Oral History of the U.S. House of Representatives

On March 1, 1954, Bill Goodwin’s image appeared in national newspapers as he helped to evacuate wounded Representatives from a shooting that occurred in the House Chamber. In this image Goodwin is seen on the left, carrying a stretcher bearing Representative Alvin Bentley of Michigan to a waiting ambulance on the East Front of the Capitol. Two other Pages who later served as U.S. Representatives are Paul Kanjorski of Illinois and Bill Emerson of Missouri (located in the center of the image and the right, respectively).

Image courtesy of William Goodwin, provided by Office of History and Preservation, Office of the Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives

On June 16, 1955, Bill Goodwin received his Page School graduation certificate.

Image courtesy of William Goodwin, provided by Office of History and Preservation, Office of the Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives

In 1953, Bill Goodwin received this Western Union telegram confirming his Page appointment and instructing him about the Page dress code.

Image courtesy of William Goodwin, provided by Office of History and Preservation, Office of the Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives

Assigned to the Democratic Cloakroom, Bill Goodwin (second from left) answered the telephones and ran errands for Members.

Image courtesy of William Goodwin, provided by Office of History and Preservation, Office of the Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives

A talented vocalist, Bill Goodwin occasionally performed for House events, sometimes accompanying Representatives. In this letter, Congressman Robert Ashmore of South Carolina remarked on Goodwin’s duet with Congresswoman Coya Knutson of Minnesota.

Image courtesy of William Goodwin, provided by Office of History and Preservation, Office of the Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives