Papers, mainly 1941-2009, of Robert G. Lewis, a nationally prominent agricultural economist, consultant, government official, and freelance writer, and his wife, Martha Wells Lewis. The papers contain: personal papers including his service during World War II and his management of a Wisconsin farm; professional papers documenting his appointments to various positions in the public and private sector dealing with agricultural issues; and his freelance writings on agriculture. The personal papers include correspondence and memoranda, speeches and writings, subject files, and papers about his private life including his military service during World War II and his management of a farm in Wisconsin. The career papers document appointments to the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service and the Rural Community Development Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and work for the National Farmers Union, the Farmers Union Milk Marketing Cooperative, the Wisconsin Cheese Makers, and others. Lewis was adviser to national politicians including John Anderson, John F. Kennedy, George McGovern, Gaylord Nelson, and William Proxmire, the documentation about which includes letters, speeches, and position papers drafted by Lewis. In addition to oral presentations, reports, and press releases prepared for clients and employers, there are freelance articles and columns, drafts of an unfinished book on food policy, and speech notes. Among the documented interests in agriculture that cut across his many professional associations are agricultural cooperatives, milk and dairy products, wheat and grains, international trade, rural development, and food policies both in the United States and abroad. Prominent correspondents include actor and environmentalist Eddie Albert, Anthony Dechant and James Patten (of the National Farmers Union), Orville Freeman, Les Fryer of Food & Earth Services, Robert Kennedy, Charles Krause (of Krause Milling), and Steve Miller (of the Central Cheese Company). The photographs consist of formal and informal portraits and images used for article illustration.
