Paul O'Connor papers

  • Creator Names O'Connor, Paul, b. 1947?
  • Title Paul O'Connor papers [manuscript], 1972-1974.
  • Physical description 2.5 linear feet (5 boxes)
  • Collection summary
    • Memos, notes, reference materials, subject files, correspondence, and other materials related to Paul O'Connor's work as an assistant to journalist Mike Royko while Royko worked for the Chicago Daily News. The collection consists largely of carbon copies of memos by O'Connor to Royko between October 1972 and November 1974 containing rough drafts of stories that would become Royko's columns. Also included are typewritten notes, some of which were kept with the corresponding memos, as well as some reference materials; subject files; and correspondence for Royko, much of it with handwritten notes from Royko. Also included are several copies of a humorous biography of Royko; and a folder with some book reviews and other pieces O'Connor wrote that were not related to Royko's column.
    • Subject files include materials on Leroy Bailey (a Vietnam War veteran who was unable to persuade the Veterans Administration hospital to pay for surgery until then-President Nixon saw Royko's column); investigations into attorney Allan Blair; mental health hospitals; a foster child named Danny Crossland; and alleged hiring discrimination at the City Colleges of Chicago against R. Mukherjee. There are also several folders of materials that O'Connor was working with when he chose to resign as Royko's assistant.
  • Acquisition information Gift of Paul O'Connor (2008.0025.1).
  • Names
    • O'Connor, Paul, b. 1947? Archives.
    • Royko, Mike, 1932-1997 Correspondence.
    • Royko, Mike, 1932-1997.
    • Chicago Daily News, Inc.
  • Subjects
    • Authors, American Illinois Chicago 20th century.
    • Humorists, American 20th century Correspondence.
    • Journalists Illinois Chicago 20th century.
  • Geographic coverage
    • Chicago (Ill.) Intellectual life 20th century.
    • Chicago (Ill.) Politics and government 20th century.
  • Genre
    • Articles. aat
    • Correspondence. aat
    • Memoranda. aat
    • Research notes. aat
  • Geographic name United States Illinois Cook County Chicago.