Collection Summary
Robert Orben Papers
1941-2019
1941-2019
MSS86325
Orben, Robert
23,800 items
52 containers plus 17 oversize
35.8 linear feet
81 digital files (5.88GB)
English
Collection material in English
Manuscript Division, Library of Congress
Washington, D.C.
Comedy writer and political speechwriter.
Correspondence, jokes and other writings, business papers, photographs, printed matter,
interviews, and speeches in both physical and digital formats pertaining to Orben's work
as a comedy writer and humor consultant for entertainers, public figures, and corporate
clients, editor of a topical humor service, writer for television, and speechwriter for
President Gerald R. Ford.
Selected Search Terms
The following terms have been used to index the description of this collection in the LC Catalog. They are grouped by name of person or organization, by subject or location, and by occupation and listed alphabetically.
People
Ford, Gerald R., 1913-2006.
Kupferman, Stanley.
Orben, Robert.
Organizations
Orben Publications.
Subjects
American periodicals.
American wit and humor.
Amusements--Periodicals.
Booksellers and bookselling.
Comedians.
Comedy sketches.
Comedy--Handbooks, manuals, etc.
Comedy--Periodicals.
Comedy.
Current events--Humor.
Entertainers.
Magic tricks.
Magicians.
Politics and culture--Humor.
Public speaking.
Publishers and publishing.
Speechwriting.
Television comedies.
Television programs--United States.
Wit and humor--Authorship.
Wit and humor--Handbooks, manuals, etc.
Wit and humor.
Places
United States--Humor.
Titles
Orben's current comedy (periodical)
Red Skelton hour (Television program)
Occupations
Comedy writers.
Speechwriters.
Acquisition Information
The papers of Robert Orben were given to the Library of Congress by Orben in 2019.
Processing History
The papers of Robert Orben were arranged and described by Laura J. Kells between 2019
and 2021.
Digital files were received as part of the Robert Orben Papers on a variety of storage
media, each of which was assigned a unique digital ID number. Use the digital ID number
to request access copies of the files associated with each media. A description of the
standard processes taken on all born digital records can be found in the Processing
History Note: Born Digital Collection Material at [https://hdl.loc.gov/loc.mss/eadmss.digital].
Transfers
Some audio and video tapes have been transferred to the Motion Picture, Broadcasting and
Recorded Sound Division where they are identified as part of the Robert Orben Papers.
Patrons are encouraged to contact the Motion Picture, Broadcasting and Recorded Sound
Division in advance of a research visit.
Other Repositories
Other papers of Robert Orben can be found in the Gerald R. Ford Library, Ann Arbor,
Mich.
Copyright Status
Copyright in the unpublished writings of Robert Orben in these papers and in other
collections of papers in the custody of the Library of Congress has been dedicated to
the public.
Access and Restrictions
The papers of Robert Orben are open to research. Researchers are advised to contact the
Manuscript Division prior to visiting in order to determine whether the desired
materials will be available at that time.
Technical Requirements
Digital files are audio files (.wav), PowerPoint 97 and 2016 presentation files (.ppt),
and video files (.vob).
Preferred Citation
Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information:
Container or digital ID number, Robert Orben Papers, Manuscript Division, Library of
Congress, Washington, D.C.
Biographical Note
Date
Event
1927, March 4
Born, New York, N.Y.
1945
Married Jean Louise Connelly
Served in United States Army, Fort Dix, N.J., and Camp Joseph T. Robinson,
Little Rock, Ark.
1946
1964
Wrote and published a series of books of humor material for performers
1946
1947
Wrote articles for
Magic is Fun
magazine
1948
1954
Columnist,
Genii
magazine
circa 1951
Writer,
Fun with Felix
television program
1958
1968
Founder and owner, Orben Publications with Stanley Kupferman
1958
1968
Published
Orben's Current Comedy
, a topical humor periodical
1961
circa 1967
Wrote material for comedian Dick Gregory
1962
Editor,
From the Back of the Bus
by Dick Gregory. N.Y.: Dutton
1962
1964
Writer,
The Jack Paar Program
1964
1970
Writer,
The Red Skelton Hour
1966
Published
The Joke-Teller's Handbook, or 1,999 Belly Laughs.
N.Y.: Doubleday
1969
Published
The Ad-Libber's Handbook: 2000 New Laughs for Speakers.
N.Y.: Doubleday
1960s
1990s
Consultant, speechwriter for politicians and other public figures
1971
Resumed publishing
Orben's Current Comedy
Published
The Encyclopedia of One-Liner Comedy.
N.Y.: Doubleday
1971
1973
Founder and owner, The Comedy Center, a company that sold comedy products
1971
1972
Published
Orben Comedy Letter
1971
1980
Published
Orben's Comedy Fillers
1974
Consultant to Vice President Gerald R. Ford
1974
1975
Speechwriter and associate editor for President Gerald R. Ford
1976
1977
Director, White House Speechwriting Staff
Special assistant to the President
1979
Published
2500 Jokes to Start 'Em Laughing.
N.Y.: Doubleday
1970s
1990s
Consultant, speechwriter, and advisor on the use of humor in public speaking
for executives and corporations
1983
Published
2100 Laughs for All Occasions.
N.Y.: Doubleday
1984
Published
2400 Jokes to Brighten Your Speeches.
N.Y.: Doubleday
1986
Published
2000 Sure-Fire Jokes for Speakers: The Encyclopedia of One-Liner
Comedy.
N.Y.: Doubleday
2000
Published
Speaker's Handbook of Humor.
Springfield, Mass.: Merriam-Webster
2007
Published
The Speechwriter's Handbook of Humor: A Practical Guide to Getting Laughs
in Public Speeches and Presentations
. Portland, Oreg.: Marion Street Press
2023, Feb. 2
Died, Alexandria, Va.
