MS-346 Charles J. Curran Papers

Introduction

Charles J. Curran donated his papers to Wright State University Department of Archives and Special Collections in December 2006.  The collection is 8 hollinger boxes (3.5 linear feet). 

The collection includes correspondence, speeches, campaign information, photographs, certificates, advertisements, news clippings, and research documents.  Most items are by or about Charles J. Curran and his time as Montgomery County Commissioner from 1983-2006.  A few items in the collection relate to other local politicians or Curran family members, Mara (his wife), Rachelle and Colleen (his daughters), or James Charles (his son). 

The Charles J. Curran papers date from 1941-2006, although the majority of the collection dates from 1990-2006.  This collection documents Dayton and Montgomery County politics, including Charles Curran’s switch from the Democratic Party to the Republican Party in 1996.
There are no restrictions on the use of the Charles J. Curran Papers.

The Charles J. Curran Papers are organized into 8 series:
Series I:            Correspondence
Series II:           Speeches
Series III:         Campaign / Election information
Series IV:         Photographs
Series V:          Certificates / Awards / Events
Series VI:         Advertisements / Sponsorships
Series VII:        Research
Series VIII:       Personal

Biographical Sketch

Charles J. Curran was born on June 1, 1939 in Galion, OH.  His father was a railroad worker, so the family moved around quite a bit.  He graduated from Bellefontaine High School in Bellefontaine, Ohio in 1958.  After high school, Curran ended up in Charleston, Illinois where he earned a bachelor’s degree in government and library science from Eastern Illinois University in 1963.  He also completed some graduate work at Miami University and the University of Dayton. 

Curran came to Dayton, Ohio in 1963 to handle government documents for the Dayton Public Library.  He then worked as a Social Sciences teacher at Fairborn High School (OH) from 1963 to 1965, and as a Reference Librarian at Belmont High School  (OH) from 1965-1966.  In 1966, Curran was hired as a Political Science instructor at Sinclair Community College in Dayton, Ohio. 

On June 15, 1963, Curran married Mara Ann Wahl (born October 19, 1941).  They had three children:  Colleen (born April 9, 1964), Rachelle (born October 9, 1966), and James Charles (born September 5, 1985). 

Curran served as a Democrat on the city commission of Dayton from 1970 to 1979.  He then served as the Democratic Ohio State Senator for the 6th district from 1979 to 1983.  In 1983, Charles began his first of 6 four-year terms as Montgomery County Commissioner (served 1983-2006).  In 1996, Charles switched to the Republican Party.  In November 2006, he was defeated by Democratic candidate, Dan Foley. 

As of March 2007, Curran continues to serve as Associate Professor of Political Science at Sinclair Community College.

Scope and Content

The Charles J. Curran Papers document the career of an important Montgomery County politician.  Through these papers, researchers may gain insight into politics in late 20th century to early 21st century in Dayton, Ohio. 

Series I: Correspondence

This series includes general correspondence from constituents, local and national political leaders, as well as personal cards and letters.  Also included are various copies of letters that Curran wrote to local and national political leaders, constituents, and personal letters.  Also included is a sampling of letters of recommendation written by Curran for various individuals.

Series II: Speeches

This series includes speeches from various events throughout Curran’s career.  Also included is supporting research materials.

Series III: Campaign / Election Information

This series includes correspondence, news clippings, election results, political questionnaires, and campaign finance information related to Curran’s campaigns for Montgomery County Commissioner in 1990, 1994, 1998, 2002, and 2006.  Information for other local elections in which Curran was interested or involved are also included. 

Series IV: Photographs

This series includes photographs of Curran at various events and portraits.  Also included are pictures from various news clippings and digital photographs printed on computer paper.

Series V: Certificates / Awards / Events

 This series includes certificates and information about awards that Curran received throughout his career.  Information about special events in which Curran participated are also included.  His certificate of appointment to the office of State Senator from District 6 of Ohio from 1979-1983 is included.

Series VI: Advertisements / Sponsorships

This series contains original or copies of advertisements that Curran placed in various local publications.  Also included is information about events or organizations which Curran sponsored.

Series VII: Research

This series contains copies of articles or materials which Curran collected for occupational or personal research.  Topics such as abortion and sexuality are included, as well as an historical sketch of Montgomery County, OH.

Series VIII: Personal

This series contains copies of certificates of birth of Curran’s wife, Mara, and their son, Charles James.  A copy of Curran’s marriage certificate is also included.  Writings from his wife and daughter, Rachelle are included, along with his business card, a caricature, and Curran’s pancake recipe.  A separate folder includes news clippings either written by or about Curran.

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