8, 1955: death","Sources:","Coffey, William Ellis. Rush Dew Holt: The Boy Senator. Dissertation, West Virginia University, 1970.","A\u0026M 0873, Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, West Virginia and Regional History Center, West Virginia University Libraries."],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e[Description and date of item], [Box/folder number], Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, A\u0026amp;M 0873, West Virginia and Regional History Center, West Virginia University Libraries, Morgantown, West Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"prefercite_tesim":["[Description and date of item], [Box/folder number], Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, A\u0026M 0873, West Virginia and Regional History Center, West Virginia University Libraries, Morgantown, West Virginia."],"relatedmaterial_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e1858, 3001, 3943, 4039, 4218, 4386\u003c/p\u003e  "],"relatedmaterial_heading_ssm":["Related A\u0026M Collections"],"relatedmaterial_tesim":["1858, 3001, 3943, 4039, 4218, 4386"],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003ePapers of Rush Dew Holt, Sr. (1905-1955) relating to his personal and political activities. Types of material include publications, clippings, correspondence, photographs, and ephemera, among others. The collection is divided into six series: Personal and Political Papers (1840-2000 and undated) includes correspondence; invitations and cards; material representing campaign activities; and material from college courses, among other material that represents Rush Holt's personal life and political career; and ephemera collected by Rush Holt. Artifacts (1939-1952 and undated) includes personal and political items collected by Rush Holt. Legislative Records (1920-1955 and undated) includes correspondence, reports, publications, clippings, statistics, transcripts, financial records, and project records, among other miscellaneous material relative to Rush Holt's committee-based and general legislative activity. Constituent Services (1923-1954 and undated) includes mail received by Rush Holt during his time in the West Virginia House of Delegates and the United States Senate from constituents providing political opinions to Holt or requesting government publications and bulletins, copies of speeches, educational material, and Rush Holt's recommendation to the United States Military or Naval Academy. Press and Media Activity (1925-2003 and undated) includes original and photocopied articles from newspapers and similar publications, typescripts of press releases, pen-and-ink drawn political cartoons, transcripts of speeches, and sound recordings, among other material representing Rush Holt's involvement with the press and media. Administrative Files (1937-1940) includes material documenting the daily office activities of Rush Holt and his staff during the former's senatorial term.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe collection is divided into six series as follows:\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eSeries 1. Personal and Political Papers; 1840-2000 and undated (bulk 1918-1955)\u003c/emph\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIncludes material related to Rush Holt's personal, family, and political life. Additional material related to his work in politics can be found in Series 3 through 6. Types of material include correspondence; invitations and cards; material representing campaign activities; material from college courses; bills for recordings, radio station receipts, and election expenditures; typescripts, newsletters, manuscripts, and photocopies of material written by Rush Holt; publications to which Rush Holt subscribed and collected; photographs that represent Rush Holt's personal life and political career; ephemera collected by Rush Holt; and election results collected by Rush Holt.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eSeries 2. Artifacts; 1939-1952 and undated\u003c/emph\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIncludes personal and political items collected by Rush Holt.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eSeries 3. Legislative Records; 1920-1955 and undated\u003c/emph\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIncludes correspondence, reports, publications, clippings, statistics, transcripts, financial records, and project records, among other miscellaneous material relative to Rush Holt's committee-based and general legislative activity.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eSeries 4. Constituent Services; 1923-1954 and undated\u003c/emph\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIncludes mail received by Rush Holt during his time in the West Virginia House of Delegates and the United States Senate from constituents requesting government publications and bulletins, copies of speeches, educational material, and Rush Holt's recommendation to the United States Military or Naval Academy. In some cases, this series also includes typescript responses, many of which are generic.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eSeries 5. Press and Media Activity; 1925-2003 and undated (bulk 1925-1955)\u003c/emph\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIncludes original and photocopied articles from newspapers and similar publications, typescripts of press releases, pen-and-ink drawn political cartoons, transcripts of speeches, and sound recordings, among other material representing Rush Holt's involvement with the press and media.    \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eSeries 6. Administrative Files; 1937-1940\u003c/emph\u003e \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIncludes material documenting the daily office activities of Rush Holt and his staff during the former's senatorial term.   \u003c/p\u003e  "],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["Papers of Rush Dew Holt, Sr. (1905-1955) relating to his personal and political activities. Types of material include publications, clippings, correspondence, photographs, and ephemera, among others. The collection is divided into six series: Personal and Political Papers (1840-2000 and undated) includes correspondence; invitations and cards; material representing campaign activities; and material from college courses, among other material that represents Rush Holt's personal life and political career; and ephemera collected by Rush Holt. Artifacts (1939-1952 and undated) includes personal and political items collected by Rush Holt. Legislative Records (1920-1955 and undated) includes correspondence, reports, publications, clippings, statistics, transcripts, financial records, and project records, among other miscellaneous material relative to Rush Holt's committee-based and general legislative activity. Constituent Services (1923-1954 and undated) includes mail received by Rush Holt during his time in the West Virginia House of Delegates and the United States Senate from constituents providing political opinions to Holt or requesting government publications and bulletins, copies of speeches, educational material, and Rush Holt's recommendation to the United States Military or Naval Academy. Press and Media Activity (1925-2003 and undated) includes original and photocopied articles from newspapers and similar publications, typescripts of press releases, pen-and-ink drawn political cartoons, transcripts of speeches, and sound recordings, among other material representing Rush Holt's involvement with the press and media. Administrative Files (1937-1940) includes material documenting the daily office activities of Rush Holt and his staff during the former's senatorial term.","The collection is divided into six series as follows:","Series 1. Personal and Political Papers; 1840-2000 and undated (bulk 1918-1955)","Includes material related to Rush Holt's personal, family, and political life. Additional material related to his work in politics can be found in Series 3 through 6. Types of material include correspondence; invitations and cards; material representing campaign activities; material from college courses; bills for recordings, radio station receipts, and election expenditures; typescripts, newsletters, manuscripts, and photocopies of material written by Rush Holt; publications to which Rush Holt subscribed and collected; photographs that represent Rush Holt's personal life and political career; ephemera collected by Rush Holt; and election results collected by Rush Holt.","Series 2. Artifacts; 1939-1952 and undated","Includes personal and political items collected by Rush Holt.","Series 3. Legislative Records; 1920-1955 and undated","Includes correspondence, reports, publications, clippings, statistics, transcripts, financial records, and project records, among other miscellaneous material relative to Rush Holt's committee-based and general legislative activity.","Series 4. Constituent Services; 1923-1954 and undated","Includes mail received by Rush Holt during his time in the West Virginia House of Delegates and the United States Senate from constituents requesting government publications and bulletins, copies of speeches, educational material, and Rush Holt's recommendation to the United States Military or Naval Academy. In some cases, this series also includes typescript responses, many of which are generic.","Series 5. Press and Media Activity; 1925-2003 and undated (bulk 1925-1955)","Includes original and photocopied articles from newspapers and similar publications, typescripts of press releases, pen-and-ink drawn political cartoons, transcripts of speeches, and sound recordings, among other material representing Rush Holt's involvement with the press and media.","Series 6. Administrative Files; 1937-1940","Includes material documenting the daily office activities of Rush Holt and his staff during the former's senatorial term."],"separatedmaterial_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eEphemeral items not specific to Rush Dew Holt were moved to the Printed Ephemera Collection. Several local basketball scorecards were moved to A\u0026amp;M 4216, the Annual West Virginia State High School Basketball Tournament Programs collection.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e17 reels of undated sound recordings, chiefly relating to the political career of Rush Dew Holt, were separated to the oral history collection, C432 R699-R715 (17 tapes). These tapes include some personal material as well.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"separatedmaterial_heading_ssm":["Separated Materials"],"separatedmaterial_tesim":["Ephemeral items not specific to Rush Dew Holt were moved to the Printed Ephemera Collection. Several local basketball scorecards were moved to A\u0026M 4216, the Annual West Virginia State High School Basketball Tournament Programs collection.","17 reels of undated sound recordings, chiefly relating to the political career of Rush Dew Holt, were separated to the oral history collection, C432 R699-R715 (17 tapes). These tapes include some personal material as well."],"userestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003ePermission to publish or reproduce is required from the copyright holder. For more information, please see the \u003ca href=\"https://wvrhc.lib.wvu.edu/visit/permissions-and-copyright\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ePermissions and Copyright page\u003c/a\u003e on the West Virginia and Regional History Center website.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"userestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Use"],"userestrict_tesim":["Permission to publish or reproduce is required from the copyright holder. For more information, please see the Permissions and Copyright page on the West Virginia and Regional History Center website."],"abstract_html_tesm":["\u003cabstract id=\"aspace_7f7aca18f594cb9e240c48f7fdefc04e\"\u003ePapers of Rush Dew Holt, Sr. (1905-1955) relating to his personal and political activities. Types of material include publications, clippings, correspondence, photographs, and ephemera, among others. The collection is divided into six series: Personal and Political Papers (1840-2000 and undated), Artifacts (1939-1952 and undated), Legislative Records (1920-1955 and undated), Constituent Services (1923-1954 and undated), Press and Media Activity (1925-2003 and undated), and Administrative Files (1937-1940).\u003c/abstract\u003e\n    "],"abstract_tesim":["Papers of Rush Dew Holt, Sr. (1905-1955) relating to his personal and political activities. Types of material include publications, clippings, correspondence, photographs, and ephemera, among others. The collection is divided into six series: Personal and Political Papers (1840-2000 and undated), Artifacts (1939-1952 and undated), Legislative Records (1920-1955 and undated), Constituent Services (1923-1954 and undated), Press and Media Activity (1925-2003 and undated), and Administrative Files (1937-1940)."],"physloc_html_tesm":["\u003cphysloc id=\"aspace_c13cef4864374dc7a447894b02986413\"\u003eWest Virginia and Regional History Center / West Virginia University / 1549 University Avenue / P.O. Box 6069 / Morgantown, WV 26506-6069 / Phone: 304-293-3536  / URL: \u003ca href=\"https://wvrhc.lib.wvu.edu/\"\u003eWest Virginia \u0026amp; Regional History Center\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/physloc\u003e\n    "],"physloc_tesim":["West Virginia and Regional History Center / West Virginia University / 1549 University Avenue / P.O. Box 6069 / Morgantown, WV 26506-6069 / Phone: 304-293-3536  / URL: West Virginia \u0026 Regional History Center"],"corpname_ssim":["West Virginia and Regional History Center","America First Committee","American Federation of Labor","Congress of Industrial Organizations (U.S.)","United States. National Bituminous Coal Commission","United States. National Labor Relations Board","Progressive Mine Workers of America","United Mine Workers of America","United States. National Recovery Administration","United States. Supreme Court","United States. Congress. Senate","West Virginia. Legislature","United States. Works Progress Administration","Democratic Party (U.S.)","Weston State Hospital"],"names_coll_ssim":["America First Committee","American Federation of Labor","Congress of Industrial Organizations (U.S.)","United States. National Bituminous Coal Commission","United States. National Labor Relations Board","Progressive Mine Workers of America","United Mine Workers of America","United States. National Recovery Administration","United States. Supreme Court","United States. Congress. Senate","West Virginia. Legislature","United States. Works Progress Administration","Democratic Party (U.S.)","Weston State Hospital","Bittner, Van A. (Van Amberg), 1885-1949","Black, Hugo LaFayette, 1886-1971","Coughlin, Charles E.","Edmiston, Andrew.","Farley, James A. (James Aloysius), 1888-1976","Green, William.","Holt, Helen Louise Froelich, 1913-2015","Holt, Mathew S., 1850-1939","Holt, Rush Dew, 1905-1955","Hopkins, Harry L. (Harry Lloyd), 1890-1946","Ickes, Harold L. (Harold LeClair), 1874-1952","Kump, Herman Guy, 1877-1962","La Follette, Robert M. (Robert Marion), 1855-1925","Neely, Matthew Mansfield, 1874-1958","Lewis, John L. (John Llewellyn), 1880-1969","Long, Huey Pierce, 1893-1935"],"persname_ssim":["Holt, Rush Dew, 1905-1955","Bittner, Van A. (Van Amberg), 1885-1949","Black, Hugo LaFayette, 1886-1971","Coughlin, Charles E.","Edmiston, Andrew.","Farley, James A. (James Aloysius), 1888-1976","Green, William.","Holt, Helen Louise Froelich, 1913-2015","Holt, Mathew S., 1850-1939","Hopkins, Harry L. (Harry Lloyd), 1890-1946","Ickes, Harold L. (Harold LeClair), 1874-1952","Kump, Herman Guy, 1877-1962","La Follette, Robert M. (Robert Marion), 1855-1925","Neely, Matthew Mansfield, 1874-1958","Lewis, John L. (John Llewellyn), 1880-1969","Long, Huey Pierce, 1893-1935"],"names_ssim":["West Virginia and Regional History Center","America First Committee","American Federation of Labor","Congress of Industrial Organizations (U.S.)","United States. National Bituminous Coal Commission","United States. National Labor Relations Board","Progressive Mine Workers of America","United Mine Workers of America","United States. National Recovery Administration","United States. Supreme Court","United States. Congress. Senate","West Virginia. Legislature","United States. Works Progress Administration","Democratic Party (U.S.)","Weston State Hospital","Holt, Rush Dew, 1905-1955","Bittner, Van A. (Van Amberg), 1885-1949","Black, Hugo LaFayette, 1886-1971","Coughlin, Charles E.","Edmiston, Andrew.","Farley, James A. (James Aloysius), 1888-1976","Green, William.","Holt, Helen Louise Froelich, 1913-2015","Holt, Mathew S., 1850-1939","Hopkins, Harry L. (Harry Lloyd), 1890-1946","Ickes, Harold L. (Harold LeClair), 1874-1952","Kump, Herman Guy, 1877-1962","La Follette, Robert M. (Robert Marion), 1855-1925","Neely, Matthew Mansfield, 1874-1958","Lewis, John L. (John Llewellyn), 1880-1969","Long, Huey Pierce, 1893-1935"],"language_ssim":["English"],"descrules_ssm":["Describing Archives: A Content Standard"],"total_component_count_is":938,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-09-01T16:09:24.514Z"}]}},"label":"Breadcrumbs"}}},"links":{"self":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687_c03_c01"}},{"id":"wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687_c03_c04","type":"Sub-Series","attributes":{"title":"Legislative Records--Works Progress Administration, 1934/1942","abstract_or_scope":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687_c03_c04#abstract_or_scope","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"\u003cp\u003eIncludes correspondence, payroll records, project records, and other miscellaneous material relative to the activities of the Works Progress Administration that Rush Holt gathered. It should be noted that while he was not an administrator of the Works Progress Administration, Rush Holt used his legislative position to discover and draw attention to the organization that he believed had been corrupted.\u003c/p\u003e","label":"Abstract Or Scope"}},"breadcrumbs":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687_c03_c04#breadcrumbs","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":{"ref_ssi":"wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687_c03_c04","ref_ssm":["wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687_c03_c04"],"id":"wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687_c03_c04","ead_ssi":"wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687","_root_":"wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687","_nest_parent_":"wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687_c03","parent_ssi":"wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687_c03","parent_ssim":["Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, 1840/2003, bulk 1918/1955","Series 3. Legislative Records, 1920/1955"],"parent_ids_ssim":["wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687","wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687_c03"],"title_filing_ssi":"Legislative Records--Works Progress Administration","title_ssm":["Legislative Records--Works Progress Administration"],"title_tesim":["Legislative Records--Works Progress Administration"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Legislative Records--Works Progress Administration, 1934/1942"],"text":["Legislative Records--Works Progress Administration, 1934/1942","Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, 1840/2003, bulk 1918/1955","Series 3. Legislative Records, 1920/1955","Includes correspondence, payroll records, project records, and other miscellaneous material relative to the activities of the Works Progress Administration that Rush Holt gathered. It should be noted that while he was not an administrator of the Works Progress Administration, Rush Holt used his legislative position to discover and draw attention to the organization that he believed had been corrupted.","Correspondence is comprised of letters to and from Rush Holt concerning the status of projects in West Virginia counties. Also included are incoming letters from around the United States relating to Holt's speeches, actions, and beliefs concerning the Works Progress Administration.","Payroll records include copies of salaries received for positions of different projects in West Virginia counties. These records include location information, project numbers, position titles, and salary amounts.","Project records include information relating to the cost of rentals, supplies, and bids, among other project expenditures."],"parent_unittitles_ssm":["Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, 1840/2003, bulk 1918/1955","Series 3. Legislative Records, 1920/1955"],"parent_unittitles_tesim":["Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, 1840/2003, bulk 1918/1955","Series 3. Legislative Records, 1920/1955"],"normalized_date_ssm":["1934/1942"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1934-1942 and undated"],"level_ssm":["Sub-Series"],"level_ssim":["Sub-series"],"component_level_isim":[2],"sort_isi":461,"repository_ssim":["West Virginia and Regional History Center"],"collection_ssim":["Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, 1840/2003, bulk 1918/1955"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"child_component_count_isi":100,"parent_access_restrict_tesm":["No special access restriction applies."],"parent_access_terms_tesm":["Permission to publish or reproduce is required from the copyright holder. For more information, please see the Permissions and Copyright page on the West Virginia and Regional History Center website."],"date_range_isim":[1934,1935,1936,1937,1938,1939,1940,1941,1942],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eIncludes correspondence, payroll records, project records, and other miscellaneous material relative to the activities of the Works Progress Administration that Rush Holt gathered. It should be noted that while he was not an administrator of the Works Progress Administration, Rush Holt used his legislative position to discover and draw attention to the organization that he believed had been corrupted.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e Correspondence is comprised of letters to and from Rush Holt concerning the status of projects in West Virginia counties. Also included are incoming letters from around the United States relating to Holt's speeches, actions, and beliefs concerning the Works Progress Administration.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e Payroll records include copies of salaries received for positions of different projects in West Virginia counties. These records include location information, project numbers, position titles, and salary amounts.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e Project records include information relating to the cost of rentals, supplies, and bids, among other project expenditures.\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["Includes correspondence, payroll records, project records, and other miscellaneous material relative to the activities of the Works Progress Administration that Rush Holt gathered. It should be noted that while he was not an administrator of the Works Progress Administration, Rush Holt used his legislative position to discover and draw attention to the organization that he believed had been corrupted.","Correspondence is comprised of letters to and from Rush Holt concerning the status of projects in West Virginia counties. Also included are incoming letters from around the United States relating to Holt's speeches, actions, and beliefs concerning the Works Progress Administration.","Payroll records include copies of salaries received for positions of different projects in West Virginia counties. These records include location information, project numbers, position titles, and salary amounts.","Project records include information relating to the cost of rentals, supplies, and bids, among other project expenditures."],"_nest_path_":"/components#2/components#3","timestamp":"2026-09-01T16:09:24.514Z","collection":{"numFound":1,"start":0,"numFoundExact":true,"docs":[{"id":"wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687","ead_ssi":"wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687","_root_":"wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687","_nest_parent_":"wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/WVU/repositories_2_resources_3687.xml","aspace_url_ssi":"https://archives.lib.wvu.edu/ark:/99999/208740","title_ssm":["Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers"],"title_tesim":["Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers"],"unitdate_ssm":["1840-2003","1918-1955"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1840-2003"],"unitdate_bulk_ssim":["1918-1955"],"normalized_date_ssm":["1840/2003, bulk 1918/1955"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, 1840/2003, bulk 1918/1955"],"text":["Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, 1840/2003, bulk 1918/1955","A\u0026M 0873","Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","/repositories/2/resources/3687","Lewis County.","West Virginia -- Politics and government","United States -- Politics and government","Coal mining - Labor organization.","Education","Elections","Guffey Coal Act.","New Deal, 1933-1939","Politics and government.","Public utilities","Taxation","Unions.","United States - Social Security.","Social Security -- United States","Wheeler-Rayburn Holding Company Act","Isolationism -- United States -- History -- 20th Century","World War, 1939-1945","Politicians -- United States","No special access restriction applies.","This collection is one of five (see also A\u0026M 1858, 4218, 4039, and 3943) pertaining to Rush Dew Holt, Sr. and his family. The records have been gathered via multiple accruals from 1956 to 2016. Originally, these collections were divided between A\u0026M 873 and A\u0026M 1701, the latter also being composed of thirteen addenda and A\u0026M 1858.","In an attempt to organize the collections in a more coherent fashion for patron use and to reflect the creator(s) in a more concise manner, the material was reevaluated and reorganized into the three sets of papers with distinct series and subseries: A\u0026M 873: Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers; A\u0026M 1858: Helen Holt (1913-2015) Papers; and A\u0026M 4218: Rush Dew Holt Family Papers.","Because of the 2016-2017 reorganization, the physical arrangement no longer matches the intellectual arrangement and series order. Furthermore, any box and folder citations created prior to the above-mentioned project are likely no longer accurate.","For assistance locating material using an older citation, please ask a staff member of the West Virginia \u0026 Regional History Center.","Rush Dew Holt was born in Weston, West Virginia, on June 19, 1905 to parents, Dr. Matthew S. Holt and Chihela (Dew) Holt. From an early age, Holt displayed scholarly potential. By age three, he was able to read first-grade primers, and eventually became interested in numerous topics for which he was able to provide detailed statistics. Among these interests was politics, and by age six, Holt had decided he would become a Democrat.","The potential displayed by Holt as a child continued into his school years. At age five, he began public education in the second grade, and he skipped grades on two more occasions. He attended Weston High School, and after graduating with honors at age fourteen, Holt applied to the University of Cincinnati; however, the register rejected the application because Holt, while academically qualified, was considered too young. Not one to admit defeat, a trait that would prove to be a lifelong characteristic, Holt turned to West Virginia University where he was accepted. As the youngest member of the freshman class, Holt found it difficult to obtain full acceptance as a college student, and his academic record reflected his apparent dissatisfaction. After two years at West Virginia University, Holt transferred to Salem College where the enrollment was smaller (approximately 300 students) and where he was able to live with his uncle, Professor Samuel Dew. It was at Salem College that Holt regained his self-confidence. His academic performance improved, and he maintained a B-plus average. In addition to academics, Holt excelled on the debate team. He was the editor-in-chief of the school paper, and he managed the tennis team.","In 1924, Holt received a Bachelor of Arts Degree and qualification to teach at secondary schools. Shortly after his graduation, he was hired to teach at Bedford High School in Virginia where he taught English and history in addition to serving as the school's athletic director. After one academic year, Holt returned to Weston, West Virginia, where he took a position at St. Patrick's High School as the athletic director. Holt also coached the basketball team with abundant success, leading the team to two national tournaments for Catholic schools. During this time, Holt also taught history as a part-time instructor at Glenville Normal School and Salem College, but his fascination with athletics persisted. In addition to coaching and occasional officiating, Holt also began writing about sports. Eventually, he began to contribute columns to daily West Virginia newspapers.","By the late 1920s, Holt was attracted to the political environment, and he began to contribute to candidates who were friends of and/or who shared the views of his father. In the summer of 1928, Holt went one step further by announcing his candidacy as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates. Despite Lewis County having been predominately Republican, in addition to not having received significant party backing, Holt still obtained a higher-than-expected amount of support, losing his race by only 500 votes. Once again, however, Holt would not admit defeat. In 1930 Holt again announced his candidacy for the West Virginia House of Delegates. During the campaign, he visited locations all around Lewis County, spoke to anyone who would listen, and ensured that the grievances such as those concerning government cost, increased taxes, and the power of privately owned public utilities would all be addressed. As expected with any campaign, Holt received criticism, and those who opposed him likened the young politician to his father who they declared was a radical, a socialist, and an atheist. Despite the scornful claims, Holt, by a margin of 2,150 votes, was elected to his first public office as a Democrat to the West Virginia Legislature where he served from 1931-1935. During his years as a delegate, as promised during his campaign, Holt spoke out against corrupt practices such as government spending, an issue he addressed not even a week into the 1931 session. In addition to debating issues in the House, Holt also wrote to state supported universities, highway commissioners, and auditors in West Virginia and numerous other states to gather financial figures concerning spending, salaries, and taxes among others. Holt also began an investigation in 1931 to uncover rates, operating costs, and profits of privately and publically owned utility companies. All of these endeavors were only the first chapter in Holt's political career.","By 1934 he had gained the political support and the backing of union workers which was enough to defeat incumbent United States Senator Henry Hatfield. At age twenty-nine, Holt became the youngest person to win a United States Senate seat; however, there was immediate criticism. No sooner had the votes been tallied before a protest was filed concerning Holt's credentials: the fact that he had run for an office when he had not been of the required age. In addition to discontent within his own state, Holt also received overwhelming opposition in Washington, D.C. from Senate Republicans who threatened to object on the grounds of the constitutional age requirement. Despite the criticism, Holt's election was not overturned; however, he had to wait until he turned thirty, over five months after the Seventy-forth Congress had convened, before he could participate in senatorial proceedings.","Just as he had been active in the West Virginia Legislature, Holt did not hesitate to address both major and minor issues on Capitol Hill either. During his time in the Senate, Holt served on several committees including Education and Labor, Immigration, Mines and Mining, Naval Affairs, and Post Offices