Curtis business records, 1968-2014

Summary

Creator:
Curtis, Jack
Date:
1968-2014
Extent:
6 Linear Feet 4 boxes, 1 oversize box, 9 oversize folders
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

Curtis business records, ms4298, Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library, The University of Georgia Libraries.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection contains farm and sand mining operation records of L.C. Curtis and Sons, Inc.. It includes family history, plats and equipment design drawings, correspondence, log books ragarding sand and cattle operations, aerial photographs, and articles about the Iron Horse sculpture that was removed from the University of Georgia campus in 1954, then in 1957 to the Curtis property.

Biographical / historical:

Dr. Lawrence Cowley "L.C." Curtis (1905-1980) was a graduate of The University of California at Davis in genetics and agronomy and worked in the field all around the world. He married Anna Schwartz. Dr. Curtis taught horticulture at the University of Georgia, during which time he purchased a large piece of farm land outside Watkinsville and created L.C. Curtis and Son, Inc. The farm turned to sand mining during early drought years, and eventually developed into the main family business. In 1957, years after the Iron Horse sculpture was removed from campus, Dr. Curtis offered to take the sculpture from obscurity in the woods in which it was left to his farm where it has stood ever since.

John "Jack" Curtis (1932-2014) received a Bachelor of Science degree in geology from the University of Georgia (1955), served in the U.S. Navy and Naval Reserve as Photogrammetrist and Intelligence Officer. He moved to the Athens area to run the mining operations and develop the family farm's Angus cattle herd. Mr. Curtis married Patricia Baker and had three children. He participated in many civic, business, and mining groups and associations, and started the Athens Seed Company and the Stone Stone businesses.

Access and use restrictions

Preferred citation:

Curtis business records, ms4298, Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library, The University of Georgia Libraries.