M. E. Thompson Papers

Descriptive Summary
Title: M. E. Thompson Papers
Creator: Thompson, M. E. (Melvin Ernest), 1903-1980.
Inclusive Dates: circa 1890s-1990s
Language(s): English
Extent: 4 box(es) (4.5 linear feet), including 220 photographs and 14 audiovisual items
Collection Number: RBRL234MET
Repository: Richard B. Russell Library for Political Research and Studies
Abstract: These papers document the personal life of Melvin Ernest (M. E.) Thompson, Georgia's first lieutenant governor and participant in the famed "Three Governors Controversy." The collection consists of personal correspondence, certificates and diplomas, history regarding the Thompson and Edenfield families, clippings, campaign speeches and announcements, and Sunday school sermons delivered by M. E. Thompson. Two hundred and nineteen, primarily black-and-white, photographs depict the Thompson family; the dedication of the Little White House at Warm Springs in 1947; Thompson's campaigns; members of the Georgia House of Representatives and Georgia Senate (1947-1948); and the unveiling of Thompson's portrait at the State Capitol. Of particular interest are the six television campaign advertisements featuring Thompson's views about the county unit system, automobile tags, taxation, the state highway system and toll roads, and the integration of Georgia's public schools.

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Collection Description

Biographical Note

Born on May 1, 1903, Melvin Ernest (M. E.) Thompson attended Millen High School. He went on to earn a bachelor's degree in philosophy from Emory University and a master's degree in education at the University of Georgia. In 1926, he married Ann Newton and began his career in public education at the Emanuel County Institute. In 1927, Thompson was appointed to serve as superintendent of the Hawkinsville school system. In the years that followed, he served as state school supervisor and assistant state superintendent of schools. Thompson was active in Ellis Arnall's 1942 gubernatorial campaign; upon Arnall's win, Thompson was appointed as the new governor's executive secretary. In 1946, Thompson campaigned to become the state's first lieutenant governor and won, despite the fact that he did not align himself with any of the gubernatorial candidates.

In the 1946 gubernatorial election, longtime politician and former governor Eugene Talmadge was elected to become Georgia's chief executive for the fourth time. Then suddenly, on December 21, 1946, Governor-elect Talmadge passed away before being sworn-in. His unexpected death set in motion a series of events which came to be known as Georgia's three governors controversy.

Three men believed themselves to be Talmadge's successor. M. E. Thompson, as the newly elected lieutenant governor, presumed he was the lawful governor. Eugene Talmadge's son, Herman, had received a larger number of write-in votes. The younger Talmadge believed his popular support entitled him to the seat. Finally, incumbent Governor Ellis Arnall refused to leave the office until a constitutional decision was made by the Georgia General Assembly naming the next executive of the state. The general assembly, packed with longtime Talmadge supporters, named Herman Talmadge as the rightful governor reasoning that having the second highest number of votes after Eugene he was entitled to the office. The state Supreme Court found this internal vote unconstitutional and named Thompson governor of Georgia in March of 1947. He served in this capacity until Herman Talmadge defeated him in a special election held in the summer of 1948. Thompson ran against Talmadge twice more, in the 1950 gubernatorial race and 1956 senatorial race, but was unable to defeat him in either attempt.

After Thompson's defeat in the 1956 senatorial race, he moved his family to Valdosta, Georgia where he became involved in real estate. In 1962, he unsuccessfully ran his final political campaign to represent the eighth district in the Georgia Senate. Throughout the next two decades Thompson was actively involved in Valdosta's economic development, industrial growth, and avidly supported Valdosta Tech and Valdosta State College. M. E. Thompson died on October 3, 1980 in Valdosta, Georgia.

Additional resources:

New Georgia Encyclopedia: http://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/nge/Article.jsp?id=h-701

James F. Cook, The Governors of Georgia, 1754-2004, 3d ed. (Macon, Ga.: Mercer University Press, 2005).

