Series I: Personality Files

The Personality Files series is physically subdivided mainly by file size, with each group having its own container prefix code, as follows: large (PL); medium or card size (PM); and oversize (OSBP and OSD). Occasionally, very prominent individuals have had their files separated out into their own individual box(es), as Personality VIP Files (PVIP). No comprehensive typed index to the Personality Files series is available.

Within each group/subseries, the files are typically arranged alphabetically by last name, first name. (If a personality file has a 4-6 digit number on it, this should be ignored, as it is from an earlier filing convention.)

It is also important to note that there was little authority control in the personality file titling/naming process at the newspaper, especially for the files of “ordinary” people. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to search for various versions or spellings of a name. For example, if searching for Robert Perrey, try both “Perrey” and “Perry” for last name, as well as both “Robert” and “Bob/Bobby” for first name.