Scope and Content Note
The papers of Robert Orben (1927-2023) span the dates 1941-2019. The collection
documents Orben's career as a comedy writer and humor consultant, and speechwriter for
President Gerald R. Ford. The papers are arranged into five series: [General Correspondence](GC), [Alphabetical File](Alpha), [Speeches and Writings](SW), [Miscellany](Misc), and
[Oversize](OV).
This collection documents Orben's work as a comedy writer and promoter of humor. Orben
initially focused on magic and magicians, but over time expanded his reach and wrote
material for use by a wide range of performers and public speakers. A strength of this
collection is the compilation of jokes and one-liners he wrote over the second half of
the twentieth century, that he published under his own name, prepared for other
performers, created for
The Red Skelton Hour
television program, and supplied for corporate events. His periodical,
Orben's Current Comedy
, a topical subscription service, contains jokes relating to the public figures,
cultural trends, and current events from 1958 to 1989. A smaller amount of similar
material from the 1990s that he sent to columnists and others is dispersed throughout
collection. Orben's work as a promoter of and advisor on the use of humor in public
speaking and his life-long connection to magicians and the magic profession are also
documented. The collection complements a larger collection of Robert Orben Papers at the
Gerald R. Ford Library in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Material pertaining to Orben's time as a
speechwriter in the Ford White House includes memorabilia, photographs, an oral history
transcript, speeches, and an unpublished memoir.
The collection's series are listed and briefly described below. A fuller description of
each series and a list of its contents can be accessed in the series descriptions within
the container list.
The [General Correspondence](GC) series comprises a chronological
grouping of letters sent and received by Orben between the years 1963 and 2019.
The [Alphabetical File](Alpha) series touches on all aspects of his
career and documents Orben’s dealings with colleagues, publishers, publications,
organizations, columnists, clients, and friends.
The [Speeches and Writings](SW) series contains approximately sixty
years of jokes, one-liners, writings, and remarks from Orben's career as a comedy writer
and humor consultant for performers, television programs, public figures, and corporate
clients.
A small [Miscellany](Misc) series contains additional material
documenting Orben's life and career including press clippings and photographs depicting
his work with President Gerald R. Ford.
The remaining series contains [Oversize](OV) material.
Arrangement of the Papers
This collection is arranged in five series:
-
[General Correspondence, 1963-2019](GC)
-
[Alphabetical File, 1941-2019](Alpha)
-
[Speeches and Writings, 1945-2018](SW)
-
[Miscellany, 1945-2019](Misc)
-
[Oversize, 1945-1977](OV)
Container List
Container
Contents
1-2
General Correspondence, 1963-2019
1963-2019
The General Correspondence series comprises a chronological grouping of letters
sent and received by Orben between the years 1963 and 2019. The letters date from
the period that Orben moved to California to work as a writer for the television
program,
The Red Skelton Hour
, and continue into his retirement years. While some of the correspondence
relates to his work, much of it is of a personal nature. Additional
correspondence, grouped alphabetically by name of correspondent or topic, is
located in the Alphabetical File series.
Material types include letters sent and received with related attachments. One
attachment is in digital format as a PowerPoint presentation.
Arranged chronologically. The file structure of the digital content maintained as
received.
1
1963-1979
1963-1979
(15 folders)
2
1980-2019
1980-2019
(10 folders)
Attachments to correspondence included storage media described
below.
2019, Nilsen, Alleen Pace, and Don L. F.
Nilsen,
The Language of Humor
, PowerPoint presentation
2019
mss86325_201_001
2
Undated
Undated
3-32
Alphabetical File, 1941-2019
1941-2019
The Alphabetical File series touches on all aspects of his career and documents
Orben’s dealings with colleagues, publishers, publications, organizations,
columnists, clients, and friends. Files relating to Orben’s business partner in
the 1960s, Stanley Kupferman, contain their extensive correspondence from when
Orben was in California containing details about their business, Orben
Publications, and their efforts to promote and sell Orben’s books and other comedy
products. Orben’s letters to Kupferman also describe his experience as a writer
for
The Red Skelton Hour
and touch on his work for comedian Dick Gregory. A large portion of this
material dates from the years after Orben’s work for President Gerald R. Ford.
Items relating to Gerald R. Ford include letters from Ford documenting Orben’s
continued assistance with speeches in the years following his presidency and
memorabilia from Orben’s time in the Ford White House.
Material types include correspondence, business papers, printed matter, and
one-liners and other humorous material Orben sent to individuals and publications.
Arranged alphabetically by name or topic. The file structure of the digital
content maintained as received.
