Hansen, Don oral history interview

Authors

Andrea L'Hommedieu

Document Type

Oral History

Publication Date

9-20-2000

Interview Number

MOH 232

Abstract

Don Hansen was born on July 14, 1935 in Presque Isle, Maine to Blanche (Stevenson) and Daniel Hansen. His father worked at a grange store and his mother was a secretary. Don attended Presque Isle High School, and then went to Boston University to study Journalism. When he graduated in 1959, he returned to Maine where he worked for a newspaper in Portland. In 1960, he was appointed the State House reporter and became familiar with many Maine politicians. He co-wrote a book with Theo Lippman called Muskie that came out during the 1972 presidential campaign. In 1972, he became editorial director of the Portland newspapers.

Scope and Content Note

Interview includes discussions of: Presque Isle, Maine; Hansen’s first impressions of Ed Muskie in the 1950s; Hansen’s political philosophy; Maine politicians; Muskie’s stance on the “peril point” amendment; sugar beet industry; Muskie’s 1968 campaign; 1972 presidential campaign and William Loeb; Margaret Chase Smith; John Reed vs. Ken Curtis; Vietnam; Stan Tupper; and the Portland newspapers.

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.

Recommended Citation

L'Hommedieu, Andrea, "Hansen, Don oral history interview" (2000). Edmund S. Muskie Oral History Collection. 158.
https://scarab.bates.edu/muskie_oh/158