28383674 http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w65q5pkd revised SNAC: Social Networks and Archival Context English VIAF revised 2015-09-21 machine CPF merge program Merge v2.0 revised 2016-08-12T06:10:31 machine SNAC EAC-CPF Parser Bulk ingest into SNAC Database revised 2016-08-12T06:10:31 human System Service (system@localhost) created 2026-05-27 machine SNAC EAC-CPF Serializer SNAC Identity Constellation serialized to EAC-CPF /data/source/findingAids/nwda/university_of_oregon_libraries_special_collections_and_university_archives/ORU_Coll081.xml Kellems, Vivien, 1896-1975 /data/source/findingAids/fivecol/smith/mnsss390.xml Kellems, Vivien, 1896-1975 /data/source/findingAids/uct/MSS19920033.xml Kellems, Vivien. /data/source/findingAids/uct/MSS19850008.xml Kellems, Vivien /data/source/findingAids/uct/MSS19940065.xml Kellems, Vivien person Kellems, Vivien, 1896-1975 presumed Kellems, Vivien presumed Kellems, Vivien, 1896- presumed 1896-06-07 1975 English Suffrage Suffrage Electric wire and cable industry Electric wire and cable industry Taxation Taxation Women chief executive officers Women chief executive officers Women's rights Women's rights Connecticut Stonington (Conn.) Stonington (Conn.) Connecticut Connecticut--Stonington United States Activist Businesswomen Manufacturing

Vivien Kellems was born 7 June 1896 in Des Moines, Iowa. In 1927 Ms. Kellems founded Kellems Cable Grips, Inc. based on a patent for an improvement in the cable grip developed by her brother. She remained president of the company, based in Stonington, Conn., for over thirty years. In her private life, she campaigned for women's equality, equal suffrage along party lines and tax reform. She died in 1975, while in the process of appealing to the U.S. Supreme Court in protest of unequal tax rates for singles.

From the description of Vivien Kellems papers, n.d., 1883-1976. (University of Connecticut). WorldCat record id: 319638172

Vivien Kellems was born 7 June 1896 in Des Moines, Iowa, to David Clinton and Louisa Flint Kellems . Shortly after her birth, her parents, both Christian Ministers, moved their family to the west coast and settled in Eugene, Oregon . Being the only girl of a family with seven children, Vivien developed a rugged and competitive personality from a young age. Attending the University of Oregon, she participated as the only female on the debate team. Vivien Kellems obtained a bachelors degree in 1918 and a masters degree in economics shortly there after. Following graduation, she moved east to New York City in pursuit of a doctorate from Columbia University and the University of Edinburgh .

While in New York, an improvement on an existing cable grip was made by her older brother, Edgar E. Kellems, which he patented in the late 1920s. Using the patent as the focal point, Ms. Kellems founded Kellems Cable Grips, Inc. in 1927 and eventually moved her plant to Stonington, Connecticut . Successfully operating the company as president for over thirty years, the company's devices were used most notably during the construction of the Chrysler Building, George Washington Bridge, and also played an important role in production of wire and artillery shell grips used during World War II.

In her personal life, Vivien Kellems encountered various struggles for justice as she fought for women's equality, equal suffrage along party lines and tax reform. As a member of the Liberty Belles, Vivien led by example as the group encouraged equality of women in the home, workplace and society. Running as an independent candidate for senate, Ms. Kellems protested strict party line voting that only required a single lever pull rather than voting individually by candidate. Through civil disobedience, Vivien Kellems made her position known as she sat in a voting booth for nine hours straight before she fainted from exhaustion. With a degree in economics, unfair taxation by the government was at the forefront of Vivien Kellems ' battles. In 1948, alongside of her business partner and brother David Kellems, she protested against withholding taxes from her employees' checks claiming, "if they wanted me to be their (tax) agent, they'd have to pay me, and I want a badge." After a lengthy court battle ensued, it was found that the Kellems Co. would go bankrupt if they continued to not withhold taxes. Admitting defeat, Vivien would later fight against the singles income tax law that was enacted after World War II. In the law, citizens who were not married paid twice the amount of income tax than did those citizens of equal earnings who were married. In protest, from 1965 until her death, Vivien Kellems would merely send in tax forms with no pertinent information instead sending a blank form with her signature. Coming close to victory many times in the United States Supreme Court during the first half of the 1970s, Ms. Kellems' fight in this case ended in vain, as she died before her final appeal was heard in 1975.