and Post Roads. He also served as a member of the United States delegation to the 1939 Interparliamentary Conference in Oslo, Norway.","Although Holt had once been referred to as President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's \"Golden Boy,\" such alliances and the policies that had formed them began to dissolve by 1936. He became estranged from fellow Democrat and West Virginian Senator Matthew Neely, and Holt ended his support for the United Mine Workers of America and the Works Progress Administration, the latter of which he claimed was corrupt. Eventually, Holt criticized the Roosevelt administration for its New Deal policies, he adamantly fought Roosevelt's attempt to alter the Supreme Court by changing the number of sitting justices from nine to twelve, and he spoke out against the proposition of allowing a presidential third term. Furthermore, as unrest began in Europe with Germany's invasion of Poland, Holt campaigned against any attempts by the administration to involve the United States in the War. The responses from constituents about Holt's actions were mixed; nevertheless, the young senator's sudden change led to his unsuccessful renomination attempt in 1940. Holt did not even make it past the primary election.","After his Senate term ended, Holt remained in Washington, D.C. and began to support himself as a lecturer and a writer of political issues, particularly neutrality for which he received the support of the America First Committee. It was also during this time that Holt met Helen Louise Froelich, a biology teacher at National Park College near Washington. They were married a year later and moved to West Virginia. The couple had two children: a daughter, Helen Jane Holt (born in 1945) and a son, Rush Dew Holt, Jr. (born in 1948). When Senator Holt's sister, Jane (Holt) Chase, died in 1952, the couple adopted her son, David. After the Holts returned to West Virginia in 1941, Holt stayed involved in politics by accepting speaking engagements.","During the remainder of the 1940s, Holt ran several times for state offices with modest success. He was elected to the State House of Delegates in 1942 and was reelected in 1944 by write-in vote and 1946 without opposition. After a failed attempt to win the West Virginia Democratic gubernatorial nomination in 1944 and the nomination for United States Senator in 1948, Holt changed political affiliation. Despite this, his lack of success to achieve positions beyond the House of Delegates continued. In 1950, he won the Republican nomination to represent West Virginia's Third District in the United States House of Representatives but lost in the general election, and in 1952 Holt came very close to winning the race for West Virginia governor as the Republican candidate but lost to William Marland by fewer than 30,000 votes. Success returned in 1954 when Holt was elected to the West Virginia House of Delegates by the voters of Lewis County, but he was unable to finish his term due to illness.","Holt died on February 8, 1955 after a long, tough campaign against cancer.","Chronological List of Events:","June 19, 1905: born","1920: graduated from high school","1920-1922: attended West Virginia University","1922-1924: attended Salem College, received a BA degree","1924-1925: taught English and history and served as athletic director at Bedford High School in Virginia","1925-1928: served as athletic director and basketball coach at St. Patrick's High School (Catholic school) in Weston, West Virginia; taught history as a part-time instructor at Glenville Normal School and Salem College; and contributed sport columns to daily West Virginia newspapers","1928: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates, lost by 500 votes","1930: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates, won by 2,150 votes, served from 1931-1935","1934: ran as a Democrat for the United States Senate and won despite being only twenty-nine years old","1939: served as a member of the United States delegation to the Interparliamentary Conference in Oslo, Norway","1940: ran for renomination to the Senate, failed to win the primary election","1941: married Helen Louise Froelich","1942: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates and won, reelected in 1944, 1946, and 1948, served until 1950.","1944: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia gubernatorial nomination but was unsuccessful","1945: birth of Helen Jane Holt","1948: birth of Rush Dew Holt, Jr.","1948: ran as a Democrat for the United States Senate nomination but was unsuccessful","1948: switched political affiliation to the Republican Party","1952: ran as the Republican candidate for West Virginia Governor but lost to William Marland by fewer than 30,000 votes","1954: ran as a Republican for the West Virginia House of Delegates and won","February 8, 1955: death","Sources:","Coffey, William Ellis. Rush Dew Holt: The Boy Senator. Dissertation, West Virginia University, 1970.","A\u0026M 0873, Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, West Virginia and Regional History Center, West Virginia University Libraries.","1858, 3001, 3943, 4039, 4218, 4386","Papers of Rush Dew Holt, Sr. (1905-1955) relating to his personal and political activities. Types of material include publications, clippings, correspondence, photographs, and ephemera, among others. The collection is divided into six series: Personal and Political Papers (1840-2000 and undated) includes correspondence; invitations and cards; material representing campaign activities; and material from college courses, among other material that represents Rush Holt's personal life and political career; and ephemera collected by Rush Holt. Artifacts (1939-1952 and undated) includes personal and political items collected by Rush Holt. Legislative Records (1920-1955 and undated) includes correspondence, reports, publications, clippings, statistics, transcripts, financial records, and project records, among other miscellaneous material relative to Rush Holt's committee-based and general legislative activity. Constituent Services (1923-1954 and undated) includes mail received by Rush Holt during his time in the West Virginia House of Delegates and the United States Senate from constituents providing political opinions to Holt or requesting government publications and bulletins, copies of speeches, educational material, and Rush Holt's recommendation to the United States Military or Naval Academy. Press and Media Activity (1925-2003 and undated) includes original and photocopied articles from newspapers and similar publications, typescripts of press releases, pen-and-ink drawn political cartoons, transcripts of speeches, and sound recordings, among other material representing Rush Holt's involvement with the press and media. Administrative Files (1937-1940) includes material documenting the daily office activities of Rush Holt and his staff during the former's senatorial term.","The collection is divided into six series as follows:","Series 1. Personal and Political Papers; 1840-2000 and undated (bulk 1918-1955)","Includes material related to Rush Holt's personal, family, and political life. Additional material related to his work in politics can be found in Series 3 through 6. Types of material include correspondence; invitations and cards; material representing campaign activities; material from college courses; bills for recordings, radio station receipts, and election expenditures; typescripts, newsletters, manuscripts, and photocopies of material written by Rush Holt; publications to which Rush Holt subscribed and collected; photographs that represent Rush Holt's personal life and political career; ephemera collected by Rush Holt; and election results collected by Rush Holt.","Series 2. Artifacts; 1939-1952 and undated","Includes personal and political items collected by Rush Holt.","Series 3. Legislative Records; 1920-1955 and undated","Includes correspondence, reports, publications, clippings, statistics, transcripts, financial records, and project records, among other miscellaneous material relative to Rush Holt's committee-based and general legislative activity.","Series 4. Constituent Services; 1923-1954 and undated","Includes mail received by Rush Holt during his time in the West Virginia House of Delegates and the United States Senate from constituents requesting government publications and bulletins, copies of speeches, educational material, and Rush Holt's recommendation to the United States Military or Naval Academy. In some cases, this series also includes typescript responses, many of which are generic.","Series 5. Press and Media Activity; 1925-2003 and undated (bulk 1925-1955)","Includes original and photocopied articles from newspapers and similar publications, typescripts of press releases, pen-and-ink drawn political cartoons, transcripts of speeches, and sound recordings, among other material representing Rush Holt's involvement with the press and media.","Series 6. Administrative Files; 1937-1940","Includes material documenting the daily office activities of Rush Holt and his staff during the former's senatorial term.","Ephemeral items not specific to Rush Dew Holt were moved to the Printed Ephemera Collection. Several local basketball scorecards were moved to A\u0026M 4216, the Annual West Virginia State High School Basketball Tournament Programs collection.","17 reels of undated sound recordings, chiefly relating to the political career of Rush Dew Holt, were separated to the oral history collection, C432 R699-R715 (17 tapes). These tapes include some personal material as well.","Permission to publish or reproduce is required from the copyright holder. For more information, please see the Permissions and Copyright page on the West Virginia and Regional History Center website.","Papers of Rush Dew Holt, Sr. (1905-1955) relating to his personal and political activities. Types of material include publications, clippings, correspondence, photographs, and ephemera, among others. The collection is divided into six series: Personal and Political Papers (1840-2000 and undated), Artifacts (1939-1952 and undated), Legislative Records (1920-1955 and undated), Constituent Services (1923-1954 and undated), Press and Media Activity (1925-2003 and undated), and Administrative Files (1937-1940).","West Virginia and Regional History Center / West Virginia University / 1549 University Avenue / P.O. Box 6069 / Morgantown, WV 26506-6069 / Phone: 304-293-3536  / URL: West Virginia \u0026 Regional History Center","West Virginia and Regional History Center","America First Committee","American Federation of Labor","Congress of Industrial Organizations (U.S.)","United States. National Bituminous Coal Commission","United States. National Labor Relations Board","Progressive Mine Workers of America","United Mine Workers of America","United States. National Recovery Administration","United States. Supreme Court","United States. Congress. Senate","West Virginia. Legislature","United States. Works Progress Administration","Democratic Party (U.S.)","Weston State Hospital","Holt, Rush Dew, 1905-1955","Bittner, Van A. (Van Amberg), 1885-1949","Black, Hugo LaFayette, 1886-1971","Coughlin, Charles E.","Edmiston, Andrew.","Farley, James A. (James Aloysius), 1888-1976","Green, William.","Holt, Helen Louise Froelich, 1913-2015","Holt, Mathew S., 1850-1939","Hopkins, Harry L. (Harry Lloyd), 1890-1946","Ickes, Harold L. (Harold LeClair), 1874-1952","Kump, Herman Guy, 1877-1962","La Follette, Robert M. (Robert Marion), 1855-1925","Neely, Matthew Mansfield, 1874-1958","Lewis, John L. (John Llewellyn), 1880-1969","Long, Huey Pierce, 1893-1935","English"],"collection_title_tesim":["Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, 1840/2003, bulk 1918/1955"],"collection_ssim":["Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, 1840/2003, bulk 1918/1955"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["A\u0026M 0873","Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","/repositories/2/resources/3687"],"unitid_tesim":["A\u0026M 0873","Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","/repositories/2/resources/3687"],"repository_ssm":["West Virginia and Regional History Center"],"repository_ssim":["West Virginia and Regional History Center"],"geogname_ssm":["Lewis County.","West Virginia -- Politics and government","United States -- Politics and government"],"geogname_ssim":["Lewis County.","West Virginia -- Politics and government","United States -- Politics and government"],"places_ssim":["Lewis County.","West Virginia -- Politics and government","United States -- Politics and government"],"creator_ssm":["Holt, Rush Dew, 1905-1955"],"creator_ssim":["Holt, Rush Dew, 1905-1955"],"creator_persname_ssim":["Holt, Rush Dew, 1905-1955","Bittner, Van A. (Van Amberg), 1885-1949","Black, Hugo LaFayette, 1886-1971","Coughlin, Charles E.","Edmiston, Andrew.","Farley, James A. (James Aloysius), 1888-1976","Green, William.","Holt, Helen Louise Froelich, 1913-2015","Holt, Mathew S., 1850-1939","Hopkins, Harry L. (Harry Lloyd), 1890-1946","Ickes, Harold L. (Harold LeClair), 1874-1952","Kump, Herman Guy, 1877-1962","La Follette, Robert M. (Robert Marion), 1855-1925","Neely, Matthew Mansfield, 1874-1958","Lewis, John L. (John Llewellyn), 1880-1969","Long, Huey Pierce, 1893-1935"],"creator_corpname_ssim":["West Virginia and Regional History Center","America First Committee","American Federation of Labor","Congress of Industrial Organizations (U.S.)","United States. National Bituminous Coal Commission","United States. National Labor Relations Board","Progressive Mine Workers of America","United Mine Workers of America","United States. National Recovery Administration","United States. Supreme Court","United States. Congress. Senate","West Virginia. Legislature","United States. Works Progress Administration","Democratic Party (U.S.)","Weston State Hospital"],"creators_ssim":["Holt, Rush Dew, 1905-1955","Bittner, Van A. (Van Amberg), 1885-1949","Black, Hugo LaFayette, 1886-1971","Coughlin, Charles E.","Edmiston, Andrew.","Farley, James A. (James Aloysius), 1888-1976","Green, William.","Holt, Helen Louise Froelich, 1913-2015","Holt, Mathew S., 1850-1939","Hopkins, Harry L. (Harry Lloyd), 1890-1946","Ickes, Harold L. (Harold LeClair), 1874-1952","Kump, Herman Guy, 1877-1962","La Follette, Robert M. (Robert Marion), 1855-1925","Neely, Matthew Mansfield, 1874-1958","Lewis, John L. (John Llewellyn), 1880-1969","Long, Huey Pierce, 1893-1935","West Virginia and Regional History Center","America First Committee","American Federation of Labor","Congress of Industrial Organizations (U.S.)","United States. National Bituminous Coal Commission","United States. National Labor Relations Board","Progressive Mine Workers of America","United Mine Workers of America","United States. National Recovery Administration","United States. Supreme Court","United States. Congress. Senate","West Virginia. Legislature","United States. Works Progress Administration","Democratic Party (U.S.)","Weston State Hospital"],"access_terms_ssm":["Permission to publish or reproduce is required from the copyright holder. For more information, please see the Permissions and Copyright page on the West Virginia and Regional History Center website."],"acqinfo_ssim":["Gifts of Holt, Helen F., 1956-2016."],"access_subjects_ssim":["Coal mining - Labor organization.","Education","Elections","Guffey Coal Act.","New Deal, 1933-1939","Politics and government.","Public utilities","Taxation","Unions.","United States - Social Security.","Social Security -- United States","Wheeler-Rayburn Holding Company Act","Isolationism -- United States -- History -- 20th Century","World War, 1939-1945","Politicians -- United States"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Coal mining - Labor organization.","Education","Elections","Guffey Coal Act.","New Deal, 1933-1939","Politics and government.","Public utilities","Taxation","Unions.","United States - Social Security.","Social Security -- United States","Wheeler-Rayburn Holding Company Act","Isolationism -- United States -- History -- 20th Century","World War, 1939-1945","Politicians -- United States"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"extent_ssm":["156.21 Linear Feet 156 ft. 2 1/2 in. (360 document cases, 5 in. each); (1 document case, 4 in.); (14 document cases, 2 1/2 in.); (1 flat storage box, 5 in.); (1 flat storage box, 3 1/2 in.); (2 flat storage boxes, 3 in. each); (3 flat storage boxes, 2 1/2 in. each); (9 flat storage boxes, 1 1/2 in. each); (\n44 photos in photograph filing cabinets)","11.7 Gigabytes 131 TIFF files, 2 PDF files"],"extent_tesim":["156.21 Linear Feet 156 ft. 2 1/2 in. (360 document cases, 5 in. each); (1 document case, 4 in.); (14 document cases, 2 1/2 in.); (1 flat storage box, 5 in.); (1 flat storage box, 3 1/2 in.); (2 flat storage boxes, 3 in. each); (3 flat storage boxes, 2 1/2 in. each); (9 flat storage boxes, 1 1/2 in. each); (\n44 photos in photograph filing cabinets)","11.7 Gigabytes 131 TIFF files, 2 PDF files"],"date_range_isim":[1840,1841,1842,1843,1844,1845,1846,1847,1848,1849,1850,1851,1852,1853,1854,1855,1856,1857,1858,1859,1860,1861,1862,1863,1864,1865,1866,1867,1868,1869,1870,1871,1872,1873,1874,1875,1876,1877,1878,1879,1880,1881,1882,1883,1884,1885,1886,1887,1888,1889,1890,1891,1892,1893,1894,1895,1896,1897,1898,1899,1900,1901,1902,1903,1904,1905,1906,1907,1908,1909,1910,1911,1912,1913,1914,1915,1916,1917,1918,1919,1920,1921,1922,1923,1924,1925,1926,1927,1928,1929,1930,1931,1932,1933,1934,1935,1936,1937,1938,1939,1940,1941,1942,1943,1944,1945,1946,1947,1948,1949,1950,1951,1952,1953,1954,1955,1956,1957,1958,1959,1960,1961,1962,1963,1964,1965,1966,1967,1968,1969,1970,1971,1972,1973,1974,1975,1976,1977,1978,1979,1980,1981,1982,1983,1984,1985,1986,1987,1988,1989,1990,1991,1992,1993,1994,1995,1996,1997,1998,1999,2000,2001,2002,2003],"accessrestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp style=\"color: red;\"\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eNo special access restriction applies.\u003c/emph\u003e\u003c/p\u003e  "],"accessrestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Access"],"accessrestrict_tesim":["No special access restriction applies."],"arrangement_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThis collection is one of five (see also A\u0026amp;M 1858, 4218, 4039, and 3943) pertaining to Rush Dew Holt, Sr. and his family. The records have been gathered via multiple accruals from 1956 to 2016. Originally, these collections were divided between A\u0026amp;M 873 and A\u0026amp;M 1701, the latter also being composed of thirteen addenda and A\u0026amp;M 1858. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIn an attempt to organize the collections in a more coherent fashion for patron use and to reflect the creator(s) in a more concise manner, the material was reevaluated and reorganized into the three sets of papers with distinct series and subseries: A\u0026amp;M 873: Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers; A\u0026amp;M 1858: Helen Holt (1913-2015) Papers; and A\u0026amp;M 4218: Rush Dew Holt Family Papers.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eBecause of the 2016-2017 reorganization, the physical arrangement no longer matches the intellectual arrangement and series order. Furthermore, any box and folder citations created prior to the above-mentioned project are likely no longer accurate. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFor assistance locating material using an older citation, please ask a staff member of the West Virginia \u0026amp; Regional History Center.    \u003c/p\u003e  "],"arrangement_heading_ssm":["Arrangement"],"arrangement_tesim":["This collection is one of five (see also A\u0026M 1858, 4218, 4039, and 3943) pertaining to Rush Dew Holt, Sr. and his family. The records have been gathered via multiple accruals from 1956 to 2016. Originally, these collections were divided between A\u0026M 873 and A\u0026M 1701, the latter also being composed of thirteen addenda and A\u0026M 1858.","In an attempt to organize the collections in a more coherent fashion for patron use and to reflect the creator(s) in a more concise manner, the material was reevaluated and reorganized into the three sets of papers with distinct series and subseries: A\u0026M 873: Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers; A\u0026M 1858: Helen Holt (1913-2015) Papers; and A\u0026M 4218: Rush Dew Holt Family Papers.","Because of the 2016-2017 reorganization, the physical arrangement no longer matches the intellectual arrangement and series order. Furthermore, any box and folder citations created prior to the above-mentioned project are likely no longer accurate.","For assistance locating material using an older citation, please ask a staff member of the West Virginia \u0026 Regional History Center."],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eRush Dew Holt was born in Weston, West Virginia, on June 19, 1905 to parents, Dr. Matthew S. Holt and Chihela (Dew) Holt. From an early age, Holt displayed scholarly potential. By age three, he was able to read first-grade primers, and eventually became interested in numerous topics for which he was able to provide detailed statistics. Among these interests was politics, and by age six, Holt had decided he would become a Democrat.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe potential displayed by Holt as a child continued into his school years. At age five, he began public education in the second grade, and he skipped grades on two more occasions. He attended Weston High School, and after graduating with honors at age fourteen, Holt applied to the University of Cincinnati; however, the register rejected the application because Holt, while academically qualified, was considered too young. Not one to admit defeat, a trait that would prove to be a lifelong characteristic, Holt turned to West Virginia University where he was accepted. As the youngest member of the freshman class, Holt found it difficult to obtain full acceptance as a college student, and his academic record reflected his apparent dissatisfaction. After two years at West Virginia University, Holt transferred to Salem College where the enrollment was smaller (approximately 300 students) and where he was able to live with his uncle, Professor Samuel Dew. It was at Salem College that Holt regained his self-confidence. His academic performance improved, and he maintained a B-plus average. In addition to academics, Holt excelled on the debate team. He was the editor-in-chief of the school paper, and he managed the tennis team.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIn 1924, Holt received a Bachelor of Arts Degree and qualification to teach at secondary schools. Shortly after his graduation, he was hired to teach at Bedford High School in Virginia where he taught English and history in addition to serving as the school's athletic director. After one academic year, Holt returned to Weston, West Virginia, where he took a position at St. Patrick's High School as the athletic director. Holt also coached the basketball team with abundant success, leading the team to two national tournaments for Catholic schools. During this time, Holt also taught history as a part-time instructor at Glenville Normal School and Salem College, but his fascination with athletics persisted. In addition to coaching and occasional officiating, Holt also began writing about sports. Eventually, he began to contribute columns to daily West Virginia newspapers.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eBy the late 1920s, Holt was attracted to the political environment, and he began to contribute to candidates who were friends of and/or who shared the views of his father. In the summer of 1928, Holt went one step further by announcing his candidacy as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates. Despite Lewis County having been predominately Republican, in addition to not having received significant party backing, Holt still obtained a higher-than-expected amount of support, losing his race by only 500 votes. Once again, however, Holt would not admit defeat. In 1930 Holt again announced his candidacy for the West Virginia House of Delegates. During the campaign, he visited locations all around Lewis County, spoke to anyone who would listen, and ensured that the grievances such as those concerning government cost, increased taxes, and the power of privately owned public utilities would all be addressed. As expected with any campaign, Holt received criticism, and those who opposed him likened the young politician to his father who they declared was a radical, a socialist, and an atheist. Despite the scornful claims, Holt, by a margin of 2,150 votes, was elected to his first public office as a Democrat to the West Virginia Legislature where he served from 1931-1935. During his years as a delegate, as promised during his campaign, Holt spoke out against corrupt practices such as government spending, an issue he addressed not even a week into the 1931 session. In addition to debating issues in the House, Holt also wrote to state supported universities, highway commissioners, and auditors in West Virginia and numerous other states to gather financial figures concerning spending, salaries, and taxes among others. Holt also began an investigation in 1931 to uncover rates, operating costs, and profits of privately and publically owned utility companies. All of these endeavors were only the first chapter in Holt's political career.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eBy 1934 he had gained the political support and the backing of union workers which was enough to defeat incumbent United States Senator Henry Hatfield. At age twenty-nine, Holt became the youngest person to win a United States Senate seat; however, there was immediate criticism. No sooner had the votes been tallied before a protest was filed concerning Holt's credentials: the fact that he had run for an office when he had not been of the required age. In addition to discontent within his own state, Holt also received overwhelming opposition in Washington, D.C. from Senate Republicans who threatened to object on the grounds of the constitutional age requirement. Despite the criticism, Holt's election was not overturned; however, he had to wait until he turned thirty, over five months after the Seventy-forth Congress had convened, before he could participate in senatorial proceedings.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eJust as he had been active in the West Virginia Legislature, Holt did not hesitate to address both major and minor issues on Capitol Hill either. During his time in the Senate, Holt served on several committees including Education and Labor, Immigration, Mines and Mining, Naval Affairs, and Post Offices and Post Roads. He also served as a member of the United States delegation to the 1939 Interparliamentary Conference in Oslo, Norway.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAlthough Holt had once been referred to as President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's \"Golden Boy,\" such alliances and the policies that had formed them began to dissolve by 1936. He became estranged from fellow Democrat and West Virginian Senator Matthew Neely, and Holt ended his support for the United Mine Workers of America and the Works Progress Administration, the latter of which he claimed was corrupt. Eventually, Holt criticized the Roosevelt administration for its New Deal policies, he adamantly fought Roosevelt's attempt to alter the Supreme Court by changing the number of sitting justices from nine to twelve, and he spoke out against the proposition of allowing a presidential third term. Furthermore, as unrest began in Europe with Germany's invasion of Poland, Holt campaigned against any attempts by the administration to involve the United States in the War. The responses from constituents about Holt's actions were mixed; nevertheless, the young senator's sudden change led to his unsuccessful renomination attempt in 1940. Holt did not even make it past the primary election.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAfter his Senate term ended, Holt remained in Washington, D.C. and began to support himself as a lecturer and a writer of political issues, particularly neutrality for which he received the support of the America First Committee. It was also during this time that Holt met Helen Louise Froelich, a biology teacher at National Park College near Washington. They were married a year later and moved to West Virginia. The couple had two children: a daughter, Helen Jane Holt (born in 1945) and a son, Rush Dew Holt, Jr. (born in 1948). When Senator Holt's sister, Jane (Holt) Chase, died in 1952, the couple adopted her son, David. After the Holts returned to West Virginia in 1941, Holt stayed involved in politics by accepting speaking engagements. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDuring the remainder of the 1940s, Holt ran several times for state offices with modest success. He was elected to the State House of Delegates in 1942 and was reelected in 1944 by write-in vote and 1946 without opposition. After a failed attempt to win the West Virginia Democratic gubernatorial nomination in 1944 and the nomination for United States Senator in 1948, Holt changed political affiliation. Despite this, his lack of success to achieve positions beyond the House of Delegates continued. In 1950, he won the Republican nomination to represent West Virginia's Third District in the United States House of Representatives but lost in the general election, and in 1952 Holt came very close to winning the race for West Virginia governor as the Republican candidate but lost to William Marland by fewer than 30,000 votes. Success returned in 1954 when Holt was elected to the West Virginia House of Delegates by the voters of Lewis County, but he was unable to finish his term due to illness.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHolt died on February 8, 1955 after a long, tough campaign against cancer.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eChronological List of Events:\u003c/emph\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eJune 19, 1905: born\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1920: graduated from high school\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1920-1922: attended West Virginia University\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1922-1924: attended Salem College, received a BA degree \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1924-1925: taught English and history and served as athletic director at Bedford High School in Virginia\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1925-1928: served as athletic director and basketball coach at St. Patrick's High School (Catholic school) in Weston, West Virginia; taught history as a part-time instructor at Glenville Normal School and Salem College; and contributed sport columns to daily West Virginia newspapers\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1928: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates, lost by 500 votes \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1930: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates, won by 2,150 votes, served from 1931-1935 \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1934: ran as a Democrat for the United States Senate and won despite being only twenty-nine years old\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1939: served as a member of the United States delegation to the Interparliamentary Conference in Oslo, Norway\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1940: ran for renomination to the Senate, failed to win the primary election\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1941: married Helen Louise Froelich\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1942: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates and won, reelected in 1944, 1946, and 1948, served until 1950.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1944: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia gubernatorial nomination but was unsuccessful  \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1945: birth of Helen Jane Holt\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1948: birth of Rush Dew Holt, Jr.