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An Inventory of the Papers of
Governor Grant Sawyer
Collection No. 97-28

Grant Sawyer 1918 - 1996

Grant Sawyer was born on December 14, 1918 in Twin Falls, Idaho. He moved with his family to Fallon as a youngster, where his father Harry W. Sawyer, Sr. was a doctor and state senator from Churchill County.

Grant graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno, and received a law degree from George Washington University in 1948.

Sawyer served in the U.S. Army Infantry in World War II. After he completed his law degree Sawyer became active in Nevada Democratic politics and was elected Elko County's district attorney in 1950 (1950-1958). He served as the governor of Nevada from 1959-1967 and during his term created the state Equal Rights Commission, pushed for economic development and diversity in the state, and created the Gaming Control Act of 1959 and Nevada Gaming Commission.

After serving as governor, Sawyer formed the law office of Lionel Sawyer & Collins in Las Vegas. He served as chair or was on the board of directors for many political, charitable, and educational organizations.

Sawyer was married to Bette Norene Hoge Sawyer for fifty years; they had one daughter, Gail. Grant Sawyer died on February 19, 1996.

The University of Nevada's Oral History Program conducted an oral history of Governor Sawyer which was published in 1993: Hang Tough!: Grant Sawyer, an Activist in the Governor's Mansion, conducted by Gary Elliott.

Scope and Content

The Special Collections Department received a portion of the papers of Governor Sawyer from his wife, Bette, in 1997. The collection as received consisted of materials which had been stored in the Sawyer home in Las Vegas and constitutes only a small part of the Sawyer papers as a whole. The remaining collection remains in the law offices of Lionel Sawyer and Collins.

The Sawyer collection in the Special Collections Department consist of newspaper clipping files, photographs, certificates, memorabilia, paintings, plaques, diplomas, and three-dimensional objects such as hats, gavels, ground-breaking shovels, and ribbon-cutting scissors. It consists of seven cubic feet, plus assorted items too large to be stored in boxes. There are no restrictions on their access.

This inventory contains a list of clipping topics and description of collection contents by category. All photographs have been transferred to the department's photographic archives.

Processed by: Susan Searcy and Becky Richards
Date: 1997

Series I. 97-28/I Clipping Files. Ca 1959-1966. 2 cu. ft.

These files consist of Nevada newspaper articles and columns written while Sawyer was governor. Arranged by name of newspaper.

BOX 1

  1. Elko Independent, "Hot Copy." January 1962-Oct. 1966. 3 folders.
  2. Las Vegas Review Journal, "The Boiling Pot."
  3. Las Vegas Sun, "Where I Stand." Dec. 1959-May 1962. 2 folders.
  4. Las Vegas Review-Journal, "Setting it Straight."
  5. Mason Valley News, "Two Cents Worth."
  6. Mineral County Independent, "Jasper." Oct. 1959-Dec. 1965.
  7. Mineral County Independent, "Jasper" and "Left Corner."
  8. Nevada newspapers; lists and addresses.

BOX 2

  1. Nevada State Journal, "Political Front in Nevada." June 1959-Oct. 1966. 4 folders.
  2. North Las Vegas Valley Times, "Adam's Atoms."
  3. "Pins and Needles."
  4. Press information. 2 folders.
  5. Reno Evening Gazette, "Nevada Political Picture." June 1959-Oct. 1966. 3 folders.
  6. Review-Journal, "Political Analysis."
  7. Ely Daily Times, "Second Thoughts."
  8. Las Vegas Sun, "Sundial" and "Paul Price - Dateline: Las Vegas."
  9. Tonopah Times-Bonanza and Goldfield News, "Tamp'er Light." 4 folders.
  10. (19A)  Las Vegas Sun, "Where I Stand." Jan. 1962-Oct. 1966.

BOX 3

  1. (19B) Las Vegas Sun, "Where I Stand." Jan. 1962-Oct. 1966.
  2. Certificates.

 

Series II 97-28/II Other materials

The following is the original inventory list of the collection. Since the list was compiled all photographs have been transferred to the photo archives of the Special Collections Department and all certificates have been removed from their frames and stored in box 3 of the collection. Newspaper clippings are listed in Series I. All remaining items listed below are grouped by type of material and are stored in boxes 4-7.

A.  Works of art

  1. Painting of Lake Mead and Red Rocks by Roy Purcell, 1982. 36" x 72".
  2. Lithograph of Nevada State Capitol by Lyle Ball with signatures of six governors in lower border. Marked "Governor Sawyer's copy."  30" x 40". 
  3. Lithograph of "Heavyweights" (Virginia & Truckee Railroad engine) by Steven Saylor. Signed by artist and Nevada's six living governors and others who served as models for people in the painting. n.d. 30" x 40".
  4. "Going for Broke" sculpture of a jockey, mounted on wooden base.
  5. Portrait of Governor Sawyer. Photographer unknown. 36" x 48".