Harold Paulk Henderson, "M. E. Thompson and the Politics of Succession," in Georgia Governors in an Age of Change: From Ellis Arnall to George Busbee, ed. Harold P. Henderson and Gary L. Roberts (Athens: University of Georgia Press, 1988).

Scope and Content

This collection consists of personal correspondence, certificates and diplomas, history regarding the Thompson and Edenfield families, clippings, campaign speeches and announcements, and Sunday school sermons delivered by Thompson. Two hundred and nineteen, primarily black-and-white, photographs depict the Thompson family; the dedication of the Little White House at Warm Springs in 1947; M. E. Thompson's campaigns; members of the Georgia House of Representatives and Georgia Senate (1947-1948); and the unveiling of Thompson's portrait at the State Capitol in 1983.

Of particular interest are the six television campaign advertisements featuring Thompson's views about the county unit system, automobile tags, taxation, the state highway system and toll roads, and the integration of Georgia's public schools. These television advertisements may be viewed online at http://www.youtube.com/user/RussellLibraryAV Also, there is one reel-to-reel paper tape containing seven one-minute campaign spots.

Organization and Arrangement

The papers are organized into three series: I. Papers, II. Photographs, and III. Audiovisual Material.

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Administrative Information

Preferred Citation

M. E. Thompson Papers, Richard B. Russell Library for Political Research and Studies, University of Georgia Libraries, Athens, Georgia, 30602-1641.

Processing Note

Photographs, audiovisual material, and oversize items have been separated for preservation. Clippings were photocopied to preserve content.

User Restrictions

Library acts as "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 on: 2010.

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Related Materials and Subjects

Subject Terms

Related Collections in this Repository

Harold Paulk (Hal) Henderson, Sr. Oral History Collection

John Leonard Pilcher Papers

Ed Friend Visual Materials

Herman E. Talmadge Collection

J. Frank Myers Papers

Erwin C. Surrency Collection of Political Materials

James F. Cook Research Files

Related Collections in Other Repositories

M. E. Thompson Oral History Interview, Special Collections, Georgia State University

M. E. Thompson Papers, Manuscript, Archives, and Rare Book Library, Emory University.

M. E. Thompson Papers, Special Collections and Archives, Valdosta State University.

WSB Radio Records, Special Collections, Georgia State University.

Lane Brothers Commercial Photographers Photographic Collection, Special Collections, Georgia State University

Governor, Executive Department Minutes, 1948, Georgia Archives.

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Series Descriptions and Folder Listing

 

I. Papers

51 folder(s)

The papers consist of personal correspondence, certificates and diplomas, history regarding the Thompson and Edenfield families, clippings, campaign speeches and announcements, and Sunday school sermons delivered by Thompson.

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I.1

1

Clipping, "Pastor H. G. Edenfield Dead," Christian Liberator, 1919

I.1

2

Grades from Emory and University of Georgia, 1926, 1935

I.1

3

M. E. Thompson's resignation as Superintendent of the Hawkinsville Public Schools, circa 1931-1932

I.1

4

Member card to the Progressive Education Association, 1941

I.1

5

Recommendation letter for M. E. Thompson to be a staff officer in the U.S. Navy, 1942

I.1

6

Letter from Winfield Jones, circa 1947

I.1

7

Remarks of M. E. Thompson at the program for the dedication of the Memorial Plaque at the State Capitol, 1947

I.1

8

Clippings, 1948-1983

I.1

9

Campaign speech cards [incomplete], 1950

I.1

10

Campaign brochure, [1950-1956]

I.1

11

Speech delivered by M. E. Thompson, Jr. supporting his father's campaign, [1950-1956]

I.1

12

Correspondence, 1951 January, November-December

I.1

13

Two telegrams supporting and one letter dissuading M. E. Thompson's campaign for the U.S. Congress, 1952

