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Samuel Shaffer papers

 Collection
Identifier: MS2091

Collection Scope and Content

This collection consist primarily of Shaffer's Newsweek files (telexes, carbons, xeroxes of what he filed during his tenure with that news magazine) and typescripts of his book "On and Off the Floor." Both the files and the book typescripts are often annotated by Shaffer.

Dates

  • Creation: 1948-1982

Creator

Restrictions on Access

Some records may be restricted.

Restrictions on Use

Some material may be copyrighted or restricted. It is the patron's obligation to determine and satisfy copyright or other case restrictions when publishing or otherwise distributing materials found in the collections.

Biographical Note

Samuel Shaffer (1910-1995) received his bachelor of arts degree in 1931 from The George Washington University, graduating cum laude. He pursued graduate study at the University of Michigan (1931) and at the University of Chicago (1932-1933). He began his journalist career as a reporter From 1936-42, for the "Washington Herald," later the "Washington Times Herald." From 1942-45, he served as a combat correspondent in the U.S. Marines Corps. For his military service in, World War II, Shaffer received the Purple Heart, two battle stars, and the Presidential Unit Citation. After his military service, Shaffer was employed by "Newsweek" magazine as a reporter in New York city (1945-46) and in 1947 was promoted to Chief Congressional Correspondent, a position which he held until 1975.

In 1945 Shaffer's first book, "Betio Beachhead: U.S. Marines' Own Story of the Battle for Tarawa," co-authored with Earl J. Wilson, Jim G. Lucas and C. Peter Zurlinden, was published by G.P. Putnam's Sons. His second book, "On and Off the Floor: Thirty Years as a Correspondent on Capitol Hill," was published by "Newsweek" in 1980. Shaffer is a member of the National Press Club, the White House Correspondents Association, the Periodical Galleries Association, of which he was president (1975-76), and The George Washington University Faculty and Alumni Club.

Samuel Shaffer was born in Washington, D.C. on July 10, 1910 to Morris and Fannie (Siegel) Shaffer. On July 9, 1933 he married a fellow-journalist, Helen Buchalter. They had three children. Helen died on July 18, 1978. Mr. Shaffer died in 1995.

[This exerpt is from Locher, Frances C. Contem orar Authors Volume 104 (Michigan: Gale Research Company, 1982), 424.]

Extent

19 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

Collection consist primarily of Shaffer's Newsweek files (telexes, carbons, xeroxes of what he filed during his tenure with that news magazine) and typescripts of his book "On and Off the Floor." Both the files and the book typescripts are heavily annotated by Shaffer.

Collection Organization

Organized into three series: Chronological files, Correspondence, and Book typescript.

Acquisition Information

Currently unknown

Title
Guide to the Samuel Shaffer papers, 1948-1982
Status
Completed
Author
Special Collections Research Center, The George Washington University
Date
2005
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
Finding aid written in English

Repository Details

Part of the Special Collections Research Center, The George Washington University Repository

Contact:
George Washington University Gelman Library
2130 H Street NW
Washington DC 20052 United States of America