3
50 Plus
magazine, 1978-1979
1978-1979
3
Acocella, Paul, 1993-2006, 2014
1993-2006, 2014
3
Across the Board
magazine, 1983-1984, 1992
1983-1984, 1992
3
Adams, Joey, 1972-1976
1972-1976
3
Adams, Patch, 1987-1988, 1994
1987-1988, 1994
3
Adler & Robin Books, 1978, 1989-1992
1978, 1989-1992
3
American Comedy Arts, circa 1974
circa 1974
3
American Legion
magazine, 1983
1983
3
American Management Associations, 1977-1978
1977-1978
3
American Speaker
magazine, circa 2000-2004
circa 2000-2004
3
American Way
magazine, 1982-1988
1982-1988
3
Associated Marketing Enterprises, 1973-1974
1973-1974
3
Back in the Bronx
magazine, 2000
2000
3
Badler, Mitchell M., 1967-1970, 1981-1983, 1989-1992
1967-1970, 1981-1983, 1989-1992
3
Bain, Donald, 1984
1984
3
Bakshian, Aram, Jr., 1992
1992
3
Bauer, Joseph C., 1974-1983
1974-1983
3
Bause, Dave, 1989-1990
1989-1990
3
Bawl Street Journal
, 1958
1958
3
Bedrosian, Maggie,
1996-2001
1996-2001
3
Bergeron, Bev,
1996-2000, 2018
1996-2000, 2018
3
Bergstrom, Karl, 2003
2003
3
Blaney, Walter, 1991-1999, 2010
1991-1999, 2010
4
Blumenfeld, Esther, 1996-2012
1996-2012
4
Blumenfeld, Esther, and Lynn Alpern, 1980-1990
1980-1990
4
Book ideas, 1963-1971
1963-1971
4
Books, miscellaneous information, 1960s-2000
1960s-2000
(2 folders)
4
Booth, John,
1986
1986
4
Borealis Press, 2006-2012
2006-2012
4
Boren, James H., 1972, 1986-2010
1972, 1986-2010
(3 folders)
4
Bosc, Joyce, 2001
2001
4
Branch, Charles, 1997-2002
1997-2002
4
Brecher, Harold,
1986
1986
4
Brechtel, Warren R., 1989
1989
4
Breeskin, Barnee, 1981, 1989-1991, 2003
1981, 1989-1991, 2003
4
Brooks, Foster, 1974
1974
4
Buchwald, Art,
1966, 2007
1966, 2007
5
Budler, Bob, 1990-1992
1990-1992
5
Butler, Michael, 1981-1984
1981-1984
5
Butler, Patrick, 1993-1994
1993-1994
5
Buttons, Red, 1964,
1970-1972, 1982-2006
1964, 1970-1972, 1982-2006
(2 folders)
5
Campaign Associates, 1973-1975
1973-1975
5
Campaign
magazine, 1977
1977
5
Campaigns & Elections
magazine, 1989-1990
1989-1990
5
Capitol Comedy
newsletter, 1990
1990
5
Carlston, Greg, 1993
1993
5
Carpenter, Liz, circa 1980-1983, 1994-2010
circa 1980-1983, 1994-2010
5
Carter, Diane, 1994
1994
5
Carver, Ron, undated
undated
5
Chamber of Commerce of the United States of
America, 1982
1982
5
Chapel, Gage William, 1975-1978
1975-1978
(2 folders)
5
Cimberg, Alan, 1995-2000
1995-2000
5
Columnists,
1967-1968
1967-1968
5
Comedy & Entertainment
magazine, 1986-1987
1986-1987
5
Comedy Center, 1971-1991
1971-1991
6
Comedy Center,
1971-1991
1971-1991
(6 folders)
6
Communicator's Journal
, 1983
1983
6
Computer retrieval, 1992
1992
6
Contributors article, 1977, undated
1977, undated
6
Coolidge, Calvin,
1981
1981
7
Copyright information, 1963-1991
1993-1991
7
Copyrights, 1946-1988
1946-1988
(7 folders)
8
Copyrights, 1946-1988
1946-1988
(4 folders)
8
Costello, John, 1977, 1997
1977, 1997
8
Creative Concepts,
1986-1987
1986-1987
8
Crofts, Peter, 1984-1988
1984-1988
8
Cummings, Herb, and Barbara Cummings, 2000
2000
8
Current Comedy
, 1964-1991
1964-1991
9
Current Comedy
, 1964-1991
1964-1991
(3 folders)
9
Daly, John Jay,
1978-1979, 1991-1992, 1998-2009
1978-1979, 1991-1992, 1998-2009
9
Dawson, Donald S.,
1995
1995
9
Dechau, Gary, 1992-2000
1992-2000
9
Dechter & Kornbluth, 1978
1978
9
Delaney, Mick,
1973-1986, 1994-1996
1973-1986, 1994-1996
9
Dickson, Paul, 1992-1996
1992-1996
9
Dolphin Enterprises agreement, 1962
1962
9
Doubleday & Co.
9
2100 Laughs for All Occasions
, 1982-1990
1982-1990
10
2400 Jokes to Brighten Your Speeches
, 1980-1989
1980-1989
10
2500 Jokes to Start 'Em Laughing
, 1978-1988
1978-1988
10
Ad-Libber's Handbook
, 1969-1971, 1979
1969-1971, 1979
(2 folders)
10
Book and author talks, 1971-1973
1971-1973
10
Encyclopedia of One-Liner Comedy
, 1971-1985, 1995
1971-1985, 1995
10
Humor division, 1971
1971
10
Joke-Teller's Handbook
, 1964-1968, 1975-1979
1964-1968, 1975-1979
10
Miscellany, 1970, 1983-1993, 1999
1970, 1983-1993, 1999
10
Promotion, 1966-1968, 1974
1966-1968, 1974
11
Dunn, Jerry Camarillo, Jr., 1990-1991
1990-1991
11
Dunn, Joseph R., 1998-1999
1998-1999
11
Dunn, Ricki, 2006
2006
11
Dynamic Years
magazine, 1979-1984
1979-1984
11
Eberhart, Elvin (Cy), 1993-2012
1993-2012
11
Elnicky, Robert N., 1989-2002
1989-2002
Elnicky, Robert N., video files, 2002, undated
2002, undated
mss86325_201_007
mss86325_201_008
11
Emery, Harold, 1966-1969
1966-1969
11
Erickson, Lou,
1971
1971
11
Ewald, William Bragg, Jr., and Mary Ewald, 1994-2001
1994-2001
11
Executive Fitness
newsletter, 1989
1989
11
Executive Speaker
newsletter, 1985-1992
1985-1992
11
Family Circle
magazine 1978
1978
11
Family Weekly
, 1971-1979
1971-1979
11
Farmers' Almanac
, 1978-1981, 1990-1994
1978-1981, 1990-1994
12
Fassihi, Theresa,
1990
1990
12
Fechtner, Leopold, 1976, 1983, 1999-2001
1976, 1983, 1999-2001
12
Feinberg, Leonard, and Lilian Feinberg, 1978-1982, 1990-2006
1978-1982, 1990-2006
12
Financial Executives Institute, 1984-1985
1984-1985
12
Fitzgerald, Peter, 1999
1999
12
Florentine, Zina, 1973-1980
1973-1980
12
Ford, Gerald R.
