Leo Damore papers
Special Collections and Archives
Leo Damore papers
Special Collections and Archives
Leo Damore papers
Leo Damore papers
Finding Aid
Prepared by Ron Antonucci, December 1995; Last Updated: January 2021
Inclusive Dates: 1969-1993
Extent: 19.83 cubic feet (48 document cases + 2 slim document cases + 3 half-sized record storage boxes + 1 record storage box + 1 custom-made box + 1 flat oversized box + 2 oversized folders)
Physical Location: 11th floor
Biographical Note Leo Damore was born in 1929 in Ontario, Canada, and moved to North Tonawanda, New York, with his family. He was graduated from Kent State University in 1952. During his years on the campus, he was a prominent writer for the Chestnut Burr and the Daily Kent Stater. He was working for The Cape Cod News in July 1969 when the incident involving Senator Edward Kennedy and the death of Mary Jo Kopechne at Chappaquidick occurred. Damore, who had a reputation as a dogged, thorough reporter, was able to obtain interviews and investigatory materials from police and court officials which he would use in his New York Times bestseller, SENATORIAL PRIVILEGE. That manuscript was initially rejected by Random House, which had paid him a sizeable advance. Claiming that the publisher was bowing to pressure from the Kennedy family, the issue went to court. Damore was able to reach a settlement with Random House and the book was finally published by Regnery Gateway in 1983. Damore's other books include THE CRIME OF DOROTHY SHERIDAN, IN HIS GARDEN, THE CAPE COD YEARS OF JOHN F. KENNEDY, and CACHE, a novel. Damore committed suicide in October 1995.
Scope and Content The Leo Damore papers contain research materials, notes, transcripts, documents and correspondence pertaining to four of his book publications. The bulk of the material consists of newspaper clippings and notes recorded by Damore during his research on the individual books. The highlights of the collection include typescripts of the books with Damore's marginal notes and the collected evidence and transcripts of interviews relating to the Antone Costa case (IN HIS GARDEN) and the Chappaquidick incident (SENATORIAL PRIVILEGE). Damore often utilized the verso of a draft page from one book to type or take notes for another book making it difficult for both the researcher and the archivist to discern what belonged with what. Damore was able to acquire photographs and documents previously unavailable to reporters and chroniclers. Please note that some of the materials in this collection, such as autopsy reports and photographs, are graphic in nature.
Acquisition Note: Leo Damore's papers and records were donated to the Department of Special Collections and Archives of Kent State University in November 1993.
Processing Information: In 2018, severe water and inactive mold damage was discovered in a portion of this collection. Affected materials were professionally treated by ICA Art Conservation of Cleveland, Ohio. A full description of treatment applied to damaged portions of the collection is available in the front of Box 1 with the printed finding aid to the collection. Although inactive mold spores were vacuumed and cleaned from the documents, staining and paper loss damage are still visible and present on affected materials. Some materials have been encapsulated due to loss and damage from water and mold.
Restrictions on Use: Kent State University does not own copyright to the materials in the collection. Permission for any use, other than personal research use, must be obtained from the Leo Damore estate and any other copyright holder(s).
Book: The Crime of Dorothy Sheridan- 1978
Box 1
Folder -- Contents
- "Legal documents, motions, autopsy report, Indictment." Notes.
- "Legal background/cases cited." Notes.
- "Pretrial." Notes, clippings.
- "Trial." Notes, book proposal,
- "Post trial and Appeal." Notes, clippings.
Box 2
Folder -- Contents
- Background clippings, notes.
- Notes, file copy of F.I. Broadhurst, reporter for Cape Cod Standard Times.
- "Bibliography."
- Notes, clippings.
- Notes.
- Notes.
Box 3
Folder -- Contents
- "Dorothy Sheridan Personal." Notes, clip.
- "Christian Science." Booklets, periodicals, clippings, notes.
- Background clippings and notes.
- Background clippings.
- Legal background, clippings, notes.
- "General Background stuff."
- "Harwich." Clips, notes, booklet.
- Background, correspondence, clippings.
Box 4
Folder -- Contents
- "Version 1" of the manuscript, with prospectus, outline, appendix to new edition.