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1948: ran as a Democrat for the United States Senate nomination but was unsuccessful \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1948: switched political affiliation to the Republican Party \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1952: ran as the Republican candidate for West Virginia Governor but lost to William Marland by fewer than 30,000 votes\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1954: ran as a Republican for the West Virginia House of Delegates and won\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFebruary 8, 1955: death \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eSources:\u003c/emph\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCoffey, William Ellis. \u003cemph render=\"italic\"\u003eRush Dew Holt: The Boy Senator.\u003c/emph\u003e Dissertation, West Virginia University, 1970. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA\u0026amp;M 0873, Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, West Virginia and Regional History Center, West Virginia University Libraries.  \u003c/p\u003e  "],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical / Historical"],"bioghist_tesim":["Rush Dew Holt was born in Weston, West Virginia, on June 19, 1905 to parents, Dr. Matthew S. Holt and Chihela (Dew) Holt. From an early age, Holt displayed scholarly potential. By age three, he was able to read first-grade primers, and eventually became interested in numerous topics for which he was able to provide detailed statistics. Among these interests was politics, and by age six, Holt had decided he would become a Democrat.","The potential displayed by Holt as a child continued into his school years. At age five, he began public education in the second grade, and he skipped grades on two more occasions. He attended Weston High School, and after graduating with honors at age fourteen, Holt applied to the University of Cincinnati; however, the register rejected the application because Holt, while academically qualified, was considered too young. Not one to admit defeat, a trait that would prove to be a lifelong characteristic, Holt turned to West Virginia University where he was accepted. As the youngest member of the freshman class, Holt found it difficult to obtain full acceptance as a college student, and his academic record reflected his apparent dissatisfaction. After two years at West Virginia University, Holt transferred to Salem College where the enrollment was smaller (approximately 300 students) and where he was able to live with his uncle, Professor Samuel Dew. It was at Salem College that Holt regained his self-confidence. His academic performance improved, and he maintained a B-plus average. In addition to academics, Holt excelled on the debate team. He was the editor-in-chief of the school paper, and he managed the tennis team.","In 1924, Holt received a Bachelor of Arts Degree and qualification to teach at secondary schools. Shortly after his graduation, he was hired to teach at Bedford High School in Virginia where he taught English and history in addition to serving as the school's athletic director. After one academic year, Holt returned to Weston, West Virginia, where he took a position at St. Patrick's High School as the athletic director. Holt also coached the basketball team with abundant success, leading the team to two national tournaments for Catholic schools. During this time, Holt also taught history as a part-time instructor at Glenville Normal School and Salem College, but his fascination with athletics persisted. In addition to coaching and occasional officiating, Holt also began writing about sports. Eventually, he began to contribute columns to daily West Virginia newspapers.","By the late 1920s, Holt was attracted to the political environment, and he began to contribute to candidates who were friends of and/or who shared the views of his father. In the summer of 1928, Holt went one step further by announcing his candidacy as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates. Despite Lewis County having been predominately Republican, in addition to not having received significant party backing, Holt still obtained a higher-than-expected amount of support, losing his race by only 500 votes. Once again, however, Holt would not admit defeat. In 1930 Holt again announced his candidacy for the West Virginia House of Delegates. During the campaign, he visited locations all around Lewis County, spoke to anyone who would listen, and ensured that the grievances such as those concerning government cost, increased taxes, and the power of privately owned public utilities would all be addressed. As expected with any campaign, Holt received criticism, and those who opposed him likened the young politician to his father who they declared was a radical, a socialist, and an atheist. Despite the scornful claims, Holt, by a margin of 2,150 votes, was elected to his first public office as a Democrat to the West Virginia Legislature where he served from 1931-1935. During his years as a delegate, as promised during his campaign, Holt spoke out against corrupt practices such as government spending, an issue he addressed not even a week into the 1931 session. In addition to debating issues in the House, Holt also wrote to state supported universities, highway commissioners, and auditors in West Virginia and numerous other states to gather financial figures concerning spending, salaries, and taxes among others. Holt also began an investigation in 1931 to uncover rates, operating costs, and profits of privately and publically owned utility companies. All of these endeavors were only the first chapter in Holt's political career.","By 1934 he had gained the political support and the backing of union workers which was enough to defeat incumbent United States Senator Henry Hatfield. At age twenty-nine, Holt became the youngest person to win a United States Senate seat; however, there was immediate criticism. No sooner had the votes been tallied before a protest was filed concerning Holt's credentials: the fact that he had run for an office when he had not been of the required age. In addition to discontent within his own state, Holt also received overwhelming opposition in Washington, D.C. from Senate Republicans who threatened to object on the grounds of the constitutional age requirement. Despite the criticism, Holt's election was not overturned; however, he had to wait until he turned thirty, over five months after the Seventy-forth Congress had convened, before he could participate in senatorial proceedings.","Just as he had been active in the West Virginia Legislature, Holt did not hesitate to address both major and minor issues on Capitol Hill either. During his time in the Senate, Holt served on several committees including Education and Labor, Immigration, Mines and Mining, Naval Affairs, and Post Offices and Post Roads. He also served as a member of the United States delegation to the 1939 Interparliamentary Conference in Oslo, Norway.","Although Holt had once been referred to as President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's \"Golden Boy,\" such alliances and the policies that had formed them began to dissolve by 1936. He became estranged from fellow Democrat and West Virginian Senator Matthew Neely, and Holt ended his support for the United Mine Workers of America and the Works Progress Administration, the latter of which he claimed was corrupt. Eventually, Holt criticized the Roosevelt administration for its New Deal policies, he adamantly fought Roosevelt's attempt to alter the Supreme Court by changing the number of sitting justices from nine to twelve, and he spoke out against the proposition of allowing a presidential third term. Furthermore, as unrest began in Europe with Germany's invasion of Poland, Holt campaigned against any attempts by the administration to involve the United States in the War. The responses from constituents about Holt's actions were mixed; nevertheless, the young senator's sudden change led to his unsuccessful renomination attempt in 1940. Holt did not even make it past the primary election.","After his Senate term ended, Holt remained in Washington, D.C. and began to support himself as a lecturer and a writer of political issues, particularly neutrality for which he received the support of the America First Committee. It was also during this time that Holt met Helen Louise Froelich, a biology teacher at National Park College near Washington. They were married a year later and moved to West Virginia. The couple had two children: a daughter, Helen Jane Holt (born in 1945) and a son, Rush Dew Holt, Jr. (born in 1948). When Senator Holt's sister, Jane (Holt) Chase, died in 1952, the couple adopted her son, David. After the Holts returned to West Virginia in 1941, Holt stayed involved in politics by accepting speaking engagements.","During the remainder of the 1940s, Holt ran several times for state offices with modest success. He was elected to the State House of Delegates in 1942 and was reelected in 1944 by write-in vote and 1946 without opposition. After a failed attempt to win the West Virginia Democratic gubernatorial nomination in 1944 and the nomination for United States Senator in 1948, Holt changed political affiliation. Despite this, his lack of success to achieve positions beyond the House of Delegates continued. In 1950, he won the Republican nomination to represent West Virginia's Third District in the United States House of Representatives but lost in the general election, and in 1952 Holt came very close to winning the race for West Virginia governor as the Republican candidate but lost to William Marland by fewer than 30,000 votes. Success returned in 1954 when Holt was elected to the West Virginia House of Delegates by the voters of Lewis County, but he was unable to finish his term due to illness.","Holt died on February 8, 1955 after a long, tough campaign against cancer.","Chronological List of Events:","June 19, 1905: born","1920: graduated from high school","1920-1922: attended West Virginia University","1922-1924: attended Salem College, received a BA degree","1924-1925: taught English and history and served as athletic director at Bedford High School in Virginia","1925-1928: served as athletic director and basketball coach at St. Patrick's High School (Catholic school) in Weston, West Virginia; taught history as a part-time instructor at Glenville Normal School and Salem College; and contributed sport columns to daily West Virginia newspapers","1928: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates, lost by 500 votes","1930: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates, won by 2,150 votes, served from 1931-1935","1934: ran as a Democrat for the United States Senate and won despite being only twenty-nine years old","1939: served as a member of the United States delegation to the Interparliamentary Conference in Oslo, Norway","1940: ran for renomination to the Senate, failed to win the primary election","1941: married Helen Louise Froelich","1942: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates and won, reelected in 1944, 1946, and 1948, served until 1950.","1944: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia gubernatorial nomination but was unsuccessful","1945: birth of Helen Jane Holt","1948: birth of Rush Dew Holt, Jr.","1948: ran as a Democrat for the United States Senate nomination but was unsuccessful","1948: switched political affiliation to the Republican Party","1952: ran as the Republican candidate for West Virginia Governor but lost to William Marland by fewer than 30,000 votes","1954: ran as a Republican for the West Virginia House of Delegates and won","February 8, 1955: death","Sources:","Coffey, William Ellis. Rush Dew Holt: The Boy Senator. Dissertation, West Virginia University, 1970.","A\u0026M 0873, Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, West Virginia and Regional History Center, West Virginia University Libraries."],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e[Description and date of item], [Box/folder number], Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, A\u0026amp;M 0873, West Virginia and Regional History Center, West Virginia University Libraries, Morgantown, West Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"prefercite_tesim":["[Description and date of item], [Box/folder number], Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, A\u0026M 0873, West Virginia and Regional History Center, West Virginia University Libraries, Morgantown, West Virginia."],"relatedmaterial_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e1858, 3001, 3943, 4039, 4218, 4386\u003c/p\u003e  "],"relatedmaterial_heading_ssm":["Related A\u0026M Collections"],"relatedmaterial_tesim":["1858, 3001, 3943, 4039, 4218, 4386"],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003ePapers of Rush Dew Holt, Sr. (1905-1955) relating to his personal and political activities. Types of material include publications, clippings, correspondence, photographs, and ephemera, among others. The collection is divided into six series: Personal and Political Papers (1840-2000 and undated) includes correspondence; invitations and cards; material representing campaign activities; and material from college courses, among other material that represents Rush Holt's personal life and political career; and ephemera collected by Rush Holt. Artifacts (1939-1952 and undated) includes personal and political items collected by Rush Holt. Legislative Records (1920-1955 and undated) includes correspondence, reports, publications, clippings, statistics, transcripts, financial records, and project records, among other miscellaneous material relative to Rush Holt's committee-based and general legislative activity. Constituent Services (1923-1954 and undated) includes mail received by Rush Holt during his time in the West Virginia House of Delegates and the United States Senate from constituents providing political opinions to Holt or requesting government publications and bulletins, copies of speeches, educational material, and Rush Holt's recommendation to the United States Military or Naval Academy. Press and Media Activity (1925-2003 and undated) includes original and photocopied articles from newspapers and similar publications, typescripts of press releases, pen-and-ink drawn political cartoons, transcripts of speeches, and sound recordings, among other material representing Rush Holt's involvement with the press and media. Administrative Files (1937-1940) includes material documenting the daily office activities of Rush Holt and his staff during the former's senatorial term.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe collection is divided into six series as follows:\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eSeries 1. Personal and Political Papers; 1840-2000 and undated (bulk 1918-1955)\u003c/emph\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIncludes material related to Rush Holt's personal, family, and political life. Additional material related to his work in politics can be found in Series 3 through 6. Types of material include correspondence; invitations and cards; material representing campaign activities; material from college courses; bills for recordings, radio station receipts, and election expenditures; typescripts, newsletters, manuscripts, and photocopies of material written by Rush Holt; publications to which Rush Holt subscribed and collected; photographs that represent Rush Holt's personal life and political career; ephemera collected by Rush Holt; and election results collected by Rush Holt.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eSeries 2. Artifacts; 1939-1952 and undated\u003c/emph\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIncludes personal and political items collected by Rush Holt.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eSeries 3. Legislative Records; 1920-1955 and undated\u003c/emph\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIncludes correspondence, reports, publications, clippings, statistics, transcripts, financial records, and project records, among other miscellaneous material relative to Rush Holt's committee-based and general legislative activity.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eSeries 4. Constituent Services; 1923-1954 and undated\u003c/emph\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIncludes mail received by Rush Holt during his time in the West Virginia House of Delegates and the United States Senate from constituents requesting government publications and bulletins, copies of speeches, educational material, and Rush Holt's recommendation to the United States Military or Naval Academy. In some cases, this series also includes typescript responses, many of which are generic.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eSeries 5. Press and Media Activity; 1925-2003 and undated (bulk 1925-1955)\u003c/emph\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIncludes original and photocopied articles from newspapers and similar publications, typescripts of press releases, pen-and-ink drawn political cartoons, transcripts of speeches, and sound recordings, among other material representing Rush Holt's involvement with the press and media.    \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eSeries 6. Administrative Files; 1937-1940\u003c/emph\u003e \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIncludes material documenting the daily office activities of Rush Holt and his staff during the former's senatorial term.   \u003c/p\u003e  "],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["Papers of Rush Dew Holt, Sr. (1905-1955) relating to his personal and political activities. Types of material include publications, clippings, correspondence, photographs, and ephemera, among others. The collection is divided into six series: Personal and Political Papers (1840-2000 and undated) includes correspondence; invitations and cards; material representing campaign activities; and material from college courses, among other material that represents Rush Holt's personal life and political career; and ephemera collected by Rush Holt. Artifacts (1939-1952 and undated) includes personal and political items collected by Rush Holt. Legislative Records (1920-1955 and undated) includes correspondence, reports, publications, clippings, statistics, transcripts, financial records, and project records, among other miscellaneous material relative to Rush Holt's committee-based and general legislative activity. Constituent Services (1923-1954 and undated) includes mail received by Rush Holt during his time in the West Virginia House of Delegates and the United States Senate from constituents providing political opinions to Holt or requesting government publications and bulletins, copies of speeches, educational material, and Rush Holt's recommendation to the United States Military or Naval Academy. Press and Media Activity (1925-2003 and undated) includes original and photocopied articles from newspapers and similar publications, typescripts of press releases, pen-and-ink drawn political cartoons, transcripts of speeches, and sound recordings, among other material representing Rush Holt's involvement with the press and media. Administrative Files (1937-1940) includes material documenting the daily office activities of Rush Holt and his staff during the former's senatorial term.","The collection is divided into six series as follows:","Series 1. Personal and Political Papers; 1840-2000 and undated (bulk 1918-1955)","Includes material related to Rush Holt's personal, family, and political life. Additional material related to his work in politics can be found in Series 3 through 6. Types of material include correspondence; invitations and cards; material representing campaign activities; material from college courses; bills for recordings, radio station receipts, and election expenditures; typescripts, newsletters, manuscripts, and photocopies of material written by Rush Holt; publications to which Rush Holt subscribed and collected; photographs that represent Rush Holt's personal life and political career; ephemera collected by Rush Holt; and election results collected by Rush Holt.","Series 2. Artifacts; 1939-1952 and undated","Includes personal and political items collected by Rush Holt.","Series 3. Legislative Records; 1920-1955 and undated","Includes correspondence, reports, publications, clippings, statistics, transcripts, financial records, and project records, among other miscellaneous material relative to Rush Holt's committee-based and general legislative activity.","Series 4. Constituent Services; 1923-1954 and undated","Includes mail received by Rush Holt during his time in the West Virginia House of Delegates and the United States Senate from constituents requesting government publications and bulletins, copies of speeches, educational material, and Rush Holt's recommendation to the United States Military or Naval Academy. In some cases, this series also includes typescript responses, many of which are generic.","Series 5. Press and Media Activity; 1925-2003 and undated (bulk 1925-1955)","Includes original and photocopied articles from newspapers and similar publications, typescripts of press releases, pen-and-ink drawn political cartoons, transcripts of speeches, and sound recordings, among other material representing Rush Holt's involvement with the press and media.","Series 6. Administrative Files; 1937-1940","Includes material documenting the daily office activities of Rush Holt and his staff during the former's senatorial term."],"separatedmaterial_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eEphemeral items not specific to Rush Dew Holt were moved to the Printed Ephemera Collection. Several local basketball scorecards were moved to A\u0026amp;M 4216, the Annual West Virginia State High School Basketball Tournament Programs collection.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e17 reels of undated sound recordings, chiefly relating to the political career of Rush Dew Holt, were separated to the oral history collection, C432 R699-R715 (17 tapes). These tapes include some personal material as well.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"separatedmaterial_heading_ssm":["Separated Materials"],"separatedmaterial_tesim":["Ephemeral items not specific to Rush Dew Holt were moved to the Printed Ephemera Collection. Several local basketball scorecards were moved to A\u0026M 4216, the Annual West Virginia State High School Basketball Tournament Programs collection.","17 reels of undated sound recordings, chiefly relating to the political career of Rush Dew Holt, were separated to the oral history collection, C432 R699-R715 (17 tapes). These tapes include some personal material as well."],"userestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003ePermission to publish or reproduce is required from the copyright holder. For more information, please see the \u003ca href=\"https://wvrhc.lib.wvu.edu/visit/permissions-and-copyright\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ePermissions and Copyright page\u003c/a\u003e on the West Virginia and Regional History Center website.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"userestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Use"],"userestrict_tesim":["Permission to publish or reproduce is required from the copyright holder. For more information, please see the Permissions and Copyright page on the West Virginia and Regional History Center website."],"abstract_html_tesm":["\u003cabstract id=\"aspace_7f7aca18f594cb9e240c48f7fdefc04e\"\u003ePapers of Rush Dew Holt, Sr. (1905-1955) relating to his personal and political activities. Types of material include publications, clippings, correspondence, photographs, and ephemera, among others. The collection is divided into six series: Personal and Political Papers (1840-2000 and undated), Artifacts (1939-1952 and undated), Legislative Records (1920-1955 and undated), Constituent Services (1923-1954 and undated), Press and Media Activity (1925-2003 and undated), and Administrative Files (1937-1940).\u003c/abstract\u003e\n    "],"abstract_tesim":["Papers of Rush Dew Holt, Sr. (1905-1955) relating to his personal and political activities. Types of material include publications, clippings, correspondence, photographs, and ephemera, among others. The collection is divided into six series: Personal and Political Papers (1840-2000 and undated), Artifacts (1939-1952 and undated), Legislative Records (1920-1955 and undated), Constituent Services (1923-1954 and undated), Press and Media Activity (1925-2003 and undated), and Administrative Files (1937-1940)."],"physloc_html_tesm":["\u003cphysloc id=\"aspace_c13cef4864374dc7a447894b02986413\"\u003eWest Virginia and Regional History Center / West Virginia University / 1549 University Avenue / P.O. Box 6069 / Morgantown, WV 26506-6069 / Phone: 304-293-3536  / URL: \u003ca href=\"https://wvrhc.lib.wvu.edu/\"\u003eWest Virginia \u0026amp; Regional History Center\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/physloc\u003e\n    "],"physloc_tesim":["West Virginia and Regional History Center / West Virginia University / 1549 University Avenue / P.O. Box 6069 / Morgantown, WV 26506-6069 / Phone: 304-293-3536  / URL: West Virginia \u0026 Regional History Center"],"corpname_ssim":["West Virginia and Regional History Center","America First Committee","American Federation of Labor","Congress of Industrial Organizations (U.S.)","United States. National Bituminous Coal Commission","United States. National Labor Relations Board","Progressive Mine Workers of America","United Mine Workers of America","United States. National Recovery Administration","United States. Supreme Court","United States. Congress. Senate","West Virginia. Legislature","United States. Works Progress Administration","Democratic Party (U.S.)","Weston State Hospital"],"names_coll_ssim":["America First Committee","American Federation of Labor","Congress of Industrial Organizations (U.S.)","United States. National Bituminous Coal Commission","United States. National Labor Relations Board","Progressive Mine Workers of America","United Mine Workers of America","United States. National Recovery Administration","United States. Supreme Court","United States. Congress. Senate","West Virginia. Legislature","United States. Works Progress Administration","Democratic Party (U.S.)","Weston State Hospital","Bittner, Van A. (Van Amberg), 1885-1949","Black, Hugo LaFayette, 1886-1971","Coughlin, Charles E.","Edmiston, Andrew.","Farley, James A. (James Aloysius), 1888-1976","Green, William.","Holt, Helen Louise Froelich, 1913-2015","Holt, Mathew S., 1850-1939","Holt, Rush Dew, 1905-1955","Hopkins, Harry L. (Harry Lloyd), 1890-1946","Ickes, Harold L. (Harold LeClair), 1874-1952","Kump, Herman Guy, 1877-1962","La Follette, Robert M. (Robert Marion), 1855-1925","Neely, Matthew Mansfield, 1874-1958","Lewis, John L. (John Llewellyn), 1880-1969","Long, Huey Pierce, 1893-1935"],"persname_ssim":["Holt, Rush Dew, 1905-1955","Bittner, Van A. (Van Amberg), 1885-1949","Black, Hugo LaFayette, 1886-1971","Coughlin, Charles E.","Edmiston, Andrew.","Farley, James A. (James Aloysius), 1888-1976","Green, William.","Holt, Helen Louise Froelich, 1913-2015","Holt, Mathew S., 1850-1939","Hopkins, Harry L. (Harry Lloyd), 1890-1946","Ickes, Harold L. (Harold LeClair), 1874-1952","Kump, Herman Guy, 1877-1962","La Follette, Robert M. (Robert Marion), 1855-1925","Neely, Matthew Mansfield, 1874-1958","Lewis, John L. (John Llewellyn), 1880-1969","Long, Huey Pierce, 1893-1935"],"names_ssim":["West Virginia and Regional History Center","America First Committee","American Federation of Labor","Congress of Industrial Organizations (U.S.)","United States. National Bituminous Coal Commission","United States. National Labor Relations Board","Progressive Mine Workers of America","United Mine Workers of America","United States. National Recovery Administration","United States. Supreme Court","United States. Congress. Senate","West Virginia. Legislature","United States. Works Progress Administration","Democratic Party (U.S.)","Weston State Hospital","Holt, Rush Dew, 1905-1955","Bittner, Van A. (Van Amberg), 1885-1949","Black, Hugo LaFayette, 1886-1971","Coughlin, Charles E.","Edmiston, Andrew.","Farley, James A. (James Aloysius), 1888-1976","Green, William.","Holt, Helen Louise Froelich, 1913-2015","Holt, Mathew S., 1850-1939","Hopkins, Harry L. (Harry Lloyd), 1890-1946","Ickes, Harold L. (Harold LeClair), 1874-1952","Kump, Herman Guy, 1877-1962","La Follette, Robert M. (Robert Marion), 1855-1925","Neely, Matthew Mansfield, 1874-1958","Lewis, John L. (John Llewellyn), 1880-1969","Long, Huey Pierce, 1893-1935"],"language_ssim":["English"],"descrules_ssm":["Describing Archives: A Content Standard"],"total_component_count_is":938,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-09-01T16:09:24.514Z"}]}},"label":"Breadcrumbs"}}},"links":{"self":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687_c03_c04"}},{"id":"wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687_c01_c03","type":"Sub-Series","attributes":{"title":"Personal and Political Papers--Campaign Material, 1925/1955","abstract_or_scope":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687_c01_c03#abstract_or_scope","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"\u003cp\u003eIncludes material representing Rush Holt's activities during his political campaigns for West Virginia and national offices.\u003c/p\u003e","label":"Abstract Or Scope"}},"breadcrumbs":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687_c01_c03#breadcrumbs","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":{"ref_ssi":"wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687_c01_c03","ref_ssm":["wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687_c01_c03"],"id":"wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687_c01_c03","ead_ssi":"wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687","_root_":"wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687","_nest_parent_":"wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687_c01","parent_ssi":"wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687_c01","parent_ssim":["Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, 1840/2003, bulk 1918/1955","Series 1. Personal and Political Papers, 1840/2000, bulk 1918/1955"],"parent_ids_ssim":["wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687","wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687_c01"],"title_filing_ssi":"Personal and Political Papers--Campaign Material","title_ssm":["Personal and Political Papers--Campaign Material"],"title_tesim":["Personal and Political Papers--Campaign Material"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Personal and Political Papers--Campaign Material, 1925/1955"],"text":["Personal and Political Papers--Campaign Material, 1925/1955","Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, 1840/2003, bulk 1918/1955","Series 1. Personal and Political Papers, 1840/2000, bulk 1918/1955","Includes material representing Rush Holt's activities during his political campaigns for West Virginia and national offices.","Types of material include broadsides, correspondence, newspaper mats, publicity releases, and speeches, among others.","Items of note include certificates of election for the West Virginia House of Delegates (located in box 369, folder 1)."],"parent_unittitles_ssm":["Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, 1840/2003, bulk 1918/1955","Series 1. Personal and Political Papers, 1840/2000, bulk 1918/1955"],"parent_unittitles_tesim":["Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, 1840/2003, bulk 1918/1955","Series 1. Personal and Political Papers, 1840/2000, bulk 1918/1955"],"normalized_date_ssm":["1925/1955"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1925–1955"],"level_ssm":["Sub-Series"],"level_ssim":["Sub-series"],"component_level_isim":[2],"sort_isi":179,"repository_ssim":["West Virginia and Regional History Center"],"collection_ssim":["Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, 1840/2003, bulk 1918/1955"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"child_component_count_isi":14,"parent_access_restrict_tesm":["No special access restriction applies."],"parent_access_terms_tesm":["Permission to publish or reproduce is required from the copyright holder. For more information, please see the Permissions and Copyright page on the West Virginia and Regional History Center website."],"date_range_isim":[1925,1926,1927,1928,1929,1930,1931,1932,1933,1934,1935,1936,1937,1938,1939,1940,1941,1942,1943,1944,1945,1946,1947,1948,1949,1950,1951,1952,1953,1954,1955],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eIncludes material representing Rush Holt's activities during his political campaigns for West Virginia and national offices.