I.1

14

Announcements about state politics (1-2 pages each): State Administration is Putting Georgia Back in Debt; Senator Russell's Candidacy; Shorts; Governor Talmadge Wants a Single Session of the Legislature; Phil Landrum goes to Congress; Opposition Developing to Dr. M.D. Collins; Shorts; Playing Politics with School Doesn't Pay; Southern Republicans Continue to Act Like Southern Republicans; Kefauver, the vote getter; Sectionalism in America; Senator Edwin Johnston to Manage Russell's Campaign; Our Nimble-footed Lieutenant Governor; Senator Russell and the Presidency; Talmadge Steals Another Election; Toll Roads Constitute a State Debate; Ellis Arnall and the Ops; A New Type of Influence Peddler; Property Owners Should Enjoin the Toll Road; This and That; The Georgia Democrat Predicts; Special Session of the Legislature Needed: School Building Program Jeopardized; This 'n That; The Republican Party Fails Again in Georgia; What will the Issues Be; If the Democrats Lose, The South Loses; There Should be a Special Session of the Legislature: Elector Bill Should be Repealed; Presidential Primaries are Essential; The County Unit, Still; Give the People and the Candidates a Chance; This 'n That; The Talmadge Administration doesn't Want to Give the People a Choice; What is Wrong with the State Board of Education; Shorts; Thompson and Talmadge Agree; Political Streams are Flowing; Linder and Wingate are Feuding Again; Who is for the Toll Road?; People are being Robbed of Their Right to Vote; Governor Adlai Stevenson for President; The Democrats Acclaim Dear Alben, 1952 [1954?]

I.1

15

Correspondence, 1952 January-June

I.1

16

Campaign speech, 1954 July 10

I.1

17

Speech draft about "The Rich Nations and the Poor Nations", 1960s

I.1

18

Draft for a speech given at a Valdosta high school graduation, 1960s

I.1

19

Evaluation of the industrial site situation at Valdosta, 1961

I.1

20

M. E. Thompson Candidate for State Senate letterhead, 1962

I.1

21

City of Valdosta Budget, 1963-1964

I.1

22

"The Georgia Gubernatorial Controversy of 1947" by Richard L. Moore (2 copies), 1969 March 3

I.1

23

Typescripts of Letters from H. G. Edenfield to His Family, 1862-1872 [letters of Henry Greene Edenfield, Thompson's grandfather, created by W. Vernon Edenfield, Jr., 1970, given to each member of the family and the Georgia Department of Archives and History], 1970

I.1

24

Letter to Mr. George Doss, Jr., 1970s

I.1

25

Resolution, commending M. E. Thompson for his contributions to the state, 1971

I.1

26

Clippings, 1976-1978

I.1

27

Deed and correspondence regarding the property of M. E. Thompson's realty office, 1977

I.1

28

MET [Thompson] personal files [financial and personal correspondence], 1978

I.1

29

M. E. Thompson Realty, Inc. inventory of equipment,, 1978

I.1

30

Clipping about Ellis Arnall, 1979

I.1

31

Personal correspondence, 1979-1980

I.1

32

Two letters to Ann Thompson at the death of M. E. Thompson, 1980

I.1

33

Resolution by the State Transportation Board to recognize Thompson for the purchase of Jekyll Island, 1989 August 17

I.1

34

Biographical sketch, undated

I.1

35

Story of a has been politician [handwritten note], undated

I.1

36

Draft of a letter to M. E. Thompson, Jr., undated

I.1

37

Speech drafts about the growth of the City of Valdosta, undated

I.1

38

Notebook of sermon notes, undated

I.1

39

Sunday school sermons [untitled], undated

I.1

40

Sunday school sermons [untitled], undated

I.1

41

Sunday school sermons [untitled], undated

I.1

42

Sunday school sermons [untitled], undated

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Emory University Bachelor of Philosophy [oversize item], 1926

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University of Georgia diploma [oversize item], 1936

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Certificate, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine [oversize item], 1944

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Commission, State Revenue Commissioner [oversize item], 1945

OS 1

Thompson for Governor sign [oversize item], [1950-1956]

