Ralph Hall Papers
Abstract
The Ralph M. Hall Papers document the career and activities of Congressman Ralph Moody Hall and his office. Serving in Congress for over 30 years (1981-2014), Congressman Hall represented Texas' 4th District which covers large parts of Northeast Texas, eventually spanning from Rockwall to Texarkana. The collection contains correspondence, legislative files, and reports covering issues such energy, science and technology, and healthcare in addition to local issues facing the communities Hall represented. The collection also contains photographic and audio-visual materials in addition to a small selection of memorabilia and electronic records.
Dates
- Majority of material found within 1980-2014, Bulk
- 1843-2014, Inclusive
Creator
- Hall, Ralph M. (Ralph Moody) (Person)
Conditions Governing Access
Series IV. Committee Activity is closed until January 1, 2045
Conditions Governing Use
Items in this collection are protected by applicable copyright laws.
Biographical / Historical
Ralph Moody Hall (1923-2019) was born on May 3, 1923 in Fate, TX to Viola Maude (nee Ball) and Hugh Olin Hall, Sr. He attended public school, graduating from Rockwall High School in 1941. In 1942, Hall joined the Navy, serving as an aircraft carrier pilot and achieving the rank of Lieutenant. After the war, he attended the University of Texas from 1946-1947. He later went on to receive his LL. B from Southern Methodist University, and was admitted to the Texas Bar in 1951.
Hall began his career in public service in 1950, serving as County Judge of Rockwall County which he held until 1962. Following his judgeship, he was elected to the State Senate – replacing Senator Ray Roberts (who had won a special election to succeed Sam Rayburn as Congressman from the 4th district). During his time in the State Senate, he served on multiple committees, and was President Pro Tempore of the Senate from 1968-1969. In 1970, he attempted to run for Lieutenant Governor but was barred by the Supreme Court from doing so. In 1972, he tried again – losing the Democratic Primary to Bill Hobby.
In 1980 Hall ran to represent Texas’ 4th District, after Congress Ray Roberts announced his decision to retire. Winning the election, Hall assumed office as Congressman in 1981. In his time in office, Hall served on both the Committee for Space Science and Technology as well as the Committee for Energy and Commerce often as Chair or Ranking member on the committees and respective subcommittees. He was also a founding member of the Blue Dog Democratic Caucus – whose membership comprised House Democrats that were traditionally more moderate or conservative.
In 2004, Hall switched parties, running for reelection to Congress as a Republican. Eight years later in 2012, Hall became the oldest serving member of the House in recorded history. In 2014 Hall, despite having the most votes, failed to achieve the majority needed for the Republican nomination. He subsequently lost the run-off election to John Ratcliffe, leaving office in January 2015.
Hall married Mary Ellen Murphy (1925-2008) in 1944. They have three sons: Hampton, Brett, and Blakeley. Hall has been a lifelong resident of Rockwall, TX.
Extent
256.5 Linear Feet (258 record boxes, 3 photograph (or microform) cartons, 37 oversized folders and 4 oversized flat objects in map case drawers)
Language of Materials
English
Arrangement
The collection is arranged into twelve series. These series primarily reflect the different aspects of Hall's activities during his time in Congress. Several additional series are separated by format or media:
Series I. Personal and Political
Series II. Administrative
Series III. Legislative
Series IV. Committee Activity
Series V. State and District Activity
Series VI. Media and Press Activity
Series VII. Constituent Mail
Series VIII. Photographs and Photographic Materials
Series IX. Audio/Video Material
Series X. Awards, Artifacts, and Oversized Materials
Series XI. Publications and Bound Volumes
Series XII. Electronic Records and Digital Media
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Ralph M. Hall on June 4, 2013.
Processing Information
Initial appraisal and processing was performed by Laura Litwer, from 2013-2015. Processing and Finding Aid writing was done by Ian McGlory from 2015-2017 with additional help from Natalie Bonner, a graduate student. Finding aid reviewed by SCUA staff 2021.
- Texas. Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
- United States. Congress Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
- United States. Congress--Caucuses Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
- United States. Congress--Committees Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
- United States. Congress. House. Committee on Energy
- United States. Congress. House. Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
- Title
- Ralph M. Hall Papers
- Status
- In Progress
- Author
- Ian McGlory
- Date
- July 25, 2019
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- Undetermined
- Script of description
- Code for undetermined script
- Language of description note
- English
Repository Details
Part of the Special Collections, Waters Library, Texas A&M University-Commerce Repository