The Crisis at Mansfield

Eisenhower and Shivers relationship

During the 1952 gubernatorial race, Shivers faced his fieriest opponent in Ralph W. Yarborough. During the reelection Shivers fought the federal government and the Truman administration over ownership and mineral rights of the Texas Tidelands. The Democratic presidential nominee, Adlai Stevenson, supported federal ownership of the Tidelands, while his Republican opponent, Dwight D. Eisenhower, claimed the coastal areas were a natural resource and ownership belonged to the state. Shivers determined Stevenson would not be willing to change his stance and threw his political support to Republican nominee Eisenhower. Shivers established the “Democrats for Eisenhower” campaign and gained both parties’ nomination for Texas governor. Both campaigns allowed Eisenhower and Shivers to form an alliance, which lasted several years after. In addition to Shivers’s reelection, John Ben Shepperd was elected Texas attorney general and became one of Shivers’s strongest supporters.[1]

Dwight Eisenhower and Allan Shivers 1952

            Shivers’ relationship with President Eisenhower continued after his reelection as governor and on several occasions, he offered his position on a national stage. After the Brown I decision, Shivers wrote Eisenhower directly about Attorney General Herbert Brownell’s address to the Supreme Court. He believed segregation was a states’ rights issue, writing, “I trust that he will see the implications involved and advise the Court that this local problem should be decided on the local and state level.”^[2] In 1954 Texas received the Supreme Court’s decision and Shivers took the stance of compliance. Unlike elected officials in other southern states who suggested abolishing public school systems, the governor said, “I hope the people of Texas will approach this problem with an effort toward solution rather that saying ‘abolish public schools.’”^[3]

Clint Murchison to Allan Shivers 1952-10-07

A letter from Clint Murchison to Allan Shivers confirming that 600,000 copies of The Daily Texan were sent to "every rural route box in Texas." The newspaper highlights the support Texans have for Dwight Eisenhower and indicates a strong movement by Shivers to aid in Eisenhower's election.

Telegram Dwight Eisenhower to Allan Shivers 1952-10-03

A telegram from Dwight Eisenhower to Allan Shivers thanking him for a speech in Eisenhower's favor and support in his presidential campaign. In addition the telegram invites Shivers to Eisenhower's birthday at San Antonio.

Sherman Adams to Allan Shivers 1952-11-21

A letter from President Eisenhower's Chief-of-Staff, Sherman Adams, thanking Allan Shivers for his support during the 1952 Presidential election. The letter indicates the level of gratitude towards Texas Governor Shivers from Eisenhower's administration.

Dwight Eisenhower to Allan Shivers 1952-11-21

A letter from President Eisenhower thanking Allan Shivers for his continued support. The letter indicates a level of admiration for Governor Shivers and refers to him as an "outstanding leader."

Shivers’ relationship with President Eisenhower continued after his reelection as governor and on several occasions, he offered his position on a national stage. After the Brown I decision, Shivers wrote Eisenhower directly about Attorney General Herbert Brownell’s address to the Supreme Court. He believed segregation was a states’ rights issue, writing, “I trust that he will see the implications involved and advise the Court that this local problem should be decided on the local and state level.”^[2] In 1954 Texas received the Supreme Court’s decision and Shivers took the stance of compliance. Unlike elected officials in other southern states who suggested abolishing public school systems, the governor said, “I hope the people of Texas will approach this problem with an effort toward solution rather that saying ‘abolish public schools.’”^[3]

Dwight Eisenhower to Allan Shivers 1953-02-03

A letter from President Eisenhower to Allan Shivers thanking him for his gift, a Texas cowbell.

Dwight Eisenhower to Allan Shivers 1953-04-22

A letter from President Eisenhower to Allan Shivers thanking him and Governor Murray for the desk. The desk was sent to Eisenhower's vacation home in Augusta, Georgia. President Eisenhower comments on the workmanship and quality of the desk.

Dwight Eisenhower to Allan Shivers 1953-05-18

A letter from President Eisenhower to Allan Shivers discussing each others golf game. The letter indicates a close relationship between the two and their fondness for golf outings.

Dwight Eisenhower to Allan Shivers 1953-06-10

A letter from President Eisenhower to Allan Shivers thanking him for his letter and the suggestion to use the artist, John Moranz, for a portrait. In addition Eisenhower states his golf score which shows their fondness for golf outings.

Dwight Eisenhower to Allan Shivers 1953-07-17

A letter from Dwight Eisenhower to Allan Shivers discussing his visit to Texas and future meeting to Seattle, Washington. In addition the letter discusses Federal Government appropriation to Texas' drought stricken areas.

Dwight Eisenhower to Allan Shivers 1954-01-20

A letter from President Eisenhower to Allan Shivers discussing their relationship and his continued support at the start of his second year in office.

