Guide to the Phyllis T. Kernick Papers, 1940-1999 AIS.2000.15
- Repository
- ULS Archives & Special Collections
- Title
- Phyllis T. Kernick Papers
- Creator
- Kernick, Phyllis T.
- Collection Number
- AIS.2000.15
- Extent
- 1.25 Linear Feet (1 box)
- Date
- 1940-1999
- Date
- 1964-1990
- Abstract
- The collection contains the personal papers of Phyllis T. Kernick, a politically active member of the community of Penn Hills. The collection contains newspaper clippings, speeches, campaign materials, ordinances, awards and honors, and various correspondence.
- Language
- English .
- Publisher
- ULS Archives & Special Collections
- Address
- University of Pittsburgh Library System
Archives & Special Collections
Website: library.pitt.edu/archives-special-collections
Contact Us: www.library.pitt.edu/ask-archivist
URL: http://library.pitt.edu/archives-special-collections
Biography
Phyllis T. Kernick was born December 14, 1925 in Penn Hills Township. She attended Duquesne University and is a graduate of Robert Morris College. She completed courses in both accounting at Point Park College and municipal government at the University of Pittsburgh. She married Dr. William Kernick, a veterinarian, with whom she had six children.
Kernick first became active in politics in the early 1960s. She served on the state Citizens Committee for Fair Milk Prices in addition to serving as secretary for Penn Hills Citizens for Independent Action and the Rodi Road Association, all between 1964-1965. In 1965 she was elected to the Penn Hills Board of Auditors, a position that she held for three years. Between 1970-1975 Kernick served as the treasurer/tax collector for Penn Hills. She was also elected to three terms as a State Representative for the 32nd District, between the years of 1974 and 1980. She successfully ran for mayor of Penn Hills in 1980, and remained in office until 1983. She then retired for several years, returning to politics in 1994, securing a seat on the Penn Hills Council until 1998.
Even when not serving as an elected official, Kernick continued to remain active in Penn Hills politics. She was a fixture at local council meetings, questioning officials on matters of fiscal responsibility and the allocation of municipal funds. She remained outspoken throughout her career, following local politics and local politicians through the publication of "The Green Tab", a local Penn Hills newspaper she ran with her husband.
Scope and Content Notes
The collection contains the personal papers of Phyllis T. Kernick, a politically active member of the community of Penn Hills. Folders 1-10 are organized according to offices and positions held by Kernick. Folders 11-13 hold original newspaper clippings and campaign materials, photocopies of which can be found organized according to subject throughout the rest of the collection. Folder 14 is a collection of various materials detailing Kernick's community involvement outside elected office.
The majority of the collection consists of photocopies of original newspaper clippings including clippings, from: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the Green Tab, the Wilkinsburg Gazette, the Forecaster, the East Suburban News, the Pittsburgh Tribune Review, and the Penn Hills Progress. The collection also contains copies of speeches, campaign materials, relating to Kernick's campaigns as well as those of her political opponents, ordinances which she introduced to the Penn Hills council, awards and honors, and various correspondence. The newspaper clippings include information about various projects in which she was involved, editorials written by Kernick, and information about political opponents and rivals. Many of the articles, clippings, and letters include hand written notes disputing accusations or pointing out "inaccuracies".
The miscellaneous folder contains documents relating to the 10 Day Notice ordinance passed by the Penn Hills council, information on the secrecy suit filed by Kernick, and information on budget disputes. The segment of the collection dedicated to Kernick's tenure as councilwoman contains documents referring to the Penn Hills sewer dispute of the mid-1990s and the hiring and firing of various municipal employees, including Henry McIndoe and Mayor DeSantis. The collection also contains a representative copy of the Green Tab from 1970, the paper owned by Kernick and her husband William.
Access Restrictions
No restrictions.
Acquisition Information
Gift of Phyllis T. Kernick, March 30, 2000.
Previous Citation
Phyllis T. Kernick Papers, 1940-1999, AIS.2000.15, Archives Service Center, University of Pittsburgh
Preferred Citation
Phyllis T. Kernick Papers, 1940-1999, AIS.2000.15, Archives & Special Collections, University of Pittsburgh Library System
Processing Information
This collection was processed by C. Reed in October 2004.
Copyright
Permission for publication is given on behalf of the University of Pittsburgh as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained.
Subjects
- Kernick, Phyllis T.
- Kernick, William
- McIndoe, Henry
- Penn Hills (Pa.) -- Politics and government
- Women
- Personal papers
- Ordinances, Municipal -- Pennsylvania -- Penn Hills
- Politics