Williamson S. Stuckey Papers: Collection Summary

Descriptive Summary
Title: Williamson S. Stuckey Papers: Collection Summary
Creator: Stuckey, Williamson Sylvester, 1935-
Inclusive Dates: 1957-2003
Bulk Dates: 1967-1976
Language(s): English
Extent: 329 box(es) (134.5 linear feet, 63 audiovisual items)
Collection Number: RBRL210WSS
Repository: Richard B. Russell Library for Political Research and Studies
Abstract: Williamson S. Stuckey served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1967 until 1977. He was a member of the Agriculture committee, District of Columbia committee, and Interstate and Commerce Committee and succeeded in passing legislation to protect Cumberland Island, Georgia and the Okefenokee Swamp. His papers document his political career and include press files, bill and subject files, correspondence, project files, and campaign materials.

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Collection Description

Historical Note

Williamson Sylvester Stuckey, Jr. was born in Eastman, Georgia, May 25, 1935. He attended the Georgia Military Academy and graduated from the University of Georgia in 1956 with B.B.A. and LL.B. degrees. He was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Social and Phi Delta Phi Legal fraternities.

From 1956 until 1966, Stuckey was president of Stuckey's Timberland, Inc. and executive vice-president of Stuckey's Inc., a division of Pet, Inc. He also was president of the Stuckey Pecan Company, 1958-1966, and Stuckey Investments, Inc., from 1958 to 1966.

Elected as a Democrat to the United States House of Representatives from the Eighth and later the Ninth District, Stuckey served in Congress from 1967 until 1977. He was not a candidate for re-election in 1976. While in Congress, Stuckey served on the Agriculture committee, the District of Columbia committee, the Interstate and Foreign Commerce committee and its subcommittee on Commerce and Finance and was chairman of the Commerce, Housing and Transportation subcommittee.

Stuckey was most proud of two pieces of legislation that dealt with the environment. He successfully introduced and had passed a bill that made Cumberland Island, Georgia, a National Seashore. The other measure he introduced made the Okefenokee Swamp a Federally Protected Wilderness open to the public through five water trails.

Since 1985, Stuckey has been chairman of Stuckey's Corporation. He is married to Ethelynn McMillan and they have five children. He currently resides in Washington, D.C. and Eastman, Georgia.

Scope and Content

His papers document his political career and include press files, bill and subject files, correspondence, project files, and campaign materials. Common subjects include the Cumberland Island and the Okefenokee Swamp projects; expanding Atlanta's airport to include international flights to Europe and the Pacific region; Corps of Engineers' work on the Satilla and Altamaha Rivers; the Vietnam conflict, including amnesty for Vietnam draft dodgers and deserters and Lt. William Calley's case regarding the My Lai 4 incident; the equal rights amendment; the Arab boycott; gun control; and impeachment of President Richard Nixon.

Organization and Arrangement

This collection is organized into 7 series: Series I. Press Relations/Media Activities, Series II. Political Activities, Series III. Legislative, Series IV. Office Administration, Series V. Related Materials, Series VI. Audiovisual Materials, and Series VII. Case Mail.

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Administrative Information

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open for research with the following exceptions:

Series VI. Audiovisual Materials: Though the collection is open for research, reference copies of the audiovisual recordings are available upon request. Research requests will be filled as soon as possible and will be dependent upon the condition of the recordings.

Series IV. Office Administration the case mail is closed.

Series VII. Case Mail the entire series is closed.

Preferred Citation

Williamson S. Stuckey Papers, Richard B. Russell Library for Political Research and Studies, University of Georgia Libraries, Athens, Georgia, 30602-1641.

Conditions Governing Use

Library acts as a "fair use" reproduction agent.

Copyright Information

Before material from collections at the Richard B. Russell Library may be quoted in print, or otherwise reproduced, in whole or in part, in any publication, permission must be obtained from (1) the owner of the physical property, and (2) the holder of the copyright. It is the particular responsibility of the researcher to obtain both sets of permissions. Persons wishing to quote from materials in the Russell Library collection should consult the Director. Reproduction of any item must contain a complete citation to the original.

Finding Aid Publication

Finding Aid prepared by Adriane Hanson and Jordan Graham (student assistant), September 2016.

