Edmund S. Muskie Oral History Collection
Document Type
Oral History
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Publication Date
8-26-2000
Interview Number
MOH 219
Abstract
Bob Rush was born November 10, 1920 in Houlton, Maine. His parents were Mathilda McGloughlin Rush and James Murray Rush. He lived in Canada for eight years and then moved to East Hodgdon, Maine. He went to school in Hodgdon until 1937 when he transferred to Houlton High School and graduated in 1939. After graduating, he worked on his family’s farm and earned money at a garage. After being inspired by Franklin Roosevelt in the 1930s, Rush began to get politically involved in his community and was an early supporter of Ed Muskie in the 1950s. In 1974, he was elected to the Maine legislature and worked for Muskie in Washington, D.C.
Jean Larson was born September 9, 1925 in Houlton, Maine. Her parents were Frank and Jenny McGloughlin and her father worked in potatoes. As she grew up, she became involved in local politics as one of the few Democrats in Houlton. She was also an early Muskie supporter, and over the years served on the Democratic State Committee.
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, "Larson, Jean and Rush, Bob oral history interview" (2000). Edmund S. Muskie Oral History Collection. 206.
https://scarab.bates.edu/muskie_oh/206
Scope and Content Note
Interview includes discussions of: Rush’s family background; the Great Depression; Franklin D. Roosevelt and his influence on Rush; Democratic Party in Maine in the 1950s; George McGillicuddy, “Mr. Democrat”; Larson’s family background; Harry Truman; Houlton, Maine in the 1950s; Rush’s and Larson’s first encounter with Ed Muskie; Jane Muskie; Muskie’s baked bean suppers; Jim Pierce; Don Nicoll; Aroostook County Committee; Ken Colbath; King Harvey; George Mitchell; Muskie’s jokes; bullet voting; 1972 presidential campaign; and the Manchester, New Hampshire incident.