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e Types of material include broadsides, correspondence, newspaper mats, publicity releases, and speeches, among others.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e Items of note include certificates of election for the West Virginia House of Delegates (located in box 369, folder 1).\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["Includes material representing Rush Holt's activities during his political campaigns for West Virginia and national offices.","Types of material include broadsides, correspondence, newspaper mats, publicity releases, and speeches, among others.","Items of note include certificates of election for the West Virginia House of Delegates (located in box 369, folder 1)."],"_nest_path_":"/components#0/components#2","timestamp":"2026-09-01T16:09:24.514Z","collection":{"numFound":1,"start":0,"numFoundExact":true,"docs":[{"id":"wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687","ead_ssi":"wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687","_root_":"wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687","_nest_parent_":"wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/WVU/repositories_2_resources_3687.xml","aspace_url_ssi":"https://archives.lib.wvu.edu/ark:/99999/208740","title_ssm":["Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers"],"title_tesim":["Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers"],"unitdate_ssm":["1840-2003","1918-1955"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1840-2003"],"unitdate_bulk_ssim":["1918-1955"],"normalized_date_ssm":["1840/2003, bulk 1918/1955"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, 1840/2003, bulk 1918/1955"],"text":["Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, 1840/2003, bulk 1918/1955","A\u0026M 0873","Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","/repositories/2/resources/3687","Lewis County.","West Virginia -- Politics and government","United States -- Politics and government","Coal mining - Labor organization.","Education","Elections","Guffey Coal Act.","New Deal, 1933-1939","Politics and government.","Public utilities","Taxation","Unions.","United States - Social Security.","Social Security -- United States","Wheeler-Rayburn Holding Company Act","Isolationism -- United States -- History -- 20th Century","World War, 1939-1945","Politicians -- United States","No special access restriction applies.","This collection is one of five (see also A\u0026M 1858, 4218, 4039, and 3943) pertaining to Rush Dew Holt, Sr. and his family. The records have been gathered via multiple accruals from 1956 to 2016. Originally, these collections were divided between A\u0026M 873 and A\u0026M 1701, the latter also being composed of thirteen addenda and A\u0026M 1858.","In an attempt to organize the collections in a more coherent fashion for patron use and to reflect the creator(s) in a more concise manner, the material was reevaluated and reorganized into the three sets of papers with distinct series and subseries: A\u0026M 873: Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers; A\u0026M 1858: Helen Holt (1913-2015) Papers; and A\u0026M 4218: Rush Dew Holt Family Papers.","Because of the 2016-2017 reorganization, the physical arrangement no longer matches the intellectual arrangement and series order. Furthermore, any box and folder citations created prior to the above-mentioned project are likely no longer accurate.","For assistance locating material using an older citation, please ask a staff member of the West Virginia \u0026 Regional History Center.","Rush Dew Holt was born in Weston, West Virginia, on June 19, 1905 to parents, Dr. Matthew S. Holt and Chihela (Dew) Holt. From an early age, Holt displayed scholarly potential. By age three, he was able to read first-grade primers, and eventually became interested in numerous topics for which he was able to provide detailed statistics. Among these interests was politics, and by age six, Holt had decided he would become a Democrat.","The potential displayed by Holt as a child continued into his school years. At age five, he began public education in the second grade, and he skipped grades on two more occasions. He attended Weston High School, and after graduating with honors at age fourteen, Holt applied to the University of Cincinnati; however, the register rejected the application because Holt, while academically qualified, was considered too young. Not one to admit defeat, a trait that would prove to be a lifelong characteristic, Holt turned to West Virginia University where he was accepted. As the youngest member of the freshman class, Holt found it difficult to obtain full acceptance as a college student, and his academic record reflected his apparent dissatisfaction. After two years at West Virginia University, Holt transferred to Salem College where the enrollment was smaller (approximately 300 students) and where he was able to live with his uncle, Professor Samuel Dew. It was at Salem College that Holt regained his self-confidence. His academic performance improved, and he maintained a B-plus average. In addition to academics, Holt excelled on the debate team. He was the editor-in-chief of the school paper, and he managed the tennis team.","In 1924, Holt received a Bachelor of Arts Degree and qualification to teach at secondary schools. Shortly after his graduation, he was hired to teach at Bedford High School in Virginia where he taught English and history in addition to serving as the school's athletic director. After one academic year, Holt returned to Weston, West Virginia, where he took a position at St. Patrick's High School as the athletic director. Holt also coached the basketball team with abundant success, leading the team to two national tournaments for Catholic schools. During this time, Holt also taught history as a part-time instructor at Glenville Normal School and Salem College, but his fascination with athletics persisted. In addition to coaching and occasional officiating, Holt also began writing about sports. Eventually, he began to contribute columns to daily West Virginia newspapers.","By the late 1920s, Holt was attracted to the political environment, and he began to contribute to candidates who were friends of and/or who shared the views of his father. In the summer of 1928, Holt went one step further by announcing his candidacy as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates. Despite Lewis County having been predominately Republican, in addition to not having received significant party backing, Holt still obtained a higher-than-expected amount of support, losing his race by only 500 votes. Once again, however, Holt would not admit defeat. In 1930 Holt again announced his candidacy for the West Virginia House of Delegates. During the campaign, he visited locations all around Lewis County, spoke to anyone who would listen, and ensured that the grievances such as those concerning government cost, increased taxes, and the power of privately owned public utilities would all be addressed. As expected with any campaign, Holt received criticism, and those who opposed him likened the young politician to his father who they declared was a radical, a socialist, and an atheist. Despite the scornful claims, Holt, by a margin of 2,150 votes, was elected to his first public office as a Democrat to the West Virginia Legislature where he served from 1931-1935. During his years as a delegate, as promised during his campaign, Holt spoke out against corrupt practices such as government spending, an issue he addressed not even a week into the 1931 session. In addition to debating issues in the House, Holt also wrote to state supported universities, highway commissioners, and auditors in West Virginia and numerous other states to gather financial figures concerning spending, salaries, and taxes among others. Holt also began an investigation in 1931 to uncover rates, operating costs, and profits of privately and publically owned utility companies. All of these endeavors were only the first chapter in Holt's political career.","By 1934 he had gained the political support and the backing of union workers which was enough to defeat incumbent United States Senator Henry Hatfield. At age twenty-nine, Holt became the youngest person to win a United States Senate seat; however, there was immediate criticism. No sooner had the votes been tallied before a protest was filed concerning Holt's credentials: the fact that he had run for an office when he had not been of the required age. In addition to discontent within his own state, Holt also received overwhelming opposition in Washington, D.C. from Senate Republicans who threatened to object on the grounds of the constitutional age requirement. Despite the criticism, Holt's election was not overturned; however, he had to wait until he turned thirty, over five months after the Seventy-forth Congress had convened, before he could participate in senatorial proceedings.","Just as he had been active in the West Virginia Legislature, Holt did not hesitate to address both major and minor issues on Capitol Hill either. During his time in the Senate, Holt served on several committees including Education and Labor, Immigration, Mines and Mining, Naval Affairs, and Post Offices and Post Roads. He also served as a member of the United States delegation to the 1939 Interparliamentary Conference in Oslo, Norway.","Although Holt had once been referred to as President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's \"Golden Boy,\" such alliances and the policies that had formed them began to dissolve by 1936. He became estranged from fellow Democrat and West Virginian Senator Matthew Neely, and Holt ended his support for the United Mine Workers of America and the Works Progress Administration, the latter of which he claimed was corrupt. Eventually, Holt criticized the Roosevelt administration for its New Deal policies, he adamantly fought Roosevelt's attempt to alter the Supreme Court by changing the number of sitting justices from nine to twelve, and he spoke out against the proposition of allowing a presidential third term. Furthermore, as unrest began in Europe with Germany's invasion of Poland, Holt campaigned against any attempts by the administration to involve the United States in the War. The responses from constituents about Holt's actions were mixed; nevertheless, the young senator's sudden change led to his unsuccessful renomination attempt in 1940. Holt did not even make it past the primary election.","After his Senate term ended, Holt remained in Washington, D.C. and began to support himself as a lecturer and a writer of political issues, particularly neutrality for which he received the support of the America First Committee. It was also during this time that Holt met Helen Louise Froelich, a biology teacher at National Park College near Washington. They were married a year later and moved to West Virginia. The couple had two children: a daughter, Helen Jane Holt (born in 1945) and a son, Rush Dew Holt, Jr. (born in 1948). When Senator Holt's sister, Jane (Holt) Chase, died in 1952, the couple adopted her son, David. After the Holts returned to West Virginia in 1941, Holt stayed involved in politics by accepting speaking engagements.","During the remainder of the 1940s, Holt ran several times for state offices with modest success. He was elected to the State House of Delegates in 1942 and was reelected in 1944 by write-in vote and 1946 without opposition. After a failed attempt to win the West Virginia Democratic gubernatorial nomination in 1944 and the nomination for United States Senator in 1948, Holt changed political affiliation. Despite this, his lack of success to achieve positions beyond the House of Delegates continued. In 1950, he won the Republican nomination to represent West Virginia's Third District in the United States House of Representatives but lost in the general election, and in 1952 Holt came very close to winning the race for West Virginia governor as the Republican candidate but lost to William Marland by fewer than 30,000 votes. Success returned in 1954 when Holt was elected to the West Virginia House of Delegates by the voters of Lewis County, but he was unable to finish his term due to illness.","Holt died on February 8, 1955 after a long, tough campaign against cancer.","Chronological List of Events:","June 19, 1905: born","1920: graduated from high school","1920-1922: attended West Virginia University","1922-1924: attended Salem College, received a BA degree","1924-1925: taught English and history and served as athletic director at Bedford High School in Virginia","1925-1928: served as athletic director and basketball coach at St. Patrick's High School (Catholic school) in Weston, West Virginia; taught history as a part-time instructor at Glenville Normal School and Salem College; and contributed sport columns to daily West Virginia newspapers","1928: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates, lost by 500 votes","1930: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates, won by 2,150 votes, served from 1931-1935","1934: ran as a Democrat for the United States Senate and won despite being only twenty-nine years old","1939: served as a member of the United States delegation to the Interparliamentary Conference in Oslo, Norway","1940: ran for renomination to the Senate, failed to win the primary election","1941: married Helen Louise Froelich","1942: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates and won, reelected in 1944, 1946, and 1948, served until 1950.","1944: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia gubernatorial nomination but was unsuccessful","1945: birth of Helen Jane Holt","1948: birth of Rush Dew Holt, Jr.","1948: ran as a Democrat for the United States Senate nomination but was unsuccessful","1948: switched political affiliation to the Republican Party","1952: ran as the Republican candidate for West Virginia Governor but lost to William Marland by fewer than 30,000 votes","1954: ran as a Republican for the West Virginia House of Delegates and won","February 8, 1955: death","Sources:","Coffey, William Ellis. Rush Dew Holt: The Boy Senator. Dissertation, West Virginia University, 1970.","A\u0026M 0873, Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, West Virginia and Regional History Center, West Virginia University Libraries.","1858, 3001, 3943, 4039, 4218, 4386","Papers of Rush Dew Holt, Sr. (1905-1955) relating to his personal and political activities. Types of material include publications, clippings, correspondence, photographs, and ephemera, among others. The collection is divided into six series: Personal and Political Papers (1840-2000 and undated) includes correspondence; invitations and cards; material representing campaign activities; and material from college courses, among other material that represents Rush Holt's personal life and political career; and ephemera collected by Rush Holt. Artifacts (1939-1952 and undated) includes personal and political items collected by Rush Holt. Legislative Records (1920-1955 and undated) includes correspondence, reports, publications, clippings, statistics, transcripts, financial records, and project records, among other miscellaneous material relative to Rush Holt's committee-based and general legislative activity. Constituent Services (1923-1954 and undated) includes mail received by Rush Holt during his time in the West Virginia House of Delegates and the United States Senate from constituents providing political opinions to Holt or requesting government publications and bulletins, copies of speeches, educational material, and Rush Holt's recommendation to the United States Military or Naval Academy. Press and Media Activity (1925-2003 and undated) includes original and photocopied articles from newspapers and similar publications, typescripts of press releases, pen-and-ink drawn political cartoons, transcripts of speeches, and sound recordings, among other material representing Rush Holt's involvement with the press and media. Administrative Files (1937-1940) includes material documenting the daily office activities of Rush Holt and his staff during the former's senatorial term.","The collection is divided into six series as follows:","Series 1. Personal and Political Papers; 1840-2000 and undated (bulk 1918-1955)","Includes material related to Rush Holt's personal, family, and political life. Additional material related to his work in politics can be found in Series 3 through 6. Types of material include correspondence; invitations and cards; material representing campaign activities; material from college courses; bills for recordings, radio station receipts, and election expenditures; typescripts, newsletters, manuscripts, and photocopies of material written by Rush Holt; publications to which Rush Holt subscribed and collected; photographs that represent Rush Holt's personal life and political career; ephemera collected by Rush Holt; and election results collected by Rush Holt.","Series 2. Artifacts; 1939-1952 and undated","Includes personal and political items collected by Rush Holt.","Series 3. Legislative Records; 1920-1955 and undated","Includes correspondence, reports, publications, clippings, statistics, transcripts, financial records, and project records, among other miscellaneous material relative to Rush Holt's committee-based and general legislative activity.","Series 4. Constituent Services; 1923-1954 and undated","Includes mail received by Rush Holt during his time in the West Virginia House of Delegates and the United States Senate from constituents requesting government publications and bulletins, copies of speeches, educational material, and Rush Holt's recommendation to the United States Military or Naval Academy. In some cases, this series also includes typescript responses, many of which are generic.","Series 5. Press and Media Activity; 1925-2003 and undated (bulk 1925-1955)","Includes original and photocopied articles from newspapers and similar publications, typescripts of press releases, pen-and-ink drawn political cartoons, transcripts of speeches, and sound recordings, among other material representing Rush Holt's involvement with the press and media.","Series 6. Administrative Files; 1937-1940","Includes material documenting the daily office activities of Rush Holt and his staff during the former's senatorial term.","Ephemeral items not specific to Rush Dew Holt were moved to the Printed Ephemera Collection. Several local basketball scorecards were moved to A\u0026M 4216, the Annual West Virginia State High School Basketball Tournament Programs collection.","17 reels of undated sound recordings, chiefly relating to the political career of Rush Dew Holt, were separated to the oral history collection, C432 R699-R715 (17 tapes). These tapes include some personal material as well.","Permission to publish or reproduce is required from the copyright holder. For more information, please see the Permissions and Copyright page on the West Virginia and Regional History Center website.","Papers of Rush Dew Holt, Sr. (1905-1955) relating to his personal and political activities. Types of material include publications, clippings, correspondence, photographs, and ephemera, among others. The collection is divided into six series: Personal and Political Papers (1840-2000 and undated), Artifacts (1939-1952 and undated), Legislative Records (1920-1955 and undated), Constituent Services (1923-1954 and undated), Press and Media Activity (1925-2003 and undated), and Administrative Files (1937-1940).","West Virginia and Regional History Center / West Virginia University / 1549 University Avenue / P.O. Box 6069 / Morgantown, WV 26506-6069 / Phone: 304-293-3536  / URL: West Virginia \u0026 Regional History Center","West Virginia and Regional History Center","America First Committee","American Federation of Labor","Congress of Industrial Organizations (U.S.)","United States. National Bituminous Coal Commission","United States. National Labor Relations Board","Progressive Mine Workers of America","United Mine Workers of America","United States. National Recovery Administration","United States. Supreme Court","United States. Congress. Senate","West Virginia. Legislature","United States. Works Progress Administration","Democratic Party (U.S.)","Weston State Hospital","Holt, Rush Dew, 1905-1955","Bittner, Van A. (Van Amberg), 1885-1949","Black, Hugo LaFayette, 1886-1971","Coughlin, Charles E.","Edmiston, Andrew.","Farley, James A. (James Aloysius), 1888-1976","Green, William.","Holt, Helen Louise Froelich, 1913-2015","Holt, Mathew S., 1850-1939","Hopkins, Harry L. (Harry Lloyd), 1890-1946","Ickes, Harold L. (Harold LeClair), 1874-1952","Kump, Herman Guy, 1877-1962","La Follette, Robert M. (Robert Marion), 1855-1925","Neely, Matthew Mansfield, 1874-1958","Lewis, John L. (John Llewellyn), 1880-1969","Long, Huey Pierce, 1893-1935","English"],"collection_title_tesim":["Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, 1840/2003, bulk 1918/1955"],"collection_ssim":["Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, 1840/2003, bulk 1918/1955"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["A\u0026M 0873","Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","/repositories/2/resources/3687"],"unitid_tesim":["A\u0026M 0873","Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","/repositories/2/resources/3687"],"repository_ssm":["West Virginia and Regional History Center"],"repository_ssim":["West Virginia and Regional History Center"],"geogname_ssm":["Lewis County.","West Virginia -- Politics and government","United States -- Politics and government"],"geogname_ssim":["Lewis County.","West Virginia -- Politics and government","United States -- Politics and government"],"places_ssim":["Lewis County.","West Virginia -- Politics and government","United States -- Politics and government"],"creator_ssm":["Holt, Rush Dew, 1905-1955"],"creator_ssim":["Holt, Rush Dew, 1905-1955"],"creator_persname_ssim":["Holt, Rush Dew, 1905-1955","Bittner, Van A. (Van Amberg), 1885-1949","Black, Hugo LaFayette, 1886-1971","Coughlin, Charles E.","Edmiston, Andrew.","Farley, James A. (James Aloysius), 1888-1976","Green, William.","Holt, Helen Louise Froelich, 1913-2015","Holt, Mathew S., 1850-1939","Hopkins, Harry L. (Harry Lloyd), 1890-1946","Ickes, Harold L. (Harold LeClair), 1874-1952","Kump, Herman Guy, 1877-1962","La Follette, Robert M. (Robert Marion), 1855-1925","Neely, Matthew Mansfield, 1874-1958","Lewis, John L. (John Llewellyn), 1880-1969","Long, Huey Pierce, 1893-1935"],"creator_corpname_ssim":["West Virginia and Regional History Center","America First Committee","American Federation of Labor","Congress of Industrial Organizations (U.S.)","United States. National Bituminous Coal Commission","United States. National Labor Relations Board","Progressive Mine Workers of America","United Mine Workers of America","United States. National Recovery Administration","United States. Supreme Court","United States. Congress. Senate","West Virginia. Legislature","United States. Works Progress Administration","Democratic Party (U.S.)","Weston State Hospital"],"creators_ssim":["Holt, Rush Dew, 1905-1955","Bittner, Van A. (Van Amberg), 1885-1949","Black, Hugo LaFayette, 1886-1971","Coughlin, Charles E.","Edmiston, Andrew.","Farley, James A. (James Aloysius), 1888-1976","Green, William.","Holt, Helen Louise Froelich, 1913-2015","Holt, Mathew S., 1850-1939","Hopkins, Harry L. (Harry Lloyd), 1890-1946","Ickes, Harold L. (Harold LeClair), 1874-1952","Kump, Herman Guy, 1877-1962","La Follette, Robert M. (Robert Marion), 1855-1925","Neely, Matthew Mansfield, 1874-1958","Lewis, John L. (John Llewellyn), 1880-1969","Long, Huey Pierce, 1893-1935","West Virginia and Regional History Center","America First Committee","American Federation of Labor","Congress of Industrial Organizations (U.S.)","United States. National Bituminous Coal Commission","United States. National Labor Relations Board","Progressive Mine Workers of America","United Mine Workers of America","United States. National Recovery Administration","United States. Supreme Court","United States. Congress. Senate","West Virginia. Legislature","United States. Works Progress Administration","Democratic Party (U.S.)","Weston State Hospital"],"access_terms_ssm":["Permission to publish or reproduce is required from the copyright holder. For more information, please see the Permissions and Copyright page on the West Virginia and Regional History Center website."],"acqinfo_ssim":["Gifts of Holt, Helen F., 1956-2016."],"access_subjects_ssim":["Coal mining - Labor organization.","Education","Elections","Guffey Coal Act.","New Deal, 1933-1939","Politics and government.","Public utilities","Taxation","Unions.","United States - Social Security.","Social Security -- United States","Wheeler-Rayburn Holding Company Act","Isolationism -- United States -- History -- 20th Century","World War, 1939-1945","Politicians -- United States"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Coal mining - Labor organization.","Education","Elections","Guffey Coal Act.","New Deal, 1933-1939","Politics and government.","Public utilities","Taxation","Unions.","United States - Social Security.","Social Security -- United States","Wheeler-Rayburn Holding Company Act","Isolationism -- United States -- History -- 20th Century","World War, 1939-1945","Politicians -- United States"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"extent_ssm":["156.21 Linear Feet 156 ft. 2 1/2 in. (360 document cases, 5 in. each); (1 document case, 4 in.); (14 document cases, 2 1/2 in.); (1 flat storage box, 5 in.); (1 flat storage box, 3 1/2 in.); (2 flat storage boxes, 3 in. each); (3 flat storage boxes, 2 1/2 in. each); (9 flat storage boxes, 1 1/2 in. each); (\n44 photos in photograph filing cabinets)","11.7 Gigabytes 131 TIFF files, 2 PDF files"],"extent_tesim":["156.21 Linear Feet 156 ft. 2 1/2 in. (360 document cases, 5 in. each); (1 document case, 4 in.); (14 document cases, 2 1/2 in.); (1 flat storage box, 5 in.); (1 flat storage box, 3 1/2 in.); (2 flat storage boxes, 3 in. each); (3 flat storage boxes, 2 1/2 in. each); (9 flat storage boxes, 1 1/2 in. each); (\n44 photos in photograph filing cabinets)","11.7 Gigabytes 131 TIFF files, 2 PDF files"],"date_range_isim":[1840,1841,1842,1843,1844,1845,1846,1847,1848,1849,1850,1851,1852,1853,1854,1855,1856,1857,1858,1859,1860,1861,1862,1863,1864,1865,1866,1867,1868,1869,1870,1871,1872,1873,1874,1875,1876,1877,1878,1879,1880,1881,1882,1883,1884,1885,1886,1887,1888,1889,1890,1891,1892,1893,1894,1895,1896,1897,1898,1899,1900,1901,1902,1903,1904,1905,1906,1907,1908,1909,1910,1911,1912,1913,1914,1915,1916,1917,1918,1919,1920,1921,1922,1923,1924,1925,1926,1927,1928,1929,1930,1931,1932,1933,1934,1935,1936,1937,1938,1939,1940,1941,1942,1943,1944,1945,1946,1947,1948,1949,1950,1951,1952,1953,1954,1955,1956,1957,1958,1959,1960,1961,1962,1963,1964,1965,1966,1967,1968,1969,1970,1971,1972,1973,1974,1975,1976,1977,1978,1979,1980,1981,1982,1983,1984,1985,1986,1987,1988,1989,1990,1991,1992,1993,1994,1995,1996,1997,1998,1999,2000,2001,2002,2003],"accessrestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp style=\"color: red;\"\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eNo special access restriction applies.\u003c/emph\u003e\u003c/p\u003e  "],"accessrestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Access"],"accessrestrict_tesim":["No special access restriction applies."],"arrangement_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThis collection is one of five (see also A\u0026amp;M 1858, 4218, 4039, and 3943) pertaining to Rush Dew Holt, Sr. and his family. The records have been gathered via multiple accruals from 1956 to 2016. Originally, these collections were divided between A\u0026amp;M 873 and A\u0026amp;M 1701, the latter also being composed of thirteen addenda and A\u0026amp;M 1858. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIn an attempt to organize the collections in a more coherent fashion for patron use and to reflect the creator(s) in a more concise manner, the material was reevaluated and reorganized into the three sets of papers with distinct series and subseries: A\u0026amp;M 873: Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers; A\u0026amp;M 1858: Helen Holt (1913-2015) Papers; and A\u0026amp;M 4218: Rush Dew Holt Family Papers.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eBecause of the 2016-2017 reorganization, the physical arrangement no longer matches the intellectual arrangement and series order. Furthermore, any box and folder citations created prior to the above-mentioned project are likely no longer accurate. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFor assistance locating material using an older citation, please ask a staff member of the West Virginia \u0026amp; Regional History Center.    \u003c/p\u003e  "],"arrangement_heading_ssm":["Arrangement"],"arrangement_tesim":["This collection is one of five (see also A\u0026M 1858, 4218, 4039, and 3943) pertaining to Rush Dew Holt, Sr. and his family. The records have been gathered via multiple accruals from 1956 to 2016. Originally, these collections were divided between A\u0026M 873 and A\u0026M 1701, the latter also being composed of thirteen addenda and A\u0026M 1858.","In an attempt to organize the collections in a more coherent fashion for patron use and to reflect the creator(s) in a more concise manner, the material was reevaluated and reorganized into the three sets of papers with distinct series and subseries: A\u0026M 873: Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers; A\u0026M 1858: Helen Holt (1913-2015) Papers; and A\u0026M 4218: Rush Dew Holt Family Papers.","Because of the 2016-2017 reorganization, the physical arrangement no longer matches the intellectual arrangement and series order. Furthermore, any box and folder citations created prior to the above-mentioned project are likely no longer accurate.","For assistance locating material using an older citation, please ask a staff member of the West Virginia \u0026 Regional History Center."],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eRush Dew Holt was born in Weston, West Virginia, on June 19, 1905 to parents, Dr. Matthew S. Holt and Chihela (Dew) Holt. From an early age, Holt displayed scholarly potential. By age three, he was able to read first-grade primers, and eventually became interested in numerous topics for which he was able to provide detailed statistics. Among these interests was politics, and by age six, Holt had decided he would become a Democrat.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe potential displayed by Holt as a child continued into his school years. At age five, he began public education in the second grade, and he skipped grades on two more occasions. He attended Weston High School, and after graduating with honors at age fourteen, Holt applied to the University of Cincinnati; however, the register rejected the application because Holt, while academically qualified, was considered too young. Not one to admit defeat, a trait that would prove to be a lifelong characteristic, Holt turned to West Virginia University where he was accepted. As the youngest member of the freshman class, Holt found it difficult to obtain full acceptance as a college student, and his academic record reflected his apparent dissatisfaction. After two years at West Virginia University, Holt transferred to Salem College where the enrollment was smaller (approximately 300 students) and where he was able to live with his uncle, Professor Samuel Dew. It was at Salem College that Holt regained his self-confidence. His academic performance improved, and he maintained a B-plus average. In addition to academics, Holt excelled on the debate team. He was the editor-in-chief of the school paper, and he managed the tennis team.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIn 1924, Holt received a Bachelor of Arts Degree and qualification to teach at secondary schools. Shortly after his graduation, he was hired to teach at Bedford High School in Virginia where he taught English and history in addition to serving as the school's athletic director. After one academic year, Holt returned to Weston, West Virginia, where he took a position at St. Patrick's High School as the athletic director. Holt also coached the basketball team with abundant success, leading the team to two national tournaments for Catholic schools. During this time, Holt also taught history as a part-time instructor at Glenville Normal School and Salem College, but his fascination with athletics persisted. In addition to coaching and occasional officiating, Holt also began writing about sports. Eventually, he began to contribute columns to daily West Virginia newspapers.