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I.2

Scrapbook [oversize item], 1946-1947

I.2

Plaque, M. E. Thompson Valdosta Rotary Club President [oversize item], 1959-1960

I.2

Meritorious Award, Association County Commissioners of Georgia, regarding Thompson sponsoring the purchase of Jekyll Island [oversize item], 1976

I.2

Plaque, M. E. Thompson Valdosta and Lowndes County Industrial Authority [oversize item], undated

 

II. Photographs

220 photograph(s)

Two hundred and twenty, primarily black-and-white, photographs depicting the Thompson family; the dedication of the Little White House at Warm Springs in 1947; M. E. Thompson's campaigns; members of the Georgia House of Representatives and Georgia Senate (1947-1948); and the unveiling of Thompson's portrait at the State Capitol in 1983.

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II.1

1

Portrait of Henry Jackson Thompson, circa 1890s. (1 (5x7") b/w)

II.1

2

M. E. Thompson as a boy standing next to a wagon, circa 1905. (1 (3x4.5") b/w)

II.1

3

Portrait of M. E. Thompson as a boy, circa 1908-1910. (1 (5x7") b/w)

II.1

4

Family portrait of M. E. Thompson and his five siblings, his mother Eva, circa 1910s. (1 (4x6") b/w)

II.1

5

Eva Thompson with two children sitting on a car, circa 1910s. (1 (5.5x3.5) b/w)

II.1

6

Portrait of M. E. Thompson, circa 1920s. (1 (4x5") b/w, 2 (5x7") b/w)

II.1

7

M. E. Thompson with unidentified woman and three children, circa 1920s. (1 (3.5x5.5") b/w)

II.1

8

Portrait of M. E. Thompson, circa 1920s-1930s. (1 (3x5") b/w, 2 (5x7") b/w)

II.1

9

M. E. Thompson, Jr. as an infant, circa 1927. (2 (4x6") b/w)

II.1

10

M. E. Thompson Jr. as a child, dressed as a cowboy, circa 1930s. (1 (3x4.5") b/w)

II.1

11

M. E. Thompson, Jr. playing football as a young boy, circa 1930s. (4 (2.5x3.5") b/w)

II.1

12

M. E. Thompson, Ann Thompson, and M. E. Thompson, Jr., circa 1930s. (1 (2.5x4.5") b/w)

II.1

13

Eva Thompson, M. E. Thompson, Ann Thompson, M. E. Thompson, Jr. at Rock City, circa 1930s. (2 (2.5x4.5") b/w)

II.1

14

M. E. Thompson, Eva Thompson, M. E. Thompson, Jr. [at Rock City ?], circa 1930s. (1 (2.5x4.5") b/w)

II.1

15

Ann Thompson [at Rock City ?], circa 1930s. (1 (2.5x4.5") b/w)

II.1

16

M. E. Thompson and a group of men fishing, circa 1930s-1940s. (6 (3.25x4.75") b/w)

II.1

17

M. E. Thompson, Anne Thompson, Aunt Elizabeth, and little Jane, circa 1940s. (1 (8x10") b/w)

II.1

18

Portrait of Ann Thompson, circa 1940s. (1 (8x10") color)

II.1

19

Portrait of Eva Thompson, circa 1940s. (2 (5x7") b/w)

II.1

20

Portrait of M. E. Thompson, Jr. in his naval uniform, circa 1940s. (2 (5x7") b/w)

II.1

21

Portrait of M. E. Thompson, Jr., circa 1940s. (2 (6.5x8.5) b/w)

II.1

22

M. E. Thompson, Ann Thompson, group of unidentified men at the night club Billy Rose's Diamond Horseshoe in New York City, Times Square, circa 1940s. (1 (4x6") b/w)

II.1

23

Portrait of Ann Thompson, circa 1940s. (2 (5x7") b/w)

II.1

24

Portrait of Ann Thompson in a gown, circa 1940s. (1 (8x10") b/w)

