The Harold Wilde Papers consist of correspondence, 1925-1954; articles, speeches, and other writings by Wilde, 1936-1959, undated; drawings and information concerning patents in which he was interested; financial reports, 1947-1950, relating to the Norcor Manufacturing Corporation; and clippings and certificates concerning Wilde himself.
The correspondence consists of only one folder of letters, all of a personal and semi-business nature. Seven pre-date 1940, and the remainder are for the period between 1940 and 1954. These deal with speaking engagements, his personal plans for employment, and his various civic activities. There are very few references to politics, and there are no letters concerning his work for Senator Wiley or the Senate. However, the folder of correspondence does contain one letter from the Senator, October 26, 1944, discussing his chances for re-election; another letter from Wiley, January 6, 1947, suggesting to Wilde that the Judiciary Committee could use Wilde's services as administrator; and a long letter, January 2, 1947, from Wilde to Senator Wiley discussing the Judiciary Committee and its problems.
As a civic leader and public relations man, Mr. Wilde was often called upon to make speeches or to represent his father-in-law at public gatherings. The papers contain copies of many of his speeches, on topics such as patriotism, business and economics, leadership, and the Great Lakes Waterway. There are several articles showing his interest in and knowledge of art.
While Mr. Wilde was with the Norcor Manufacturing Company at Green Bay, he received regular reports on the company's financial condition. Summaries of these are filed with the papers. He seems also to have been interested in patents both before and during his association with Norcor. Information concerning patents is contained in Folder 5.