12
Christmas cards, 1976-2006
1976-2006
12
Correspondence, 1968-2018
1968-2018
12
Miscellany, 1979-2011
1979-2011
(4 folders)
13
Miscellany, 2012-2015
2012-2015
13
White House memorabilia, 1975-1977
[ See also Oversize ](Over1)
1975-1977
(4 folders)
13
Frank Wright Associates, 1972-1979
1972-1979
13
Franklin, Ben B., 1980-2000
1980-2000
14
Fry, William F., 1997-1999
1997-1999
14
Gardner, Gerald, 1985-1992
1985-1992
14
Gardner, Martin, 1991-2010
1991-2010
(5 folders)
14
Gary, Harold, 1974
1974
14
Geller, Judith, 2006
2006
14
George Washington University, Washington, D.C.,
1991-1992
1991-1992
14
Gerald R. Ford Foundation, 2004-2019
2004-2019
(2 folders)
15
Gerald. R. Ford Library, Ann Arbor, Mich.
15
Dedication,
1981
1981
15
Robert Orben Papers, 1990, 2005-2006, 2015
1990, 2005-2006, 2015
15
Gingras, Angèle de T., 1987-1996
1987-1996
15
Gliner, Art, 1947-1963, 1991-2011
1947-1963, 1991-2011
15
Glucksman, Ernest D., 1978
1978
15
Gold, Bill, 1993-2000
1993-2000
15
Gold, Victor, 1990,
2007
1990, 2007
15
Golomb, Frederick M., 1986
1986
15
Good Morning America
, television program, 1984-1985
1984-1985
15
Gordon, Bill, 1983
1983
15
Gore, James, 1968-1972, 1983
1968-1972, 1983
15
Gove, Bill,
1977-2002
1977-2002
15
Green, Abel, 1964-1973
1964-1973
(2 folders)
15
Greene, Mort, 1970-1992
1970-1992
16
Gregory, Dick
16
Air spots, 1965
1965
16
Back of the Bus
, 1961-1969
1961-1969
16
Miscellany, 1965-1970
1965-1970
16
What's Happening
, 1965
1965
16
Grossman, John, 1978-1995
1978-1995
16
Haband Company, 1968-1973
1968-1973
(4 folders)
16
Hall, Floyd, 1972
1972
16
Halligan, Robert A., 1988-2007
1988-2007
(2 folders)
17
Harry Byrd Kline Celebrity Service, 1972-1974
1972-1974
17
Hartmann, Robert Trowbridge, 1978, 1992, 2008
1978, 1992, 2008
17
Harvey, Paul, 1983,
1991-2001, 2008-2009
1983, 1991-2001, 2008-2009
17
Hawkins, Robert, 1994-1999
1994-1999
17
Heinz, John F., 1983-2004
1983-2004
(2 folders)
17
Helitzer, Mel, 1984-1986, 1998-2003
1984-1986, 1998-2003
(2 folders)
Helitzer, Mel, audio files, 2002
2002
mss86325_201_002
17
Henrichs, Garth, 1978-1981, 1990-2002
1978-1981, 1990-2002
(2 folders)
17
Hercer, Edmund R., 1981-1984, 1998-2003, 2012
1981-1984, 1998-2003, 2012
17
Hersey, Ross V., 1995-1999
1995-1999
17
Hill, I. William, and Lou-Lou Hill, 1982-1983, 1989-1998
1982-1983, 1989-1998
18
Hoffmeister, Bruce F., 1991
1991
18
Hollywood School of Comedy Writing, Hollywood,
Calif., 1967-1971
1967-1971
18
Holst, Art, 1996
1996
18
House of Humour and Satire, Gabrovo, Bulgaria,
1984
1984
18
"How-to" topics, 1971-1987
1971-1987
(6 folders)
19
Hulke, Malcolm, 1972-1975
1972-1975
(2 folders)
19
Humor News
magazine, 1984-1985
1984-1985
19
Humor schools, 1979-1981
1979-1981
19
Humor workshops, 1975-1986, undated
1975-1986, undated
(2 folders)
19
Ideas, promotion, 1963, undated
1963, undated
19
International Brotherhood of Magicians, 1997-1999
1997-1999
19
IBM United Kingdom Limited, 1985-1986
1985-1986
19
International Laughter Society, 1984
1984
19
International Platform Association, 1972-2001
1972-2001
19
Jacobs, Seaman, 1970-1971, 1983-2006
1970-1971, 1983-2006
19
Jamison, Warren, 1985
1985
19
Jensen, Norman, 1973, 1984-1999, 2006
1973, 1984-1999, 2006
20
John Rain Associates, 1968-1973
1968-1973
(2 folders)
20
Jones, L. Bevel, III, 1990
1990
20
Judson Welliver Society, 1985-2011
1985-2011
(2 folders)
20
Kasman, Louis P., 1979
1979
20
Kim Dawson Agency, 1974-1980, 1989
1974-1980, 1989
20
King, Llewellyn, 2000-2001
2000-2001
20
Kiplinger, 1980
1980
20
Kirk, John, 1976-1979
1976-1979
20
Klein, Allen, 1988-1992
1988-1992
20
Koering, Marilyn J., 1988
1988
20
Kreiling, Ernie, 1968-1970, 1988, 2004-2008
1968-1970, 1988, 2004-2008
20
Kupcinet, Irv., 1974, 1983, 1991-2002
1974, 1983, 1991-2002
20
Kupferman, Stanley
20
1964 -1965
1964-1965
(3 folders)
21
1966-1968
1966-1968
(4 folders)
21
Kurtz, Frank,
1984
1984
21
LaGuire, Al, 1967-1968
1967-1968
21
Landmark Forum, 2001
2001
21
Lang, Margo Terzian, 1973-1977
1973-1977
21
Larry King Show
, radio program, 1979-1983
1979-1983
21
Larsen, Erika,
Genii
magazine, 1994-1998
1994-1998
21
Larson, Joe, 1979-1984, 1998- 2005
1979-1984, 1998-2005
21
Laugh-Makers
magazine, 1982-1983, 1994
1982-1983, 1994
21
Laughter Works, 1990-1991
1990-1991
21
Leaders
magazine, 1988
1988
21
Levey, Bob, 1994-1996
1994-1996
21
Lewis, George Q., 1978-1979
1978-1979
21