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eBy the late 1920s, Holt was attracted to the political environment, and he began to contribute to candidates who were friends of and/or who shared the views of his father. In the summer of 1928, Holt went one step further by announcing his candidacy as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates. Despite Lewis County having been predominately Republican, in addition to not having received significant party backing, Holt still obtained a higher-than-expected amount of support, losing his race by only 500 votes. Once again, however, Holt would not admit defeat. In 1930 Holt again announced his candidacy for the West Virginia House of Delegates. During the campaign, he visited locations all around Lewis County, spoke to anyone who would listen, and ensured that the grievances such as those concerning government cost, increased taxes, and the power of privately owned public utilities would all be addressed. As expected with any campaign, Holt received criticism, and those who opposed him likened the young politician to his father who they declared was a radical, a socialist, and an atheist. Despite the scornful claims, Holt, by a margin of 2,150 votes, was elected to his first public office as a Democrat to the West Virginia Legislature where he served from 1931-1935. During his years as a delegate, as promised during his campaign, Holt spoke out against corrupt practices such as government spending, an issue he addressed not even a week into the 1931 session. In addition to debating issues in the House, Holt also wrote to state supported universities, highway commissioners, and auditors in West Virginia and numerous other states to gather financial figures concerning spending, salaries, and taxes among others. Holt also began an investigation in 1931 to uncover rates, operating costs, and profits of privately and publically owned utility companies. All of these endeavors were only the first chapter in Holt's political career.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eBy 1934 he had gained the political support and the backing of union workers which was enough to defeat incumbent United States Senator Henry Hatfield. At age twenty-nine, Holt became the youngest person to win a United States Senate seat; however, there was immediate criticism. No sooner had the votes been tallied before a protest was filed concerning Holt's credentials: the fact that he had run for an office when he had not been of the required age. In addition to discontent within his own state, Holt also received overwhelming opposition in Washington, D.C. from Senate Republicans who threatened to object on the grounds of the constitutional age requirement. Despite the criticism, Holt's election was not overturned; however, he had to wait until he turned thirty, over five months after the Seventy-forth Congress had convened, before he could participate in senatorial proceedings.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eJust as he had been active in the West Virginia Legislature, Holt did not hesitate to address both major and minor issues on Capitol Hill either. During his time in the Senate, Holt served on several committees including Education and Labor, Immigration, Mines and Mining, Naval Affairs, and Post Offices and Post Roads. He also served as a member of the United States delegation to the 1939 Interparliamentary Conference in Oslo, Norway.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAlthough Holt had once been referred to as President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's \"Golden Boy,\" such alliances and the policies that had formed them began to dissolve by 1936. He became estranged from fellow Democrat and West Virginian Senator Matthew Neely, and Holt ended his support for the United Mine Workers of America and the Works Progress Administration, the latter of which he claimed was corrupt. Eventually, Holt criticized the Roosevelt administration for its New Deal policies, he adamantly fought Roosevelt's attempt to alter the Supreme Court by changing the number of sitting justices from nine to twelve, and he spoke out against the proposition of allowing a presidential third term. Furthermore, as unrest began in Europe with Germany's invasion of Poland, Holt campaigned against any attempts by the administration to involve the United States in the War. The responses from constituents about Holt's actions were mixed; nevertheless, the young senator's sudden change led to his unsuccessful renomination attempt in 1940. Holt did not even make it past the primary election.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAfter his Senate term ended, Holt remained in Washington, D.C. and began to support himself as a lecturer and a writer of political issues, particularly neutrality for which he received the support of the America First Committee. It was also during this time that Holt met Helen Louise Froelich, a biology teacher at National Park College near Washington. They were married a year later and moved to West Virginia. The couple had two children: a daughter, Helen Jane Holt (born in 1945) and a son, Rush Dew Holt, Jr. (born in 1948). When Senator Holt's sister, Jane (Holt) Chase, died in 1952, the couple adopted her son, David. After the Holts returned to West Virginia in 1941, Holt stayed involved in politics by accepting speaking engagements. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDuring the remainder of the 1940s, Holt ran several times for state offices with modest success. He was elected to the State House of Delegates in 1942 and was reelected in 1944 by write-in vote and 1946 without opposition. After a failed attempt to win the West Virginia Democratic gubernatorial nomination in 1944 and the nomination for United States Senator in 1948, Holt changed political affiliation. Despite this, his lack of success to achieve positions beyond the House of Delegates continued. In 1950, he won the Republican nomination to represent West Virginia's Third District in the United States House of Representatives but lost in the general election, and in 1952 Holt came very close to winning the race for West Virginia governor as the Republican candidate but lost to William Marland by fewer than 30,000 votes. Success returned in 1954 when Holt was elected to the West Virginia House of Delegates by the voters of Lewis County, but he was unable to finish his term due to illness.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHolt died on February 8, 1955 after a long, tough campaign against cancer.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eChronological List of Events:\u003c/emph\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eJune 19, 1905: born\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1920: graduated from high school\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1920-1922: attended West Virginia University\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1922-1924: attended Salem College, received a BA degree \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1924-1925: taught English and history and served as athletic director at Bedford High School in Virginia\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1925-1928: served as athletic director and basketball coach at St. Patrick's High School (Catholic school) in Weston, West Virginia; taught history as a part-time instructor at Glenville Normal School and Salem College; and contributed sport columns to daily West Virginia newspapers\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1928: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates, lost by 500 votes \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1930: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates, won by 2,150 votes, served from 1931-1935 \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1934: ran as a Democrat for the United States Senate and won despite being only twenty-nine years old\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1939: served as a member of the United States delegation to the Interparliamentary Conference in Oslo, Norway\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1940: ran for renomination to the Senate, failed to win the primary election\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1941: married Helen Louise Froelich\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1942: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates and won, reelected in 1944, 1946, and 1948, served until 1950.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1944: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia gubernatorial nomination but was unsuccessful  \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1945: birth of Helen Jane Holt\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1948: birth of Rush Dew Holt, Jr.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1948: ran as a Democrat for the United States Senate nomination but was unsuccessful \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1948: switched political affiliation to the Republican Party \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1952: ran as the Republican candidate for West Virginia Governor but lost to William Marland by fewer than 30,000 votes\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1954: ran as a Republican for the West Virginia House of Delegates and won\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFebruary 8, 1955: death \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eSources:\u003c/emph\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCoffey, William Ellis. \u003cemph render=\"italic\"\u003eRush Dew Holt: The Boy Senator.\u003c/emph\u003e Dissertation, West Virginia University, 1970. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA\u0026amp;M 0873, Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, West Virginia and Regional History Center, West Virginia University Libraries.  \u003c/p\u003e  "],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical / Historical"],"bioghist_tesim":["Rush Dew Holt was born in Weston, West Virginia, on June 19, 1905 to parents, Dr. Matthew S. Holt and Chihela (Dew) Holt. From an early age, Holt displayed scholarly potential. By age three, he was able to read first-grade primers, and eventually became interested in numerous topics for which he was able to provide detailed statistics. Among these interests was politics, and by age six, Holt had decided he would become a Democrat.","The potential displayed by Holt as a child continued into his school years. At age five, he began public education in the second grade, and he skipped grades on two more occasions. He attended Weston High School, and after graduating with honors at age fourteen, Holt applied to the University of Cincinnati; however, the register rejected the application because Holt, while academically qualified, was considered too young. Not one to admit defeat, a trait that would prove to be a lifelong characteristic, Holt turned to West Virginia University where he was accepted. As the youngest member of the freshman class, Holt found it difficult to obtain full acceptance as a college student, and his academic record reflected his apparent dissatisfaction. After two years at West Virginia University, Holt transferred to Salem College where the enrollment was smaller (approximately 300 students) and where he was able to live with his uncle, Professor Samuel Dew. It was at Salem College that Holt regained his self-confidence. His academic performance improved, and he maintained a B-plus average. In addition to academics, Holt excelled on the debate team. He was the editor-in-chief of the school paper, and he managed the tennis team.","In 1924, Holt received a Bachelor of Arts Degree and qualification to teach at secondary schools. Shortly after his graduation, he was hired to teach at Bedford High School in Virginia where he taught English and history in addition to serving as the school's athletic director. After one academic year, Holt returned to Weston, West Virginia, where he took a position at St. Patrick's High School as the athletic director. Holt also coached the basketball team with abundant success, leading the team to two national tournaments for Catholic schools. During this time, Holt also taught history as a part-time instructor at Glenville Normal School and Salem College, but his fascination with athletics persisted. In addition to coaching and occasional officiating, Holt also began writing about sports. Eventually, he began to contribute columns to daily West Virginia newspapers.","By the late 1920s, Holt was attracted to the political environment, and he began to contribute to candidates who were friends of and/or who shared the views of his father. In the summer of 1928, Holt went one step further by announcing his candidacy as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates. Despite Lewis County having been predominately Republican, in addition to not having received significant party backing, Holt still obtained a higher-than-expected amount of support, losing his race by only 500 votes. Once again, however, Holt would not admit defeat. In 1930 Holt again announced his candidacy for the West Virginia House of Delegates. During the campaign, he visited locations all around Lewis County, spoke to anyone who would listen, and ensured that the grievances such as those concerning government cost, increased taxes, and the power of privately owned public utilities would all be addressed. As expected with any campaign, Holt received criticism, and those who opposed him likened the young politician to his father who they declared was a radical, a socialist, and an atheist. Despite the scornful claims, Holt, by a margin of 2,150 votes, was elected to his first public office as a Democrat to the West Virginia Legislature where he served from 1931-1935. During his years as a delegate, as promised during his campaign, Holt spoke out against corrupt practices such as government spending, an issue he addressed not even a week into the 1931 session. In addition to debating issues in the House, Holt also wrote to state supported universities, highway commissioners, and auditors in West Virginia and numerous other states to gather financial figures concerning spending, salaries, and taxes among others. Holt also began an investigation in 1931 to uncover rates, operating costs, and profits of privately and publically owned utility companies. All of these endeavors were only the first chapter in Holt's political career.","By 1934 he had gained the political support and the backing of union workers which was enough to defeat incumbent United States Senator Henry Hatfield. At age twenty-nine, Holt became the youngest person to win a United States Senate seat; however, there was immediate criticism. No sooner had the votes been tallied before a protest was filed concerning Holt's credentials: the fact that he had run for an office when he had not been of the required age. In addition to discontent within his own state, Holt also received overwhelming opposition in Washington, D.C. from Senate Republicans who threatened to object on the grounds of the constitutional age requirement. Despite the criticism, Holt's election was not overturned; however, he had to wait until he turned thirty, over five months after the Seventy-forth Congress had convened, before he could participate in senatorial proceedings.","Just as he had been active in the West Virginia Legislature, Holt did not hesitate to address both major and minor issues on Capitol Hill either. During his time in the Senate, Holt served on several committees including Education and Labor, Immigration, Mines and Mining, Naval Affairs, and Post Offices and Post Roads. He also served as a member of the United States delegation to the 1939 Interparliamentary Conference in Oslo, Norway.","Although Holt had once been referred to as President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's \"Golden Boy,\" such alliances and the policies that had formed them began to dissolve by 1936. He became estranged from fellow Democrat and West Virginian Senator Matthew Neely, and Holt ended his support for the United Mine Workers of America and the Works Progress Administration, the latter of which he claimed was corrupt. Eventually, Holt criticized the Roosevelt administration for its New Deal policies, he adamantly fought Roosevelt's attempt to alter the Supreme Court by changing the number of sitting justices from nine to twelve, and he spoke out against the proposition of allowing a presidential third term. Furthermore, as unrest began in Europe with Germany's invasion of Poland, Holt campaigned against any attempts by the administration to involve the United States in the War. The responses from constituents about Holt's actions were mixed; nevertheless, the young senator's sudden change led to his unsuccessful renomination attempt in 1940. Holt did not even make it past the primary election.","After his Senate term ended, Holt remained in Washington, D.C. and began to support himself as a lecturer and a writer of political issues, particularly neutrality for which he received the support of the America First Committee. It was also during this time that Holt met Helen Louise Froelich, a biology teacher at National Park College near Washington. They were married a year later and moved to West Virginia. The couple had two children: a daughter, Helen Jane Holt (born in 1945) and a son, Rush Dew Holt, Jr. (born in 1948). When Senator Holt's sister, Jane (Holt) Chase, died in 1952, the couple adopted her son, David. After the Holts returned to West Virginia in 1941, Holt stayed involved in politics by accepting speaking engagements.","During the remainder of the 1940s, Holt ran several times for state offices with modest success. He was elected to the State House of Delegates in 1942 and was reelected in 1944 by write-in vote and 1946 without opposition. After a failed attempt to win the West Virginia Democratic gubernatorial nomination in 1944 and the nomination for United States Senator in 1948, Holt changed political affiliation. Despite this, his lack of success to achieve positions beyond the House of Delegates continued. In 1950, he won the Republican nomination to represent West Virginia's Third District in the United States House of Representatives but lost in the general election, and in 1952 Holt came very close to winning the race for West Virginia governor as the Republican candidate but lost to William Marland by fewer than 30,000 votes. Success returned in 1954 when Holt was elected to the West Virginia House of Delegates by the voters of Lewis County, but he was unable to finish his term due to illness.","Holt died on February 8, 1955 after a long, tough campaign against cancer.","Chronological List of Events:","June 19, 1905: born","1920: graduated from high school","1920-1922: attended West Virginia University","1922-1924: attended Salem College, received a BA degree","1924-1925: taught English and history and served as athletic director at Bedford High School in Virginia","1925-1928: served as athletic director and basketball coach at St. Patrick's High School (Catholic school) in Weston, West Virginia; taught history as a part-time instructor at Glenville Normal School and Salem College; and contributed sport columns to daily West Virginia newspapers","1928: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates, lost by 500 votes","1930: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates, won by 2,150 votes, served from 1931-1935","1934: ran as a Democrat for the United States Senate and won despite being only twenty-nine years old","1939: served as a member of the United States delegation to the Interparliamentary Conference in Oslo, Norway","1940: ran for renomination to the Senate, failed to win the primary election","1941: married Helen Louise Froelich","1942: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates and won, reelected in 1944, 1946, and 1948, served until 1950.","1944: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia gubernatorial nomination but was unsuccessful","1945: birth of Helen Jane Holt","1948: birth of Rush Dew Holt, Jr.","1948: ran as a Democrat for the United States Senate nomination but was unsuccessful","1948: switched political affiliation to the Republican Party","1952: ran as the Republican candidate for West Virginia Governor but lost to William Marland by fewer than 30,000 votes","1954: ran as a Republican for the West Virginia House of Delegates and won","February 8, 1955: death","Sources:","Coffey, William Ellis. Rush Dew Holt: The Boy Senator. Dissertation, West Virginia University, 1970.","A\u0026M 0873, Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, West Virginia and Regional History Center, West Virginia University Libraries."],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e[Description and date of item], [Box/folder number], Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, A\u0026amp;M 0873, West Virginia and Regional History Center, West Virginia University Libraries, Morgantown, West Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"prefercite_tesim":["[Description and date of item], [Box/folder number], Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, A\u0026M 0873, West Virginia and Regional History Center, West Virginia University Libraries, Morgantown, West Virginia."],"relatedmaterial_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e1858, 3001, 3943, 4039, 4218, 4386\u003c/p\u003e  "],"relatedmaterial_heading_ssm":["Related A\u0026M Collections"],"relatedmaterial_tesim":["1858, 3001, 3943, 4039, 4218, 4386"],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003ePapers of Rush Dew Holt, Sr. (1905-1955) relating to his personal and political activities. Types of material include publications, clippings, correspondence, photographs, and ephemera, among others. The collection is divided into six series: Personal and Political Papers (1840-2000 and undated) includes correspondence; invitations and cards; material representing campaign activities; and material from college courses, among other material that represents Rush Holt's personal life and political career; and ephemera collected by Rush Holt. Artifacts (1939-1952 and undated) includes personal and political items collected by Rush Holt. Legislative Records (1920-1955 and undated) includes correspondence, reports, publications, clippings, statistics, transcripts, financial records, and project records, among other miscellaneous material relative to Rush Holt's committee-based and general legislative activity. Constituent Services (1923-1954 and undated) includes mail received by Rush Holt during his time in the West Virginia House of Delegates and the United States Senate from constituents providing political opinions to Holt or requesting government publications and bulletins, copies of speeches, educational material, and Rush Holt's recommendation to the United States Military or Naval Academy. Press and Media Activity (1925-2003 and undated) includes original and photocopied articles from newspapers and similar publications, typescripts of press releases, pen-and-ink drawn political cartoons, transcripts of speeches, and sound recordings, among other material representing Rush Holt's involvement with the press and media. Administrative Files (1937-1940) includes material documenting the daily office activities of Rush Holt and his staff during the former's senatorial term.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe collection is divided into six series as follows:\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eSeries 1. Personal and Political Papers; 1840-2000 and undated (bulk 1918-1955)\u003c/emph\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIncludes material related to Rush Holt's personal, family, and political life. Additional material related to his work in politics can be found in Series 3 through 6. Types of material include correspondence; invitations and cards; material representing campaign activities; material from college courses; bills for recordings, radio station receipts, and election expenditures; typescripts, newsletters, manuscripts, and photocopies of material written by Rush Holt; publications to which Rush Holt subscribed and collected; photographs that represent Rush Holt's personal life and political career; ephemera collected by Rush Holt; and election results collected by Rush Holt.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eSeries 2. Artifacts; 1939-1952 and undated\u003c/emph\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIncludes personal and political items collected by Rush Holt.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eSeries 3. Legislative Records; 1920-1955 and undated\u003c/emph\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIncludes correspondence, reports, publications, clippings, statistics, transcripts, financial records, and project records, among other miscellaneous material relative to Rush Holt's committee-based and general legislative activity.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eSeries 4. Constituent Services; 1923-1954 and undated\u003c/emph\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIncludes mail received by Rush Holt during his time in the West Virginia House of Delegates and the United States Senate from constituents requesting government publications and bulletins, copies of speeches, educational material, and Rush Holt's recommendation to the United States Military or Naval Academy. In some cases, this series also includes typescript responses, many of which are generic.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eSeries 5. Press and Media Activity; 1925-2003 and undated (bulk 1925-1955)\u003c/emph\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIncludes original and photocopied articles from newspapers and similar publications, typescripts of press releases, pen-and-ink drawn political cartoons, transcripts of speeches, and sound recordings, among other material representing Rush Holt's involvement with the press and media.    \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eSeries 6. Administrative Files; 1937-1940\u003c/emph\u003e \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIncludes material documenting the daily office activities of Rush Holt and his staff during the former's senatorial term.   \u003c/p\u003e  "],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["Papers of Rush Dew Holt, Sr. (1905-1955) relating to his personal and political activities. Types of material include publications, clippings, correspondence, photographs, and ephemera, among others. The collection is divided into six series: Personal and Political Papers (1840-2000 and undated) includes correspondence; invitations and cards; material representing campaign activities; and material from college courses, among other material that represents Rush Holt's personal life and political career; and ephemera collected by Rush Holt. Artifacts (1939-1952 and undated) includes personal and political items collected by Rush Holt. Legislative Records (1920-1955 and undated) includes correspondence, reports, publications, clippings, statistics, transcripts, financial records, and project records, among other miscellaneous material relative to Rush Holt's committee-based and general legislative activity. Constituent Services (1923-1954 and undated) includes mail received by Rush Holt during his time in the West Virginia House of Delegates and the United States Senate from constituents providing political opinions to Holt or requesting government publications and bulletins, copies of speeches, educational material, and Rush Holt's recommendation to the United States Military or Naval Academy. Press and Media Activity (1925-2003 and undated) includes original and photocopied articles from newspapers and similar publications, typescripts of press releases, pen-and-ink drawn political cartoons, transcripts of speeches, and sound recordings, among other material representing Rush Holt's involvement with the press and media. Administrative Files (1937-1940) includes material documenting the daily office activities of Rush Holt and his staff during the former's senatorial term.","The collection is divided into six series as follows:","Series 1. Personal and Political Papers; 1840-2000 and undated (bulk 1918-1955)","Includes material related to Rush Holt's personal, family, and political life. Additional material related to his work in politics can be found in Series 3 through 6. Types of material include correspondence; invitations and cards; material representing campaign activities; material from college courses; bills for recordings, radio station receipts, and election expenditures; typescripts, newsletters, manuscripts, and photocopies of material written by Rush Holt; publications to which Rush Holt subscribed and collected; photographs that represent Rush Holt's personal life and political career; ephemera collected by Rush Holt; and election results collected by Rush Holt.","Series 2. Artifacts; 1939-1952 and undated","Includes personal and political items collected by Rush Holt.","Series 3. Legislative Records; 1920-1955 and undated","Includes correspondence, reports, publications, clippings, statistics, transcripts, financial records, and project records, among other miscellaneous material relative to Rush Holt's committee-based and general legislative activity.","Series 4. Constituent Services; 1923-1954 and undated","Includes mail received by Rush Holt during his time in the West Virginia House of Delegates and the United States Senate from constituents requesting government publications and bulletins, copies of speeches, educational material, and Rush Holt's recommendation to the United States Military or Naval Academy. In some cases, this series also includes typescript responses, many of which are generic.","Series 5. Press and Media Activity; 1925-2003 and undated (bulk 1925-1955)","Includes original and photocopied articles from newspapers and similar publications, typescripts of press releases, pen-and-ink drawn political cartoons, transcripts of speeches, and sound recordings, among other material representing Rush Holt's involvement with the press and media.","Series 6. Administrative Files; 1937-1940","Includes material documenting the daily office activities of Rush Holt and his staff during the former's senatorial term."],"separatedmaterial_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eEphemeral items not specific to Rush Dew Holt were moved to the Printed Ephemera Collection. Several local basketball scorecards were moved to A\u0026amp;M 4216, the Annual West Virginia State High School Basketball Tournament Programs collection.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e17 reels of undated sound recordings, chiefly relating to the political career of Rush Dew Holt, were separated to the oral history collection, C432 R699-R715 (17 tapes). These tapes include some personal material as well.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"separatedmaterial_heading_ssm":["Separated Materials"],"separatedmaterial_tesim":["Ephemeral items not specific to Rush Dew Holt were moved to the Printed Ephemera Collection. Several local basketball scorecards were moved to A\u0026M 4216, the Annual West Virginia State High School Basketball Tournament Programs collection.","17 reels of undated sound recordings, chiefly relating to the political career of Rush Dew Holt, were separated to the oral history collection, C432 R699-R715 (17 tapes). These tapes include some personal material as well."],"userestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003ePermission to publish or reproduce is required from the copyright holder. For more information, please see the \u003ca href=\"https://wvrhc.lib.wvu.edu/visit/permissions-and-copyright\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ePermissions and Copyright page\u003c/a\u003e on the West Virginia and Regional History Center website.