Correspondence, publications, printed materials, and photographs regarding the termination, restoration, and welfare of the Menominee Indians and the designation of the Wolf River as a National Scenic River. 1.6 cubic feet. Gift of Congressman Henry S. Reuss, 1982.

Biographical Note

Henry S. Reuss (1912-2002) was a Democrat who represented the 5th Congressional District of Wisconsin in the U.S. House of Representatives, 1955-1982. He had strong interests in international affairs and the conservation of natural resources and he opposed the tactics of Wisconsin Senator Joseph R. McCarthy (Republican) used to weed out Communist influence in United States government.

Following Reuss' proposal and the public's reaction to a Point Four Youth Corps, Reuss authored legislation to establish the Peace Corps, which was achieved in 1961. Among the emerging nations of the underdeveloped world, President Kennedy saw the Peace Corps as a means to counter revolutionary sentiments and the then widespread notions of "Yankee imperialism."

In Wisconsin, Reuss ardently supported the Wild and Scenic River Act and National Scenic River status for the Wolf River. The Wolf River flows through portions of five counties in Northeast Wisconsin, which includes Menominee County and the Menominee Reservation. A 24-mile long portion has been designated a National Scenic River, which was achieved in 1968.

Also, Reuss ardently supported the restoration of federal acknowledgement of the Menominee Indian Tribe and the Menominee Indian Reservation. In 1954, Congress had passed legislation terminating the Menominee Tribe, which became effective in 1961. The tribe established Menominee Enterprises, Incorporated (MEI), to manage tribal property and the State of Wisconsin established Menominee County to provide local government services. But termination failed. The local standard of living dropped substantially and the local hospital and some schools closed. DRUMS (Determination of Rights and Unity for Menominee Stockholders) then fought and gained control of MEI and successfully lobbied Congress for restoration, which they achieved in 1973. Restoration of the reservation followed in 1975 and reorganization of the tribal government followed in 1979.

Scope and Content

Reformatted records: Records that have been microfilmed are so noted, most of which are available throughout the United States via interlibrary loan. These and other records are or can be made available in digital formats via email. Reformatting fees may apply. Ask an Archivist for details.

Henry S. Reuss - Menominee Series 1, General Correspondence: Correspondence pertaining to termination and restoration of the Menominee Indian Reservation and designation of the Wolf River as a wild river. In addition to Reuss, notable correspondents include James G. Freschette (Menominee), Jerome A. Grignon (Menominee), George W. Kenote (Menominee), Oliver H.P. LaFarge, Wisconsin Congressman Melvin R. Laird (Republican), Wisconsin Senator Gaylord A. Nelson (Democrat), Wisconsin Governor Vernon W. Thomson (Republican), and Reverend John B. Tennelly, S.S., Director of the Bureau of Catholic Indian Missions.

Restrictions: Box 2A Folder 1 contains personal information about some Menominee Indians. Therefore, it is restricted for 70 years from its date of creation, which is 2025. For further information, please consult with the archives staff.

Henry S. Reuss - Menominee Series 2, Publications and Printed Materials: Comprised of books, pamphlets, clippings, reprints, and newsletters from federal, state, and tribal sources pertaining to termination and restoration of the Menominee Indian Reservation and designation of the Wolf River as a wild river.

Work in-progress: The Marquette University Libraries are developing bibliographic records for the publications in this collection. This includes all books, pamphlets, magazines, newsletters, prayer cards, published maps, published sound and video recordings, etc., and excludes clipping files and reprints of articles. As they are created, the bibliographic records will appear in Marqcat, the Marquette University online catalog.

Henry S. Reuss - Menominee Series 3, Photography: Black and white and color prints pertaining to the Menominee Sawmill, Neopit, the Menominee forest, Menominee County/Reservation, and the Wolf River, Langlade County, Wisconsin.

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