Dwight Laing Rogers Papers

Collection

Identifier: Ms 086

Staff Only

Scope and Content

Correspondence, legislation, campaign files, speeches, clippings and other papers relating to Dwight L. Rogers' service in the U.S. House of Representatives. The largest group of materials are files pertaining to legislation introduced by Rogers, including flood control, ramie, taxation, veterans and public works in Florida. There are a small number of files containing Rogers' recommendations, his remarks in the Congressional Record, and his voting record. The personal correspondence files are arranged chronologically. Some of the 1954 correspondence and clippings pertain to the terrorist attack by Puerto Rican nationalists in the House of Representatives chamber, which resulted in the shooting of several Representatives (Rogers was present but unwounded). The campaign files include correspondence, campaign literature and information about opponents. The collection also includes one folder of photographs. The folder titled "Clippings, Awards, Campaign Literature, Biographical" includes materials pertaining to the 1952 presidential campaign of Senator Richard Russell.

Dates

Creation: 1944-1954

Creator

Rogers, Dwight Laing, 1886-1954. (Person)

Access

The collection is open for research.

Biographical/Historical Note

Dwight Laing Rogers was born in Tattnall County, Georgia, on August 17, 1886. He graduated from the University of Georgia in 1909 and earned a law degree from Mercer University in 1910. He began practicing law in Georgia and then moved to Fort Lauderdale, Florida in 1925 to continue his practice. He served in the state House of Representatives 1930-1938, including a session as Speaker Pro Tempore in 1933 during which he sponsored the Homestead Tax Exemption Act. He was elected as a Democrat to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1944 and served from 1945 until his death in 1954. He was ranking member of the House Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce. During his terms in the U.S. House, Rogers introduced legislation relating to veterans, the Central and Southern Florida Flood Control District, and numerous bills pertaining to tax issues. He also was principle sponsor of the first G.I. terminal leave pay bill.

Extent

5.5 Linear feet (13 boxes)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Correspondence and other papers relating to Dwight L. Rogers' service in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Physical Location

University of Florida Smathers Library Building

Acquisition Information

Gift of Mr. Rogers's son, Paul Grant Rogers.

Related Material

The University of Florida holds the papers of Dwight L. Rogers' son, Paul Grant Rogers, who succeeded his father in the U.S. House of Representatives.