Box 5
Folder -- Contents
- Typescript draft, with notes.
Box 6
Folder -- Contents
- Manuscript version, with notes.
Book: Senatorial Privilege - 1988
Box 7
Folder -- Contents
- Note: the contents of box 7 were deaccessioned, August 2011.
Scope and Content: This box was comprised of newspaper clipping scrapbooks on loan to Damore during the writing of this book and were subsequently returned to their original owner.
Box 8
Folder -- Contents
- Kopechne inquest transcripts with Damore marginal notes.
Box 9
Folder -- Contents
- Investigatory notes, documents, clippings.
- Plaintiff brief.
- Court briefs.
- "Documents." Correspondence, notes.
- Investigatory and court documents.
Box 10
Folder -- Contents
- Pre-inquest hearing.
- Kopechne hearing, 10/20/69 transcript.
- Excerpt from Hand-Book for Coroners: Containing a Digest of all the laws in the Thirty-Eight States... by John G. Lee, MD. Philadelphia: William Brotherhead, 1881. Photocopy of pages 1-25; 41-47; 170-171
Box 11
Folder -- Contents
- "Preinquest August." (1969) Clips, notes.
- "Preinquest Sept." (1969) Clips, notes.
- "Oct OK/Endnotes." (1969) Clips, notes.
- "Nov--OK notes." (1969) Clips, notes.
- "January----Inquest OK/Notes." (1970) Clips, notes.
- "Post Inquest 1970." Clips, notes.
- "1971 OK for notes." Clips, notes.
- "1973--OK for notes." Clips, notes.
- "1974---OK for notes." Clips, notes.
- "1975 OK for notes." Clips, notes.
- "1976 OK for notes." Clips, notes, wire reports.
Box 12
Folder -- Contents
- "1978--OK for Chapter notes." Clip.
- "1979--OK for Chapter notes." Clips, notes.
- "1980--OK for Chapter notes." Clips, notes, ephemera.
- "1981--OK for Chp notes." Clips.
- "1982 Chapter notes OK." Clips, notes.
- "1983 OK for Chp notes." Clips, notes.
- "'84 OK Chap notes." Clips.
- "1985 OK for Chapter notes." Clips.
- (1988) Clips.
- (1989) Clips.
Box 13
Folder -- Contents
- "Ted Kennedy/Pre-Background 1962-1969." Clips, notes.
- "Background" on Kennedy campaigns.
- "Background politics -- Jim with JFK and RFK and Mary Jo Kopechne." Notes.
- Correspondence, notes, manuscript pages.
- Miscellaneous notes.
- "Appendix." Notes.
- "Arena." Notes.
- "Dinis Background." Notes, correspondence.
- "McLaughlin Background and Correspondence." Clips, notes.
- "Background/Elliott Richardson." Clips, notes.
- "Background/Politics Jim Smith (O'Donnell)."
- "Jimmy Smith Interview." Notes, 1968-69 memo book.
Box 14
Folder -- Contents
- Chief Arena interview notes.
- Joseph Gargan interview notes, correspondence, section of manuscript.
- "Jim Smith" interview notes.
- Photos, documents, correspondence.
- "Documents." Correspondence, notes, clippings.
- Miscellaneous interviews and tape transcripts, notes.
- Motor Vehicle Registrar correspondence, notes.
Box 15
Folder -- Contents
- 1969 clippings.
- Inquest, miscellaneous clippings.
- "Background Chappy publicity to 1972." Clips.
- "Law and Medical."
- "Future Interview Questions."
- Miscellaneous clippings, notes.
- Miscellaneous correspondence, clippings, notes.
- Miscellaneous notes.
- Tangential clippings, miscellaneous research materials.
Box 16
Folder -- Contents
- Miscellaneous clippings.
- Miscellaneous clippings.
- Miscellaneous clippings.
Box 17
Folder -- Contents
- "Used notes."
Box 18
Folder -- Contents
- Miscellaneous notes and correspondence.
- Legal, permissions regarding manuscript.
- "Photo research."
- Photos.
- Page proofs, correspondence.
Box 19
Folder -- Contents
- Early draft of manuscript.