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Related Materials and Subjects

Subject Terms

Related Collections in this Repository

Lindsay Thomas Papers

Ben Blackburn Papers

Howard H. "Bo" Callaway Papers

John W. Davis Papers

John L. Pilcher Papers

Herman E. Talmadge Collection

Richard B. Russell, Jr. Collection

Harry D. Dixon, Sr. Papers

Mack F. Mattingly Papers

J. Roy Rowland Papers

Related Collections in Other Repositories

Sam Nunn Papers, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia

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Series Descriptions and Folder Listing

 

Series I. Press Relations/Media Activities, 1957-1977 (1966-1977)

30 box(es) (14 linear feet)

The Press Relations/Media Activities series includes speeches, television and radio files, press releases, and subject files. Topics included veterans, social security, crime, the youth and Vietnam, Watergate investigation, the economy, the energy crisis, daylight savings time, and gun control.

This series is organized into four subseries: speeches, television and radio files, press releases and columns, and subject files.

This series is open for research.

To view more detailed information or to request materials from this series, visit the finding aid for this series.

Subseries A. Speeches, 1961-1975 ( 9 box(es) (4.5 linear feet) )

These are the final version of speeches that Stuckey delivered to various civic organizations, local governments, business associations, church groups and school organizations in Georgia and elsewhere. Topics included veterans, social security, crime, the youth and Vietnam.

Arrangement is chronological.

Subseries B. Television and Radio Files, 1967-1974 ( 1 box(es) (.5 linear feet) )

Transcripts from radio and television interviews and correspondence make up this series. Subjects discussed include the Watergate investigation, the economy, the energy crisis and gun control. Audiotapes and discs were removed for preservation purposes. These items have research copies and are available upon request.

Subseries C. Press Releases and Columns, 1966-1971 ( 10 box(es) (4.25 linear feet) )

These are individual files of press documents originating from Congressman Stuckey's office. The press releases and Stuckey columns were sent to local newspapers in Stuckey's home district. The columns express Stuckey's personal views on a variety of topics, including the Vietnamese Conflict, Watergate and the Okefenokee Swamp. Press releases include such issues as the energy crisis, daylight savings time, Watergate, President Richard Nixon, Vietnam, Okefenokee, tobacco and peanuts.

Arrangement is chronological.

Subseries D. Subject Files, 1960-1974 ( 10 box(es) (4.75 linear feet) )

The subject files subseries are the research files created by the press office department. Their files related to campaigns, mutual funds, no-fault insurance and rural development. Files include newspaper clippings, reports, correspondence, printed materials and surveys.

Arrangement is alphabetical.

 

Series II. Political Activities, 1966-1976

25 box(es) (12.75 linear feet)

Series II: Political Activities documents Stuckey's campaigns for the Georgia 8th District US Congressional seat in 1966 and his re-election campaigns of 1968, 1972, and 1974. Included in this series are correspondence, voter contacts, voter lists, speeches, newspaper clippings, financial information, limited strategy records and election results.

This series is arranged chronologically by campaign.

This series is open for research.

To view more detailed information or to request materials from this series, visit the finding aid for this series.

Subseries A. 1966 Campaign, 1966 ( 18 box(es) (9 linear feet) )

Bill Stuckey was the Democratic nominee for the 8th District United States Congressional seat in 1966. He successfully defeated the republican candidate, Mack F. Mattingly, in the general election. This subseries contains key contacts from the 8th District, voter lists, correspondence, financial records, minutes, speeches, county reports, and election results.

Arrangement is chronological.

Subseries B. 1972 Campaign, 1971-1972 ( 5 box(es) (2.25 linear feet) )

The 1972 Campaign materials consist of correspondence, newspaper clippings, information about Stuckey's opposition, financial records, and voter lists.

Arrangement is alphabetical.

Subseries C. 1974 Campaign, 1971-1974 ( 2 box(es) (1 linear foot) )

The 1974 re-election would be Stuckey's last campaign for political office. Included in this subseries are newspaper clippings, financial records and election results.

Arrangement is chronological.

Subseries D. 1976 Campaign, 1975-1976 ( 1 box(es) )

Stuckey did not seek re-election in 1976. However, there are files related to those running for his seat, as well as correspondence, contribution lists and printed materials.