B.  Photographs (black and white, framed unless otherwise noted)

  1. Sawyer and President Kennedy. n.d. 48"x60".
  2. President Kennedy and wife Jacqueline, color. Mrs. Sawyer said it was a gift from Mrs. Norman Biltz, sister of Hugh Auchincloss. 24"x30".
  3. President Lyndon B. Johnson (hereafter referred to as Pres. LBJ), Sawyer, Alan Bible, Walter Baring, Howard Cannon  and  unidentified man.
  4. Pen and ink sketch of [Harry Truman?] inscribed "To Hon. Grant Sawyer kindest regards from Harry Truman. Reno Oct. 28, 1960." D.C. 1942 sketch by Carolyn [Shundson?].
  5. Sawyer and Pres. LBJ with small dog.
  6. Sawyer and Pres. LBJ with small dog, inscribed "To Grant Sawyer from his friend, Lyndon B. Johnson."
  7. Sawyer in classic car at the Golden Anniversary of Gaming Dinner, MGM Grand Hotel, Reno, Mar. 19, 1981.
  8. Collage of photos of acting and elected governors of Nevada up to Mike O'Callaghan, 1974.
  9. Sawyer and Pres. Jimmy Carter shaking hands.
  10. Sawyer and Pres. LBJ shaking hands, inscribed "With Best Wishes, Lyndon B. Johnson.
  11. Group photo, signed, of Grant Sawyer, Mike O'Callaghan, Richard Bryan, Charles Russell, and Robert List.    
  12. Sawyer on a stage, hold campaign sign, "Sawyer in '70." Color.
  13. Pen and ink sketch of Sawyer. n.d., no artist named.
  14. Photo of interior of Harolds Club with 3 gaming tokens included in mat.
  15. Sawyer with Pres. LBJ and others in tuxedos. Inscribed "To Grant Sawyer with Warm Regards Lyndon B. Johnson."
  16. Portrait of Sawyer. No frame.
  17. Senator Pat McCarran, inscribed "To my friend Grant Sawyer wishing every success Pat McCarran U.S. Senator, Nevada." No frame.
  18. Paul Laxalt, Mike O'Callaghan, Charles Russell, Grant Sawyer. Signed by all subjects. No frame.
  19. Sawyer and Pres. LBJ signed "To Grant Sawyer my best always Lyndon B. Johnson." Background shows a photo collage on wall with photos of former presidents. No frame.
  20. Portrait of Pres. LBJ signed "To Grant Sawyer with best wishes, Lyndon B. Johnson.
  21. Alan Bible, signed and inscribed. 1959.

C.  Framed memorabilia

  1. Framed collage of silver medallions depicting "Great Moments in the History of the Flag."
  2. Four-part facsimile of the Emancipation Proclamation, gift of Governor Nelson Rockefeller in 1962; original in New York State.
  3. Collage of eight letters signed by eight presidents of the U.S., addressed to Nevada Governors.
  4. (4-7) Individual collages, one for each of the following governors, consisting of inaugural ball invitations, programs, and photos,  mounted on velvet. Carville, 1939; Pittman, 1947; Russell, 1951; and Sawyer, 1958.

D.  Miscellaneous

  1. Fireman's and plastic campaign hats.
  2. Pick, shovels engraved and used for ground-breaking events.
  3. Mounted pen and pencil set used by Sawyer at the mansion.
  4. Name plate used in office at mansion.
  5. Large canvas banner used in parades throughout Nevada with words "Grant, Bette, and Gail."
  6. Nevada Centennial flag, rose-colored with fringe.
  7. Nevada state flag and stand from Sawyer's office in the Capitol.
  8. Two automobile license plates "Republica Argentina Sesquicentenario Sawyer Nevada." 1960.
  9. Two pair oversize gold scissors for ribbon cutting ceremonies. 1965.
  10. Four gavels.
  11. Five metal plates used for printing campaign signs.
  12. Box of metal printing plates.

E.  Archival material

  1. Sawyer: The Decisive Years in Nevada. Campaign Fact Book, Nevadans for Sawyer. ca1966.
  2. News clippings, organized by county, 1959-1965. 2 cubic feet.  