Box 20
Folder -- Contents
- Draft pages with notes.
Box 21
Folder -- Contents
- Typescript with notes, Pages 1-637.
Box 22
Folder -- Contents
- Manuscript.
Box 23
Folder -- Contents
- Typescript, from Title page thru page 600.
Box 24
Folder -- Contents
- Typescript, page 601-1173.
Box 25
Folder -- Contents
- 2 copies of galleys.
Box 26
Folder -- Contents
- Reviews, clippings.
- "Recent Chap mention" -- Reviews
Book: The Cape Cod Years of John F. Kennedy - 1967
Box 27
Folder -- Contents
- Manuscript with marginal notes (folder 1 of 4)
- Manuscript with marginal notes (folder 2 of 4)
- Manuscript with marginal notes (folder 3 of 4)
- Manuscript with marginal notes (folder 4 of 4)
Box 28
Folder -- Contents
- Clips.
- "Original photos."
- "Photos as they appear in the book."
- Photos, negatives.
- Photos.
Book: In His Garden - 1981
Box 29
Folder -- Contents
- Investigator's notebooks; correspondence, reports, clippings.
- Police report, warrant.
- "#52 Photo Wysocki." (No photo therein) Death certificates, notes.
- 2 investigator's notebooks.
- "Police Investigation/Reports-Autopsy Reports."
- "#41 Antone Costa Records of Witnesses."
- "#39 Costa Autopsy Reports."
- Investigative report.
- Inventories of victims' pocketbooks.
- Ballistics report.
- "#49 Antone Costa Dental Charts." (Contains those of the victims.)
- Costa's hospital records.
- Damore files, as found: transcripts, reports.
Box 30
Folder -- Contents
- 7 investigator's "working notebooks."
- "Subpoena."
- "Part 1." Medical examiner's report, notes.
- "Additional Police." Documents, reports, correspondence.
- List of witnesses.
- Statements of girls' boyfriends.
- Witness interview: Primitivo Africa.
- Victims' fingerprint report.
- "Costa/Journals letters, memos doops." Police reports, documents, psychological reports, notes.
- Victims' personal effects found near gravesite.
- Automobile body material chips.
- Burlington, Vermont, police file on Costa.
- Costa's job application from Massacheusetts General Hospital.
- "Part II used notes." Police, court documents, witness interviews, clippings, notes.
- "Walpole/(PostTrial)" Transcripts, corrspondence, notes.
Box 31
Folder -- Contents
- "Arraignment and pretrial Hearings on Motions." Transcripts, documents, notes.
- "Checked Transcripts." Notes.
- "Unused notes---Drugs and Chronology." Notes, clippings.
- "Part IV used notes." Legal documents, transcripts, psychological report, notes.
- "Afterward used." Correspondence, transcripts, notes.
- "Agenda Register Legal Expense List."
- "Part IV used notes." Transcripts, correspondence, notes.
- "Part 4/outakes---unused notes." Correspondence, legal papers, clip, notes.
Box 32
Folder -- Contents
- "Used Police notes/Part 1 OK." Correspondence.
- "Drugs." Addendum to Damore's prospectus for the book; clippings, notes.
- "Galleys." Notes, clippings (apparently used to check against publisher's galleys.)
- "Zimmerman." (polygraph examiner) 1 copy of "The Polygraph in Court." Correspondence, clippings, notes.
- "Miscellaneous/Expenses Book and Articles." Clips, investigatory documents, notes.
- 1 copy of the Cape Cod Register for Thursday, April 5, 1979.
- Background clippings, notes.
- Clips.
- Clips from "Inside Detective."
- "Press/Radio/TV Trial OK." Clips.
Box 33
Folder -- Contents
- Costa's writings, letters, notes.
- "Hole #2 Walsh Wysocki"
Scope and Content: This file contains crime scene and autopsy photographs. Content is extremely graphic and might be disturbing to some users. - "#54 Photos Hole #2 Walsh Wysocki"
Scope and Content: This file contains crime scene and autopsy photographs. Content is extremely graphic and might be disturbing to some users. - "Antone Costa copy"/Witness interviews transcripts
Restrictions on Use: This document is damaged and fragile. Please use the Reference Photocopy in the following folder for reference and duplication purposes. - "Antone Costa copy"/Witness interviews transcripts: Reference Photocopy
Box 34
Folder -- Contents
- Witness interviews transcripts.
