Kerr, Robert Samuel, United States Senator from Oklahoma (1949-1963); 12th Governor of Oklahoma (1943-1947), 1896-1963

Person

Biographical:

Oil man Robert S. Kerr (1896-1963) first held elective office when he became Oklahoma's governor in 1942. During the war years, he presided over a vigorous economic expansion and directed a remarkably efficient state administration. A year after leaving the governor's office, he was successful in his first attempt at the U.S. Senate in 1948. Kerr was reelected to two more terms. After he failed at winning the 1952 Democratic presidential nomination, Kerr thereafter devoted his energies to building his Senate career. Kerr served on several key committees, most notably the Finance and Public Works committees. He also forged alliances to key senators, such as Lyndon B. Johnson, who led the Democrats' Senate forces. A partner in Kerr-McGee Oil Industries, Kerr increasingly became known as a key champion of southwestern oil and gas interests. Of course, he did not hesitate to use his influence for Oklahoma's behalf. Millions of dollars were diverted to military and civilian projects in the state. Also, a series of water projects, dams, and an entire navigation system that links the Arkansas River to the oceans of the world are part of Kerr's legacy.

Found in 179 Collections and/or Records:

Supporting Small Dairy Farmers: A Response from Senator Kerr, 1954-03-09

Item — Box 1: Series CAC_CC_31_9_0000_0000_0000, Folder: 23

Identifier: CAC_CC_31_9_1_23_0017

Abstract

83rd Congress (1953-1955)

Dates: 1954-03-09

Found in: Carl Albert Center Congressional and Political Collections / Robert S. Kerr Collection / Correspondence / Bak

Supporting the Rover Program: A Letter from Senator Kerr

Digital item

Identifier: CAC_CC_31_6_12_1_0079

Dates: September 12, 1962; 87th Congress (1961-1963)

Found in: Carl Albert Center Congressional and Political Collections

Tennessee Valley Authority: A Senate Inquiry, 1954-01-22

Item — Box 17: Series CAC_CC_31_10_0000_0000_0000, Folder: 7

Identifier: CAC_CC_31_10_17_7_0041

Abstract

83rd Congress (1953-1955)

Dates: 1954-01-22

Found in: Carl Albert Center Congressional and Political Collections / Robert S. Kerr Collection / Addition / Correspondence, Bab -Bal

Thank You for Choosing National Savings and Trust Company, 1950-04-13

Item — Box 17: Series CAC_CC_31_10_0000_0000_0000, Folder: 7

Identifier: CAC_CC_31_10_17_7_0022

Abstract

81st Congress (1949-1951)

Dates: 1950-04-13

Found in: Carl Albert Center Congressional and Political Collections / Robert S. Kerr Collection / Addition / Correspondence, Bab -Bal

The Big Sell Out: The Space Race with Russia

Digital item

Identifier: CAC_CC_31_6_12_1_0044

Dates: March 20, 1962; 87th Congress (1961-1963)

Found in: Carl Albert Center Congressional and Political Collections

The Effects of Low Gravity on Astronauts: A Study of Physical Deterioration , August 26, 1962

Item — Box 16: Series CAC_CC_31_6_0000_0000_0000, Folder: 21

Identifier: CAC_CC_31_6_16_21_16

Scope and Contents Scientists have found that astronauts returning from extended lunar landings may face difficulties readapting to Earth's gravitational field. Studies show that prolonged exposure to low gravity can lead to deterioration in various anatomical subsystems and physiological functions. Muscles, bones, the cardiovascular system, urinary system, gastrointestinal system, and neurological system are all affected by the lack of gravitational stimuli. To prevent physical deterioration, astronauts are...

Dates: August 26, 1962