From the guide to the Vivien Kellems Papers, undated, 1879-1976., (Archives & Special Collections at the Thomas J. Dodd Research Center, University of Connecticut Libraries) Abercrombie and Rivers A. E. Samuels and Company Aetna Life Insurance A. J. Peck Allard, Leola American Steel and Wire Co. A. M. Maylett Andrews, Kenneth Antonio A. Herschmann Arnold Bayley Arthur J. Peck Arthur Peck A. T. Coley Atherton, Gertrude Bagueley, Noel Bailey, Anna Bailey, Ed Baird, Edgar Baker, Bryant Baldwin, Evangeline B. Altman & Co. Beach, Dorothy Beacon Crest, Inc. Benjamin, Harry Benson, John B. Bernhard, Ann Betty R. Smythe Billington, Donna Jean Binney and Smith Co. Bob Packwood Boby Baker-Estes Bolster, Maude Bonaire, L. Briesen and Schrenk British Ropes Limited Brookfield, Frank California Earthworm Farms Callanan, E. E. Capital Electric Supply Co. Carlson, Roy Carolina Power and Light Co. Catepillar Tractor Co. Caxton Press Chemical Bank Cia Cubana de Electricidad Cia Venezolana de Electricidad Citizens Foreign Aid Committee Citrano, Christine Clarke, Adela Clarke Electric Co. Clarke, Florence Clark Getts, Inc. Clarkson, Hyde and Company Claude L. Matthews Cleaver, Ralph C. L. Matthews Clucao, Joe Coleman, O. K. Coley, Pearl Collens, Charles Collens, Clarence Collins, Ashton Committee of Single Taxpayers, Inc. Coni and Covington Conley, Edward James Conlon Corp. Connecticut Light & Power Connor, Michael A. Consolidated Gas Co. Coonan, J. E. Corn Exchange Bank and Trust Co. Corn Exchange Trust Company Co$t Coto, Julio C. Craig Sutton D'Almeida, Armando Dan Smoot David C. Kellems David C. Kellems, II David Kellems David R. Shelton David R. Shleton de Silva, Jorge Dillon, Mary E. Dodd, Thomas J. (Thomas Joseph), 1907-1971 Doran, Jon Dunbar, Virginia Dunn, Frank Eddie Richenbacker Edgar E. Kellems Edith Glanville Edward A. Holden E. I. Du Pont de Nemours and Company Ejner Schjoth Electrical Light and Power Electrical Trade Publishing Company Electric Bond and Share Company Elsa Low Emanuel R. Cappas E. P. Dutton & Co, Inc. Fairey, E. Fansteel Corporation Fansteel Metallurgical Corporation Fansteel Metalurgical Corporation Fensterwald and Ohlhausen Fernando Cortez Avila Fidelity Title & Trust Co. First National Bank of Eugene, Oregon Fiwale Equipment Manufacturing Company Flynn, Blanche Foley, Peter Forbes, Helen Frederic von Zedlitz Gates, Dottie Gavin, Basil George L. Mater George L. Mitchell G. F. Harmer Gilmore, Samuel Goble, Lena Goodbody and Company Goodspeed Opera House Grossman, George Hackeling, Oberkirch, Corbin and Co. Hampton, J. W. Harji, Malik Harris, Sara Harry S. Bodin Haskins, Ethel Hawkins, Emmie Herbert W. Clark Hofe, George Douglas Holmes, Clara Holmes, Jewel Homer D. Babbidge, Jr. Homer F. Kellems Hotel New Yorker Hsu, Jabin I. Miller and Sons Independent Citizens Research FOundation Industrical Engineering Inland Revenue Internal Revenue SErvice International Standard Electric Corporation IRS I.R.S. Jacobs, Whipple James A. Owen James Cornford Jamison, Hugh Jammer, J. John A. Roebling's Sons Company John B. Bension Insurance John B. Benson Insurance John B. Benson Isnurance John Hanson John M. Lupton Johnnie Walters Jonathon Cape Joseph Di Palma Joseph V. Reed J. R. Williston and Company Julie Medlock Kellam, Irene Kellems Cable Grips Kellems Co. Kellems Company Kellems, David Clinton Kellems, David Clinton, II Kellems, David L. Kellems, Edgar Kellems family. Kellems family. Kellems, Faye Kellems, Florence Kellems, George Kellems, Hazel Dean Kellems, Homer Kellems, Inez Kellems, Jesse Kellems, Kaye Kellems, Kenneth Kellems, Kenneth Clinton Kellems, Louisa Flint Kellems Products, Inc. Kellems, Randolph Kellems, Tille Kellems, Vangelder Kellems, Vivienne Kellom, Rex E. Kiener, David Klein and Hart Kobak, Edgar Kodym, Harold Kroner, Alberto Lawrence Turner