 

Series III. Legislative, 1967-1976

89 box(es) (43 linear feet)

These files relate to legislative issues and consist of constituent correspondence about various bills being considered. This series contains correspondence, reports, court transcripts, bills, and printed materials. Of interest are transcripts from the investigation of the Textile and Apparel Industries (332-5) in November 1967. Topics include Cumberland Island, amnesty for Vietnam draft dodgers and deserters, the equal rights amendment, American Bicentennial celebration, the Arab boycott, and gun control.

This series is arranged chronologically.

This series is open for research.

To view more detailed information or to request materials from this series, visit the finding aid for this series.

Subseries A. 1967, 1967 ( 15 box(es) (7.25 linear feet) )

1. Subject contains correspondence, reports, court transcripts, and printed materials. Materials include committee files and agency files. Of interest are transcripts from the investigation of the Textile and Apparel Industries (332-5) in November 1967.

2. Bill files includes bills that were brought up for discussion and votes in the US House of Representatives. Occasionally background material, brief synopsis of the bill, and correspondence are included in the files, but more often they contain only a copy of the bill. Topics include food stamps, tobacco, education, selective service, rural electrification administration, and situs picketing.

Divided into two sections, 1. Subject and 2. Bill files. Subject is arranged alphabetically. The bills are organized by number.

Subseries B. 1968, 1968 ( 4 box(es) (2 linear feet) )

This subseries contains correspondence, press releases, and telegrams. These files relate to legislative issues and consist of constituent correspondence about various bills being considered, such as gun control, public works and interior.

Arrangement is alphabetical.

Subseries C. 1969, 1969 ( 8 box(es) (3.75 linear feet) )

1. Subject contains correspondence, reports, and printed materials. Materials include committee files and agency files. Of interest are files related to Cumberland Island and reports related to the Planning Commission.

2. Bill files includes bills that were brought up for discussion and votes in the US House of Representatives. Occasionally background material, brief synopsis of the bill, and correspondences are included in the files, but more often they contain only a copy of the bill. Topics include education, appropriation for various departments and groups, and voting.

Organized into two sections: 1. Subject and 2. Bills. Subjects are arranged alphabetically. Bills are organized by number.

Subseries D. 1970, 1970 ( 5 box(es) (2.5 linear feet) )

1. Subject contains correspondence, petitions, testimonies and telegrams are included in this series. There are materials related to adding chiropractic care to Medicare and opposition to pay television.

Organized into two sections: 1. Subject and 2. Bill files. Subjects are arranged alphabetically. Bills are organized by number.

Subseries E. 1971, 1971 ( 15 box(es) (7.25 linear feet) )

1. Subject: Correspondence, newspaper clippings, reports and printed materials embody this subseries. Of particular interest is the work of the Ways and Means Committee, the District of Columbia committee and the Interstate and Foreign Commerce Committee. Stuckey served on all three committees during this period.

2. Bill files: These are bills that were brought up for discussion and votes in the US House of Representatives. Occasionally background material, brief synopsis of the bill, and correspondence are included in the files, but more often they contain only a copy of the bill. The bills are organized by number. Topics include the environment and social security.

Organized into two sections: 1. Subject and 2. Bill files. Subjects are arranged alphabetically. Bills are organized by number.

Subseries F. 1972, 1972 ( 7 box(es) (3.25 linear feet) )

1. Subject: Correspondence, newspaper clippings, reports and printed materials embody this subseries. There are materials related to Stuckey's work on the Interstate and Foreign Commerce Committee, as well as passage of the Cumberland Island, GA bill.

2. Bill files: These are bills that were brought up for discussion and votes in the US House of Representatives. Occasionally background material, brief synopsis of the bill, and correspondences are included in the files, but more often they contain only a copy of the bill. These bills are organized by number. There is much material related to the Alexandria, Virginia Waterfront bill.

Organized into two sections: 1. Subject and 2. Bill files. Subjects are arranged alphabetically. Bills are organized by number.

Subseries G. 1973, 1973 ( 12 box(es) (6 linear feet) )

1. Subject: Correspondence, newspaper clippings, reports and printed materials embody this subseries. There are materials related to public health, energy, education and a few files on the equal rights amendment.

