William A. Ayres Papers
Collection Summary
| Title: | William A. Ayres Papers |
| Call Number: | MS 74-33 |
| Size: | 1.0 linear feet |
| Acquisition: | Donated by Mrs. W. F. Weigester, Ayres' daughter |
| Processed By: | DAO, 9-9-1974; SMC, 3-12-1998; MN, 1-2009 |
| Note: | Collection stored in off-site facility. Contact Special Collections regarding retrieval. |
| Restrictions: | None |
Literary Rights
Literary rights were not granted to Wichita State University. When permission is granted to examine the manuscripts, it is not an authorization to publish them. Manuscripts cannot be used for publication without regard for common law literary rights, copyright laws and the laws of libel. It is the responsibility of the researcher and his/her publisher to obtain permission to publish. Scholars and students who eventually plan to have their work published are urged to make inquiry regarding overall restrictions on publication before initial research.
Restrictions
None
Content Note
The Papers of William A. Ayres include correspondence, reports, and miscellaneous materials pertaining to his duties as a member of the Federal Trade Commission from 1934 to 1952. A significant portion of the collection concerns the launching, commissioning, and activities of the U.S.S. Wichita. This collection does not contain Congressional papers.
Biography
William Augustus Ayres was born in Elizabethtown, Hardin County, Illinois, April 19, 1867; moved with his parents to Sedgwick County, Kansas, in 1881; attended the common schools and Garfield University (now Friends University), Wichita, Kansas; was admitted to the bar in 1893 and commenced practice in Wichita, Kansas; clerk of the Court of Appeals of Kansas 1897-1901; prosecuting attorney of Sedgwick County 1906-1910; elected as a Democrat to the U.S. House of Representatives, 64th, 65th, and 66th Congresses (March 4, 1915-March 3, 1921); unsuccessful candidate for reelection in 1920 to the 67th Congress; elected to the 68th and to the five succeeding Congresses and served from March 4, 1923, until his resignation effective August 22, 1934, having been appointed a member of the Federal Trade Commission on June 30, 1934, in which capacity he served until his death in Washington, D.C., February 17, 1952; interment in Old Mission Cemetery, Wichita, Kansas. (Source: Biographical Directory of the United States Congress)
Detailed Description: Box and Folder Listing
| Box 1 | FF 1 | Plans for the building of the U.S.S. Wichita |
| Box 1 | FF 2 | Correspondence regarding the launching of the U.S.S. Wichita |
| Box 1 | FF 3 | William A. Ayres (Speech launching of the U.S.S. Wichita) |
| Box 1 | FF 4 | Commissioning of U.S.S. Wichita and related manuscripts |
| Box 1 | FF 5 | Action report -- Destruction of Japanese Naval Units, 1944 |
| Box 1 | FF 6 | Reports from the Commanding Officer to Chief of Naval Operations, 1942-1945 (U.S.S. Wichita) |
| Box 1 | FF 7 | Address before the National Wholesale Druggist Association Convention by William A. Ayres |
| Box 1 | FF 8 | Address by William Ayres opening the Trade Practice Conference for the Tomato Paste Industry |
| Box 1 | FF 9 | Speech of President Franklin Roosevelt -- New Federal Trade Building |
| Box 1 | FF 10 | Statement of William Ayres to a sub-committee of the Senate Committee on interstate and foreign commerce |
| Box 1 | FF 11 | Governing by Discretion: The Regulating Agencies and the Zealous Men of FTC |
| Box 1 | FF 12 | News releases Federal Trade Commission regarding William Ayres |
| Box 1 | FF 13 | Miscellaneous manuscripts regarding William Ayres and the Federal Trade Commission |
| Box 1 | FF 14 | Miscellaneous U.S.S. Wichita and Federal Trade Commission |
| Box 1 | FF 15 | Photo negative |
| Box 1 | FF 16 | Resolution on the passing away of William Augustus Ayres on February 17, 1952 |
| Box 1 | FF 17 | Magazine with a picture of the U.S.S. Wichita on the front cover |
| Box 2 | FF 1 | Miscellaneous memorabilia |