M.E. Thompson Papers, 1947-1980 | Valdosta State University Archives and Special Collections

Title: M.E. Thompson Papers, 1947-1980

ID: MS/27

Extent: 20.0 Boxes

Predominant Dates: 1947, 1954, 1956

This collection contains twenty boxes, and the collection is arranged only partially chronological. The papers are arranged into six sections: county correspondence, 1954 campaign for governor, miscellaneous correspondence, person files, general files, and business files. Most of the documents are original, but some reproductions are included in the material.

County correspondence: Includes letters, telegrams, postcards, photographs, newspaper clippings, and job applications. Most of the correspondence is written to express support for Thompson in the Three Governors Controversy; however, some correspondence expresses opposition to Thompson. Some correspondence request that Thompson address issues such as fire safety after the burning of the Winecoff Hotel, the white primary bill, teachers’ salaries. Thompson replies to most with thank you letters.

1954 campaign for governor: Includes campaign literature, bills, letters, list of contributors and contributions, mailing lists, newspapers clippings, telegrams, list of Georgia schools, and a speech concerning segregation of the schools.

Miscellaneous correspondence: Includes letters, receipts, memos, newspaper clippings, pamphlets, speeches, postcards, and a deed. Also included in this series is a book by the Research Institute. Many of the correspondence in this series also involve real estate and land development particularly the extension of Oak Street in Valdosta, Georgia.

Personal files: Includes financial reports, bills and receipts, letters of support, and insurance forms. There are many letters expressing concern for Thompson after surgery.

General files: Includes campaign literature, newspaper clippings, letters, financial statements, job applications, a photograph, a speech, a deed, telegrams, a directory of newspapers, a brochure, and a script concerning the Three Governors Controversy. The oath taken by the Governor is also included as well Thompson’s memoir on politics and the Democratic Party. Also included is a written introduction for Thompson. The sell of Colonel Island is discussed in a legal document as well. Several telegrams record conversations concerning changing the status of Moody Air Force Base form inactive to active.

Business files: Includes letters, financial statements, a bills of sale, a map of land on Colonel’s Island, insurance forms, and brochures.

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Scope and Contents:

Melvin Thompson, the first person elected to the office of lieutenant governor of Georgia, served as the state's governor in 1947-48. He is best remembered for his fight with Herman Talmadge over the governorship after the death of Governor-elect Eugene Talmadge in 1946.

The papers of M.E. Thompson consist primarily of correspondence relating to the Three Governors Controversy and Thompson’s subsequent campaign years. The major correspondents include Jimmy Carter, Phil Landrum, Herman Talmadge, John Sammons Bell, Ellis Arnall, Mayor George B Glover, Judge Randall Evans, Georgia State Representative Clifford R Avera, Roy V Harris, Mayor Ivan Allen, Jr., and Attorney General Eugene Cook. Other correspondents are Georgia State Senators G.W. Taylor, J. P Hogg, Ray Crow, and John L. Mavity. There is also correspondence from Jim Hinton, president of the NAACP. The documents fall into a wide variety of categories including miscellaneous maps and photographs, letters, postcards, telegrams, newspaper clippings, and a play relating to the governors controversy. Relating to Thompson’s campaign, the correspondence include mailing lists, voter solicitation lists, campaign literature, bills and receipts, and tax returns, There are many lists incorporated in the papers including lists of hospitals in Georgia, Georgia high schools, locations of state highways in Georgia. Thompson’s memoir on politics and the Democratic Party is included as well. Finally, a book entitles Guide to Price Control from the Research Institute is in the collection.

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Detailed Description
Box 1: County Correspondence: Atkinson-Colquitt, 1946-1947
Box 2: County Correspondence: Columbia-Effingham, 1946-1947
Box 3: County Correspondence: Emmanuel-Fulton
Box 4: County Correspondence: Gilmer-Jeff Davis, 1946-1947
Box 5: County Correspondence: Jefferson-Oconee, 1946-1947
Box 6: County Correspondence: Peach-Taylor, 1946-1947
Box 7: County Correspondence: Terrell-Worth, 1946-1947
Box 8: 1954 Campaign for Governor, 1954
Box 9: 1954 Campaign for Governor, 1954
Box 10: 1954 Campaign for Governor, 1954
Box 11: Miscellaneous Correspondence, 1947-1976
Box 12: Miscellaneous Correspondence, 1954- 1962
Box 13: Personal Files: 1966-1969, 1966-1969
Box 14: Perosnal Files: 1970, 1970
Box 15: Personal Files: 1971, 1973-1975, 1971, 1973-1975
Box 16: General Files A-J
Box 17: General Files: K-Le
Box 18: General Files: K-Q
Box 19: General Files: R-Z
Box 20: Business Files
Folder 1: Speech of M.E. Thompson
Folder 2: Newspaper: Times Journal Magazine, January 4, 1970