2. Bill files: These are bills that were brought up for discussion and votes in the US House of Representatives. Occasionally background material, brief synopsis of the bill, and correspondence are included in the files, but more often they contain only a copy of the bill. These bills are organized by number and divided by law and dead. There is much material related to appropriations and the environment.

Organized into two sections: 1. Subject and 2. Bill files. Subjects are arranged alphabetically. Bills are organized by number.

Subseries H. 1974, 1974 ( 12 box(es) (6 linear feet) )

1. Subject: Reports, printed materials, correspondence, newspaper clippings and legal briefs make up this subseries. The majority of the files related to Stuckey's work on the Judiciary and Ways andamp; Means committees. There are materials related to the equal rights amendment, which Stuckey supported, and amnesty for Vietnam draft dodgers and deserters, which he did not support.

2. Bill files: Materials in these files include correspondence, copies of bills, telegrams, Whip advisories and bill summaries. Many of the bills relate to environmental issues, appropriations and international issues.

Organized into two sections: 1. Subject and 2. Bill files. Subjects are arranged alphabetically. Bills are organized by number.

Subseries I. 1975, 1975 ( 8 box(es) (3.75 linear feet) )

This subseries consists of files from the District of Columbia and the Interstate and Foreign Commerce committees, on which Stuckey served. Materials consist of correspondence, reports, testimony, printed materials, newspaper clippings and brochures. Highlights from the District of Columbia committee files include materials related to public education, the 1976 American Bicentennial celebration and law enforcement for the district. The Interstate and Foreign Commerce committee files contain items on the Arab boycott, consumer product safety act, energy and railroad industry reform.

Arranged by committee.

Subseries J. 1976, 1976 ( 3 box(es) (1.5 linear feet) )

This subseries consists of reports, correspondence, printed materials and newspaper clippings from Stuckey's last year in US House of Representatives. Of interest are materials related to health issues, occupational health and safety administration and the environment.

 

Series IV. Office Administration, 1967-1975

124 box(es) (61.5 linear feet)

The Office Administration Series consists of agency, personnel, campaign, and political files, and projects Stuckey was involved with during his service in Congress. Included is correspondence, reports, printed materials, maps and legislative bills. This series provides insight into Stuckey's dealings with individuals, both colleagues and constituents, on various issues of the day. Topics include: Cumberland Island and the Okefenokee Swamp project; expanding Atlanta's airport to include international flights to Europe and the Pacific region; Corps of Engineers' work on the Satilla and Altamaha Rivers; Vietnam conflict and Lt. William Calley's case; and impeachment of President Richard Nixon.

This series is arranged chronologically.

Case mail is closed (Subseries B).

To view more detailed information or to request materials from this series, visit the finding aid for this series.

Subseries A. 1967, 1967 ( 14 box(es) (7 linear feet) )

Included are correspondence, reports and materials related to Stuckey's work on agriculture, environmental issues such as Cumberland Island and the Okefenokee Swamp project, and social security. Also there are materials related to political involvement in his home district. While Representatives run for election every two years, this material documents Stuckey's interest in the District and state Democratic Party during an off-election year.

Subseries B. 1968, 1968 ( 14 box(es) (7 linear feet) )

Included are correspondence, reports and materials related to Stuckey's work on agriculture, Georgia-related projects and Department of Interior programs. There is also materials related to invitations accepted and declined.

Subseries C. 1969, 1969 ( 6 box(es) (3 linear feet) )

This subseries includes correspondence, newspaper clippings, reports, and printed materials. Information on Stuckey's legislative work on expanding Atlanta's airport to include international flights to Europe and the Pacific region (Hawaii), Corps of Engineers' work on the Satilla and Altamaha Rivers, and his introduction of mutual funds legislation are highlighted.

Subseries D. 1970, 1970 ( 12 box(es) (7.25 linear feet) )

Materials of interest in this subseries include the US Army Corps of Engineers' work on the Altahama and Alapaha Rivers projects, the Vietnam conflict, and the Department of Interior projects in Georgia.

Subseries E. 1971-1972, 1971-1972 ( 19 box(es) (9.25 linear feet) )

Highlights of this subseries include files on the Lt. William Laws Calley case regarding the My Lai Massacre, Department of Interior projects in Georgia and the post office.

Arrangement is alphabetical by subject.