F.  Framed or mounted plaques, awards, and certificates (unless otherwise noted, items are plaques)

  1. "Grant Sawyer, final Governors' Conference." Dec. 1966, Greenbrier, W. Virginia.
  2. Certificate of membership no. 307, State Bar of Nevada. 1953.
  3. Silver Spur award; silver spur by G.S. Garcia.
  4. Certificate of appointment as a notary public for Elko County, July 26, 1956 by Rex Bell, Lieutenant and Acting Governor.
  5. Three certificates admitting Sawyer to practice law in District of Columbia. May 24, 1948; May 20, 1948, and Oct. 6, 1967.
  6. B.A. Diploma from University of Nevada. May 12, 1941.
  7. Certificate of appointment to Board of Regents, Univ. of Nevada. Mar. 21, 1957.
  8. Two governor's proclamations for dedication of Grant Sawyer Middle School, Mar. 31, 1994; and as Distinguished Nevadan by the Nevada State Museum and Historical Society, Nov. 14, 1991.
  9. Law school diploma, George Washington University. Feb. 8, 1948.
  10. Certificate of appointment of Sawyer as professor at George Washington University Law School. April 21, 1967.
  11. Certificate of appointment to Nevada Commission on Nuclear Projects. Oct. 17, 1985.
  12. Certificate admitting Sawyer to practice law before the U.S. Supreme Court. May 4, 1959.
  13. Certificate of Recognition from Citibank Nevada and the School-Business Partnership Program. May 1988.
  14. Boys & Girls Clubs of Las Vegas Founders Board recognition. 1988.
  15. Three plaques for Lionel Sawyer & Collins Invitational Tournament Finalists, 1986, 1987, 1989.
  16. Plaque of appreciation for service to the Democratic Party of Clark County. 1974.
  17. Plaque with certificate of induction into Historic Moulin Rouge Preservation Association, Inc., Hall of Fame Museum. Mar. 25, 1994.
  18. American Cancer Society, Nevada Division to Sawyer as State Crusade Chair. 1974-1975.
  19. American Lung Association of Nevada Governor's Tribute. Oct. 28, 1987.
  20. Plaque of appreciation to Sawyer as Master of Ceremonies of the Western States Aids Workshop. Aug. 19, 1988.
  21. Optimist Creed.
  22. Henderson Boys Club. 1970.
  23. 9th Annual Gaming Conference and Workshop, 1987; also 4th Annual, 1982.
  24. Century membership in Boy Scouts of America, Boulder Dam Area Council. 1987.
  25. Alpha Tau Omega Alumni Association for Gold Contributor. n.d.
  26. Mounted specimen share of Caesars World, Inc., signed "Grant: Thank you! J.T."
  27. Certificate of membership in the National Judicial College Senate. 1992.
  28. California-Nevada Section, AWWA. Oct. 30-Nov. 2, 1990.
  29. Professional Achievement Award, University of Nevada, Reno Alumni Association. 1990.
  30. Founders Award, Urban League of Southern Nevada, Inc. Mar. 14, 1986.
  31. Outstanding Service to Juvenile and Family Courts of America, National Judicial College. Jan. 22, 1988.
  32. American Arbitration Association. April 20, 1970.
  33. Blue and white satin board "Governor Grant Sawyer."
  34. Certificate of thanks from the Democratic Party of Nevada. May 8, 1982.
  35. 2 certificates of appreciation for Sawyer as guest speaker at the Professional Luncheon Southern Nevada Association of Life Underwriters. April 22, 1970 and April 29, 1971.
  36. Certificate of appreciation for speaking to Red Rock Optimist Club. Dec. 20, 1972.
  37. Salvation Army for Capital Campaign Committee. April 27, 1979.
  38. Appreciation from Appointive Directors of the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco. Oct. 31, 1981.
  39. Lifetime Achievement Award from Nevada Gaming Attorneys. May 12, 1993.
  40. Certificate of Appreciation from the Board of Directors, Clark County Public Education Foundation. n.d.
  41. Recognition of Contributions to Gaming Industry from the Nevada Society of Certified Public Accounts and the State Bar of Nevada. April 30, 1992.
  42. Thanks for dedication and support, Nevada Delta Iota, Alpha Tau Omega. April 26, 1990.
  43. Certificate of membership, Alpha Tau Omega Golden Circle. Feb. 10, 1990.
  44. Certificate proclaiming a Day Honoring Nevada's Living Governors. Oct. 28, 1987.
  45. Certificate of proclamation for Grant Sawyer Day from City of North Las Vegas. Feb. 10, 1988.
  46. Letter honoring Sawyer as Honorable Co-chair, Gubernatorial Inaugural Ball Committee from Richard Bryan. Jan. 1983.
  47. Plaque from the President's Associates, UNLV. n.d.
  48. Certificate of proclamation from Clark County Board of County Commissioners. Feb. 1988.
  49. Membership in the President's Associates to Grant Sawyer for allegiance to UNLV.
  50. Certificate from City of Las Vegas proclaiming Grant Sawyer Day. Feb. 11, 1988.
  51. Certificate of appointment to the American Arbitration Association National Panel of Arbitrators. n.d.
  52. Certificate of admittance to the U.S. Court of Appeals, 9th Circuit. May 31, 1974.
  53. Two certificates of designation as Chairman of Board of Directors of the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco. Feb. 10, 1978 and Mar. 2, 1981.
  54. Diploma, Honorary Degree of Dr. of Laws. June 1, 1964.
  55. Diploma, Dr. of Laws degree, Linfield College. May 29, 196-.
  56. Certificate of appointment to Board of Regents. July 24, 1957. No frame.
  57. Two certificates of election of Sawyer as governor of Nevada. Dec. 18, 1958 and Dec. 10, 1962.
  58. Certificate of initiation into the International Legal Fraternity, Phi Delta Phi. Nov. 16, 1947.
  59. Certificate of membership in the American Bar Association. Jan. 1, 1956.
  60. License to practice law in Nevada. Mar. 11, 1948.
  61. Certification of election as District Attorney of Elko County. Nov. 15, 1950.
  62. Plaque from Toastmasters International. Mar. 18, 1966.

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