- Transcripts/reports/trial notes/correspondence.
- Police reports/evidence/correspondence/trial notes/clippings.
Box 35
Folder -- Contents
- "Motions--Answers" Transcript of initial Costa interview
- "#59 Photo--VW. Burlington Pol Sta" Contains evidence inventories
- Case history/transcripts of interviews
- Investigator's interviews, "Statement of Facts"
- "Pretrial Motions--Agenda"
- "Motions" Correspondence/documents
- Interviews transcripts
- Court transcripts/documents
Box 36
Folder -- Contents
- Transcripts of defense team interviews with Costa, others.
Box 37
Folder -- Contents
- Stray papers, notes, photo
- Interview transcripts (partial), notes
- Stray papers, documents, notes
- Typescripts of "Investigator's attempt at a novel on case" (folder 1 of 3)
- Typescripts of "Investigator's attempt at a novel on case" (folder 2 of 3)
- Typescripts of "Investigator's attempt at a novel on case" (folder 3 of 3)
Box 37A
Contents
- Evidence found in auto glove compartment
Scope and Content: chewing gum, matches, maps, magic marker and other materials
Box 38
Folder --Contents
Alternate Form Available: The recordings in Box 38 were digitally captured and CD reference copies were created in April 2019.
Physical Access: Original recordings cannot be played due to preservation concerns. Researchers, please use CD reference copies to access these recordings.
- Stenorette: Interview of Antone Costa: March 27, 1969
Scope and Content: Interview of Antone Charles Costa by defense attorneys Maurice M. Goldman and Justin Cavanaugh. The interview took place at Bridgewater State Hospital in Massachusetts. - Reel: Interview of Antone Costa: April 14, 1969
Scope and Content: Interview of Antone Charles Costa by investigator Lester Allen. - Reel: Interview of Antone Costa: April 19, 1969
Scope and Content: Interview of Antone Charles Costa by Maurice M. Goldman, Justin Cavanaugh, and Lester Allen in Barnstable, Massachusetts.. - Stenorette: Interview of Antone Costa: May 5, 1969
Scope and Content: Interview of Antone Charles Costa by Lester Allen at the Barnstable County Jail and House of Correction, in Barnstable, Massachusetts. - Stenorette: Interview of Antone Costa: May 12, 1969 (1 of 2)
Scope and Content: Interview of Antone Charles Costa by Lester Allen at the Barnstable County Jail and House of Correction, in Barnstable, Massachusetts. - Stenorette: Interview of Antone Costa: May 12, 1969 (2 of 2)
Scope and Content: Interview of Antone Charles Costa by Lester Allen at the Barnstable County Jail and House of Correction, in Barnstable, Massachusetts. - Stenorette: Interview of Antone Costa: May 20, 1969
Scope and Content: Interview of Antone Charles Costa by Lester Allen at the Barnstable County Jail and House of Correction, in Barnstable, Massachusetts. - Stenorette: Interview of Antone Costa: May 22, 1969 (1 of 2)
Scope and Content: Interview of Antone Charles Costa by Lester Allen at the Barnstable County Jail and House of Correction, in Barnstable, Massachusetts. - Stenorette: Interview of Antone Costa: May 22, 1969 (2 of 2)
Scope and Content: Interview of Antone Charles Costa by Lester Allen at the Barnstable County Jail and House of Correction, in Barnstable, Massachusetts. - Stenorette: Interview of Antone Costa: June 2, 1969 (1 of 3)
Scope and Content: Interview of Antone Charles Costa by Lester Allen at the Barnstable County Jail and House of Correction, in Barnstable, Massachusetts. - Stenorette: Interview of Antone Costa: June 2, 1969 (2 of 3)
Scope and Content: Interview of Antone Charles Costa by Lester Allen at the Barnstable County Jail and House of Correction, in Barnstable, Massachusetts. - Stenorette: Interview of Antone Costa: June 2, 1969 (3 of 3)
Scope and Content: Interview of Antone Charles Costa by Lester Allen at the Barnstable County Jail and House of Correction, in Barnstable, Massachusetts. - Stenorette: Interview of Antone Costa: June 4, 1969