II.1

25

M. E. Thompson standing next to a parking meter, circa 1940s-1950s (1 (3x4") b/w)

II.1

26

Eva Thompson, circa 1940s-1950s (2 (3x3") b/w)

II.1

27

Ann and M. E. Thompson fishing on a yacht, circa 1940s-1950s. (1 (8x10") b/w)

II.1

28

M. E. Thompson, Ann Thompson, J.W. Jackson, and Mrs. A. D. Harris, Jr. at a Lions Club meeting, circa 1940s-1950s. (1 (8x10") b/w)

II.1

29

Chi Phi Fraternity [M. E. Thompson Jr. ?], circa 1940s-1950s. (1 (4x5.5") b/w)

II.1

30

Vacationing at Hotel Tybee, circa 1940s-1950s. (10 (4x4") b/w, 3 (4x5") b/w, 2 (3x4.5") b/w)

II.1

31

Family photos in front of the house on Northside, circa 1940s-1950s. (7 (2.5x3.5") b/w, 1 (5x7") b/w)

II.1

32

Portrait of M. E. Thompson., circa late 1940s. (3 (8x10") b/w)

II.1

33

M. E. Thompson's head superimposed on a cartoon body astride a cartoon donkey, "Souvenir from the 1940 Democratic Convention", 1940. (1 (1.5x2.5") b/w)

II.1

34

M. E. Thompson, Jr. at Dixie Camp, 1940. (3 (5x7") b/w)

II.1

35

M. E. Thompson at education meeting, 1941. (2 (4x5") b/w)

II.1

36

Ann Thompson with two unidentified women, 1947 August 22. (1 (3.5x5.5") color)

II.1

37

Family vacationing in Jekyll [?], 1947 August. (7 (2.5x3.5") b/w)

II.1

38

Chief Justice Fred M. Vinson, Governor Thompson, Bill Hassett at Georgia Warm Springs Foundation Twentieth Anniversary and Dedication of Little White House, 1947 June 25. (1 (8x10") b/w)

II.1

39

Dedication of Little White House, Warm Springs, Georgia, 1947 June 25. (32 (8x10) b/w)

II.1

40

Dean Raimundo de Ovies delivering a radio address, Georgia Warm Springs Foundation Twentieth Anniversary and Dedication of the Little White House, 1947 June 25. (1 (8x10") b/w)

II.1

41

Homer Cummings, Bill Hassett, Chief Justice Fred M. Vinson, Josephus Daniels, M. E. Thompson, Justice Hugo Black, Basil O'Conner, Georgia Warm Springs Foundation Twentieth Anniversary and Dedication of the Little White House, 1947 June 25. (1 (8x10") b/w)

II.1

42

Senator Richard Russell and M. E. Thompson, Georgia Warm Springs Foundation Twentieth Anniversary and Dedication of the Little White House, 1947 June 25. (1 (8x10") b/w)

II.1

43

M. E. Thompson, Ann Thompson, Josephus Daniels, Georgia Warm Springs Foundation Twentieth Anniversary and Dedication of the Little White House, 1947 June 25. (1 (8x10") b/w)

II.1

44

George La Porte, M. E. Thompson, Ann Thompson, Basil O'Conner, Georgia Warm Springs Foundation Twentieth Anniversary and Dedication of the Little White House,, 1947 June 25. (1 (8x10") b/w)

II.1

45

Ann Thompson at the Governors Mansion, 1947. (1 (8x10") b/w)

II.1

46

M. E. Thompson speaking, sign says "Thompson is Tops", 1948. (1 (8x10") b/w)

II.1

47

M. E. Thompson and Ann Thompson in the Governor's Mansion, 1948. (2 (2.5x3.5") b/w)

II.1

48

M. E. Thompson, Jr. and others on a double date, circa 1950s. (1 (5x7") b/w)

II.1

49

M. E. Thompson, Jr. dancing with an unidentified woman, circa 1950s. (1 (5x7") b/w)

II.1

50

M. E. Thompson at an unidentified groundbreaking in Valdosta, Georgia, circa 1950s. (1 (8x10") b/w, 3 (5x7") b/w)

II.1

51

M. E. Thompson campaigning for governor, circa 1950-1954. (2 (8x10") b/w)

II.1

52

Eva Thompson and her children, W. K. Thompson, H. E. Thompson, Mrs. S. B. Feukond, M. E. Thompson, and G. B. Thompson, Sr., 1956 April. (1 (3.5x3.5") b/w)

