Theodore Francis Green Papers

Governor and Senator, Providence, R.I.

Papers, 1908-1956.

Size: 0.25 linear feet

Catalog number: MSS 467

Processed by: Rick Stattler, December 1996

©Rhode Island Historical Society

Manuscripts Division

Theodore Francis Green (1867-1966) was the son of Arnold and Cornelia A. (Burges) Green of Providence, R.I. He served as governor of Rhode Island from 1933 to 1937, and as United States Senator from 1937 to 1961. In 1956, he became the oldest senator in the history of the United States (a record since broken by Strom Thurmond). He never married, and his estate was left with the family of his brother, Erik Hastings Green.

This collection includes only a small scattered portion of Green's personal papers. 455 linear feet of his official senatorial papers were donated to the Library of Congress. 90 feet of his firm's legal files, and additional personal papers and diaries, were donated to the John Hay Library at Brown University.

Among the more important papers in the R.I.H.S. collection are: scattered correspondence on family history; reports on the Rhode Island Company, a rail conglomerate that Green apparently served on the board for; minutes of the City Plan Commission; and a senate resolution congratulating Green on becoming the oldest U.S. Senator.

Most, possibly all, of these papers were the 1981 gift of Mrs. Burgess Green, widow of Green's nephew. They were transferred to the Graphics Division soon after, and in 1992 were transferred back to the Manuscripts Division. One additional letter was transferred back in 1997. Related papers on Green's parents and grandparents can be found in MSS 862, the Frances Rogers Arnold Family Papers, including some historical materials written for T.F. Green by his aunt Frances Wayland.

Folder 1. Dedication of a copy of "The Life and Times of Samuel Gorton" to brothers Ronald C. and Erik H. Green, 12/15/1908. With manuscript notes apparently on the same book.

Folder 2. Correspondence regarding family papers, 1924-1931. Appraisals, inventories, etc. The papers described here seem to be the Arnold - Green Papers currently at the John Carter Brown Library. Letters received and one unsigned carbon copy of letter sent by Green. Also a single letter from Caroline Hazard dated 9/10/1936 re dedication of a tablet at Pettaquamscut Rock.

Folder 3. Letter to Ronald C. Green Jr. re history of 14 John St., 1/20/1955. Photocopy.

Folder 4. Electors for President, 1/1913. Includes signed certificates of T.F. Green and 4 others.

Folder 5. Typed minutes of the City Plan Commission, 1914-1919, on which Green served.

Folder 6. Audits of the Rhode Island Company, 1917 and 1918. Green's connection is unknown.

Folder 7. Printed "Expressions of Tribute Upon the Occasion of Becoming the Oldest Member in Age Ever to Serve in the Senate of the United States and Congratulations to Hon. Theodore Francis Green", from the U.S. Senate, 6/18/1956. Signed by Vice-President Nixon and 27 senators.

In double-oversized folder: Typed report of the Rhode Island Corporation, 2/15/1917. 61 pages plus 4 maps.