Lewis, Shari, 1968-1983, 1990-1999
1968-1983, 1990-1999
21
Libby, Bill
21
"The Champs Speak," book project, 1970
1970
21
Life in the Pit
, 1969-1972
1969-1972
21
Lindner, Charles, 1980-1981, 1992-2001
1980-1981, 1992-2001
(2 folders)
22
Lindner, Charles, 2002-2013
2002-2013
(2 folders)
22
Linking Ring
magazine, 1995-2005
1995-2005
22
Long, Carolyn K.,
2002
2002
22
Lowell, Juliet, 1979-1980
1979-1980
22
Lufkin, Dan, 1974-1976
1974-1976
22
Lund, Robert, 1978,
1991-1996
1978, 1991-1996
22
Mack, Ferris, 1989-1992
1989-1992
22
Magic
magazine, 2000-2004
2000-2004
22
Maher Studios, 1995-2000
1995-2000
22
Malone, Paul, 1994
1994
22
Maloney, Stephen R., 1992-1993
1992-1993
22
Marcantonio, Veda Ward, 1976-1979
1976-1979
22
Marriott Corp., 1971-1977
1971-1977
22
Marshall, Jay, and Frances Marshall, 1982-1986, 1995-2005
1982-1986, 1995-2005.
22
Martin, Steve, 2000, 2007
2000, 2007
22
Marvin Josephson Associates, 1964-1978
1964-1978
(2 folders)
23
Marvin Josephson Associates, 1964-1978
1964-1978
(2 folders)
23
Massabny, Rich, 1993
1993
23
Matheson, Sally, 1989
1989
23
Mathias, Barbara,
1983
1983
23
McCaffrey, Joseph F., 1983-1996
1983-1996
23
McGinnis, Mack, undated
undated
23
McManus, Ed, 1990-1991
1990-1991
23
Medhurst, Martin J., 1984
1984
23
Meetings & Conventions
magazine, 1970-1985
1970-1985
23
Merriam-Webster,
Speaker's Handbook of Humor
, 1999-2001
1999-2001
(3 folders)
23
Meyers, Hal, circa
2013
circa 2013
23
Mihalec, John, 1978, 2007-2008
1978, 2007-2008
23
Mitchell, Greg, 1981
1981
23
Mocerino, Gus,
1981
1981
23
Modern Maturity
magazine, 1986-1987
1986-1987
23
Monroe, Doug, 1990-1991, 2004
1990-1991, 2004
24
Moran, Susan, 1982-1984, 1992-1995
1982-1984, 1992-1995
24
Morrison, Samuel D., Jr., 1986-1988
1986-1988
24
Mott, Robert L., 1971, 1999-2000
1971, 1999-2000
24
Murphey, Bob, 1992-1995
1992-1995
24
National Association for Corporate Speaker
Activities, 1983-1987
1983-1987
24
National Association of Government
Communicators, 1977
1977
24
National Association of Mature People, 1983
1983
24
National Comedy Hall of Fame, proposed, 1993-1998
1993-1998
24
National Enquirer
, 1974-1977
1974-1977
24
National Press Club, 1977, 2001, 2008
1977, 2001, 2008
24
National Speakers Association, 1977-1984
1977-1984
24
Nation's Business
magazine, 1990
1990
24
Nebel, Long John, 1970, 1978
1970, 1978
24
New books, 1972-1977
1972-1977
24
New Satirist
magazine, 1981
1981
24
Newsbeat
newsletter, 1980-1981
1980-1981
24
Newsday Specials Syndicate, 1967-1970, 1976
1967-1970, 1976
(2 folders)
24
New York Times
, 2004
2004
25
Nilsen, Don L. F., 1980-1987, 2000-2008
1980-1987, 2000-2008
25
Norman, Shirley, 2000-2004
2000-2004
25
O'Connell, Walter E., 1978
1978
25
Orben Productions, circa 1960-circa 1967
circa 1960-circa 1967
25
Orleans, Anne, undated
undated
25
Outlet Book Co., 1978
1978
25
Parvin, Landon, 1980, 1987, 1993
1980, 1987, 1993
25
Pattis, S. William, 1978, 1984-1999
1978, 1984-1999
25
Peet, Richard George Clayton, 1994-2000
1994-2000
25
Pendleton, Winston K., 1980-1984
1980-1984
25
Perret, Gene, 1981-1984, 1992-2001
1981-1984, 1992-2001
25
Peter, Lawrence J., 1979-1980
1979-1980
25
Phillips, Arthur, 1972, 1986-1990
1972, 1986-1990
25
Playboy
magazine, 1966-1976
1966-1976
25
Portnor, Ralph, 1967, 1984, 2000-2008
1967, 1984, 2000-2008
25
Potomac Speakers, 1980-1989
1980-1989
25
Powers, Helen, 1972
1972
25
Prentice Hall, 1990
1990
26
Presidential Speechwriters Roundtable, 1995
1995
26
Preston, Charles, 1984-1999, 2006
1984-1999, 2006
26
Pritzker, Robert A., 1994
1994
26
Program Associates, 1973-1994
1973-1994
26
Psychology Today
magazine, 1978-1979
1978-1979
26
Pullen, Kaye, 1996-2002
1996-2002
26
Pulse of Broadcasting
magazine, 1987
1987
26
Quote
magazine, 1973-1991
1973-1991
26
Ragaway, Martin A., 1971-1976
1971-1976
26
Random House, 2010-2012
2010-2012
26
Raniello, John, 1977-1983
1977-1983
26
Rauscher, William V., 2000-2007
2000-2007
26
Reader's Digest
magazine, 1969-1971, 1981-1998, 2008-2009
1969-1971, 1981-1998, 2008-2009
26
Real People
, television program, 1979
1979
26
Red Skelton Hour
, television program, 1965-1977
1965-1977
(3 folders)
27
Red Skelton Hour
, television program, 1980-1984, 1990
1980-1984, 1990
(2 folders)
27
Regency Books, 1986
1986
27
Rhine, Larry, 1970-1976, 1992
1970-1976, 1992
27
Riordan, Gene, 1992-1994
1992-1994
27
Rogers, Robert B., 1976, 1994-1996, 2003