II.1

53

Various photos of Eva Thompson on her birthday, 1957-1958. (2 (3.5x3.5") b/w, 1 (3.5x3.5") color, 2 (3.5x5") b/w)

II.1

54

Ann and M. E. Thompson at a funeral [on verso Eva's funeral (inaccurate)], 1959 June. (1 (3.5x3.5") color)

II.1

55

Portrait of George L. Smith, circa 1967-1973. (1 (2.5x3.5") b/w)

II.1

56

Portrait of M. E. Thompson, circa 1970s (3 (2.5x3.5") color)

II.1

57

M. E. Thompson at the unveiling of his portrait at the Rotary Club, circa 1970s. (5 (3.5x5") color)

II.1

58

M. E. Thompson with a group of unidentified people holding cigars and standing in front of display of Kleenex boxes, Army Medical Research Lab, and photos of two drug dogs, King and Caesar, housed at the Lab, 1973 July 26. (6 (8x10") b/w)

II.1

59

Joe Frank Harris unveiling the M. E. Thompson portrait at the state capitol [includes letter from James M. Beck], 1983 (7 (8x10") color)

II.1

60

Portrait of Lester Maddox driving a train, 1990s. (1 (8x10") color)

II.1

61

Bridge over Billy's Creek, undated. (2 (8x10") b/w)

II.1

62

M. E. Thompson's and later Thea Thompson's home at 712 West Alden Street, Valdosta, Georgia, undated. (1 (8x10") b/w)

II.1

63

Portrait of Red Townsend [inscribed], undated. (1 (8x10") color)

II.1

64

Flooded Nicholls Road, 17 Mile Creek, Hawkinsville, Georgia, undated. (1 (8x10") b/w)

II.1

65

M. E. Thompson at an unidentified event, undated. (2 (2.5x3.5") b/w)

II.1

66

M. E. Thompson and Scott Candler attending county meeting, undated. (1 (4x5") b/w)

II.1

67

M. E. Thompson smoking a cigarette, undated. (1 (3x3") b/w)

II.1

68

M. E. Thompson speaking at a large dinner event, undated. (1 (5x7") b/w)

II.1

69

M. E. Thompson on stage with others, undated. (3 (4x6") b/w)

II.1

70

M. E. and a group of men and one woman, undated. (3 (4x5") b/w)

II.1

71

M. E. Thompson on the campaign trail [?], undated. (1 (3.25x5.25) b/w)

II.1

72

M. E. Thompson and a group of unidentified people drinking at a restaurant, undated. (1 (5x7") b/w)

II.1

73

Professor James R. Stokes, P. W. Fotting [?], M. E. Thompson in a boat, undated. (1 (2.5x3.5") b/w)

II.1

74

Portrait of Fred Brinson, undated. (1 (1.25x2.25") b/w)

II.1

75

Ann Thompson throwing a snow ball, undated. (1 (2.5x3.5") b/w)

II.1

76

Ann Thompson and unidentified group of women dressed in turn of the century garb, undated. (1 (6.5x7") b/w)

II.1

77

Group of unidentified people meeting, undated. (1 (4x5") b/w)

II.1

78

Group of unidentified people meeting, undated. (2 (4x5") b/w)

II.1

79

Group of unidentified men meeting, undated. (1 (4x5") b/w)

II.1

80

M. E. Thompson speaking, undated. (1 (4x5") b/w)

II.1

81

M. E. Thompson and three unidentified men, undated. (1 (5x7") b/w)

II.1

82

Ann Thompson and a group of unidentified women, undated. (1 (5x7") b/w)

