The Victor Atiyeh Papers contain materials from his business, political, and personal activities, dating from 1923-2012, as well as collected materials and family papers predating the primary body of the collection. The bulk of the materials pertain to his campaigns for and his service in political office, particularly his two terms as Governor of Oregon, 1979-1987, and to the international consulting business he established after leaving office in 1987. Collection materials include appointment books, audio cassettes, awards, budgets, campaign materials, certificates, correspondence, directories, memoranda, memorabilia, notes, photographs, poll results, posters, press clippings, publications, receipts, reports, schedules, scrapbooks, speeches, and video tapes.
A memo to Governor Atiyeh's Chief of Staff, Gerry Thompson, from Bob Oliver, his legal counsel. Oliver recounts the events of a meeting regarding the Rajneeshees with residents of Antelope, as told to him by Jefferson County district attorney Mike Sullivan and Bob Davis. Both individuals witnessed heightened aggression and were threatened. Bob Oliver closes the letter by stating that there will be another meeting in The Dalles with the district attorney for both The Dalles and Antelope. He also expresses that Governor Atiyeh should consider potentially making a statement promoting safety and an amicable solution. This item was a part of the papers of Bob Oliver, Governor Atiyeh's legal counsel.
A memo from Governor Atiyeh's legal counsel, Bob Oliver, to Atiyeh's Chief of Staff Gerry Thompson. It covers the demands of Henry Richmond and Bob Stacey on behalf of the anti-Rajneesh group, 1000 Friends of Oregon. The 1000 Friends of Oregon believed that Governor Atiyeh ought to instruct Bill Young to rescind the permit given to the Rajneesh Foundation for a festival they were planning to hold on July 3-7, 1982. The 1000 Friends of Oregon further requested that the Governor involve the Attorney General in attempt to revoke the Foundation's permit. Bob Oliver advises against this and explains why it would not prove beneficial. This item was a part of the papers of Bob Oliver.
A memo to Governor Atiyeh from his legal counsel, Bob Oliver, addressing the events that occurred at a meeting regarding the Rajneesh festival to be held on July 3-7, 1982. Local agencies that attended the meeting included the Oregon State Police, Military department, Health Division, Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, Fire Marshall, State Health Planning and Development Agency, and the department of Transportation and Intergovernmental Relations. Oliver's letter reports each department and organization's expressed concerns and advice for the group accordingly. This item was a part of the papers of Bob Oliver, Governor Atiyeh's legal counsel.
A brief memo to Governor Atiyeh from his legal counsel, Bob Oliver, updating him on the latest in the situation with the Rajneesh. In the letter Oliver communicates the winning verdict in the vote to incorporate Rajneeshpuram. This item was a part of the papers of Bob Oliver, Governor Atiyeh's legal counsel.
An inter-office memo from administrative assistant Kathleen Harbaugh to Paul Phillips, an advisor to Governor Atiyeh. A note from Phillips is included, passing the memo to Atiyeh's legal counsel, Bob Oliver. The memo covers a telephone call from John Mathis regarding the situation at the Rajneeshpuram and Antelope. The memo states the county will be holding a meeting on May 6 before the festival in Rajneeshpuram. The contents of the message further recommend that Governor Atiyeh make a statement regarding the rising tensions in Wasco County to ease the minds of the citizens of Oregon. This item was a part of the papers of Bob Oliver, Governor Atiyeh's legal counsel.
A press release from the Rajneesh Foundation, which responded to allegations made by French and British newspapers. Newspapers accused the Ashram of committing acts of psychological torture, brainwashing and forced drug smuggling. Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh's secretary Ma Yoga Laxmi defends the Foundation against these claims as well as a court case in which three women from the Ashram were discovered smuggling drugs and appeared to have been subjected to methods of brainwashing. This item was a part of the papers of Bob Oliver, Governor Atiyeh's legal counsel.
A press release from the Rajneesh Foundation, providing a statement from Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh to the people of Kutch in western India. Bhagwan announced that there would be a new commune established. The section regarding the amount of Sannyasins (spiritual leaders) that could be expected within a certain number of years is highlighted due to the growing concern over the increase in size of Rajneeshpuram in Antelope, Oregon. This item was a part of the papers of Bob Oliver, Governor Atiyeh's legal counsel.
A press release from the Rajneesh Foundation compiled by Swami Krishna Prem featuring quotations by Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh. The statements released by the Foundation discuss Bhagwan's views on the idea of democracy. He asserts his belief that democracy ought to be substituted with a benevolent dictator for at least 15 years until the country is ready for democracy. This item was a part of the papers of Bob Oliver, Governor Atiyeh's legal counsel.