Liberty Belles, Inc. Liese Lotte Merzbach Linn Longman, Walter Louisa F. Kellems Low, Elsa Luman, Dottie MacDonnell, G. J. Stillson MacDonnell, G.J. Stillson. Mann, Conklin Mansfield, K. W. Martin and Son Mason, Veyne Matthews, Claude McGraw-Hill Companies McGraw-Hill Publishing Company McMahan, Elizabeth McMahan, Vira McMullin, Loretta Mildred Allen Miller, T. Lee Montanaro, Vincent Moore, Berton Mutual Telephone Company Nafe, Ann National Association of Manufacturers National Women's Party Nehls, Herbert Northwest Christian College N. Slater Company Parkside, Inc. Paul Couts, Ltd. Peck, A. J. Pengra, Charles Pequot Press Percy Warren Green Phelps Dodge Copper Products Corporation Philip Long Phoenix Utility Company Pinto, Fernando Pitnam Electric Products Company P. M. G. P. M. G. Limited PMG Metal Trust Limited Pollock, Channing Pollock, John C. Precision Timer Co., Inc. Premier Photo Service, Inc. Proctor, Gary Pullman Co. Pullman & Comley Ralph Cleaver Randall, Jesse Ray Blain Raymond Fratus Ray Williams Reardon, Ebba Reed, Joseph Verner Reed, May Revere Copper and Brass Richard Marogg Riegger, Adolph L. Roberts, Jane L. Rochester Gas and Electric Corporation Roebling's Sons Company Rolfs, Maria Ros Andrews Ruhtenberg, Polly King, 1907-1983 Sam Longman Samuel B. Erskine Saunders Norvell Schwartz, Anne Schwartz & Bluestein Sherwin Williams Company Singh, J. J. Snow, John Howland Society for Advancement of Management Stam, Ben Sterling Opera House Foundation, Inc. Steve Ebbin Stoddard, Milton A. Swanson, Gloria. Swiss Metalworks Selve and Co. Syracuse Lighting Co. Telephnoy Publishing Corp. Thompson-Taylor, Wullie Thornton Victory Thune, Erik Tynan, Olive United Engineers & Constructors, Inc. United States of America Universal Cable Grip Co. University of Edinburgh U. S. House of Representatives U.S. Senate Vangelder, Enna Vangelder, Fenna Vangelder, Jack V. De Berker Vivien Kellems Wake, Hereward Watson, Stewart W. B. Goudielock W. B. Wooley & Co., Ltd. W. C. Westcott Wells Fargo & Co. Westinghouse Electric Supply Company Widmer's Wine Cellars Wilbraham, R. H. Wilbur Mills William E. Goudielock William J. Tracy Williams, George B. Willkie, Wendell L. W. Machin WNHC-TV Wolf, Herman. Wonham Trading Corporation, Inc. Wood, George W. Zavattaro, Mario Zedlitz, Frederic von Kellems, Vivien Kellems. Kellems, Vivienne Kellems, Vivian Kellems, Vivien, 1896-1975 Kellems, Vivien, 1896-1975 Kellems, Vivien, 1896-1975 Kellems, Vivien, 1896-1975. Vivien Kellems papers, n.d., 1883-1976. Kellems, Vivien, 1896-1975. Vivien Kellems papers, n.d., 1883-1976. 80 linear ft. The collection contains extensive materials from Vivien Kellems' personal life, business career, extended family, real estate endeavors and various activist movements of which she was an advocate. University of Connecticut, Homer Babbidge Library Swanson, Gloria. Papers. Series IV. Other Interests, 1923-1983. Swanson, Gloria. Bieler, Henry G. Bush, George, 1924-. Delaney, James J. Dewey, Thomas E. (Thomas Edmund), 1902-1971. Donnelly, James F. Dotto, Gianni, 1941- . Dufty, William. Goetze-Claren, Wolfgang. Ivy, A. C. (Andrew Conway), 1893-1978. Kellems, Vivien, 1896-1975. Kushi, Michio. Reagan, Ronald. Sherman, Harold M. (Harold Morrow), 1898-1987. Von Braun, Wernher, 1912-1977. Willkie, Wendell (Wendell Lewis), 1892-1944. Bell Aircraft Corporation. Bio-Physics Research Foundation. Committee for Independent Cancer Research. ESP Research Associates Foundation. Independent Cancer Research Foundation. Krebiozen Research Foundation. Patients' Aid Society. Seniors for Reagan-Bush. United Church of Religious Science. University of Science and Philosophy. World Federation of United Nations Associations. Papers. Series IV. Other Interests, 1923-1983. 