WAGONER Who?

Ever come across a button that you have no clue about? For many years I had no idea who Wagoner was. I knew it was an Oregon pin, only because several respected Oregon collectors had it in their collections. I finally found one at the Salem Armory several years ago. I recently found another one this last weekend at a shop in Oregon City. I decided it was time to find answers to who was Wagoner. A few years ago, this wouldn't have been possible. As more and more historical databases and records become available online, more information becomes avaliable to researchers. This time, it was a quick search result of the 1938 Election and Wagoner brought me a quick result. 

The old Oregon index made by the Oregon APIC Chapter in the 1980s noted the name of Clarence R. Wagoner. The first hit was in the online database called Our Campaigns. This is where I found that Wagoner had run in the crowded 1938 Oregon Republican Primary for Governor.

Eventual winner Charles Sprague won the crowded race with 48% of the vote and Wagoner came in a distant third earning 9% of the vote. While this was important to establish the legitimacy of the button, it didn't help me figure out who Wagoner was or what he stood for.



 I got even luckier. Marion County and the State of Oregon have been uploading old Oregon Voter Phamplet's. My search yeilded the 1938 Oregon Republican Primary phamplet. We would finally know what Wagoner stood for. I have copied the complete statement here. 

Clarence Wagoner

Born Springfield, Illinois—Pennsylvania Dutch parentage—Mason—Liberal Repub­lican—married, one son, attending Albany College. Experienced in newspaper, farming, fi­nance, real estate, merchandising. Published “Enterprise” Independence, Oregon—founded “Motor Traffic Advo­cate” to aid independent truck owners. Long been a champion of aged people— believes it a governmental obligation to assure these may live in decency and com­fort without stigma of pauper’s oath.Four years ago entered Government service under supervision of State Treas­ury Department—transferred to Adult Education as lecturer, instructor of “Civic Affairs”—resigned to become candidate for Governor.PLATFORMOld-Age Security: For the nation the Townsend Plan. Until effective, increased old-age compensation for Oregon’s aged. No pauper’s oath.Taxes: Exempt small homes from tax­ation. Decrease industry and small busi­ness burdens.Bonneville Power: Cheapest power in the nation. Its benefits must be passed on to industry and consumer alike. Labor and Industry: Closer cooperation between employer, employee and public officials. Endeavor to settle disputes before, rather than after, they happen. Law Enforcement: Impartial to all. More than this no good citizen can ask; less he shall not receive. Milk and Bread: No price fixing. Producer and consumer must be fully protected. River and Harbors: Improve for navigation and protect our farms from soil erosion. Keep our streams pure and clean. Referendum: Let the people, who pay for and live under the law, have the last say on controversial issues.Liquors: Strict regulation. Minimum, not maximum, consumption.Oregon Products: The world’s best. Use Oregon materials and talent in all public construction. Fullest cooperation of all individuals and state agencies for the farmer, the stockgrower, orchardist and dairyman to the end that their business may be both profitable and attractive.Deficiency Judgments: Must be eliminated.Adult Education: Maintain and extend as permanent department of our state educational system.Automobile Accidents: Portion of the automobile and gasoline taxes should be used to assist victims of traffic accidents and their dependents.Peace: Everything for defense. Adequate fortifications for Columbia River and other Oregon ports susceptible to invasion, including ample airplane base.Slogan—Townsend Plan—Adult Education; Liberal Republicanism; Rank and File Rule. NEW LINE REPUBLICANS, INCORPORATED, BARDI SKULASON, Chairman.

 His statement reads that it was paid for by the New Line Republicans. I haven't been able to find out anything else about the New Line Republicans, but they seemed to be a liberal group from the various stances on issues outlined in his statement. Wagoner worked for the Oregon Department of the Treasury. He was for Old-Age Security and the Townsend Plan. A very liberal program for 1938 Republican. 

1938 would prove to be an interesting election. Democratic Governor Charles Martin lost re-nomination for standing against progressive policies and the Roosevelt Administration. State Senator Henry L. Hess won the nomination and the Pro-Martin business interests jumped ship to support the winner of the Oregon Republican Primary (Charles Sprague). 

I have found no evidence that Wagoner ever ran for office again. Do you have a Wagoner item besides the button? Share it with us here.