The papers of Gordon Gilmore are arranged chronologically in six series: Correspondence, Administrative Records, Publicity, Speeches, Publications, and Personal Memorabilia. Within these series Gilmore's public relations talents are illustrated by the wide and colorful variety of materials documenting the major publicity campaigns of TWA -- from first inception and planning of a promotion to the finished press release or tourist brochure.
The CORRESPONDENCE file, 1946-1973, contains correspondence related to Gilmore's business activities and personal achievements. Letters, memos, certificates, invitations and programs are included.
PUBLICITY papers are divided into two groups, General Promotional Activities and Specific Flight and Event Promotions. Under General Promotional Activities are found correspondence, memos, press releases and plans dealing with TWA's 30th Anniversary in 1955, and for the “Cosmic Contest” planned to highlight the celebration. Also included is a copy of and correspondence about the commemorative booklet, “30 Years of Service,” and plans and publicity for the 20th Anniversary of TWA's first transatlantic flight, in 1966. Specific Flight and Event Promotions include press releases, brochures, itineraries, passenger and crew lists, and memos created as part of the airline's publicity of inaugural flights and new services and particularly to attract domestic and foreign press attention. The promotions are arranged chronologically as they appear on the container list.
The SPEECHES section contains copies of Gilmore's talks to college and business audiences from 1950 to 1972. In addition there are notes from a series of slide talks delivered in 1963.
The file of PUBLICATIONS dates from 1952 to 1973, and contains TWA publications and those of other organizations. Included is a very incomplete series of the TWA in-house Skyliner newspaper. Miscellaneous publicity and informational pamphlets include “TWA International Air Route” (1950), “Wings Across the World” (1966), “35th Annual TWA Writing, Photo and Broadcast Competition” (1972), “The Late, Late, Very Late Show” (n.d.), “Propellers Are for Boats” (n.d.), and “The Finest Air Fleet in the World” (n.d.).
PERSONAL MEMORABILIA contains a varied group of business and press cards (c. 1964), as well as Gilmore's handwritten journal describing a trip to East Africa in 1959. Two postcards congratulate Gilmore's mother on the birth of her son in 1908.