1976, 1994-1996, 2003
27
Ross, Stanley Ralph, 1992-1993
1992-1993
27
Rushford, Greg, 1982-1983
1982-1983
27
Russell, Pat, 2001
2001
27
Safire, William, 1985-1994, 2005
1985-1994, 2005
27
St. Martin's Press, 1985
1985
27
Sandall, Simon, 2004
2004
27
Sands, June, 1992-1993
1992-1993
27
Sansom, Art, 1985
1985
27
Schell, Ronnie, 1987-1994, 2000-2009
1987-1994, 2000-2009
27
Schiller, Bob, 1972-1977, 1992, 2012
1972-1977, 1992, 2012
27
Schlesinger, Robert, 2006-2007
2006-2007
27
Scott, Mike, and Sheila Scott, 1979, 1989-1992, 2000-2002
1979, 1989-1992, 2000-2002
27
Seattle Post-Intelligencer
, 1981-1983
1981-1983
27
Seplin, Amy, 1996
1996
27
Shafer, Ronald G., 1976-1980, 1989-2001
1976-1980, 1989-2001
(2 folders)
28
Shapiro, Irv, 1978-1979
1978-1979
28
Shearer, Lloyd, 1971, 1993-2001
1971, 1993-2001
28
Shell Oil Co.,
1976
1976
28
Shields, Mark, 1981-1982
1981-1982
28
Sidey, Hugh, 1995-1997
1995-1997
28
Simon, Neil, 1994-1995
1994-1995
28
Sites, James N., 1988, 1999-2015
1988, 1999-2015
28
Skelton, Red, 1965,
1971, 1983, 1990-1991, 1998
1965, 1971, 1983, 1990-1991, 1998
28
Speakers bureaus, miscellaneous, 1977-1995
1977-1995
(2 folders)
28
Speaking, correspondence, 1973-1981
1973-1981
(2 folders)
28
Speaking and writing fee quotes, 1977-1985
1977-1985
(3 folders)
29
Speaking and writing fee quotes, 1986-1994
1986-1994
(3 folders)
29
Speaking possibilities, 1971-1981
1971-1981
29
Speech book, undated
undated
29
Speech Communications Association, 1981
1981
29
Speechwriter's Newsletter
, 1980-1989, 1995
1980-1989, 1995
29
Stalter, J. Neil,
1997
1997
29
Steiner, Paul, 1985
1985
29
Stessin, Larry, 1994
1994
29
Success Unlimited
magazine, 1979
1979
29
Sweet, Cody, 1972-1978
1972-1978
29
Tannen, Louis, 1951-1961
1951-1961
29
Technique book, 1956-1977
1956-1977
(2 folders)
30
Technique book, 1956-1977
1956-1977
(2 folders)
30
Teller, Sanford, 1975-1976, 1990
1975-1976, 1990
30
Theis, Paul A., 1971-1974, 1981, 1992, 2004
1971-1974, 1981, 1992, 2004
30
Thomas, Lowell, 1975-1991
1975-1991
30
Thought control, 1941-1943, 1993
1941-1943, 1993
30
Trachtenberg, Stephen Joel, 1987-1988, 1999
1987-1988, 1999
30
Trimark Publishing Co., 1987-1995
1987-1995
(2 folders)
30
True, Herb, 1969-1983, 1990-1991, 1997-1999
1969-1983, 1990-1991, 1997-1999
(2 folders)
31
Trujillo, Marilyn, 1998-2006
1998-2006
31
Turner, Morrie, 1965, 2000, undated
1965, 2000, undated
31
Unitarian humor, 1963-circa 1975
1963-circa 1975
31
University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyo.1981-1988
1981-1988
31
Vallée, Rudy, 1964,
1971-1975, 1982-1986
1964, 1971-1975, 1982-1986
31
Wade, Mark,
1986
1986
31
Walker & Associates, 1988-1993
1988-1993
31
Wall, Thomas J., 1993-1995
1993-1995
31
Walters, Dottie, 1981-1988, 1994, 2000
1981-1988, 1994, 2000
31
Ward, Tom, 1971
1971
31
Washington Press Club Foundation, 1988
1988
31
We the People 200, Philadelphia, Pa., 1987
1987
31
White, Daniel R., 1991-1993
1991-1993
31
Wightman, Tony, 1989
1989
31
Williams, Pat, 1984, 1995, 2002-2003
1984, 1995, 2002-2003
(2 folders)
32
Wiltshire Book Co., 1990-1995, 2006
1990-1995, 2006
32
Woloshin, Douglas, 1980-1981, 1993
1980-1981, 1993
32
Workman, Peter, 1966, 1977-1982, 1989, 2002-2005
1966, 1977-1982, 1989, 2002-2005
32
Workshop Library on World Humour, 1973, 1987
1973, 1987
32
Writer's Digest
magazine, 1970, 1981
1970, 1981
32
Writers Guild of America, 1962-1975, 1985, 1997
1962-1975, 1985, 1997
32-49
Speeches and Writings, 1945-2018
1945-2018
The Speeches and Writings series contains approximately sixty years of jokes,
one-liners, writings, and remarks from Orben's career as a comedy writer and humor
consultant for performers, television programs, public figures, and corporate
clients. His earliest material is included in a grouping of small self-published
books, such as
The Encyclopedia of Patter
(1946),
Magicdotes
(1948), and
The Working Comedian’s Gag File
(1956), that Orben wrote for magicians, emcees, comedians, and other
performers. The largest portion of this material relates to his topical humor
service,
Orben’s Current Comedy
, that he edited from 1958 to 1989 with a small break between 1968 and
1971. This periodical, issued monthly and then bi-monthly, contains jokes and
one-liners relating to current events and prominent figures in politics and
entertainment. Orben later compiled some of this material into a series of books.