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"userestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Use"],"userestrict_tesim":["Permission to publish or reproduce is required from the copyright holder. For more information, please see the Permissions and Copyright page on the West Virginia and Regional History Center website."],"abstract_html_tesm":["\u003cabstract id=\"aspace_7f7aca18f594cb9e240c48f7fdefc04e\"\u003ePapers of Rush Dew Holt, Sr. (1905-1955) relating to his personal and political activities. Types of material include publications, clippings, correspondence, photographs, and ephemera, among others. The collection is divided into six series: Personal and Political Papers (1840-2000 and undated), Artifacts (1939-1952 and undated), Legislative Records (1920-1955 and undated), Constituent Services (1923-1954 and undated), Press and Media Activity (1925-2003 and undated), and Administrative Files (1937-1940).\u003c/abstract\u003e\n    "],"abstract_tesim":["Papers of Rush Dew Holt, Sr. (1905-1955) relating to his personal and political activities. Types of material include publications, clippings, correspondence, photographs, and ephemera, among others. The collection is divided into six series: Personal and Political Papers (1840-2000 and undated), Artifacts (1939-1952 and undated), Legislative Records (1920-1955 and undated), Constituent Services (1923-1954 and undated), Press and Media Activity (1925-2003 and undated), and Administrative Files (1937-1940)."],"physloc_html_tesm":["\u003cphysloc id=\"aspace_c13cef4864374dc7a447894b02986413\"\u003eWest Virginia and Regional History Center / West Virginia University / 1549 University Avenue / P.O. Box 6069 / Morgantown, WV 26506-6069 / Phone: 304-293-3536  / URL: \u003ca href=\"https://wvrhc.lib.wvu.edu/\"\u003eWest Virginia \u0026amp; Regional History Center\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/physloc\u003e\n    "],"physloc_tesim":["West Virginia and Regional History Center / West Virginia University / 1549 University Avenue / P.O. Box 6069 / Morgantown, WV 26506-6069 / Phone: 304-293-3536  / URL: West Virginia \u0026 Regional History Center"],"corpname_ssim":["West Virginia and Regional History Center","America First Committee","American Federation of Labor","Congress of Industrial Organizations (U.S.)","United States. National Bituminous Coal Commission","United States. National Labor Relations Board","Progressive Mine Workers of America","United Mine Workers of America","United States. National Recovery Administration","United States. Supreme Court","United States. Congress. Senate","West Virginia. Legislature","United States. Works Progress Administration","Democratic Party (U.S.)","Weston State Hospital"],"names_coll_ssim":["America First Committee","American Federation of Labor","Congress of Industrial Organizations (U.S.)","United States. National Bituminous Coal Commission","United States. National Labor Relations Board","Progressive Mine Workers of America","United Mine Workers of America","United States. National Recovery Administration","United States. Supreme Court","United States. Congress. Senate","West Virginia. Legislature","United States. Works Progress Administration","Democratic Party (U.S.)","Weston State Hospital","Bittner, Van A. (Van Amberg), 1885-1949","Black, Hugo LaFayette, 1886-1971","Coughlin, Charles E.","Edmiston, Andrew.","Farley, James A. (James Aloysius), 1888-1976","Green, William.","Holt, Helen Louise Froelich, 1913-2015","Holt, Mathew S., 1850-1939","Holt, Rush Dew, 1905-1955","Hopkins, Harry L. (Harry Lloyd), 1890-1946","Ickes, Harold L. (Harold LeClair), 1874-1952","Kump, Herman Guy, 1877-1962","La Follette, Robert M. (Robert Marion), 1855-1925","Neely, Matthew Mansfield, 1874-1958","Lewis, John L. (John Llewellyn), 1880-1969","Long, Huey Pierce, 1893-1935"],"persname_ssim":["Holt, Rush Dew, 1905-1955","Bittner, Van A. (Van Amberg), 1885-1949","Black, Hugo LaFayette, 1886-1971","Coughlin, Charles E.","Edmiston, Andrew.","Farley, James A. (James Aloysius), 1888-1976","Green, William.","Holt, Helen Louise Froelich, 1913-2015","Holt, Mathew S., 1850-1939","Hopkins, Harry L. (Harry Lloyd), 1890-1946","Ickes, Harold L. (Harold LeClair), 1874-1952","Kump, Herman Guy, 1877-1962","La Follette, Robert M. (Robert Marion), 1855-1925","Neely, Matthew Mansfield, 1874-1958","Lewis, John L. (John Llewellyn), 1880-1969","Long, Huey Pierce, 1893-1935"],"names_ssim":["West Virginia and Regional History Center","America First Committee","American Federation of Labor","Congress of Industrial Organizations (U.S.)","United States. National Bituminous Coal Commission","United States. National Labor Relations Board","Progressive Mine Workers of America","United Mine Workers of America","United States. National Recovery Administration","United States. Supreme Court","United States. Congress. Senate","West Virginia. Legislature","United States. Works Progress Administration","Democratic Party (U.S.)","Weston State Hospital","Holt, Rush Dew, 1905-1955","Bittner, Van A. (Van Amberg), 1885-1949","Black, Hugo LaFayette, 1886-1971","Coughlin, Charles E.","Edmiston, Andrew.","Farley, James A. (James Aloysius), 1888-1976","Green, William.","Holt, Helen Louise Froelich, 1913-2015","Holt, Mathew S., 1850-1939","Hopkins, Harry L. (Harry Lloyd), 1890-1946","Ickes, Harold L. (Harold LeClair), 1874-1952","Kump, Herman Guy, 1877-1962","La Follette, Robert M. (Robert Marion), 1855-1925","Neely, Matthew Mansfield, 1874-1958","Lewis, John L. (John Llewellyn), 1880-1969","Long, Huey Pierce, 1893-1935"],"language_ssim":["English"],"descrules_ssm":["Describing Archives: A Content Standard"],"total_component_count_is":938,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-09-01T16:09:24.514Z"}]}},"label":"Breadcrumbs"}}},"links":{"self":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687_c01_c03"}},{"id":"wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687_c01_c01","type":"Sub-Series","attributes":{"title":"Personal and Political Papers--Correspondence, 1924/1955","abstract_or_scope":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687_c01_c01#abstract_or_scope","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"\u003cp\u003eIncludes correspondence relating to the personal and political issues of Rush Holt's life. \u003c/p\u003e","label":"Abstract Or Scope"}},"breadcrumbs":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687_c01_c01#breadcrumbs","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":{"ref_ssi":"wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687_c01_c01","ref_ssm":["wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687_c01_c01"],"id":"wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687_c01_c01","ead_ssi":"wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687","_root_":"wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687","_nest_parent_":"wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687_c01","parent_ssi":"wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687_c01","parent_ssim":["Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, 1840/2003, bulk 1918/1955","Series 1. Personal and Political Papers, 1840/2000, bulk 1918/1955"],"parent_ids_ssim":["wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687","wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687_c01"],"title_filing_ssi":"Personal and Political Papers--Correspondence","title_ssm":["Personal and Political Papers--Correspondence"],"title_tesim":["Personal and Political Papers--Correspondence"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Personal and Political Papers--Correspondence, 1924/1955"],"text":["Personal and Political Papers--Correspondence, 1924/1955","Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, 1840/2003, bulk 1918/1955","Series 1. Personal and Political Papers, 1840/2000, bulk 1918/1955","Includes correspondence relating to the personal and political issues of Rush Holt's life.","Because of different original series of correspondence, in addition to maintaining this original order, the material of this series, as a whole, is not in chronological order.","Personal correspondence topics include Rush Holt's marriage to Helen Louise Froelich, family matters such as births and deaths, holidays, Rush Holt's illness, and general correspondence with family and friends, among others.","Political correspondence topics include an anti-lynching bill which is represented by letters between Rush Holt and Walter White, former secretary for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People; the United Mine Workers of America which is represented by correspondence between Rush Holt and Frank Miley, former president of the United Mine Workers of America, District 31; and the seating issue from when Rush Holt was first elected to the Senate; among others.","Other prominent correspondents/subjects of correspondence include Joe Alderson, former WPA Director in Lewis County, West Virginia; Van A. Bittner, former president of United Mine Workers Association District 12; James A. Farley, former chairman of the Democratic National Committee; and Frank Miley, former president of the United Mine Workers of America, District 31, among others.","Items of note include political-related correspondence with Spencer Bonaventure Tracey (located in box 229, folder 7), Louise B. Mayer (located in box 229, folder 8), Walt Disney (located in box 229, folder 9), and James Cagney (located in box 229, folder 11). Other items of note include a poem titled Rejected (not Holt's) that is set in Hell and portrays President Franklin D. Roosevelt as a sinner (located in box 238, folder 3), and a letter from President Harry S. Truman (located in box 357, folder 1).","For correspondence directly related to Rush Holt's campaigns, please see Series 1. Personal and Political Papers—Campaign Material.","For Utility Investigating Committee-related correspondence, please see Series 3. Legislative Records—West Virginia House of Delegates Utility Investigating Committee","For Government Costs Committee-related correspondence, please see Series 3. Legislative Records—West Virginia House of Delegates State Government Costs Committee.","For Interstate Cooperation Commission-related correspondence, please see Series 3. Legislative Records—West Virginia House of Delegates Interstate Cooperation Commission.","For Works Progress Administration-related correspondence, please see Series 3. Legislative Records—Works Progress Administration."],"parent_unittitles_ssm":["Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, 1840/2003, bulk 1918/1955","Series 1. Personal and Political Papers, 1840/2000, bulk 1918/1955"],"parent_unittitles_tesim":["Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, 1840/2003, bulk 1918/1955","Series 1. Personal and Political Papers, 1840/2000, bulk 1918/1955"],"normalized_date_ssm":["1924/1955"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1924-1955 and undated"],"level_ssm":["Sub-Series"],"level_ssim":["Sub-series"],"component_level_isim":[2],"sort_isi":2,"repository_ssim":["West Virginia and Regional History Center"],"collection_ssim":["Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, 1840/2003, bulk 1918/1955"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"child_component_count_isi":164,"parent_access_restrict_tesm":["No special access restriction applies."],"parent_access_terms_tesm":["Permission to publish or reproduce is required from the copyright holder. For more information, please see the Permissions and Copyright page on the West Virginia and Regional History Center website."],"date_range_isim":[1924,1925,1926,1927,1928,1929,1930,1931,1932,1933,1934,1935,1936,1937,1938,1939,1940,1941,1942,1943,1944,1945,1946,1947,1948,1949,1950,1951,1952,1953,1954,1955],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eIncludes correspondence relating to the personal and political issues of Rush Holt's life. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e Because of different original series of correspondence, in addition to maintaining this original order, the material of this series, as a whole, is not in chronological order. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e Personal correspondence topics include Rush Holt's marriage to Helen Louise Froelich, family matters such as births and deaths, holidays, Rush Holt's illness, and general correspondence with family and friends, among others.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e Political correspondence topics include an anti-lynching bill which is represented by letters between Rush Holt and Walter White, former secretary for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People; the United Mine Workers of America which is represented by correspondence between Rush Holt and Frank Miley, former president of the United Mine Workers of America, District 31; and the seating issue from when Rush Holt was first elected to the Senate; among others.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e Other prominent correspondents/subjects of correspondence include Joe Alderson, former WPA Director in Lewis County, West Virginia; Van A. Bittner, former president of United Mine Workers Association District 12; James A. Farley, former chairman of the Democratic National Committee; and Frank Miley, former president of the United Mine Workers of America, District 31, among others. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e Items of note include political-related correspondence with Spencer Bonaventure Tracey (located in box 229, folder 7), Louise B. Mayer (located in box 229, folder 8), Walt Disney (located in box 229, folder 9), and James Cagney (located in box 229, folder 11). Other items of note include a poem titled Rejected (not Holt's) that is set in Hell and portrays President Franklin D. Roosevelt as a sinner (located in box 238, folder 3), and a letter from President Harry S. Truman (located in box 357, folder 1).\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e For correspondence directly related to Rush Holt's campaigns, please see Series 1. Personal and Political Papers—Campaign Material.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e For Utility Investigating Committee-related correspondence, please see Series 3. Legislative Records—West Virginia House of Delegates Utility Investigating Committee\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e For Government Costs Committee-related correspondence, please see Series 3. Legislative Records—West Virginia House of Delegates State Government Costs Committee.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e For Interstate Cooperation Commission-related correspondence, please see Series 3. Legislative Records—West Virginia House of Delegates Interstate Cooperation Commission. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e For Works Progress Administration-related correspondence, please see Series 3. Legislative Records—Works Progress Administration.\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["Includes correspondence relating to the personal and political issues of Rush Holt's life.","Because of different original series of correspondence, in addition to maintaining this original order, the material of this series, as a whole, is not in chronological order.","Personal correspondence topics include Rush Holt's marriage to Helen Louise Froelich, family matters such as births and deaths, holidays, Rush Holt's illness, and general correspondence with family and friends, among others.","Political correspondence topics include an anti-lynching bill which is represented by letters between Rush Holt and Walter White, former secretary for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People; the United Mine Workers of America which is represented by correspondence between Rush Holt and Frank Miley, former president of the United Mine Workers of America, District 31; and the seating issue from when Rush Holt was first elected to the Senate; among others.","Other prominent correspondents/subjects of correspondence include Joe Alderson, former WPA Director in Lewis County, West Virginia; Van A. Bittner, former president of United Mine Workers Association District 12; James A. Farley, former chairman of the Democratic National Committee; and Frank Miley, former president of the United Mine Workers of America, District 31, among others.","Items of note include political-related correspondence with Spencer Bonaventure Tracey (located in box 229, folder 7), Louise B. Mayer (located in box 229, folder 8), Walt Disney (located in box 229, folder 9), and James Cagney (located in box 229, folder 11). Other items of note include a poem titled Rejected (not Holt's) that is set in Hell and portrays President Franklin D. Roosevelt as a sinner (located in box 238, folder 3), and a letter from President Harry S. Truman (located in box 357, folder 1).","For correspondence directly related to Rush Holt's campaigns, please see Series 1. Personal and Political Papers—Campaign Material.","For Utility Investigating Committee-related correspondence, please see Series 3. Legislative Records—West Virginia House of Delegates Utility Investigating Committee","For Government Costs Committee-related correspondence, please see Series 3. Legislative Records—West Virginia House of Delegates State Government Costs Committee.","For Interstate Cooperation Commission-related correspondence, please see Series 3. Legislative Records—West Virginia House of Delegates Interstate Cooperation Commission.","For Works Progress Administration-related correspondence, please see Series 3. Legislative Records—Works Progress Administration."],"_nest_path_":"/components#0/components#0","timestamp":"2026-09-01T16:09:24.514Z","collection":{"numFound":1,"start":0,"numFoundExact":true,"docs":[{"id":"wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687","ead_ssi":"wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687","_root_":"wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687","_nest_parent_":"wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/WVU/repositories_2_resources_3687.xml","aspace_url_ssi":"https://archives.lib.wvu.edu/ark:/99999/208740","title_ssm":["Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers"],"title_tesim":["Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers"],"unitdate_ssm":["1840-2003","1918-1955"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1840-2003"],"unitdate_bulk_ssim":["1918-1955"],"normalized_date_ssm":["1840/2003, bulk 1918/1955"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, 1840/2003, bulk 1918/1955"],"text":["Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, 1840/2003, bulk 1918/1955","A\u0026M 0873","Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","/repositories/2/resources/3687","Lewis County.","West Virginia -- Politics and government","United States -- Politics and government","Coal mining - Labor organization.","Education","Elections","Guffey Coal Act.","New Deal, 1933-1939","Politics and government.","Public utilities","Taxation","Unions.","United States - Social Security.","Social Security -- United States","Wheeler-Rayburn Holding Company Act","Isolationism -- United States -- History -- 20th Century","World War, 1939-1945","Politicians -- United States","No special access restriction applies.","This collection is one of five (see also A\u0026M 1858, 4218, 4039, and 3943) pertaining to Rush Dew Holt, Sr. and his family. The records have been gathered via multiple accruals from 1956 to 2016. Originally, these collections were divided between A\u0026M 873 and A\u0026M 1701, the latter also being composed of thirteen addenda and A\u0026M 1858.","In an attempt to organize the collections in a more coherent fashion for patron use and to reflect the creator(s) in a more concise manner, the material was reevaluated and reorganized into the three sets of papers with distinct series and subseries: A\u0026M 873: Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers; A\u0026M 1858: Helen Holt (1913-2015) Papers; and A\u0026M 4218: Rush Dew Holt Family Papers.","Because of the 2016-2017 reorganization, the physical arrangement no longer matches the intellectual arrangement and series order. Furthermore, any box and folder citations created prior to the above-mentioned project are likely no longer accurate.","For assistance locating material using an older citation, please ask a staff member of the West Virginia \u0026 Regional History Center.","Rush Dew Holt was born in Weston, West Virginia, on June 19, 1905 to parents, Dr. Matthew S. Holt and Chihela (Dew) Holt. From an early age, Holt displayed scholarly potential. By age three, he was able to read first-grade primers, and eventually became interested in numerous topics for which he was able to provide detailed statistics. Among these interests was politics, and by age six, Holt had decided he would become a Democrat.","The potential displayed by Holt as a child continued into his school years. At age five, he began public education in the second grade, and he skipped grades on two more occasions. He attended Weston High School, and after graduating with honors at age fourteen, Holt applied to the University of Cincinnati; however, the register rejected the application because Holt, while academically qualified, was considered too young. Not one to admit defeat, a trait that would prove to be a lifelong characteristic, Holt turned to West Virginia University where he was accepted. As the youngest member of the freshman class, Holt found it difficult to obtain full acceptance as a college student, and his academic record reflected his apparent dissatisfaction. After two years at West Virginia University, Holt transferred to Salem College where the enrollment was smaller (approximately 300 students) and where he was able to live with his uncle, Professor Samuel Dew. It was at Salem College that Holt regained his self-confidence. His academic performance improved, and he maintained a B-plus average. In addition to academics, Holt excelled on the debate team. He was the editor-in-chief of the school paper, and he managed the tennis team.","In 1924, Holt received a Bachelor of Arts Degree and qualification to teach at secondary schools. Shortly after his graduation, he was hired to teach at Bedford High School in Virginia where he taught English and history in addition to serving as the school's athletic director. After one academic year, Holt returned to Weston, West Virginia, where he took a position at St. Patrick's High School as the athletic director. Holt also coached the basketball team with abundant success, leading the team to two national tournaments for Catholic schools. During this time, Holt also taught history as a part-time instructor at Glenville Normal School and Salem College, but his fascination with athletics persisted. In addition to coaching and occasional officiating, Holt also began writing about sports. Eventually, he began to contribute columns to daily West Virginia newspapers.","By the late 1920s, Holt was attracted to the political environment, and he began to contribute to candidates who were friends of and/or who shared the views of his father. In the summer of 1928, Holt went one step further by announcing his candidacy as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates. Despite Lewis County having been predominately Republican, in addition to not having received significant party backing, Holt still obtained a higher-than-expected amount of support, losing his race by only 500 votes. Once again, however, Holt would not admit defeat. In 1930 Holt again announced his candidacy for the West Virginia House of Delegates. During the campaign, he visited locations all around Lewis County, spoke to anyone who would listen, and ensured that the grievances such as those concerning government cost, increased taxes, and the power of privately owned public utilities would all be addressed. As expected with any campaign, Holt received criticism, and those who opposed him likened the young politician to his father who they declared was a radical, a socialist, and an atheist. Despite the scornful claims, Holt, by a margin of 2,150 votes, was elected to his first public office as a Democrat to the West Virginia Legislature where he served from 1931-1935. During his years as a delegate, as promised during his campaign, Holt spoke out against corrupt practices such as government spending, an issue he addressed not even a week into the 1931 session. In addition to debating issues in the House, Holt also wrote to state supported universities, highway commissioners, and auditors in West Virginia and numerous other states to gather financial figures concerning spending, salaries, and taxes among others. Holt also began an investigation in 1931 to uncover rates, operating costs, and profits of privately and publically owned utility companies. All of these endeavors were only the first chapter in Holt's political career.","By 1934 he had gained the political support and the backing of union workers which was enough to defeat incumbent United States Senator Henry Hatfield. At age twenty-nine, Holt became the youngest person to win a United States Senate seat; however, there was immediate criticism. No sooner had the votes been tallied before a protest was filed concerning Holt's credentials: the fact that he had run for an office when he had not been of the required age. In addition to discontent within his own state, Holt also received overwhelming opposition in Washington, D.C. from Senate Republicans who threatened to object on the grounds of the constitutional age requirement. Despite the criticism, Holt's election was not overturned; however, he had to wait until he turned thirty, over five months after the Seventy-forth Congress had convened, before he could participate in senatorial proceedings.","Just as he had been active in the West Virginia Legislature, Holt did not hesitate to address both major and minor issues on Capitol Hill either. During his time in the Senate, Holt served on several committees including Education and Labor, Immigration, Mines and Mining, Naval Affairs, and Post Offices and Post Roads. He also served as a member of the United States delegation to the 1939 Interparliamentary Conference in Oslo, Norway.","Although Holt had once been referred to as President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's \"Golden Boy,\" such alliances and the policies that had formed them began to dissolve by 1936. He became estranged from fellow Democrat and West Virginian Senator Matthew Neely, and Holt ended his support for the United Mine Workers of America and the Works Progress Administration, the latter of which he claimed was corrupt. Eventually, Holt criticized the Roosevelt administration for its New Deal policies, he adamantly fought Roosevelt's attempt to alter the Supreme Court by changing the number of sitting justices from nine to twelve, and he spoke out against the proposition of allowing a presidential third term. Furthermore, as unrest began in Europe with Germany's invasion of Poland, Holt campaigned against any attempts by the administration to involve the United States in the War. The responses from constituents about Holt's actions were mixed; nevertheless, the young senator's sudden change led to his unsuccessful renomination attempt in 1940. Holt did not even make it past the primary election.","After his Senate term ended, Holt remained in Washington, D.C. and began to support himself as a lecturer and a writer of political issues, particularly neutrality for which he received the support of the America First Committee. It was also during this time that Holt met Helen Louise Froelich, a biology teacher at National Park College near Washington. They were married a year later and moved to West Virginia. The couple had two children: a daughter, Helen Jane Holt (born in 1945) and a son, Rush Dew Holt, Jr. (born in 1948). When Senator Holt's sister, Jane (Holt) Chase, died in 1952, the couple adopted her son, David. After the Holts returned to West Virginia in 1941, Holt stayed involved in politics by accepting speaking engagements.","During the remainder of the 1940s, Holt ran several times for state offices with modest success. He was elected to the State House of Delegates in 1942 and was reelected in 1944 by write-in vote and 1946 without opposition. After a failed attempt to win the West Virginia Democratic gubernatorial nomination in 1944 and the nomination for United States Senator in 1948, Holt changed political affiliation. Despite this, his lack of success to achieve positions beyond the House of Delegates continued. In 1950, he won the Republican nomination to represent West Virginia's Third District in the United States House of Representatives but lost in the general election, and in 1952 Holt came very close to winning the race for West Virginia governor as the Republican candidate but lost to William Marland by fewer than 30,000 votes. Success returned in 1954 when Holt was elected to the West Virginia House of Delegates by the voters of Lewis County, but he was unable to finish his term due to illness.","Holt died on February 8, 1955 after a long, tough campaign against cancer.","Chronological List of Events:","June 19, 1905: born","1920: graduated from high school","1920-1922: attended West Virginia University","1922-1924: attended Salem College, received a BA degree","1924-1925: taught English and history and served as athletic director at Bedford High School in Virginia","1925-1928: served as athletic director and basketball coach at St. Patrick's High School (Catholic school) in Weston, West Virginia; taught history as a part-time instructor at Glenville Normal School and Salem College; and contributed sport columns to daily West Virginia newspapers","1928: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates, lost by 500 votes","1930: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates, won by 2,150 votes, served from 1931-1935","1934: ran as a Democrat for the United States Senate and won despite being only twenty-nine years old","1939: served as a member of the United States delegation to the Interparliamentary Conference in Oslo, Norway","1940: ran for renomination to the Senate, failed to win the primary election","1941: married Helen Louise Froelich","1942: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates and won, reelected in 1944, 1946, and 1948, served until 1950.","1944: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia gubernatorial nomination but was unsuccessful","1945: birth of Helen Jane Holt","1948: birth of Rush Dew Holt, Jr.","1948: ran as a Democrat for the United States Senate nomination but was unsuccessful","1948: switched political affiliation to the Republican Party","1952: ran as the Republican candidate for West Virginia Governor but lost to William Marland by fewer than 30,000 votes","1954: ran as a Republican for the West Virginia House of Delegates and won","February 8, 1955: death","Sources:","Coffey, William Ellis. Rush Dew Holt: The Boy Senator. Dissertation, West Virginia University, 1970.","A\u0026M 0873, Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, West Virginia and Regional History Center, West Virginia University Libraries.","1858, 3001, 3943, 4039, 4218, 4386","Papers of Rush Dew Holt, Sr. (1905-1955) relating to his personal and political activities. Types of material include publications, clippings, correspondence, photographs, and ephemera, among others. The collection is divided into six series: Personal and Political Papers (1840-2000 and undated) includes correspondence; invitations and cards; material representing campaign activities; and material from college courses, among other material that represents Rush Holt's personal life and political career; and ephemera collected by Rush Holt. Artifacts (1939-1952 and undated) includes personal and political items collected by Rush Holt. Legislative Records (1920-1955 and undated) includes correspondence, reports, publications, clippings, statistics, transcripts, financial records, and project records, among other miscellaneous material relative to Rush Holt's committee-based and general legislative activity. Constituent Services (1923-1954 and undated) includes mail received by Rush Holt during his time in the West Virginia House of Delegates and the United States Senate from constituents providing political opinions to Holt or requesting government publications and bulletins, copies of speeches, educational material, and Rush Holt's recommendation to the United States Military or Naval Academy. Press and Media Activity (1925-2003 and undated) includes original and photocopied articles from newspapers and similar publications, typescripts of press releases, pen-and-ink