51 boxes (21 linear feet). This series consists of files on various topics of interest to Miss Swanson, 1923-1983. Foremost among the subseries is Health and Nutrition, occupying 42 boxes. It comprises correspondence, photographs, organizational records (minutes, by-laws, articles of incorporation), legal documents, and legislation, but chiefly consists of publications collected (clippings, articles, pamphlets, flyers, newsletters, reprints, reports, brochures, catalogs, order forms, price lists) concerning a number of health and nutrition topics, ca. 1950-1983. Most of these publications concern the part that proper nutrition through organic foods can play as a preventative or a treatment for cancer and other diseases. An early enthusiast of organic foods, Swanson's papers document her tireless crusade against chemical additives, inorganic pesticides, and pollution, her efforts in the passage of the so-called Delaney Bill in 1958, and her participation in various organizations, such as the Independent Cancer Research Foundation, the Committee for Independent Cancer Research, and the Patients' Aid Society. Sugar and its various ill effects is also a substantial topic in this subseries, chiefly in the context of husband William Dufty's book Sugar Blues. The Art subseries, through photographs, clippings, correspondence, and programs, attests to Swanson's talent as an artist (she painted and sculpted), as well as her interest in art and artists. Brochures, campaign materials, clippings, correspondence, pamphlets, photographs, and speeches serve to illustrate Swanson's political activities, including support of Wendell Willkie, Thomas E. Dewey, and Ronald Reagan. Other interests covered in this subseries are: psychic phenomena and religion (her proclivities as a spiritual seeker are indicated in materials concerning such organizations as ESP Research Associates Foundation, the United Church of Religious Science, and the University of Science and Philosophy); science and technology (including visits to Bell Helicopter and to NASA, from which she cherished an autographed picture and drawings by Wernher von Braun); and tax laws (concerning her involvement in a protest of unfair tax rates for single persons, a movement spearheaded by Vivien Kellems). Harry Ransom Humanities Research Center G. J. Stillson MacDonnell Papers MS 70., 1970-1987 MacDonnell, G.J. Stillson G.J. Stillson MacDonnell Papers 1970-1987 3 boxes; (3.75 linear ft.) Lawyer; Civic leader; Lobbyist. Papers document the Connecticut women's movement in the 1970s and 1980s, including women's organizations such as the Feminist Credit Union, the Coalition of Connecticut Organizations Concerned with Women's Issues, the Connecticut Commission on the Status of Women, the first rape crisis service and the first battered women's shelter in Connecticut. Topics include the Equal Rights Amendment, gay rights, married women's surname, and taxation of single people. NOTE: There is no container list online for this finding aid. You may contact the SophiaSmith Collection if you want one sent to you. English Sophia Smith Collection Polly Ruhtenberg papers, 1946-1983 Ruhtenberg, Polly King, 1907-1983 Polly Ruhtenberg papers 1946-1983 10.5 linear feet, 17 containers Polly King Ruhtenberg (1907-1983) a libertarian and children's book author was active in social and civic organizations throughout her life. The collection includes correspondence, manuscripts, speeches, photographs, and a scrapbook that reflect her work as an author and libertarian. English University of Oregon Libraries. Special Collections and University Archives White House Central Files (Eisenhower Administration). 1953 - 1961. Official Files. 1953 - 1961. OF 158 Women. 1953 - 1961. Letter from Dwight D. Eisenhower to Vivien Kellems White House Central Files (Eisenhower Administration). 1953 - 1961. Official Files. 1953 - 1961. OF 158 Women. 