Orben’s writing for television is documented in an index card file arranged by
topic, labeled “Skelton Stockpile,” containing jokes he wrote for
The Red Skelton Hour
as well material he wrote for
The Jack Paar Program
in 1962. Another set of index cards contains material Orben wrote for
comedian Dick Gregory’s book,
From the Back of the Bus
(1962). Additional material relating to this project can be found in the
Alphabetical File series. Another group of writings contains material he wrote for
International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) corporate events. Orben’s
articles and essays about the writing, effective delivery, and use of humor in
speeches, as well as his speeches and speech material about humor in the
presidency are also included in this series. An unpublished memoir offers Orben’s
account of events in his life until the end of his time in the Gerald R. Ford
administration. Additional jokes that he sent to individuals and publications,
particularly topical material written in the 1990s, are located in the
Alphabetical File series under the name of the person or publication.
Material types include jokes, articles, books, book drafts, periodicals, a memoir,
notes, interview transcripts, speeches, and scripts.
Arranged alphabetically by title or type of material and therein chronologically.
The file structure of the digital content maintained as received.
32
Articles and essays, 1945-1946, 1968-1972, 1978-2002
1945-1946, 1968-1972, 1978-2002
(3 folders)
32
"Bob Orben's Current Comedy for Speakers,"
American Speaker
magazine, 1994-2006
1994-2006
(3 folders)
33
"Bob Orben's Current Comedy for Speakers,"
American Speaker
magazine, 2007-2009
2007-2009
33
Book drafts, 1990-circa 2000
1990-circa 2000
(2 folders)
33
Book drafts, undated
undated
(2 folders)
34
Book drafts, undated
undated
(3 folders)
35
Book material, 1971-circa 1999
1971-circa 1999
(5 folders)
36
Book material, 1971-circa 1999
1971-circa 1999
(2 folders)
36
Books, 1946-1951
1946-1951
(5 folders)
37
Books, 1952-1956
1952-1956
(6 folders)
38
Books, 1957-1964
1957-1964
(7 folders)
OV 2
Gregory, Dick, book material, circa 1962
[ See Oversize](Over2)
circa 1962
OV 3
"Hot Lines" column material, circa 1968
[See Oversize](Over3)
circa 1968
39
Humorous quotes in print, 1995-2018
1995-2018
39
International Business Machines Corp. (IBM)
material, 1977-1980
1977-1980
(11 folders)
40
International Business Machines Corp. (IBM)
material, 1981-1984
1981-1984
(10 folders)
41
International Business Machines Corp. (IBM)
material, 1985-1986
1985-1986
(7 folders)
41
International Business Machines Corp. (IBM)
material, undated
undated
42
International Business Machines Corp. (IBM)
material, undated
undated
(3 folders)
42
Interviews with Orben
42
Gerald R. Ford Oral History Project, 2008-2009
2008-2009
42
Miscellaneous, 1973-1983, 1999-2013
1973-1983, 1999-2013
Miscellaneous, audio file, 2000
2000
mss86325_201_004
Miscellaneous, video file, 2012
2012
mss86325_201_003
42
Jack Paar Program
material, 1962
1962
42
Lewis, Shari, material, 1968
1968
42
Magic periodicals, 1946
1946
42
Memoir, circa
1993-circa 1994
circa 1993-circa 1994
(3 folders)
43
Miscellaneous jokes, 1960s-1998, undated
1960s-1998, undated
(7 folders)
OV 4
Miscellaneous jokes, undated
[See Oversize](Over4)
undated
OV 5
Miscellaneous jokes, undated
[See Oversize](Over5)
undated
44
Miscellaneous writings, 2011-2014, undated
2011-2014, undated
44
Notes and jottings, 1972-2017, undated
1972-2017, undated
(4 folders)
44
Orben Comedy Letter
, 1971-1972
1971-1972
44
Orben's Comedy Fillers
, 1971-1980
1971-1980
(2 folders)
45
Orben's Current Comedy
45
Issues, bound
45
Vol. 1, 1958,
Nov.-1959, Oct.
1958, Nov.-1959, Oct.
45
Vol. 2, 1959,
Nov.-1960, Oct.
1959, Nov.-1960, Oct.
45
Vol. 3, 1960,
Nov.-1961, Oct.
1960, Nov.-1961, Oct.
45
Vol. 4, 1961,
Nov.-1962, Oct.
1961, Nov.-1962, Oct.
45
Vol. 5, 1962,
Nov.-1963, Oct.
1962, Nov.-1963, Oct.
45
Vol. 6, 1963,
Nov.-1964, Oct.
1963, Nov.-1964, Oct.
45
Vol. 7, 1964,
Nov.-1965, Oct.
1964, Nov.-1965, Oct.
45
Vol. 8, 1965,
Nov.-1966, Oct.
1965, Nov.-1966, Oct.