drawn political cartoons, transcripts of speeches, and sound recordings, among other material representing Rush Holt's involvement with the press and media. Administrative Files (1937-1940) includes material documenting the daily office activities of Rush Holt and his staff during the former's senatorial term.","The collection is divided into six series as follows:","Series 1. Personal and Political Papers; 1840-2000 and undated (bulk 1918-1955)","Includes material related to Rush Holt's personal, family, and political life. Additional material related to his work in politics can be found in Series 3 through 6. Types of material include correspondence; invitations and cards; material representing campaign activities; material from college courses; bills for recordings, radio station receipts, and election expenditures; typescripts, newsletters, manuscripts, and photocopies of material written by Rush Holt; publications to which Rush Holt subscribed and collected; photographs that represent Rush Holt's personal life and political career; ephemera collected by Rush Holt; and election results collected by Rush Holt.","Series 2. Artifacts; 1939-1952 and undated","Includes personal and political items collected by Rush Holt.","Series 3. Legislative Records; 1920-1955 and undated","Includes correspondence, reports, publications, clippings, statistics, transcripts, financial records, and project records, among other miscellaneous material relative to Rush Holt's committee-based and general legislative activity.","Series 4. Constituent Services; 1923-1954 and undated","Includes mail received by Rush Holt during his time in the West Virginia House of Delegates and the United States Senate from constituents requesting government publications and bulletins, copies of speeches, educational material, and Rush Holt's recommendation to the United States Military or Naval Academy. In some cases, this series also includes typescript responses, many of which are generic.","Series 5. Press and Media Activity; 1925-2003 and undated (bulk 1925-1955)","Includes original and photocopied articles from newspapers and similar publications, typescripts of press releases, pen-and-ink drawn political cartoons, transcripts of speeches, and sound recordings, among other material representing Rush Holt's involvement with the press and media.","Series 6. Administrative Files; 1937-1940","Includes material documenting the daily office activities of Rush Holt and his staff during the former's senatorial term.","Ephemeral items not specific to Rush Dew Holt were moved to the Printed Ephemera Collection. Several local basketball scorecards were moved to A\u0026M 4216, the Annual West Virginia State High School Basketball Tournament Programs collection.","17 reels of undated sound recordings, chiefly relating to the political career of Rush Dew Holt, were separated to the oral history collection, C432 R699-R715 (17 tapes). These tapes include some personal material as well.","Permission to publish or reproduce is required from the copyright holder. For more information, please see the Permissions and Copyright page on the West Virginia and Regional History Center website.","Papers of Rush Dew Holt, Sr. (1905-1955) relating to his personal and political activities. Types of material include publications, clippings, correspondence, photographs, and ephemera, among others. The collection is divided into six series: Personal and Political Papers (1840-2000 and undated), Artifacts (1939-1952 and undated), Legislative Records (1920-1955 and undated), Constituent Services (1923-1954 and undated), Press and Media Activity (1925-2003 and undated), and Administrative Files (1937-1940).","West Virginia and Regional History Center / West Virginia University / 1549 University Avenue / P.O. Box 6069 / Morgantown, WV 26506-6069 / Phone: 304-293-3536  / URL: West Virginia \u0026 Regional History Center","West Virginia and Regional History Center","America First Committee","American Federation of Labor","Congress of Industrial Organizations (U.S.)","United States. National Bituminous Coal Commission","United States. National Labor Relations Board","Progressive Mine Workers of America","United Mine Workers of America","United States. National Recovery Administration","United States. Supreme Court","United States. Congress. Senate","West Virginia. Legislature","United States. Works Progress Administration","Democratic Party (U.S.)","Weston State Hospital","Holt, Rush Dew, 1905-1955","Bittner, Van A. (Van Amberg), 1885-1949","Black, Hugo LaFayette, 1886-1971","Coughlin, Charles E.","Edmiston, Andrew.","Farley, James A. (James Aloysius), 1888-1976","Green, William.","Holt, Helen Louise Froelich, 1913-2015","Holt, Mathew S., 1850-1939","Hopkins, Harry L. (Harry Lloyd), 1890-1946","Ickes, Harold L. (Harold LeClair), 1874-1952","Kump, Herman Guy, 1877-1962","La Follette, Robert M. (Robert Marion), 1855-1925","Neely, Matthew Mansfield, 1874-1958","Lewis, John L. (John Llewellyn), 1880-1969","Long, Huey Pierce, 1893-1935","English"],"collection_title_tesim":["Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, 1840/2003, bulk 1918/1955"],"collection_ssim":["Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, 1840/2003, bulk 1918/1955"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["A\u0026M 0873","Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","/repositories/2/resources/3687"],"unitid_tesim":["A\u0026M 0873","Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","Previous Archival Resource Key","/repositories/2/resources/3687"],"repository_ssm":["West Virginia and Regional History Center"],"repository_ssim":["West Virginia and Regional History Center"],"geogname_ssm":["Lewis County.","West Virginia -- Politics and government","United States -- Politics and government"],"geogname_ssim":["Lewis County.","West Virginia -- Politics and government","United States -- Politics and government"],"places_ssim":["Lewis County.","West Virginia -- Politics and government","United States -- Politics and government"],"creator_ssm":["Holt, Rush Dew, 1905-1955"],"creator_ssim":["Holt, Rush Dew, 1905-1955"],"creator_persname_ssim":["Holt, Rush Dew, 1905-1955","Bittner, Van A. (Van Amberg), 1885-1949","Black, Hugo LaFayette, 1886-1971","Coughlin, Charles E.","Edmiston, Andrew.","Farley, James A. (James Aloysius), 1888-1976","Green, William.","Holt, Helen Louise Froelich, 1913-2015","Holt, Mathew S., 1850-1939","Hopkins, Harry L. (Harry Lloyd), 1890-1946","Ickes, Harold L. (Harold LeClair), 1874-1952","Kump, Herman Guy, 1877-1962","La Follette, Robert M. (Robert Marion), 1855-1925","Neely, Matthew Mansfield, 1874-1958","Lewis, John L. (John Llewellyn), 1880-1969","Long, Huey Pierce, 1893-1935"],"creator_corpname_ssim":["West Virginia and Regional History Center","America First Committee","American Federation of Labor","Congress of Industrial Organizations (U.S.)","United States. National Bituminous Coal Commission","United States. National Labor Relations Board","Progressive Mine Workers of America","United Mine Workers of America","United States. National Recovery Administration","United States. Supreme Court","United States. Congress. Senate","West Virginia. Legislature","United States. Works Progress Administration","Democratic Party (U.S.)","Weston State Hospital"],"creators_ssim":["Holt, Rush Dew, 1905-1955","Bittner, Van A. (Van Amberg), 1885-1949","Black, Hugo LaFayette, 1886-1971","Coughlin, Charles E.","Edmiston, Andrew.","Farley, James A. (James Aloysius), 1888-1976","Green, William.","Holt, Helen Louise Froelich, 1913-2015","Holt, Mathew S., 1850-1939","Hopkins, Harry L. (Harry Lloyd), 1890-1946","Ickes, Harold L. (Harold LeClair), 1874-1952","Kump, Herman Guy, 1877-1962","La Follette, Robert M. (Robert Marion), 1855-1925","Neely, Matthew Mansfield, 1874-1958","Lewis, John L. (John Llewellyn), 1880-1969","Long, Huey Pierce, 1893-1935","West Virginia and Regional History Center","America First Committee","American Federation of Labor","Congress of Industrial Organizations (U.S.)","United States. National Bituminous Coal Commission","United States. National Labor Relations Board","Progressive Mine Workers of America","United Mine Workers of America","United States. National Recovery Administration","United States. Supreme Court","United States. Congress. Senate","West Virginia. Legislature","United States. Works Progress Administration","Democratic Party (U.S.)","Weston State Hospital"],"access_terms_ssm":["Permission to publish or reproduce is required from the copyright holder. For more information, please see the Permissions and Copyright page on the West Virginia and Regional History Center website."],"acqinfo_ssim":["Gifts of Holt, Helen F., 1956-2016."],"access_subjects_ssim":["Coal mining - Labor organization.","Education","Elections","Guffey Coal Act.","New Deal, 1933-1939","Politics and government.","Public utilities","Taxation","Unions.","United States - Social Security.","Social Security -- United States","Wheeler-Rayburn Holding Company Act","Isolationism -- United States -- History -- 20th Century","World War, 1939-1945","Politicians -- United States"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Coal mining - Labor organization.","Education","Elections","Guffey Coal Act.","New Deal, 1933-1939","Politics and government.","Public utilities","Taxation","Unions.","United States - Social Security.","Social Security -- United States","Wheeler-Rayburn Holding Company Act","Isolationism -- United States -- History -- 20th Century","World War, 1939-1945","Politicians -- United States"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"extent_ssm":["156.21 Linear Feet 156 ft. 2 1/2 in. (360 document cases, 5 in. each); (1 document case, 4 in.); (14 document cases, 2 1/2 in.); (1 flat storage box, 5 in.); (1 flat storage box, 3 1/2 in.); (2 flat storage boxes, 3 in. each); (3 flat storage boxes, 2 1/2 in. each); (9 flat storage boxes, 1 1/2 in. each); (\n44 photos in photograph filing cabinets)","11.7 Gigabytes 131 TIFF files, 2 PDF files"],"extent_tesim":["156.21 Linear Feet 156 ft. 2 1/2 in. (360 document cases, 5 in. each); (1 document case, 4 in.); (14 document cases, 2 1/2 in.); (1 flat storage box, 5 in.); (1 flat storage box, 3 1/2 in.); (2 flat storage boxes, 3 in. each); (3 flat storage boxes, 2 1/2 in. each); (9 flat storage boxes, 1 1/2 in. each); (\n44 photos in photograph filing cabinets)","11.7 Gigabytes 131 TIFF files, 2 PDF files"],"date_range_isim":[1840,1841,1842,1843,1844,1845,1846,1847,1848,1849,1850,1851,1852,1853,1854,1855,1856,1857,1858,1859,1860,1861,1862,1863,1864,1865,1866,1867,1868,1869,1870,1871,1872,1873,1874,1875,1876,1877,1878,1879,1880,1881,1882,1883,1884,1885,1886,1887,1888,1889,1890,1891,1892,1893,1894,1895,1896,1897,1898,1899,1900,1901,1902,1903,1904,1905,1906,1907,1908,1909,1910,1911,1912,1913,1914,1915,1916,1917,1918,1919,1920,1921,1922,1923,1924,1925,1926,1927,1928,1929,1930,1931,1932,1933,1934,1935,1936,1937,1938,1939,1940,1941,1942,1943,1944,1945,1946,1947,1948,1949,1950,1951,1952,1953,1954,1955,1956,1957,1958,1959,1960,1961,1962,1963,1964,1965,1966,1967,1968,1969,1970,1971,1972,1973,1974,1975,1976,1977,1978,1979,1980,1981,1982,1983,1984,1985,1986,1987,1988,1989,1990,1991,1992,1993,1994,1995,1996,1997,1998,1999,2000,2001,2002,2003],"accessrestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp style=\"color: red;\"\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eNo special access restriction applies.\u003c/emph\u003e\u003c/p\u003e  "],"accessrestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Access"],"accessrestrict_tesim":["No special access restriction applies."],"arrangement_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThis collection is one of five (see also A\u0026amp;M 1858, 4218, 4039, and 3943) pertaining to Rush Dew Holt, Sr. and his family. The records have been gathered via multiple accruals from 1956 to 2016. Originally, these collections were divided between A\u0026amp;M 873 and A\u0026amp;M 1701, the latter also being composed of thirteen addenda and A\u0026amp;M 1858. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIn an attempt to organize the collections in a more coherent fashion for patron use and to reflect the creator(s) in a more concise manner, the material was reevaluated and reorganized into the three sets of papers with distinct series and subseries: A\u0026amp;M 873: Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers; A\u0026amp;M 1858: Helen Holt (1913-2015) Papers; and A\u0026amp;M 4218: Rush Dew Holt Family Papers.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eBecause of the 2016-2017 reorganization, the physical arrangement no longer matches the intellectual arrangement and series order. Furthermore, any box and folder citations created prior to the above-mentioned project are likely no longer accurate. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFor assistance locating material using an older citation, please ask a staff member of the West Virginia \u0026amp; Regional History Center.    \u003c/p\u003e  "],"arrangement_heading_ssm":["Arrangement"],"arrangement_tesim":["This collection is one of five (see also A\u0026M 1858, 4218, 4039, and 3943) pertaining to Rush Dew Holt, Sr. and his family. The records have been gathered via multiple accruals from 1956 to 2016. Originally, these collections were divided between A\u0026M 873 and A\u0026M 1701, the latter also being composed of thirteen addenda and A\u0026M 1858.","In an attempt to organize the collections in a more coherent fashion for patron use and to reflect the creator(s) in a more concise manner, the material was reevaluated and reorganized into the three sets of papers with distinct series and subseries: A\u0026M 873: Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers; A\u0026M 1858: Helen Holt (1913-2015) Papers; and A\u0026M 4218: Rush Dew Holt Family Papers.","Because of the 2016-2017 reorganization, the physical arrangement no longer matches the intellectual arrangement and series order. Furthermore, any box and folder citations created prior to the above-mentioned project are likely no longer accurate.","For assistance locating material using an older citation, please ask a staff member of the West Virginia \u0026 Regional History Center."],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eRush Dew Holt was born in Weston, West Virginia, on June 19, 1905 to parents, Dr. Matthew S. Holt and Chihela (Dew) Holt. From an early age, Holt displayed scholarly potential. By age three, he was able to read first-grade primers, and eventually became interested in numerous topics for which he was able to provide detailed statistics. Among these interests was politics, and by age six, Holt had decided he would become a Democrat.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe potential displayed by Holt as a child continued into his school years. At age five, he began public education in the second grade, and he skipped grades on two more occasions. He attended Weston High School, and after graduating with honors at age fourteen, Holt applied to the University of Cincinnati; however, the register rejected the application because Holt, while academically qualified, was considered too young. Not one to admit defeat, a trait that would prove to be a lifelong characteristic, Holt turned to West Virginia University where he was accepted. As the youngest member of the freshman class, Holt found it difficult to obtain full acceptance as a college student, and his academic record reflected his apparent dissatisfaction. After two years at West Virginia University, Holt transferred to Salem College where the enrollment was smaller (approximately 300 students) and where he was able to live with his uncle, Professor Samuel Dew. It was at Salem College that Holt regained his self-confidence. His academic performance improved, and he maintained a B-plus average. In addition to academics, Holt excelled on the debate team. He was the editor-in-chief of the school paper, and he managed the tennis team.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIn 1924, Holt received a Bachelor of Arts Degree and qualification to teach at secondary schools. Shortly after his graduation, he was hired to teach at Bedford High School in Virginia where he taught English and history in addition to serving as the school's athletic director. After one academic year, Holt returned to Weston, West Virginia, where he took a position at St. Patrick's High School as the athletic director. Holt also coached the basketball team with abundant success, leading the team to two national tournaments for Catholic schools. During this time, Holt also taught history as a part-time instructor at Glenville Normal School and Salem College, but his fascination with athletics persisted. In addition to coaching and occasional officiating, Holt also began writing about sports. Eventually, he began to contribute columns to daily West Virginia newspapers.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eBy the late 1920s, Holt was attracted to the political environment, and he began to contribute to candidates who were friends of and/or who shared the views of his father. In the summer of 1928, Holt went one step further by announcing his candidacy as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates. Despite Lewis County having been predominately Republican, in addition to not having received significant party backing, Holt still obtained a higher-than-expected amount of support, losing his race by only 500 votes. Once again, however, Holt would not admit defeat. In 1930 Holt again announced his candidacy for the West Virginia House of Delegates. During the campaign, he visited locations all around Lewis County, spoke to anyone who would listen, and ensured that the grievances such as those concerning government cost, increased taxes, and the power of privately owned public utilities would all be addressed. As expected with any campaign, Holt received criticism, and those who opposed him likened the young politician to his father who they declared was a radical, a socialist, and an atheist. Despite the scornful claims, Holt, by a margin of 2,150 votes, was elected to his first public office as a Democrat to the West Virginia Legislature where he served from 1931-1935. During his years as a delegate, as promised during his campaign, Holt spoke out against corrupt practices such as government spending, an issue he addressed not even a week into the 1931 session. In addition to debating issues in the House, Holt also wrote to state supported universities, highway commissioners, and auditors in West Virginia and numerous other states to gather financial figures concerning spending, salaries, and taxes among others. Holt also began an investigation in 1931 to uncover rates, operating costs, and profits of privately and publically owned utility companies. All of these endeavors were only the first chapter in Holt's political career.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eBy 1934 he had gained the political support and the backing of union workers which was enough to defeat incumbent United States Senator Henry Hatfield. At age twenty-nine, Holt became the youngest person to win a United States Senate seat; however, there was immediate criticism. No sooner had the votes been tallied before a protest was filed concerning Holt's credentials: the fact that he had run for an office when he had not been of the required age. In addition to discontent within his own state, Holt also received overwhelming opposition in Washington, D.C. from Senate Republicans who threatened to object on the grounds of the constitutional age requirement. Despite the criticism, Holt's election was not overturned; however, he had to wait until he turned thirty, over five months after the Seventy-forth Congress had convened, before he could participate in senatorial proceedings.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eJust as he had been active in the West Virginia Legislature, Holt did not hesitate to address both major and minor issues on Capitol Hill either. During his time in the Senate, Holt served on several committees including Education and Labor, Immigration, Mines and Mining, Naval Affairs, and Post Offices and Post Roads. He also served as a member of the United States delegation to the 1939 Interparliamentary Conference in Oslo, Norway.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAlthough Holt had once been referred to as President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's \"Golden Boy,\" such alliances and the policies that had formed them began to dissolve by 1936. He became estranged from fellow Democrat and West Virginian Senator Matthew Neely, and Holt ended his support for the United Mine Workers of America and the Works Progress Administration, the latter of which he claimed was corrupt. Eventually, Holt criticized the Roosevelt administration for its New Deal policies, he adamantly fought Roosevelt's attempt to alter the Supreme Court by changing the number of sitting justices from nine to twelve, and he spoke out against the proposition of allowing a presidential third term. Furthermore, as unrest began in Europe with Germany's invasion of Poland, Holt campaigned against any attempts by the administration to involve the United States in the War. The responses from constituents about Holt's actions were mixed; nevertheless, the young senator's sudden change led to his unsuccessful renomination attempt in 1940. Holt did not even make it past the primary election.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAfter his Senate term ended, Holt remained in Washington, D.C. and began to support himself as a lecturer and a writer of political issues, particularly neutrality for which he received the support of the America First Committee. It was also during this time that Holt met Helen Louise Froelich, a biology teacher at National Park College near Washington. They were married a year later and moved to West Virginia. The couple had two children: a daughter, Helen Jane Holt (born in 1945) and a son, Rush Dew Holt, Jr. (born in 1948). When Senator Holt's sister, Jane (Holt) Chase, died in 1952, the couple adopted her son, David. After the Holts returned to West Virginia in 1941, Holt stayed involved in politics by accepting speaking engagements. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDuring the remainder of the 1940s, Holt ran several times for state offices with modest success. He was elected to the State House of Delegates in 1942 and was reelected in 1944 by write-in vote and 1946 without opposition. After a failed attempt to win the West Virginia Democratic gubernatorial nomination in 1944 and the nomination for United States Senator in 1948, Holt changed political affiliation. Despite this, his lack of success to achieve positions beyond the House of Delegates continued. In 1950, he won the Republican nomination to represent West Virginia's Third District in the United States House of Representatives but lost in the general election, and in 1952 Holt came very close to winning the race for West Virginia governor as the Republican candidate but lost to William Marland by fewer than 30,000 votes. Success returned in 1954 when Holt was elected to the West Virginia House of Delegates by the voters of Lewis County, but he was unable to finish his term due to illness.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHolt died on February 8, 1955 after a long, tough campaign against cancer.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eChronological List of Events:\u003c/emph\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eJune 19, 1905: born\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1920: graduated from high school\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1920-1922: attended West Virginia University\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1922-1924: attended Salem College, received a BA degree \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1924-1925: taught English and history and served as athletic director at Bedford High School in Virginia\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1925-1928: served as athletic director and basketball coach at St. Patrick's High School (Catholic school) in Weston, West Virginia; taught history as a part-time instructor at Glenville Normal School and Salem College; and contributed sport columns to daily West Virginia newspapers\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1928: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates, lost by 500 votes \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1930: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates, won by 2,150 votes, served from 1931-1935 \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1934: ran as a Democrat for the United States Senate and won despite being only twenty-nine years old\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1939: served as a member of the United States delegation to the Interparliamentary Conference in Oslo, Norway\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1940: ran for renomination to the Senate, failed to win the primary election\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1941: married Helen Louise Froelich\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1942: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates and won, reelected in 1944, 1946, and 1948, served until 1950.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1944: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia gubernatorial nomination but was unsuccessful  \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1945: birth of Helen Jane Holt\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1948: birth of Rush Dew Holt, Jr.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1948: ran as a Democrat for the United States Senate nomination but was unsuccessful \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1948: switched political affiliation to the Republican Party \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1952: ran as the Republican candidate for West Virginia Governor but lost to William Marland by fewer than 30,000 votes\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1954: ran as a Republican for the West Virginia House of Delegates and won\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFebruary 8, 1955: death \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eSources:\u003c/emph\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCoffey, William Ellis. \u003cemph render=\"italic\"\u003eRush Dew Holt: The Boy Senator.\u003c/emph\u003e Dissertation, West Virginia University, 1970. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA\u0026amp;M 0873, Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, West Virginia and Regional History Center, West Virginia University Libraries.  \u003c/p\u003e  "],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical / Historical"],"bioghist_tesim":["Rush Dew Holt was born in Weston, West Virginia, on June 19, 1905 to parents, Dr. Matthew S. Holt and Chihela (Dew) Holt. From an early age, Holt displayed scholarly potential. By age three, he was able to read first-grade primers, and eventually became interested in numerous topics for which he was able to provide detailed statistics. Among these interests was politics, and by age six, Holt had decided he would become a Democrat.","The potential displayed by Holt as a child continued into his school years. At age five, he began public education in the second grade, and he skipped grades on two more occasions. He attended Weston High School, and after graduating with honors at age fourteen, Holt applied to the University of Cincinnati; however, the register rejected the application because Holt, while academically qualified, was considered too young. Not one to admit defeat, a trait that would prove to be a lifelong characteristic, Holt turned to West Virginia University where he was accepted. As the youngest member of the freshman class, Holt found it difficult to obtain full acceptance as a college student, and his academic record reflected his apparent dissatisfaction. After two years at West Virginia University, Holt transferred to Salem College where the enrollment was smaller (approximately 300 students) and where he was able to live with his uncle, Professor Samuel Dew. It was at Salem College that Holt regained his self-confidence. His academic performance improved, and he maintained a B-plus average. In addition to academics, Holt excelled on the debate team. He was the editor-in-chief of the school paper, and he managed the tennis team.","In 1924, Holt received a Bachelor of Arts Degree and qualification to teach at secondary schools. Shortly after his graduation, he was hired to teach at Bedford High School in Virginia where he taught English and history in addition to serving as the school's athletic director. After one academic year, Holt returned to Weston, West Virginia, where he took a position at St. Patrick's High School as the athletic director. Holt also coached the basketball team with abundant success, leading the team to two national tournaments for Catholic schools. During this time, Holt also taught history as a part-time instructor at Glenville Normal School and Salem College, but his fascination with athletics persisted. In addition to coaching and occasional officiating, Holt also began writing about sports. Eventually, he began to contribute columns to daily West Virginia newspapers.","By the late 1920s, Holt was attracted to the political environment, and he began to contribute to candidates who were friends of and/or who shared the views of his father. In the summer of 1928, Holt went one step further by announcing his candidacy as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates. Despite Lewis County having been predominately Republican, in addition to not having received significant party backing, Holt still obtained a higher-than-expected amount of support, losing his race by only 500 votes. Once again, however, Holt would not admit defeat. In 1930 Holt again announced his candidacy for the West Virginia House of Delegates. During the campaign, he visited locations all around Lewis County, spoke to anyone who would listen, and ensured that the grievances such as those concerning government cost, increased taxes, and the power of privately owned public utilities would all be addressed. As expected with any campaign, Holt received criticism, and those who opposed him likened the young politician to his father who they declared was a radical, a socialist, and an atheist. Despite the scornful claims, Holt, by a margin of 2,150 votes, was elected to his first public office as a Democrat to the West Virginia Legislature where he served from 1931-1935. During his years as a delegate, as promised during his campaign, Holt spoke out against corrupt practices such as government spending, an issue he addressed not even a week into the 1931 session. In addition to debating issues in the House, Holt also wrote to state supported universities, highway commissioners, and auditors in West Virginia and numerous other states to gather financial figures concerning spending, salaries, and taxes among others. Holt also began an investigation in 1931 to uncover rates, operating costs, and profits of privately and publically owned utility companies. All of these endeavors were only the first chapter in Holt's political career.","By 1934 he had gained the political support and the backing of union workers which was enough to defeat incumbent United States Senator Henry Hatfield. At age twenty-nine, Holt became the youngest person to win a United States Senate seat; however, there was immediate criticism. No sooner had the votes been tallied before a protest was filed concerning Holt's credentials: the fact that he had run for an office when he had not been of the required age. In addition to discontent within his own state, Holt also received overwhelming opposition in Washington, D.C. from Senate Republicans who threatened to object on the grounds of the constitutional age requirement. Despite the criticism, Holt's election was not overturned; however, he had to wait until he turned thirty, over five months after the Seventy-forth Congress had convened, before he could participate in senatorial proceedings.","Just as he had been active in the West Virginia Legislature, Holt did not hesitate to address both major and minor issues on Capitol Hill either. During his time in the Senate, Holt served on several committees