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This file unit relates to Frank Mitchell, age 15, of Springfield, Illinois, who was the first Black person to serve as a Page in the House of Representatives.
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4525562
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Ford Press Releases - Page: First Negro, 1965
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4525562
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document
title
Ford Press Releases - Page: First Negro, 1965
description
This file unit relates to Frank Mitchell, age 15, of Springfield, Illinois, who was the first Black person to serve as a Page in the House of Representatives.
citationUrl
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Gerald R. Ford Congressional Papers
Press Releases Subject Files
subjects
U.S. Congress. 1789-
U.S. House of Representatives. 3/4/1789-
African Americans
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1
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4525562
coverageEndDate
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1965-04-30
month
4
year
1965
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logicalDate
1965-04-01
month
4
year
1965
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This archival description was reviewed and not revised as part of the NARA reparative description initiative on August 3, 2023. The file unit title has not been changed. Original archival records have not been altered.
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a9068c25e8ccfcea
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The original documents are located in Box D8, folder "Ford Press Releases - Page: First
Negro, 1965" of the Ford Congressional Papers: Press Secretary and Speech File at the
Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
Copyright Notice
The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of
photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. The Council donated to the United
States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.
Works prepared by U.S. Government employees as part of their official duties are in the public
domain. The copyrights to materials written by other individuals or organizations are presumed to
remain with them. If you think any of the information displayed in the PDF is subject to a valid
copyright claim, please contact the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
Digitized from Box D8 of The Ford Congressional Papers: Press Secretary and Speech File at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
BIOGRAPHICAL OUTLINE
Frank Mitchell, newly-appointed House Page
April 14, 1965
Frank Mitchell, 15, of 7421 Fifteenth St., Springfield, Ill. is the
first Negro to serve as a Page in the House of Representatives.
His foster parents are Mr. and Mrs. Henry VenBuren of the same address.
Frank is an outstanding student in the Sophomore Class of Feitshans
High School in Springfield, where he is room president of his class and
a chess champion.
His father is a custodian at the Iles School in Springfield.
The appointee will have the personal guidance of Mrs. Eulalia O. Corbin
while he is in Washington. Mrs. orbin, of Springfield, is executive secretary
to Reg. Robert McClory (R-111) of Lake Bluff, Ill,
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#
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From the office of
Representative Paul Findley (R. I11.)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 14, 1965
Rep. Paul Findley (R.-I11.), in commenting upon the appointment of
Frank V. Mitchell, aged 15, Springfield, Illinois, as the first Negro
page to serve in the U. S. House of Representatives, said:
"The appointment of Frank Mitchell, the first member of
his race to serve as a page in the U. S. House of Representatives, is
very appropriate at this time, for it comes on the eve of the 100th
anniversary of the death of Abraham Lincoln.
"Frank shares the distinction of coming from the same
home town as Mr. Lincoln, that of Springfield, Illinois, which I am
proud to say is included in the Congressional District I represent.
I am happy to have had the opportunity to sponsor Frank Mitchell for
this significant appointment."
In response to the confirmation of his appointment,
Frank Mitchell said:
"I appreciate this honor very much. I will do
everything in my power to be a credit to the Congress, the Republican
Party, my parents, and my community in return for the confidence they
have shown in me by giving me this wonderful opportunity."
From the office of
Representative Paul Findley (R. I11.)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 14, 1965
Rep. Paul Findley (R.-I11.), in commenting upon the appointment of
Frank V. Mitchell, aged IL, Springfield, Illinois, as the first Negro
page to serve in the U. S. House of Representatives, said:
"The appointment of Frank Mitchell, the first member of
his race to serve as a page in the U. S. House of Representatives, is
very appropriate at this time, for it comes on the eve of the 100th
anniversary of the death of Abraham Lincoln.
"Frank shares the distinction of coming from the same
home town as Mr. Lincoln, that of Springfield, Illinois, which I am
proud to say is included 1 the Congressional District I represent.
I am happy to have had the opportunity to sponsor Frank Mitchell for
this significant appointment."
In response to the confirmation of his appointment,
Frank Mitchell said:
"I appreciate this honor very much. I will do
everything in my power to be a credit to the Congress, the Republican
Party, my parents, and my community in return for the confidence they
have shown in me by givingime this wonderful opportunity."
A statement by Rep. Gerald R. Ford
on the appointment of a New House Page
April 14, 1965
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
This marks an historic moment in the history of the House of Representatives.
The appointment of Frank Mitchell of Springfield, Illinois, as a Page in the
House is a milestone of importance. He will be the first Negro to serve as a
Page in the House.
It is a pleasure to join with Regg Leslie Arends in endorsing this appoint-
ment, which was recommended by Rept Paul Findley of the Illinois 20th District.
I congratulate Illinois State Rep. Jo David Jones, Precinct Committeeman
Victor Bartoletti of Springfield, nd the committee of Springfield educators
and others who have played roles in sponsoring this fine young mane
With other members of the House, I welcome Frank itchell to The Capitol
with a wish that he finds his experience here to be an interesting, educational
and inspiring one.
# # #