Bob Bullock Archive
Bob Bullock was a native Texan first and last, one who loved the state and its heritage and recognized the need to preserve its history. A third generation Texan, he began to put that love for the state and its people to work with his early service on the State Historical Commission in the 1960s.
His love for Texas and its history carried over to influence the preservation of his own records and the legacy of the 40 years he served the state.
The Bob Bullock Collection spans the years 1917-2003 with the bulk of the materials focusing on Bob Bullock’s political career from 1975-1999, when he was Comptroller of Public Accounts and the Lieutenant Governor of Texas. The Bullock Collection provides a comprehensive account of the last quarter of the 20th century in Texas politics, through the eyes, words and deeds of one of Texas’ most legendary politician and respected statesmen. Bob Bullock’s love for Texas was genuine…and that love is visible in the physical record of his collection. The Collection also includes personal items and artifacts from his life donated by Bullock, members of his family, and friends. Together, these materials provide a window to the public and private sides of Bob Bullock.
The Bob Bullock collection is divided into five series:
Campaign Series, 1974-1997; bulk 1990. (49 boxes)
Bullock Campaign PDF Version
This series details the Bullock’s four campaigns for Comptroller of Public Accounts in 1974, 1978, 1982 and 1986, and his campaigns for Lieutenant Governor in 1990 and 1994. The series include campaign files, correspondence, election results and polls, endorsements, questionnaires, financial material, invitations and issue files. Also found in the series are itineraries, position papers, brochures, newsletters, press releases, and assorted publications and reports.
The strength of the Campaign Series lies in the 1990 Campaign subseries, Bullock’s first run for Lieutenant Governor, which shows the development, detail and implementation of a winning political campaign. The attention to detail in researching issues and in preparation for opponents reflects Bullock’s drive and intensity. The embracing of different campaign techniques throughout the six campaigns show the growth and use of new mediums to reach constituents and influence voters.
Comptroller Series, 1975-1990. (337 boxes)
Bullock Comptroller PDF Version
This series charts Bob Bullock’s 16 years of public service as Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. The sheer transformation and growth of the Comptroller’s office is evident in the physical record of this series and is its strength. Bullock completely reformed the Comptroller’s Office, brought it into the computer age.
Lieutenant Governor Series, 1991-1999. (526.25 linear ft.)
Bullock Lt. Gov. PDF Version without Alpha Correspondence
Bullock Lt. Gov. PDF of Alpha Correspondence
This series is arranged chronologically by year and legislative session. During the years 1992-1995, the Texas Capitol was under an interior restoration and expansion project. The Lieutenant Governor’s Office was relocated, thus the files from the 73rd and 74th Legislatures were combined. While Administrative files are present, the bulk of this series are correspondence to and from state offices, legislators, elected officials, and ex-elected officials. Also included are issue files and travel itineraries.
Media Series, 1971-1998. (260 boxes, 130 linear ft.)
This series is comprise of audio/visual material from Bullock’s years as Comptroller and Lieutenant Governor. Formats include audio and video cassettes, tapes and reels; digital information on CDs, DVDs, and computer backups; microfilm; newspaper clippings and press releases; political cartoons; and speeches.
Personal Series, 1917-3003; bulk 1970-1999. (600 boxes, 302.25 linear ft.)
Over his career, Bullock was honored with dozens of awards by national, state, civic and government organizations and associations. With each award came certificates, plaques and trophies Bullock treasured. Most of them are in the collection, along with his education and law degrees, military records and the commissions for each of the offices he held during his 40 years of state service.
Some of the treasures in the memorabilia are the personal photographs and family scrapbooks kept by Bullock's mother, family letters, correspondence and genealogical materials compiled by Bullock and his older brother, Tom.
The W. R. Poage Legislative Library also has videos featuring Bob Bullock hosted by YouTube.