Scope and Content: Interview of Antone Charles Costa by Lester Allen. - Stenorette: Interview of Antone Costa: June 9, 1969
Scope and Content: Interview of Antone Charles Costa by Lester Allen at the Barnstable County Jail and House of Correction, in Barnstable, Massachusetts. - Stenorette: Interview of Antone Costa: June 17, 1969 (1 of 2)
Scope and Content: Interview of Antone Charles Costa by Lester Allen and Justin Cavanaugh at the Barnstable County Jail and House of Correction, in Barnstable, Massachusetts. - Stenorette: Interview of Antone Costa: June 17, 1969 (2 of 2)
Scope and Content: Interview of Antone Charles Costa by Lester Allen and Justin Cavanaugh at the Barnstable County Jail and House of Correction, in Barnstable, Massachusetts. - Stenorette: Interview of Antone Costa: June 26, 1969
Scope and Content: Interview of Antone Charles Costa by Lester Allen at the Barnstable County Jail and House of Correction, in Barnstable, Massachusetts. - Stenorette: Interview of Antone Costa: June 28, 1969
Scope and Content: Interview of Antone Charles Costa by Charles Zimmerman at the Barnstable County Jail and House of Correction in Barnstable, Massachusetts. Zimmerman was a polygraphist. - Stenorette: Interview of Antone Costa: July, 1969
Scope and Content: Interview of Antone Charles Costa by Lester Allen at Barnstable County Jail and House of Correction in Barnstable, Massachusetts, in July, 1969. The label on the tape is damaged and obscures the exact date of the interview in July. It possibly occurred on July 18, 1969. - Stenorette: Interview of Antone Costa: July 2, 1969
Scope and Content: Interview of Antone Charles Costa by Lester Allen at the Barnstable County Jail and House of Correction in Barnstable, Massachusetts. The tape includes the label, "Tony on killing of girls." - Stenorette: Interview of Antone Costa: July 5, 1969
Scope and Content: Interview of Antone Charles Costa by Lester Allen at the Barnstable County Jail and House of Correction in Barnstable, Massachusetts. - Stenorette: Interview of Antone Costa: July 8, 1969
Scope and Content: Interview of Antone Charles Costa by Lester Allen at the Barnstable County Jail and House of Correction in Barnstable, Massachusetts. - Stenorette: Interview of Antone Costa: July 12, 1969
Scope and Content: Interview of Antone Charles Costa by Lester Allen at the Barnstable County Jail and House of Correction in Barnstable, Massachusetts. - Stenorette: Interview of Antone Costa: July 19, 1969
Scope and Content: Interview of Antone Charles Costa by Charles Zimmerman at the Barnstable County Jail and House of Correction in Barnstable, Massachusetts. Zimmerman was a polygraphist. - Stenorette: Interview of Antone Costa: July 31, 1969
Scope and Content: Interview of Antone Charles Costa by Maurice M. Goldman at the Barnstable County Jail and House of Correction. - Stenorette: Interview of Antone Costa: August 6, 1969
Scope and Content: Interview of Antone Charles Costa by Lester Allen at the Barnstable County Jail and House of Correction on August 6, 1969. The tape includes the label "at Tony's request."Interview of Antone Charles Costa by Lester Allen at the Barnstable County Jail and House of Correction. The tape includes the label "at Tony's request." - Stenorette: Interview of Antone Costa: September 7, 1969
Scope and Content: Interview of Antone Charles Costa by Lester Allen, Maurice M. Goldman, and Charles Zimmerman. - Stenorette: Interview of Antone Costa: September 11, 1969
Scope and Content: Interview of Antone Charles Costa by Lester Allen at the Barnstable County Jail and House of Correction. - Cassette: Interview by Lester Allen: undated
Scope and Content: Interview conducted by Lester Allen, possibly of Dr. Sidney Callis.
