The collection consists, in large part, of Mr. Preston's typewritten research notes concerning the Senate Press Gallery and activities in Congress, collected in the course of his career in Washington. Many of the notes have been transcribed from the Congressional Record, Congressional Globe, and miscellaneous newspapers, but there are sections which probably are from Mr. Preston's own diaries in the materials on World War I and filibusters. In addition, there are pertinent clippings from the Congressional Record and newspapers, and photostats of letters and clippings related to the various research topics.
This material represents a consolidation from primary printed sources, of all types of information on various topics regarding the Congress and political conventions.
The correspondence is very scattered over the years 1916-1955. It concerns, for the most part, various Preston career anniversaries. The scattered articles and addresses, largely undated, cover varied subjects pertaining to politics or Washington. Research notes are the same type as those mentioned above. The few items contained in the memorabilia of James Preston's father, Herbert Preston, are mostly concerned with Charles Guiteau's assassination of President Garfield.
Scrapbooks contain clippings, letters, and pictures relating to Preston's career and important news stories from the 1910's to the 1940's.