including Education and Labor, Immigration, Mines and Mining, Naval Affairs, and Post Offices and Post Roads. He also served as a member of the United States delegation to the 1939 Interparliamentary Conference in Oslo, Norway.","Although Holt had once been referred to as President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's \"Golden Boy,\" such alliances and the policies that had formed them began to dissolve by 1936. He became estranged from fellow Democrat and West Virginian Senator Matthew Neely, and Holt ended his support for the United Mine Workers of America and the Works Progress Administration, the latter of which he claimed was corrupt. Eventually, Holt criticized the Roosevelt administration for its New Deal policies, he adamantly fought Roosevelt's attempt to alter the Supreme Court by changing the number of sitting justices from nine to twelve, and he spoke out against the proposition of allowing a presidential third term. Furthermore, as unrest began in Europe with Germany's invasion of Poland, Holt campaigned against any attempts by the administration to involve the United States in the War. The responses from constituents about Holt's actions were mixed; nevertheless, the young senator's sudden change led to his unsuccessful renomination attempt in 1940. Holt did not even make it past the primary election.","After his Senate term ended, Holt remained in Washington, D.C. and began to support himself as a lecturer and a writer of political issues, particularly neutrality for which he received the support of the America First Committee. It was also during this time that Holt met Helen Louise Froelich, a biology teacher at National Park College near Washington. They were married a year later and moved to West Virginia. The couple had two children: a daughter, Helen Jane Holt (born in 1945) and a son, Rush Dew Holt, Jr. (born in 1948). When Senator Holt's sister, Jane (Holt) Chase, died in 1952, the couple adopted her son, David. After the Holts returned to West Virginia in 1941, Holt stayed involved in politics by accepting speaking engagements.","During the remainder of the 1940s, Holt ran several times for state offices with modest success. He was elected to the State House of Delegates in 1942 and was reelected in 1944 by write-in vote and 1946 without opposition. After a failed attempt to win the West Virginia Democratic gubernatorial nomination in 1944 and the nomination for United States Senator in 1948, Holt changed political affiliation. Despite this, his lack of success to achieve positions beyond the House of Delegates continued. In 1950, he won the Republican nomination to represent West Virginia's Third District in the United States House of Representatives but lost in the general election, and in 1952 Holt came very close to winning the race for West Virginia governor as the Republican candidate but lost to William Marland by fewer than 30,000 votes. Success returned in 1954 when Holt was elected to the West Virginia House of Delegates by the voters of Lewis County, but he was unable to finish his term due to illness.","Holt died on February 8, 1955 after a long, tough campaign against cancer.","Chronological List of Events:","June 19, 1905: born","1920: graduated from high school","1920-1922: attended West Virginia University","1922-1924: attended Salem College, received a BA degree","1924-1925: taught English and history and served as athletic director at Bedford High School in Virginia","1925-1928: served as athletic director and basketball coach at St. Patrick's High School (Catholic school) in Weston, West Virginia; taught history as a part-time instructor at Glenville Normal School and Salem College; and contributed sport columns to daily West Virginia newspapers","1928: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates, lost by 500 votes","1930: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates, won by 2,150 votes, served from 1931-1935","1934: ran as a Democrat for the United States Senate and won despite being only twenty-nine years old","1939: served as a member of the United States delegation to the Interparliamentary Conference in Oslo, Norway","1940: ran for renomination to the Senate, failed to win the primary election","1941: married Helen Louise Froelich","1942: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia House of Delegates and won, reelected in 1944, 1946, and 1948, served until 1950.","1944: ran as a Democrat for the West Virginia gubernatorial nomination but was unsuccessful","1945: birth of Helen Jane Holt","1948: birth of Rush Dew Holt, Jr.","1948: ran as a Democrat for the United States Senate nomination but was unsuccessful","1948: switched political affiliation to the Republican Party","1952: ran as the Republican candidate for West Virginia Governor but lost to William Marland by fewer than 30,000 votes","1954: ran as a Republican for the West Virginia House of Delegates and won","February 8, 1955: death","Sources:","Coffey, William Ellis. Rush Dew Holt: The Boy Senator. Dissertation, West Virginia University, 1970.","A\u0026M 0873, Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, West Virginia and Regional History Center, West Virginia University Libraries."],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e[Description and date of item], [Box/folder number], Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, A\u0026amp;M 0873, West Virginia and Regional History Center, West Virginia University Libraries, Morgantown, West Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"prefercite_tesim":["[Description and date of item], [Box/folder number], Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, A\u0026M 0873, West Virginia and Regional History Center, West Virginia University Libraries, Morgantown, West Virginia."],"relatedmaterial_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e1858, 3001, 3943, 4039, 4218, 4386\u003c/p\u003e  "],"relatedmaterial_heading_ssm":["Related A\u0026M Collections"],"relatedmaterial_tesim":["1858, 3001, 3943, 4039, 4218, 4386"],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003ePapers of Rush Dew Holt, Sr. (1905-1955) relating to his personal and political activities. Types of material include publications, clippings, correspondence, photographs, and ephemera, among others. The collection is divided into six series: Personal and Political Papers (1840-2000 and undated) includes correspondence; invitations and cards; material representing campaign activities; and material from college courses, among other material that represents Rush Holt's personal life and political career; and ephemera collected by Rush Holt. Artifacts (1939-1952 and undated) includes personal and political items collected by Rush Holt. Legislative Records (1920-1955 and undated) includes correspondence, reports, publications, clippings, statistics, transcripts, financial records, and project records, among other miscellaneous material relative to Rush Holt's committee-based and general legislative activity. Constituent Services (1923-1954 and undated) includes mail received by Rush Holt during his time in the West Virginia House of Delegates and the United States Senate from constituents providing political opinions to Holt or requesting government publications and bulletins, copies of speeches, educational material, and Rush Holt's recommendation to the United States Military or Naval Academy. Press and Media Activity (1925-2003 and undated) includes original and photocopied articles from newspapers and similar publications, typescripts of press releases, pen-and-ink drawn political cartoons, transcripts of speeches, and sound recordings, among other material representing Rush Holt's involvement with the press and media. Administrative Files (1937-1940) includes material documenting the daily office activities of Rush Holt and his staff during the former's senatorial term.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe collection is divided into six series as follows:\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eSeries 1. Personal and Political Papers; 1840-2000 and undated (bulk 1918-1955)\u003c/emph\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIncludes material related to Rush Holt's personal, family, and political life. Additional material related to his work in politics can be found in Series 3 through 6. Types of material include correspondence; invitations and cards; material representing campaign activities; material from college courses; bills for recordings, radio station receipts, and election expenditures; typescripts, newsletters, manuscripts, and photocopies of material written by Rush Holt; publications to which Rush Holt subscribed and collected; photographs that represent Rush Holt's personal life and political career; ephemera collected by Rush Holt; and election results collected by Rush Holt.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eSeries 2. Artifacts; 1939-1952 and undated\u003c/emph\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIncludes personal and political items collected by Rush Holt.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eSeries 3. Legislative Records; 1920-1955 and undated\u003c/emph\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIncludes correspondence, reports, publications, clippings, statistics, transcripts, financial records, and project records, among other miscellaneous material relative to Rush Holt's committee-based and general legislative activity.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eSeries 4. Constituent Services; 1923-1954 and undated\u003c/emph\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIncludes mail received by Rush Holt during his time in the West Virginia House of Delegates and the United States Senate from constituents requesting government publications and bulletins, copies of speeches, educational material, and Rush Holt's recommendation to the United States Military or Naval Academy. In some cases, this series also includes typescript responses, many of which are generic.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eSeries 5. Press and Media Activity; 1925-2003 and undated (bulk 1925-1955)\u003c/emph\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIncludes original and photocopied articles from newspapers and similar publications, typescripts of press releases, pen-and-ink drawn political cartoons, transcripts of speeches, and sound recordings, among other material representing Rush Holt's involvement with the press and media.    \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eSeries 6. Administrative Files; 1937-1940\u003c/emph\u003e \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIncludes material documenting the daily office activities of Rush Holt and his staff during the former's senatorial term.   \u003c/p\u003e  "],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["Papers of Rush Dew Holt, Sr. (1905-1955) relating to his personal and political activities. Types of material include publications, clippings, correspondence, photographs, and ephemera, among others. The collection is divided into six series: Personal and Political Papers (1840-2000 and undated) includes correspondence; invitations and cards; material representing campaign activities; and material from college courses, among other material that represents Rush Holt's personal life and political career; and ephemera collected by Rush Holt. Artifacts (1939-1952 and undated) includes personal and political items collected by Rush Holt. Legislative Records (1920-1955 and undated) includes correspondence, reports, publications, clippings, statistics, transcripts, financial records, and project records, among other miscellaneous material relative to Rush Holt's committee-based and general legislative activity. Constituent Services (1923-1954 and undated) includes mail received by Rush Holt during his time in the West Virginia House of Delegates and the United States Senate from constituents providing political opinions to Holt or requesting government publications and bulletins, copies of speeches, educational material, and Rush Holt's recommendation to the United States Military or Naval Academy. Press and Media Activity (1925-2003 and undated) includes original and photocopied articles from newspapers and similar publications, typescripts of press releases, pen-and-ink drawn political cartoons, transcripts of speeches, and sound recordings, among other material representing Rush Holt's involvement with the press and media. Administrative Files (1937-1940) includes material documenting the daily office activities of Rush Holt and his staff during the former's senatorial term.","The collection is divided into six series as follows:","Series 1. Personal and Political Papers; 1840-2000 and undated (bulk 1918-1955)","Includes material related to Rush Holt's personal, family, and political life. Additional material related to his work in politics can be found in Series 3 through 6. Types of material include correspondence; invitations and cards; material representing campaign activities; material from college courses; bills for recordings, radio station receipts, and election expenditures; typescripts, newsletters, manuscripts, and photocopies of material written by Rush Holt; publications to which Rush Holt subscribed and collected; photographs that represent Rush Holt's personal life and political career; ephemera collected by Rush Holt; and election results collected by Rush Holt.","Series 2. Artifacts; 1939-1952 and undated","Includes personal and political items collected by Rush Holt.","Series 3. Legislative Records; 1920-1955 and undated","Includes correspondence, reports, publications, clippings, statistics, transcripts, financial records, and project records, among other miscellaneous material relative to Rush Holt's committee-based and general legislative activity.","Series 4. Constituent Services; 1923-1954 and undated","Includes mail received by Rush Holt during his time in the West Virginia House of Delegates and the United States Senate from constituents requesting government publications and bulletins, copies of speeches, educational material, and Rush Holt's recommendation to the United States Military or Naval Academy. In some cases, this series also includes typescript responses, many of which are generic.","Series 5. Press and Media Activity; 1925-2003 and undated (bulk 1925-1955)","Includes original and photocopied articles from newspapers and similar publications, typescripts of press releases, pen-and-ink drawn political cartoons, transcripts of speeches, and sound recordings, among other material representing Rush Holt's involvement with the press and media.","Series 6. Administrative Files; 1937-1940","Includes material documenting the daily office activities of Rush Holt and his staff during the former's senatorial term."],"separatedmaterial_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eEphemeral items not specific to Rush Dew Holt were moved to the Printed Ephemera Collection. Several local basketball scorecards were moved to A\u0026amp;M 4216, the Annual West Virginia State High School Basketball Tournament Programs collection.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e17 reels of undated sound recordings, chiefly relating to the political career of Rush Dew Holt, were separated to the oral history collection, C432 R699-R715 (17 tapes). These tapes include some personal material as well.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"separatedmaterial_heading_ssm":["Separated Materials"],"separatedmaterial_tesim":["Ephemeral items not specific to Rush Dew Holt were moved to the Printed Ephemera Collection. Several local basketball scorecards were moved to A\u0026M 4216, the Annual West Virginia State High School Basketball Tournament Programs collection.","17 reels of undated sound recordings, chiefly relating to the political career of Rush Dew Holt, were separated to the oral history collection, C432 R699-R715 (17 tapes). These tapes include some personal material as well."],"userestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003ePermission to publish or reproduce is required from the copyright holder. For more information, please see the \u003ca href=\"https://wvrhc.lib.wvu.edu/visit/permissions-and-copyright\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ePermissions and Copyright page\u003c/a\u003e on the West Virginia and Regional History Center website.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"userestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Use"],"userestrict_tesim":["Permission to publish or reproduce is required from the copyright holder. For more information, please see the Permissions and Copyright page on the West Virginia and Regional History Center website."],"abstract_html_tesm":["\u003cabstract id=\"aspace_7f7aca18f594cb9e240c48f7fdefc04e\"\u003ePapers of Rush Dew Holt, Sr. (1905-1955) relating to his personal and political activities. Types of material include publications, clippings, correspondence, photographs, and ephemera, among others. The collection is divided into six series: Personal and Political Papers (1840-2000 and undated), Artifacts (1939-1952 and undated), Legislative Records (1920-1955 and undated), Constituent Services (1923-1954 and undated), Press and Media Activity (1925-2003 and undated), and Administrative Files (1937-1940).\u003c/abstract\u003e\n    "],"abstract_tesim":["Papers of Rush Dew Holt, Sr. (1905-1955) relating to his personal and political activities. Types of material include publications, clippings, correspondence, photographs, and ephemera, among others. The collection is divided into six series: Personal and Political Papers (1840-2000 and undated), Artifacts (1939-1952 and undated), Legislative Records (1920-1955 and undated), Constituent Services (1923-1954 and undated), Press and Media Activity (1925-2003 and undated), and Administrative Files (1937-1940)."],"physloc_html_tesm":["\u003cphysloc id=\"aspace_c13cef4864374dc7a447894b02986413\"\u003eWest Virginia and Regional History Center / West Virginia University / 1549 University Avenue / P.O. Box 6069 / Morgantown, WV 26506-6069 / Phone: 304-293-3536  / URL: \u003ca href=\"https://wvrhc.lib.wvu.edu/\"\u003eWest Virginia \u0026amp; Regional History Center\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/physloc\u003e\n    "],"physloc_tesim":["West Virginia and Regional History Center / West Virginia University / 1549 University Avenue / P.O. Box 6069 / Morgantown, WV 26506-6069 / Phone: 304-293-3536  / URL: West Virginia \u0026 Regional History Center"],"corpname_ssim":["West Virginia and Regional History Center","America First Committee","American Federation of Labor","Congress of Industrial Organizations (U.S.)","United States. National Bituminous Coal Commission","United States. National Labor Relations Board","Progressive Mine Workers of America","United Mine Workers of America","United States. National Recovery Administration","United States. Supreme Court","United States. Congress. Senate","West Virginia. Legislature","United States. Works Progress Administration","Democratic Party (U.S.)","Weston State Hospital"],"names_coll_ssim":["America First Committee","American Federation of Labor","Congress of Industrial Organizations (U.S.)","United States. National Bituminous Coal Commission","United States. National Labor Relations Board","Progressive Mine Workers of America","United Mine Workers of America","United States. National Recovery Administration","United States. Supreme Court","United States. Congress. Senate","West Virginia. Legislature","United States. Works Progress Administration","Democratic Party (U.S.)","Weston State Hospital","Bittner, Van A. (Van Amberg), 1885-1949","Black, Hugo LaFayette, 1886-1971","Coughlin, Charles E.","Edmiston, Andrew.","Farley, James A. (James Aloysius), 1888-1976","Green, William.","Holt, Helen Louise Froelich, 1913-2015","Holt, Mathew S., 1850-1939","Holt, Rush Dew, 1905-1955","Hopkins, Harry L. (Harry Lloyd), 1890-1946","Ickes, Harold L. (Harold LeClair), 1874-1952","Kump, Herman Guy, 1877-1962","La Follette, Robert M. (Robert Marion), 1855-1925","Neely, Matthew Mansfield, 1874-1958","Lewis, John L. (John Llewellyn), 1880-1969","Long, Huey Pierce, 1893-1935"],"persname_ssim":["Holt, Rush Dew, 1905-1955","Bittner, Van A. (Van Amberg), 1885-1949","Black, Hugo LaFayette, 1886-1971","Coughlin, Charles E.","Edmiston, Andrew.","Farley, James A. (James Aloysius), 1888-1976","Green, William.","Holt, Helen Louise Froelich, 1913-2015","Holt, Mathew S., 1850-1939","Hopkins, Harry L. (Harry Lloyd), 1890-1946","Ickes, Harold L. (Harold LeClair), 1874-1952","Kump, Herman Guy, 1877-1962","La Follette, Robert M. (Robert Marion), 1855-1925","Neely, Matthew Mansfield, 1874-1958","Lewis, John L. (John Llewellyn), 1880-1969","Long, Huey Pierce, 1893-1935"],"names_ssim":["West Virginia and Regional History Center","America First Committee","American Federation of Labor","Congress of Industrial Organizations (U.S.)","United States. National Bituminous Coal Commission","United States. National Labor Relations Board","Progressive Mine Workers of America","United Mine Workers of America","United States. National Recovery Administration","United States. Supreme Court","United States. Congress. Senate","West Virginia. Legislature","United States. Works Progress Administration","Democratic Party (U.S.)","Weston State Hospital","Holt, Rush Dew, 1905-1955","Bittner, Van A. (Van Amberg), 1885-1949","Black, Hugo LaFayette, 1886-1971","Coughlin, Charles E.","Edmiston, Andrew.","Farley, James A. (James Aloysius), 1888-1976","Green, William.","Holt, Helen Louise Froelich, 1913-2015","Holt, Mathew S., 1850-1939","Hopkins, Harry L. (Harry Lloyd), 1890-1946","Ickes, Harold L. (Harold LeClair), 1874-1952","Kump, Herman Guy, 1877-1962","La Follette, Robert M. (Robert Marion), 1855-1925","Neely, Matthew Mansfield, 1874-1958","Lewis, John L. (John Llewellyn), 1880-1969","Long, Huey Pierce, 1893-1935"],"language_ssim":["English"],"descrules_ssm":["Describing Archives: A Content Standard"],"total_component_count_is":938,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-09-01T16:09:24.514Z"}]}},"label":"Breadcrumbs"}}},"links":{"self":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/wvmturhc_repositories_2_resources_3687_c01_c01"}}],"included":[{"type":"facet","id":"repository_ssim","attributes":{"label":"Repository","items":[{"attributes":{"label":"West Virginia and Regional History Center","value":"West Virginia and Regional History Center","hits":24},"links":{"self":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog.json?f%5Bcollection%5D%5B%5D=Rush+Dew+Holt+%281905-1955%29+Papers%2C+1840%2F2003%2C+bulk+1918%2F1955\u0026f%5Blevel%5D%5B%5D=Sub-series\u0026f%5Brepository%5D%5B%5D=West+Virginia+and+Regional+History+Center"}}]},"links":{"self":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/facet/repository_ssim.json?f%5Bcollection%5D%5B%5D=Rush+Dew+Holt+%281905-1955%29+Papers%2C+1840%2F2003%2C+bulk+1918%2F1955\u0026f%5Blevel%5D%5B%5D=Sub-series"}},{"type":"facet","id":"collection_ssim","attributes":{"label":"Collection","items":[{"attributes":{"label":"Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, 1840/2003, bulk 1918/1955","value":"Rush Dew Holt (1905-1955) Papers, 1840/2003, bulk 1918/1955","hits":24},"links":{"remove":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog.json?f%5Bcollection%5D%5B%5D=Rush+Dew+Holt+%281905-1955%29+Papers%2C+1840%2F2003%2C+bulk+1918%2F1955\u0026f%5Blevel%5D%5B%5D=Sub-series"}}]},"links":{"self":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/facet/collection_ssim.json?f%5Bcollection%5D%5B%5D=Rush+Dew+Holt+%281905-1955%29+Papers%2C+1840%2F2003%2C+bulk+1918%2F1955\u0026f%5Blevel%5D%5B%5D=Sub-series"}},{"type":"facet","id":"date_range_isim","attributes":{"label":"Date range","items":[{"attributes":{"label":"1840","value":"1840","hits":1},"links":{"self":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog.json?f%5Bcollection%5D%5B%5D=Rush+Dew+Holt+%281905-1955%29+Papers%2C+1840%2F2003%2C+bulk+1918%2F1955\u0026f%5Bdate_range%5D%5B%5D=1840\u0026f%5Blevel%5D%5B%5D=Sub-series"}},{"attributes":{"label":"1841","value":"1841","hits":1},"links":{"self":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog.json?f%5Bcollection%5D%5B%5D=Rush+Dew+Holt+%281905-1955%29+Papers%2C+1840%2F2003%2C+bulk+1918%2F1955\u0026f%5Bdate_range%5D%5B%5D=1841\u0026f%5Blevel%5D%5B%5D=Sub-series"}},{"attributes":{"label":"1842","value":"1842","hits":1},"links":{"self":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog.json?f%5Bcollection%5D%5B%5D=Rush+Dew+Holt+%281905-1955%29+Papers%2C+1840%2F2003%2C+bulk+1918%2F1955\u0026f%5Bdate_range%5D%5B%5D=1842\u0026f%5Blevel%5D%5B%5D=Sub-series"}},{"attributes":{"label":"1843","value":"1843","hits":1},"links":{"self":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog.json?f%5Bcollection%5D%5B%5D=Rush+Dew+Holt+%281905-1955%29+Papers%2C+1840%2F2003%2C+bulk+1918%2F1955\u0026f%5Bdate_range%5D%5B%5D=1843\u0026f%5Blevel%5D%5B%5D=Sub-series"}},{"attributes":{"label":"1844","value":"1844","hits":1},"links":{"self":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog.json?f%5Bcollection%5D%5B%5D=Rush+Dew+Holt+%281905-1955%29+Papers%2C+1840%2F2003%2C+bulk+1918%2F1955\u0026f%5Bdate_range%5D%5B%5D=1844\u0026f%5Blevel%5D%5B%5D=Sub-series"}},{"attributes":{"label":"1845","value":"1845","hits":1},"links":{"self":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog.json?f%5Bcollection%5D%5B%5D=Rush+Dew+Holt+%281905-1955%29+Papers%2C+1840%2F2003%2C+bulk+1918%2F1955\u0026f%5Bdate_range%5D%5B%5D=1845\u0026f%5Blevel%5D%5B%5D=Sub-series"}},{"attributes":{"label":"1846","value":"1846","hits":1},"links":{"self":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog.json?f%5Bcollection%5D%5B%5D=Rush+Dew+Holt+%281905-1955%29+Papers%2C+1840%2F2003%2C+bulk+1918%2F1955\u0026f%5Bdate_range%5D%5B%5D=1846\u0026f%5Blevel%5D%5B%5D=Sub-series"}},{"attributes":{"label":"1847","value":"1847","hits":1},"links":{"self":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog.json?f%5Bcollection%5D%5B%5D=Rush+Dew+Holt+%281905-1955%29+Papers%2C+1840%2F2003%2C+bulk+1918%2F1955\u0026f%5Bdate_range%5D%5B%5D=1847\u0026f%5Blevel%5D%5B%5D=Sub-series"}},{"attributes":{"label":"1848","value":"1848","hits":1},"links":{"self":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog.json?f%5Bcollection%5D%5B%5D=Rush+Dew+Holt+%281905-1955%29+Papers%2C+1840%2F2003%2C+bulk+1918%2F1955\u0026f%5Bdate_range%5D%5B%5D=1848\u0026f%5Blevel%5D%5B%5D=Sub-series"}},{"attributes":{"label":"1849","value":"1849","hits":1},"links":{"self":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog.json?f%5Bcollection%5D%5B%5D=Rush+Dew+Holt+%281905-1955%29+Papers%2C+1840%2F2003%2C+bulk+1918%2F1955\u0026f%5Bdate_range%5D%5B%5D=1849\u0026f%5Blevel%5D%5B%5D=Sub-series"}},{"attributes":{"label":"1850","value":"1850","hits":1},"links":{"self":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog.json?f%5Bcollection%5D%5B%5D=Rush+Dew+Holt+%281905-1955%29+Papers%2C+1840%2F2003%2C+bulk+1918%2F1955\u0026f%5Bdate_range%5D%5B%5D=1850\u0026f%5Blevel%5D%5B%5D=Sub-series"}}]},"links":{"self":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/facet/date_range_isim.json?f%5Bcollection%5D%5B%5D=Rush+Dew+Holt+%281905-1955%29+Papers%2C+1840%2F2003%2C+bulk+1918%2F1955\u0026f%5Blevel%5D%5B%5D=Sub-series"}},{"type":"facet","id":"level_ssim","attributes":{"label":"Level","items":[{"attributes":{"label":"Sub-series","value":"Sub-series","hits":24},"links":{"remove":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog.json?f%5Bcollection%5D%5B%5D=Rush+Dew+Holt+%281905-1955%29+Papers%2C+1840%2F2003%2C+bulk+1918%2F1955\u0026f%5Blevel%5D%5B%5D=Sub-series"}}]},"links":{"self":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/facet/level_ssim.json?f%5Bcollection%5D%5B%5D=Rush+Dew+Holt+%281905-1955%29+Papers%2C+1840%2F2003%2C+bulk+1918%2F1955\u0026f%5Blevel%5D%5B%5D=Sub-series"}},{"type":"search_field","id":"all_fields","attributes":{"label":"All Fields"},"links":{"self":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog.json?f%5Bcollection%5D%5B%5D=Rush+Dew+Holt+%281905-1955%29+Papers%2C+1840%2F2003%2C+bulk+1918%2F1955\u0026f%5Blevel%5D%5B%5D=Sub-series\u0026search_field=all_fields"}},{"type":"search_field","id":"keyword","attributes":{"label":"Keyword"},"links":{"self":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog.json?f%5Bcollection%5D%5B%5D=Rush+Dew+Holt+%281905-1955%29+Papers%2C+1840%2F2003%2C+bulk+1918%2F1955\u0026f%5Blevel%5D%5B%5D=Sub-series\u0026search_field=keyword"}},{"type":"search_field","id":"name","attributes":{"label":"Name"},"links":{"self":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog.json?f%5Bcollection%5D%5B%5D=Rush+Dew+Holt+%281905-1955%29+Papers%2C+1840%2F2003%2C+bulk+1918%2F1955\u0026f%5Blevel%5D%5B%5D=Sub-series\u0026search_field=name"}},{"type":"search_field","id":"place","attributes":{"label":"Place"},"links":{"self":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog.json?f%5Bcollection%5D%5B%5D=Rush+Dew+Holt+%281905-1955%29+Papers%2C+1840%2F2003%2C+bulk+1918%2F1955\u0026f%5Blevel%5D%5B%5D=Sub-series\u0026search_field=place"}},{"type":"search_field","id":"subject","attributes":{"label":"Subject"},"links":{"self":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog.json?f%5Bcollection%5D%5B%5D=Rush+Dew+Holt+%281905-1955%29+Papers%2C+1840%2F2003%2C+bulk+1918%2F1955\u0026f%5Blevel%5D%5B%5D=Sub-series\u0026search_field=subject"}},{"type":"search_field","id":"title","attributes":{"label":"Title"},"links":{"self":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog.json?f%5Bcollection%5D%5B%5D=Rush+Dew+Holt+%281905-1955%29+Papers%2C+1840%2F2003%2C+bulk+1918%2F1955\u0026f%5Blevel%5D%5B%5D=Sub-series\u0026search_field=title"}},{"type":"search_field","id":"container","attributes":{"label":"Container"},"links":{"self":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog.json?f%5Bcollection%5D%5B%5D=Rush+Dew+Holt+%281905-1955%29+Papers%2C+1840%2F2003%2C+bulk+1918%2F1955\u0026f%5Blevel%5D%5B%5D=Sub-series\u0026search_field=container"}},{"type":"search_field","id":"identifier","attributes":{"label":"Identifier"},"links":{"self":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog.json?f%5Bcollection%5D%5B%5D=Rush+Dew+Holt+%281905-1955%29+Papers%2C+1840%2F2003%2C+bulk+1918%2F1955\u0026f%5Blevel%5D%5B%5D=Sub-series\u0026search_field=identifier"}},{"type":"sort","id":"score desc, title_sort asc","attributes":{"label":"relevance"},"links":{"self":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog.json?f%5Bcollection%5D%5B%5D=Rush+Dew+Holt+%281905-1955%29+Papers%2C+1840%2F2003%2C+bulk+1918%2F1955\u0026f%5Blevel%5D%5B%5D=Sub-series\u0026sort=score+desc%2C+title_sort+asc"}},{"type":"sort","id":"date_sort asc","attributes":{"label":"date (ascending)"},"links":{"self":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog.json?f%5Bcollection%5D%5B%5D=Rush+Dew+Holt+%281905-1955%29+Papers%2C+1840%2F2003%2C+bulk+1918%2F1955\u0026f%5Blevel%5D%5B%5D=Sub-series\u0026sort=date_sort+asc"}},{"type":"sort","id":"date_sort desc","attributes":{"label":"date (descending)"},"links":{"self":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog.json?f%5Bcollection%5D%5B%5D=Rush+Dew+Holt+%281905-1955%29+Papers%2C+1840%2F2003%2C+bulk+1918%2F1955\u0026f%5Blevel%5D%5B%5D=Sub-series\u0026sort=date_sort+desc"}},{"type":"sort","id":"creator_sort asc","attributes":{"label":"creator (A-Z)"},"links":{"self":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog.json?f%5Bcollection%5D%5B%5D=Rush+Dew+Holt+%281905-1955%29+Papers%2C+1840%2F2003%2C+bulk+1918%2F1955\u0026f%5Blevel%5D%5B%5D=Sub-series\u0026sort=creator_sort+asc"}},{"type":"sort","id":"creator_sort desc","attributes":{"label":"creator (Z-A)"},"links":{"self":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog.json?f%5Bcollection%5D%5B%5D=Rush+Dew+Holt+%281905-1955%29+Papers%2C+1840%2F2003%2C+bulk+1918%2F1955\u0026f%5Blevel%5D%5B%5D=Sub-series\u0026sort=creator_sort+desc"}},{"type":"sort","id":"title_sort asc","attributes":{"label":"title (A-Z)"},"links":{"self":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog.json?f%5Bcollection%5D%5B%5D=Rush+Dew+Holt+%281905-1955%29+Papers%2C+1840%2F2003%2C+bulk+1918%2F1955\u0026f%5Blevel%5D%5B%5D=Sub-series\u0026sort=title_sort+asc"}},{"type":"sort","id":"title_sort desc","attributes":{"label":"title (Z-A)"},"links":{"self":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog.json?f%5Bcollection%5D%5B%5D=Rush+Dew+Holt+%281905-1955%29+Papers%2C+1840%2F2003%2C+bulk+1918%2F1955\u0026f%5Blevel%5D%5B%5D=Sub-series\u0026sort=title_sort+desc"}}]}