Dwight Eisenhower to Allan Shivers 1954-09-28

A letter from President Eisenhower to Allan Shivers discussing an invitation for a fishing trip and sends regards to Shiver's wife, Marialice.

Dwight Eisenhower to Allan Shivers 1955-02-02

A letter from President Eisenhower to Allan Shivers discussing a luncheon they had and future plans to meet in Augusta, Georgia.

Dwight Eisenhower to Allan Shivers 1955-03-02

A letter from President Eisenhower to Allan Shivers discussing visiting at Eisenhower's vacation home in Augusta, Georgia. Eisenhower states he has a bursitis in his right shoulder and offers the suggestion of alternative golf partners for Shivers.

Dwight Eisenhower to Allan Shivers 1955-03-17

A letter from President Eisenhower to Allan Shivers offering his sympathy towards Marialice Shiver's medical issues. In addition Eisenhower requests Shivers to call his office the next time he is in Washington to have another golf outing

Dwight Eisenhower to Allan Shivers 1955-04-04

A letter from President Eisenhower to Allan Shivers accepting a portable barbecue pit as a gift. In addition Eisenhower discusses establishing a date for a future portait to be made.

Dwight Eisenhower to Allan Shivers 1955-04-25

A letter from President Eisenhower to Allan Shivers thanking him for the delivery of a portable barbecue pit. The letter also discusses Eisenhower meeting Shivers before he would receive the letter.

Dwight Eisenhower to Allan Shivers 1955-07-06

A letter from President Eisenhower to Allan Shivers thanking him for the letter concerning his wedding anniversary.

Dwight Eisenhower to Allan Shivers 1953-07-21

Dwight D. Eisenhower responds to Allan Shivers concerns on the Supreme Court case (Brown v. Board of Education). Eisenhower assures Shivers that his concerns have been acknowledged.

Mamie Eisenhower to Allan Shivers 1956-10-06

A letter from President Eisenhower's wife, Mamie, to Shivers thanking him for telegrams sent to the President. She states that President Eisenhower is poor health but "feeling stronger."

Allan Shivers to Dwight Eisenhower 1952-12-05

A letter from Allan Shivers congratulating Dwight D. Eisenhower for his presidential victory. Shivers states that Texas will co-operate with Eisenhower for a "stronger America in a peaceful world". This demonstrates the start of Shivers and Eisenhower's friendly relationship.

Allan Shivers to Dwight Eisenhower 1953-03-03

Allan Shivers thanks Dwight D. Eisenhower for a previous conference and an "enjoyable" luncheon. This demonstrates the friendly relationship between Shivers and Eisenhower.

Allan Shivers to Dwight Eisenhower 1953-06-08

Allan Shivers offers to get a portrait painting done of Dwight D. Eisenhower and his wife Mamie, by the same artist that created a portrait for Shivers and his wife Mary Alice. This demonstrates Shivers and Eisenhower's friendly relationship outside the political arena.

Allan Shivers to Dwight Eisenhower 1953-07-16

Allan Shivers shares his thought to Dwight D. Eisenhower on the Supreme Court case (Brown v. Board of Education). Shivers states that "there is nothing more local that the public school system. This demonstrates Shivers stance on school segregation, and will continue to take this stance during the Mansfield Crisis.

Allan Shivers to Dwight Eisenhower 1953-07-13

Allan Shivers thanks Dwight D. Eisenhower for the attention Eisenhower has given to the states in the southwest that have been experiencing extreme drought. This demonstrates Shivers admiration towards Eisenhower on political issues.

Allan Shivers to Dwight Eisenhower 1953-10-07

Allan Shivers thanks Dwight D. Eisenhower the birthday wish, and Shivers looks forward to their next visit. This demonstrates Shivers and Eisenhower's friendly relationship outside the political arena.

Allan Shivers to Dwight Eisenhower 1953-10-09

Allan Shivers wishes Dwight D. Eisenhower a happy birthday, and looks forward to their next visit with each other. This demonstrates Shivers and Eisenhower's friendly relationship outside the political arena.

Allan Shivers to Dwight Eisenhower 1955-01-26

Allan Shivers thanks Dwight D. Eisenhower for an "enjoyable" luncheon, and discusses future golf trips. This demonstrates Shivers and Eisenhower's friendly relationship outside the political arena.

Sherman Adams on Allan Shivers becoming a potential Vice-President candidate for the Eisenhower administration 1956-04-16

Sherman Adams, the White House Chief of Staff suggest that Allan Shivers is a potential Vice-President candidate for the Eisenhower administration in the 1956 presidential election. This demonstrates the political influence of Shivers.

Telegram from Texas Citizen to White House 1958-07-24

One Texan describes how Allan Shivers would be fit for the position of Chief of Staff of the White House, since Shivers is a statesmen and could handle the problems that arrive in the White House. This demonstrates Shivers political influence among Texans.