1953 - 1961. Letter from Dwight D. Eisenhower to Vivien Kellems Dwight D. Eisenhower Library White House Central Files (Eisenhower Administration). 1953 - 1961. Official Files. 1953 - 1961. OF 158 Women. 1953 - 1961. Letter from James Murphy to Clifford Roberts White House Central Files (Eisenhower Administration). 1953 - 1961. Official Files. 1953 - 1961. OF 158 Women. 1953 - 1961. Letter from James Murphy to Clifford Roberts Dwight D. Eisenhower Library Vivien Kellems Papers, undated, 1879-1976. Kellems, Vivien. Vivien Kellems Papers undated, 1879-1976. 82.75 Linear feet Vivien Kellems, Connecticut businesswoman and activist, served as president of the Kellems Cable Grip Company into the early 1960s. She also devoted herself to challenging the United States Government on issues such as personal rights during war time, business tax withholding from employees, inflated singles income tax and fair voting procedures. English Archives & Special Collections at the Thomas J. Dodd Center. Herman Wolf Papers, undated, 1926-1981. Wolf, Herman. Herman Wolf Papers undated, 1926-1981. 117.0 Linear feet Born in New York in 1912; graduated in 1933 with a B. A. in Economics from the University of Chicago; was actively involved in political journalism from 1934 to 1941; operated several public-relations firms, including Herman Wolf Associates; served as a chief campaign aide for many successful campaigns for offices; member of the National Press Club, the Public Relations Society of America, and the Bridgeport Chamber of Commerce. Archives & Special Collections at the Thomas J. Dodd Center. MacDonnell, G.J. Stillson. G.J. Stillson MacDonnell Papers, 1970-1987 MacDonnell, G.J. Stillson. G.J. Stillson MacDonnell Papers, 1970-1987 3.75 linear ft. (3 boxes) The G.J. Stillson MacDonnell papers document the Connecticut women's movement in the 1970s and 1980s. They include material on women's organizations such as the founding of the Feminist Credit Union, the Coalition of Connecticut Organizations Concerned with Women's Issues, the Connecticut Commission on the Status of Women, the first rape crisis service and the first battered women's shelter in Connecticut. Also represented are MacDonnell's legal activities in Connecticut, working with, and lobbying for, women's issues in the state legislature, including the Equal Rights Amendment, gay rights, and various civil rights campaigns. Additional research files include material on the history of married women's surname; Vivian Kellems' research on taxation of single people; and issues of women's periodicals and newspapers. Smith College, Neilson Library Thomas J. Dodd Papers, undated, 1919-1971. Dodd, Thomas J. Thomas J. Dodd Papers undated, 1919-1971. 220.0 Linear feet The Thomas J. Dodd Papers illuminate the diverse public life of a self-styled crusader. The collection consists primarily of material from Dodd's Senate years (1959-1971) and the Nuremberg war crimes trial before the International Military Tribunal from 1945-1946. Archives & Special Collections at the Thomas J. Dodd Center. White House Central Files (Eisenhower Administration). 1953 - 1961. Official Files. 1953 - 1961. OF 158 Women. 1953 - 1961. Letter from Mrs. J. Ramsay Harris to James Murphy White House Central Files (Eisenhower Administration). 1953 - 1961. Official Files. 1953 - 1961. OF 158 Women. 1953 - 1961. Letter from Mrs. J. Ramsay Harris to James Murphy Dwight D. Eisenhower Library White House Central Files (Eisenhower Administration). 1953 - 1961. Official Files. 1953 - 1961. OF 158 Women. 1953 - 1961. Letter from Vivien Kellems to Dwight D. Eisenhower White House Central Files (Eisenhower Administration). 1953 - 1961. Official Files. 1953 - 1961. OF 158 Women. 1953 - 1961. Letter from Vivien Kellems to Dwight D. Eisenhower Dwight D. Eisenhower Library