Box 39
Folder -- Contents
- "Part 1/used notes ok".
- "Part II unused notes."
- "Part III used notes." Contains police investigatory correspondence and documents.
- "Part III used notes."
- "Afterward/General notes used and checked."
- "General notes used."
- "Used notes."
Box 40
Content
- Contains loose items/personal effects found in Antone Costa's apartment: matches, eyeglasses, papers, wristband, notebooks, etc.; Papers from Costa's wallet and wastebasket; Costa's auto registration, DMV papers.
Box 41
Content
- Typescript of Resurrection: A factual novel by A. Charles Costa, 1970
Boxes 42 and 43
Content
- Trial transcripts.
Box 44
Folder -- Contents
- "Afterward/Post-trial motions, etc."
- Editorial correspondence.
- Reviews, clippings, ads for book.
- Miscellaneous author's revisions.
- Early draft with handwritten notes.
- Publisher's page proofs.
Box 45
Folder -- Contents
- Incomplete typescript (folder 1 of 5)
- Incomplete typescript (folder 2 of 5)
- Incomplete typescript (folder 3 of 5)
- Incomplete typescript (folder 4 of 5)
- Incomplete typescript (folder 5 of 5)
Box 46
Contents
- Typescript Draft (partial), pages numbered 1012-1480 (folder 1 of 3)
- Typescript Draft (partial), pages numbered 1012-1480 (folder 2 of 3)
- Typescript Draft (partial), pages numbered 1012-1480 (folder 3 of 3)
Box 46A
Contents
- Typescript Draft, pages numbered 1-230
Restrictions on Access: This manuscript was severely damaged by water and mold. It has received professional conservation treatment (see note at top of finding aid) , but suffered partial loss of paper and text due to extreme damage. Please shelve this item in the flat position.
Box 47
Folder -- Contents
- Typescript Draft (partial; pages 130-843) (folder 1 of 4)
- Typescript Draft (partial; pages 130-843) (folder 2 of 4)
- Typescript Draft (partial; pages 130-843) (folder 3 of 4)
- Typescript Draft (partial; pages 130-843) (folder 4 of 4)
Box 48
Folder -- Contents
- Typescript Draft (partial; pages 844-1480) (folder 1 of 4)
- Typescript Draft (partial; pages 844-1480) (folder 2 of 4)
- Typescript Draft (partial; pages 844-1480) (folder 3 of 4)
- Typescript Draft (partial; pages 844-1480) (folder 3 of 4)
Box 49
Folder -- Contents
- Typescript, 2nd Draft (pages 1-624)
Box 50
Folder -- Contents
- Typescript, 2nd Draft (pages 625-1253)
Box 51
Folder -- Contents
- Typescript, Final Draft (pages 1-712) (folder 1 of 4)
- Typescript, Final Draft (pages 1-712) (folder 2 of 4)
- Typescript, Final Draft (pages 1-712) (folder 3 of 4)
- Typescript, Final Draft (pages 1-712) (folder 4 of 4)
Box 52
Folder -- Contents
- Typescript, Final Draft (pages 713-1482) (folder 1 of 4)
- Typescript, Final Draft (pages 713-1482) (folder 2 of 4)
- Typescript, Final Draft (pages 713-1482) (folder 3 of 4)
- Typescript, Final Draft (pages 713-1482) (folder 4 of 4)
Box 53
Folder -- Contents
- 4 oversized topographic maps of Truro, Massachusetts, New England Survey Service, Inc., Boston, MA, 1964
- 6 oversized maps of South Truro area and sites, W.G. Slade, Surveyor, Truro, MA, undated
Box 54
Folder -- Contents
- Stray and/or unidentifiable papers.
- Damore columns from the Cape Cod News.
- Manuscript: Evidence to the Contrary, undated
Processing Note: This item was previously described as simply an unpublished manuscript.
Physical Description: Typescript with corrections; 44 pages
Restrictions on Access: Due to the extremely fragile condition of the original manuscript, researchers are asked to use the Reference Photocopy for reference purposes. - Correspondence: Copy of letter from Leo Damore to Audrey and Irwin Bierhans: March 22, 1990. [donated by the Bierhans]