An article on the development and evolution of the Rajneesh presence in the United States from the Los Angeles Times. Gordon Grant reported that the Rajneesh were asked to leave the Church of Religious Sciences in Laguna Canyon. It is further explained that the Rajneesh would be moving to Antelope, Oregon where they had previously purchased about 100 square miles of land. This photocopied excerpt was once included in Bob Oliver's 'Guru File,' which was a collection of material collected in Governor Atiyeh's office related to the Rajneesh's background.
A special news report on Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh's leaving the Poona Ashram in India and the bombing that occurred before his relocation on May 31, 1981. The incident on May 28 when two gasoline bombs exploded inside the Ashram resulted in the landlords being blamed and branded as fanatics. The nature of the accident was called into question, as prior to the bombing there had been a civil dispute between the landlords and the Rajneesh Foundation over water rights and an alleged sexual assault. This photocopied excerpt was once included in Bob Oliver's 'Guru File,' which was a collection of material collected in Governor Atiyeh's office related to the Rajneesh's background.
An article written by German reporter Rainer Fabian for Stern Magazine covers the impact of Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh's secret decision to move from India to America. Several testimonies as to the impact of this upheaval were obtained and recorded in the report. Testimonies revealed that devotees had no money or homes and may have suffered some substantial psychological harm. Further notations cover the economic effect on the town of Poona, India.This photocopied excerpt was once included in Bob Oliver's 'Guru File,' which was a collection of material collected in Governor Atiyeh's office related to the Rajneesh's background.
Catalog of books, videotapes, and other recordings by Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh compiled by the Rajneesh Meditation Center. The title, date of publishing, and a brief excerpt or description are provided for the various records. Circled as a point of reference is the text regarding the first Sannyasin city, as this was compared to the city of Rajneeshpuram.
A long news article written by German reporter Willhelm Bittorf for Der Spiegel, which provides an unsympathetic view of the inner workings of the Rajneesh Ashram in Poona (or Puna), India. He describes living conditions and the daily life of followers of the guru Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh. He contrasts the 'Club Med' environment of the ashram for its part-time visitors versus the exploitative conditions under which full-time residents live, laboring in various roles for no pay. He also notes some of the spiritual practices of the Rajneesh's followers. The article has been translated from German into English, possibly by staff of the United States government as part of their investigation of Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh in the 1980s. This photocopied version was once included in Bob Oliver's 'Guru File,' which was a collection of material collected in Governor Atiyeh's office related to the Rajneesh's background.
A news article from India Today, titled 'Sins of Bhagwan', covers the transition of the Rajneesh foundation from Pune (or Poona), India to Antelope, Oregon and its impact on the community. The report shows that during the move the Ashram was revealed to have outstanding income tax arrears. Chandar Uday Singh later goes on to discuss a series of incidents that occurred shortly before Rajneesh left Pune, as well as criminal accusations made by the Rajneesh Foundation that later were revealed as entrapment. This photocopied excerpt was once included in Bob Oliver's 'Guru File,' which was a collection of material collected in Governor Atiyeh's office related to the Rajneesh's background.
Brief text on the role of 'sannyasins', or spiritual leaders, excerpted from a book by Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh, 'The Mustard Seed: Discourses on the Sayings of Jesus Taken from the Gospel According to Thomas.' This photocopied excerpt was once included in Bob Oliver's 'Guru File,' which was a collection of material collected in Governor Atiyeh's office related to the Rajneesh's background. The text discusses the Rajneesh belief about spiritual leaders in comparison to other religious teachings, such as that of Buddha and Jesus. Circled and highlighted text on page 47 reads that a sannyasin must be an effective actor.
A statement by the Rajneesh Foundation regarding new developments on the Rajneesh property. Robert G. Davis, government representative acting as spokesperson for the Rajneesh Foundation, explains their desires to help the community. The Foundation proposed digging its own well to supply water and help with water shortages. They are further stated to have been taking steps to make its developments attractive and beneficial to the town of Antelope. This item was a part of the papers of Bob Oliver, Governor Atiyeh's legal counsel.
Memo to Governor Atiyeh from his legal counsel, Bob Oliver, regarding a meeting at The Dalles relating to the Rajneesh. Oliver attended the meeting with Bob Montgomery, Community Relations Representative. The letter describes the meeting between County Commissioners: Judge Richard Cantrell, Virgil Ellett and Jim Comini. Also present were Jim Larkin, Deputy to the District Attorney, about 20 local residents, including two representatives from the city of Antelope, and John Sheffner, a follower of Rajneesh. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss local concerns regarding the Rajneeshpuram situation. Also stated in the letter is a scheduled public hearing for a permit for the Rajneesh July festival. This item was a part of the papers of Bob Oliver, Governor Atiyeh's legal counsel.
