Edmund S. Muskie Oral History Collection

Document Type

Oral History

Publication Date

6-1-1999

Interview Number

MOH 106

Abstract

Clyde MacDonald, Jr. was born in 1929 in Old Orchard Beach to Nellie MacDonald and Clyde MacDonald, Sr., who were both of Canadian descent. The oldest of four children, MacDonald enlisted in the Army and served during the Korean War in Germany. After he left the military, he became interested in politics at the local level. He attended Portland Junior College for two years and then Bates for two years. He later earned a doctorate at the University of Maine while teaching undergraduate classes there. During this time, he became active in local Democratic politics and found himself in more regular contact with Senator Muskie. He worked for Senators Muskie and Mitchell.

Scope and Content Note

Interview includes discussions of: the General Services Administration (GSA); George Bartlett; Brownville railroad inspection; Wesley, Maine post office; hot-air balloon publicity stunt; Muskie’s temper; MacDonald and Muskie’s constituents; Muskie and Bar Harbor Airlines; the Manchester Union Leader incident; Jeremy Bentham; Muskie as the major Maine political figure; Muskie’s incorruptibility; Muskie staffers; Common Situs Picketing Bill; Muskie’s speaking style; the Dickey-Lincoln power project; Charlie Micoleau; Anita Jensen; George Mitchell; differences between Muskie and Mitchell; Mitchell’s ultra-efficiency; MacDonald’s position on Senator Mitchell’s staff; and Muskie’s contributions to Maine and the United States.

Use Restrictions

Copyright Bates College. This transcript is provided for individual Research Purposes Only; for all other uses, including publication, reproduction and quotation beyond fair use, permission must be obtained in writing from: The Edmund S. Muskie Archives and Special Collections Library, Bates College, 70 Campus Avenue, Lewiston, Maine 04240-6018.

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