Subseries F. 1973, 1973 ( 9 box(es) (4.25 linear feet) )

Of interest to researchers are files relating to education, the activities of the Department of the Interior and constituent concerns regarding the impeachment of President Richard Nixon. There are also declined invitations and requests by constituents.

Subseries G. 1974, 1974 ( 28 box(es) (14.25 linear feet) )

This subseries includes correspondence, newspaper clippings, reports, and printed materials. There is information on Stuckey's legislative work on energy, agriculture, education, projects in Georgia, public relations and transportation.

Subseries H. 1975, 1975 ( 16 box(es) (8 linear feet) )

Included in this subseries are materials related to various issues corresponding to the Health, Education and Welfare department, Housing and Urban Development department, and the Interagency Task Force for Indochina Refugees.

Subseries I. 1976, 1976 ( 6 box(es) (3 linear feet) )

Materials of interest in this subseries includes area planning, the work of the Civil Service Commission, a survey on coastal planning deepwater, increased funding for energy research and development, student loan program and the Rural Electrification Administration.

 

Series V. Related Materials, 1960-1976

4 box(es) (3.25 linear feet)

The related materials include photographs, memorabilia, and a scrapbook. The collection of over 700 unique photographs illustrates the life and career of Congressman Stuckey. Included in the collection are some family photos, but the majority of the prints are from the period when Stuckey was campaigning for the United States Congress from Georgia's Eighth District and activities related to his position as a US Congressman. This series also includes plaques, citations, proclamations, resolutions, and presentation certificates received by Stuckey throughout his political career. The scrapbook includes clippings from newspapers and magazines, including news and feature items. Represented are Stuckey's re-election bid for his U.S. House of Representatives seat and the successful legislation of making Cumberland Island a National Seashore.

Related materials are organized into three groups: photographs, artifacts and memorabilia, and a scrapbook.

This series is open for research.

To view more detailed information or to request materials from this series, visit the finding aid for this series.

Subseries A. Photographs, 1960-1975 ( 700 item(s) )

A collection of over 700 unique photographs illustrates the life and career of Congressman Stuckey. Included in the collection are some family photos, but the majority of the prints are from the period when Stuckey was campaigning for the United States Congress from Georgia's Eighth District and activities related to his position as a US Congressman.

Contents of this collection include political campaigns; trips made by Stuckey such as his visit to Vietnam; meeting with various groups; congressional interns; and Stuckey with Cystic Fibrosis poster children. There are a number of images of Stuckey with well-known individuals, including Senators Richard B. Russell, Herman Talmadge, Strom Thurmond, Sam Nunn, Congressman Carl Vinson, and future Governor George Busbee. Also included in the collection are photographs of J. Edgar Hoover's funeral. There is also an 1860 photograph of Alexander Stephens.

The photographs are arranged in chronological order.

Subseries B. Artifacts and Memorbilia, 1955-1974 ( 12 item(s) )

Throughout his public service career, Stuckey received plaques, citations, proclamations, resolutions, and presentation certificates. Some of the more prestigious were a certificate that Stuckey had flown in the presidential helicopter in 1966 and certificates of appreciation from the American Heart Association and the Junior Chamber of Commerce. There are also some wood carved ducks.

Subseries C. Scrapbook, 1972 ( 1 item(s) )

The scrapbook includes clippings from newspapers and magazines, including news and feature items. Represented are Stuckey's re-election bid for his U.S. House of Representatives seat and the successful legislation of making Cumberland Island a National Seashore.

 

Series VI. Audiovisual Materials, 1967-2003

63 item(s)

Williamson S. Stuckey Papers, Series VI. Audiovisual Materials includes seventeen 16mm films, two 2-inch open reel video tape, three betacam videocassettes, one audiocassette, five dictation discs, one DVD, one phonodisc, and 26 quarter-inch open reel audio tapes, documenting campaign ads and policy-related activities, as well as a series of transcribed audio programs hosted by Stuckey discussing issues of the day with his contemporaries in the federal government.

Williamson S. Stuckey Papers Series VI is arranged by format.

Though the collection is open for research, reference copies of the audiovisual recordings are available upon request. Research requests will be filled as soon as possible and will be dependent upon the condition of the recordings.

To view more detailed information or to request materials from this series, visit the finding aid for this series.