This pamphlet describes the court cases filed by a watchdog group, 1000 Friends of Oregon, that opposed the Rajneesh Foundation. It asks for support from other Oregon taxpayers. The brochure features statements from Henry R. Richmond, Executive Director of 1000 Friends of Oregon, and Bill Bowerman, co-founder of Nike, promoting involvement in the case against the Rajneesh. Also included are statements by H. Kelly Greer and Rosemary Greer, ranchers effected by the establishment of the Ashram. This item was a part of the papers of Bob Oliver, Governor Atiyeh's legal counsel.
Madras Auction Yard reports containing information about the details of a sale of cattle from Judge Richard Cantrell to the Rajneesh Foundation. These documents were produced as evidence in an investigation because a watchdog group, the 1000 Friends of Oregon, suspected that the prices of the cattle had been inflated, which could constitute a bribe of the judge. The reports contain facts about the sale, the weight of the cattle, kind, buyer and seller. Also enclosed is a more detailed report with usual market value for cattle meeting particular requirements. This item was a part of the papers of Bob Oliver, Governor Atiyeh's legal counsel.
A formal complaint charge between Buck Coe and Judge Richard Cantrell, related to a cattle sale between Cantrell and the Rajneesh Foundation. The complaint is based on violation of ORS Chapter 244. A timeline of events brought into question is outlined. County records, a newspaper article written by Austin Abrams for the Dalles Chronicle covering the investigation, cattle transportation certificates and personal notes exchanged between Judge Cantrell and Coe are all included in the formal complaint as evidence. Also attached is D.D. Hodge's Department of Agriculture Officer report, and formal affidavits from Buck Coe, Austin Abrams, D.D. Hodges and Madras Auction Yard worker Lauren Corwin. This item was a part of the papers of Bob Oliver, Governor Atiyeh's legal counsel.
Letter from Stanton F. Long, a Deputy Attorney General of for the state of Oregon, to Betty Reynolds, the Executive Director of the Oregon Ethics Commission. Stanton confirms with Reynolds that the Department of Justice will not be undertaking a criminal investigation into the accusations made against Wasco County Judge Richard Cantrell, which related to a cattle sale between him and the Rajneesh Foundation. The anti-Rajneesh group 1000 Friends of Oregon had alleged that the sale constituted a bribe. Governor Atiyeh's legal counsel, Bob Oliver, is courtesy-copied on the letter. This item was a part of the papers of Bob Oliver.
A letter from James M. Habberstad, the attorney for Oregon's Wasco County Judge Richard Cantrell, to Governor Atiyeh. Habberstad writes regarding a memorandum compiled by an anti-Rajneesh group, the 1000 Friends of Oregon. The group alleged that Cantrell's sale of cattle to the Rajneesh at an elevated price constituted a bribe in exchange for assistance in incorporating the city of Rajneeshpuram. Habberstad responds to the allegations, refuting the possibility of any ill-intent behind the cattle transaction. He writes that Judge Cantrell will be running for office, and accusations of this sort are an attempt by the 1000 Friends of Oregon to influence the election. This item was a part of the papers of Bob Oliver, Governor Atiyeh's legal counsel.
A letter to Governor Atiyeh from Henry R. Richmond, Executive Director of 1000 Friends of Oregon, which was an anti-Rajneesh group. Richmond requests a full-scale investigation of a cattle transaction between Wasco County Judge Richard Cantrell and the Agents of Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh. The 1000 Friends of Oregon believed that the sale may have constituted a bribe. Richmond discusses the evidence presented in the affidavits by attorney Mark J. Greenfield's memorandum as grounds for an investigation. The letter urges Governor Atiyeh to exercise his power to involve the Attorney General, and launch the investigation. This item was a part of the papers of Bob Oliver, Governor Atiyeh's legal counsel.
Memorandum from Mark J. Greenfield, the staff attorney for the anti-Rajneesh group 1000 Friends of Oregon, to Henry R. Richmond, director of the same group. Greenfield provides information on the Wasco County Court's ruling approving the petition that would incorporate the city of Rajneeshpuram. He writes about a cattle sale between County Judge Richard Cantrell and the Rajneesh. The 1000 Friends of Oregon thought that the sale could constitute a bribe. Evidence in the memorandum shows the transaction began prior to the court date. Other affidavits suggest the 1000 Friends of Oregon would have grounds to argue 'bribe receiving' and general misconduct had been committed by Judge Cantrell. Also included are sources, various testimonies, and a recommendation that Governor Atiyeh be contacted for a full-scale investigation. This item was a part of the papers of Bob Oliver, Governor Atiyeh's legal counsel.