II.1

83

M. E. Thompson and three unknown men, undated. (1 (8x10") b/w)

II.1

84

M. E. Thompson and a group of unidentified people, undated. (1 (8x10" ) b/w)

II.1

85

M. E. Thompson and a group of unknown men, undated. (1 (5x7") b/w)

II.1

86

Unidentified group of people meeting, undated. (1 (4x5") b/w)

II.1

87

M. E. Thompson and an unidentified man, undated. (1 (8x10") b/w)

II.1

88

Family and friends playing baseball on the beach [Tybee?], undated. (5 (various sizes) b/w)

II.1

89

Ann and M. E. Thompson, undated. (1 (4x5") b/w)

II.1

90

Group of men playing checkers, undated. (1 (4x5") b/w)

II.1

91

Henry Jackson Thompson [?], undated. (1 (4x5.5") b/w)

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Portrait of M. E. Thompson [oversize item], undated. (1 color)

OS 1

Family tree [oversize item], undated. (1)

OS 1

Panoramic photo, U.S. Naval Training Center, Great Lakes [poor condition] [oversize item], 1946. (1 b/w)

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Members of the Georgia House of Representatives [oversize item], 1947. (1 b/w)

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Members of the Georgia Senate [oversize item], 1947. (1 b/w)

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Photo, Georgia Boys State group,, 1948. (1 b/w)

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Signed portrait of E. D. Rivers [oversize item], circa 1937-1941. (1 b/w)

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Portraits of Ann Thompson [oversize item], circa 1948. (2 b/w)

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Portrait of M. E. Thompson [oversize item], circa 1948. (1 color)

 

III. Audiovisual Material

14 item(s)

The first subseries contains 7 radio spots that were produced for Thompson's bid for governor in the special election of 1948. Thompson had been declared governor by the state supreme court after the three governors controversy in 1947, but a special election was scheduled for September of 1948 to elect a governor to serve the remainder of the deceased governor-elect Eugene Talmadge's term (1947-1951). These 7 spots feature endorsements by Murray Pendleton, a World War II veteran from Cairo, Ga., who speaks of his support for Thompson and condemns the actions of Herman Talmadge during the three governors controversy the previous year. The second subseries in the M.E. Thompson Audiovisual Materials includes five television campaign ads that were produced for Thompson's (ultimately unsuccessful) 1954 gubernatorial campaign. After Thompson lost to Herman Talmadge in the special election in 1948, he sought the governorship again in 1950 and 1954.

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.

M.E. Thompson 1948 Gubernatorial Campaign Radio Spots ( 7 sound_recording(s) )

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MET RR 001

Murray Pendleton for M.E. Thompson [radio spot no. 1] , 1948 Access Online

MET RR 001

Murray Pendleton for M.E. Thompson [radio spot no. 2] , 1948 Access Online

MET RR 001

Murray Pendleton for M.E. Thompson [radio spot no. 3] , 1948 Access Online

MET RR 001

Murray Pendleton for M.E. Thompson [radio spot no. 4] , 1948 Access Online

MET RR 001

Murray Pendleton for M.E. Thompson [radio spot no. 5] , 1948 Access Online

MET RR 001

Murray Pendleton for M.E. Thompson [radio spot no. 6] , 1948 Access Online

MET RR 001

Murray Pendleton for M.E. Thompson [radio spot no. 7] , 1948 Access Online

M.E. Thompson 1954 Georgia Gubernatorial Campaign Television Ads ( 5 moving_image(s) )

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MET 16mm 001

County Unit System, campaign televison spot , 1954 Access Online

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MET 16mm 003

Taxes, campaign television spot , 1954 Access Online

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MET 16mm 005

Schools, campaign television spot , undated Access Online

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MET 16mm 008

Highways, campaign television spot , 1954 Access Online

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MET 16mm 010

Auto Tags, campaign television spot , 1954 Access Online