Kathryn J. Whitmire Papers, 1972-1992 | University of Houston Libraries

Scope and Contents: This set of papers documents Kathy Whitmire's long, active political career as the mayor of Houston throughout the 1980s. The collection is organized into four major series beginning chronologically with Jim Whitmire's political documents, Kathy Whitmire's career as city controller, followed by her mayoral campaigns and city business during each term, and documentation upon her defeat in 1991. The materials largely consist of Whitmire's campaign and city business documents including memorabilia, events, speech materials, financial budget information, correspondence, and publication clippings of interest illustrating her ten years served as Houston's first female mayor. The materials are housed in nine boxes, including one costume box. An oversized box holds large campaign signs and one small box containing campaign buttons. Each of the categories is prefaced by a detailed description.