46
Vol. 9, 1966,
Nov.-1967, Sept.
1966, Nov.-1967, Sept.
46
Vol. 10, 1967, Oct.-1968, Apr.
1967, Oct.-1968, Apr.
46
Issues, unbound
46
Nos. 190-242, 1971-1972
1971-1972
46
Nos. 243-292, 1973-1974
1973-1974
46
Nos. 293-340, 1975-1976
1975-1976
46
Nos. 341-388, 1977-1978
1977-1978
47
Nos. 389-436, 1979-1980
1979-1980
47
Nos. 437-484, 1981-1982
1981-1982
47
Nos. 485-532, 1983-1984
1983-1984
47
Nos. 533-580, 1985-1986
1985-1986
47
Nos. 581-628, 1987-1988
1987-1988
47
Nos. 629-630, 1989
1989
OV 6
Material by contributors, undated
[ See Oversize](Over6)
undated
OV 7
Unpublished, new material, undated
[ See Oversize](Over7)
undated
OV 8
Unpublished, new material, undated
[See Oversize](Over8)
undated
OV 9
Unpublished, new material, undated
[ See Oversize](Over9)
undated
OV 10
Unpublished, new material, undated
[ See Oversize ](Over10)
undated
OV 11- OV 14
Red Skelton Hour
OV 11
Miscellaneous material, 1964-1968, 1977
[ See Oversize ](Over11)
1964-1968, 1977
OV 12
"Skelton Stockpile" topical file, circa 1964-1969
[See Oversize ](Over12)
circa 1964-1969
OV 13
"Skelton Stockpile" topical file, circa 1964-1969
[ See Oversize ](Over13)
circa 1964-1969
OV 14
"Skelton Stockpile" topical file, circa 1964-1969
[ See Oversize ](Over14)
circa 1964-1969
48
Speech pages,
1970s-2000s
1970s-2000s
(3 folders)
48
Speeches, 1970s
1970s
(4 folders)
49
Speeches, 1970s
1970s
(2 folders)
49
Speeches, 1980s-2013
1980s -2013
(5 folders)
Speeches, video file, 2013
2013
mss86325_201_006
50-52
Miscellany, 1945-2019
1945-2019
A small Miscellany series contains additional material documenting Orben's life
and career including press clippings about or mentioning him and photographs
depicting his work with President Gerald R. Ford. A scrapbook contains Orben's
earliest published writings, most of which relate to magic.
Material types include card files, calendars, photographs, press clippings, lists,
passports, a scrapbook, and video files from an award ceremony.
Arranged alphabetically by type of material or name. The file structure of the
digital content maintained as received.
OV 15 - OV 16
Address file
OV 15
A-L, undated
[See Oversize](Over15)
undated
OV 16
M-Y, undated
[ See Oversize](Over16)
undated
50
Biographical information, circa 1970s, 1990, circa 2007, 2015
circa 1970s, 1990, circa 2007, 2015
50
Calendars, 1976-1977
1976-1977
50
Christmas cards, 2007, undated
2007, undated
50
Drawing of Orben, 1987
1987
50
Honors and awards, 1975-1979, 1992, 2013
1975-1979, 1992, 2013
Honors and awards, video file, 2013
2013
mss86325_201_005
50
Lists, 1969-2013
1969-2013
(2 folders)
50
Orben, Jean
50
Notes, 1995-2016, undated
1995-2016, undated
50
Passports, 1964-1985
1964-1985
51
Passports,
1964-1985
1964-1985
51
Photographs
51
Portraits, 1950s-1980s
1950s-1980s
(2 folders)
51
Various events, 1973-1986, 2004, undated
1973-1986, 2004, undated
51
White House, 1974-1976
[ See also Oversize ](Over1A)
1974-1976
(4 folders)
52
Press clippings, 1954-1957, 1963-2019
1954-1957, 1963-2019
(3 folders)
52
Printed matter,
1972-2016
1972-2016
OV 17
Scrapbook, 1945-1947
[See Oversize](Over1A)
1945-1947
OV 1-OV 17
Oversize, 1945-1977
1945-1977
Card files of jokes, card files of addresses, photographs, a proclamation, and a
scrapbook.
Listed and described according to the series, containers, and folders from which
the material was separated. The items are physically grouped and arranged by
size.
Alphabetical File
OV 1
Bicentennial proclamation and
photo collage, 1976
1976
(Container 13, White House
memorabilia)
Speeches and Writings
OV 2
Card file, material written for
Dick Gregory's books, circa 1962
circa 1962
OV 3
Card file, "Hot Lines" column
material, circa 1968
circa 1968
OV 4
Card file, miscellaneous jokes,
undated
undated
OV 5
Card file, miscellaneous jokes,
undated
undated
Orben's Current Comedy
OV 6
Card file, material by
contributors, undated
undated
OV 7
Card file, unpublished, new
material, undated
undated
OV 8
Card file, unpublished, new
material, undated
undated
OV 9
Card file, unpublished, new
material, undated
undated
OV 10
Card file, unpublished, new
material, undated
undated
Red Skelton Hour
OV 11
Card file, miscellaneous
material, 1964-1968, 1977
1964-1968, 1977
OV 12
Card file, "Skelton Stockpile"
topical file, circa 1964-1969
circa 1964-1969
OV 13
Card file, "Skelton Stockpile"
topical file, circa 1964-1969
circa 1964-1969
OV 14
Card file, "Skelton Stockpile"
topical file, circa 1964-1969
circa 1964-1969
Miscellany
OV 15
Card file, address file, A-L,
undated
undated
OV 16
Card file, address file, M-Y,
undated
undated
OV 1
Photographs, White House, 1974-1976
1974-1976
(Container 51, same heading)
OV 17
Scrapbook, clippings by and about
Robert Orben and Jean Orben, 1945-1947
1945-1947