4. Influence, Philosophy, & History,, 1925-1980

Documents the evolution of Consumers' Research's influence on consumer economics in the United States and abroad by focusing on CR's philosophy and functions, Consumers' Research's history, attacks against Consumers' Research, and consumer agencies similar to Consumers' Research. Includes correspondence, publications, and magazine and newspaper clippings. Topics include agencies similar to or imitating Consumers' Research including federal & state agencies, Albert Lane's Consumer Bureau of Standards and Consumers Research Foundation, Consumer's Preference, Haldeman-Julius Consumers Magazine, International Organization of Consumer Unions (IOCU), Consumers of Canada-Charles E. Nix, Canadian Consumers League, and Consumers Research Service (Chicago); Consumers' Research's aid to research & scientific education; attacks on Consumers' Research by Frank Dalton O'Sullivan, author of the anti-Consumers' Research book, Poison Pen of Jersey; campaigns against Consumers' Research; attacks on Consumers' Research by advertising agencies, patent medicine manufacturers, Printer's Ink, Christian Century in an anti-J.B. Matthews story, Anna Steese Richardson of Woman's Home Companion, Seiberling Rubber Co., and Readers Digest and The Forum; deliberate confusion of consumer organizations; attempts to mislead Consumers' Research (razor blades); business pressure on Consumers' Research; confusing Consumers' Research with other organizations including Consumers Digest; and the effect of Consumers' Research's criticisms. Other topics include the history of Consumers' Research including early and important Consumers Club and Consumers' Research materials; M.C. Phillips' projected history of Consumers' Research; honesty of Consumers' Research; influence of Consumers' Research on education, legislation and subscribers; misrepresentation of Consumers' Research; philosophy of Consumers' Research; scope, aim, & function of Consumers' Research; threats to Consumers' Research; and value of Consumers' Research's recommendations to manufacturers.