Charles L. Bowden Papers

Descriptive Summary
Title: Charles L. Bowden Papers
Creator: Bowden , Charles L., 1892-1952
Inclusive Dates: 1883-1983
Bulk Dates: 1937-1948
Language(s): English
Extent: 9 box(es) (6.25 linear feet), includes 311photographs
Collection Number: RBRL315CLB
Repository: Richard B. Russell Library for Political Research and Studies
Abstract: The collection documents the growth and development of the City of Macon primarily during the administration of Mayor Charles L. Bowden (1938-1947). Included are City of Macon financial statements (1928, 1937-1938); Macon Hospital Commission files (1945-1952); correspondence and photographs documenting the commission of USS Macon (1945) and the Macon premiere of God is my Co-pilot (1945); copies of Bowden's speeches and radio announcements; and general correspondence. Of note is the correspondence with Carl Vinson, especially in relation to the commissioning of the USS Macon. Correspondence between Bowden, his wife, Urney Fields Bowden, and their children, Charlotte and Patsy, illustrate family life in Macon in the 1930s and 1940s. The Bowden and Fields families are documented through genealogical research files and correspondence (1883-1889) between Urney Bowden's grandparents, W. G. Fields and Emma Massey (-1902). The papers include correspondence, photographs, scrapbooks, financial reports, speeches and announcements, publications and clippings, and memorabilia.

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Collection Description

Biographical Note

Charles L. Bowden, son of Charles A. Bowden (1953-1915) and Emily Matilda Britt (1854-1933), was born in Forsyth, Georgia on June 13, 1892. In 1908, he moved to Macon, Georgia and, in 1913, married Willie Pearl Minter (1890-1925). The couple had one daughter, Willie Eloise Bowden, born in 1914. In 1938, Bowden married Urney Fields and the couple had two children, Charlotte and Patsy. Bowden served as sheriff of municipal court (1915), Macon police chief (1917), Bibb County police officer (1922-1923), alderman of the second ward (1927-1934), and a member of Macon City Council. He also served a single term as a Bibb County representative in the Georgia General Assembly, but did not seek re-election. In addition to his duties a public servant, Bowden began working as a city salesman with Wofford Oil Company in 1923, rising to zone manager of the middle Georgia district, in 1932, and eventually district manager.

In 1937, Charles Bowden ran for mayor against former mayor Glen Toole and won. Bowden's administration worked to pay down the city's debt and build up a surplus. He served as president of the Macon Community Chest (1937-1939) and encouraged economic development and growth as a member of the Georgia Agricultural and Industrial Board. Bowden actively lobbied Congressman Carl Vinson, chairman of the House Naval Affairs Committee, to name a naval vessel for Macon, Georgia, the USS Macon (CA-132). He was also influential in the development and expansion of several military installments in the Macon area, including the Naval Ordnance Plant, Infantry Replacement Training Center at Camp Wheeler, Cochran Field, and Warner Robins Air Depot. After a long illness, Charles Bowden died in July 1952.

Scope and Content

The collection documents the growth and development of the City of Macon primarily during the administration of Mayor Charles L. Bowden (1938-1947). Included are City of Macon financial statements (1928, 1937-1938); Macon Hospital Commission files (1945-1952); correspondence and photographs documenting the commission of USS Macon and the Macon premiere of God is my Co-pilot; copies of Bowden's speeches and radio announcements; and general correspondence. Of note is the correspondence with Carl Vinson, especially in relation to the USS Macon. A small amount of correspondence documents Charles Bowden's career at Wofford Oil Company and his appointment to postmaster. Correspondence between Bowden, his wife, Urney Fields Bowden, and their children, Charlotte and Patsy, illustrate family life in Macon in the 1930s and 1940s. The Bowden and Fields families are documented through genealogical research files and correspondence (1883-1889) between Urney Fields Bowden's grandparents, W. G. Fields and Emma Massey (-1902). The papers include correspondence, photographs, scrapbooks, financial reports, speeches and announcements, publications and clippings, and memorabilia.

Organization and Arrangement

The collection is organized into three series: City of Macon/Mayoral, Personal, and Photographs.

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Administrative Information

Preferred Citation

Charles L. Bowden Papers, Richard B. Russell Library for Political Research and Studies, University of Georgia Libraries, Athens, Georgia, 30602-1641.

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: 2012.

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Related Materials and Subjects

Subject Terms

Related Collections in this Repository

Georgia State Democratic Executive Committee Files

Related Collections in Other Repositories

William Fields Letters, William L. Clements Library, University of Michigan

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Series Descriptions and Folder Listing

 

I. City of Macon/Mayoral, 1925-1952 (1938-1948)
70 folder(s) 2 oversize scrapbooks
		This series documents the growth and development of the City of Macon primarily during the administration of Mayor Charles L. Bowden (1938-1947). Included are City of Macon financial statements (1928, 1937-1938); Macon Hospital Commission files (1945-1952); correspondence regarding the commission of USS Macon and the Macon premiere of God is my Co-pilot; copies of Bowden's speeches and radio announcements; and general correspondence. Of note is the correspondence with Carl Vinson, especially in relation to the USS Macon. Photographs documenting the commissioning of USS Macon and God is my Co-pilot are located in Series III.
box	folder
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1	1	Correspondence, Charles Bowden, 1938-1940
1	2	Correspondence, Charles Bowden, 1941-1947
1	3	Correspondence, USS Macon Commissioning, 1943-1945
1	4	Correspondence, Sidney Sullivan Award, 1947
1	5	Correspondence, Students at Bellevue School, 1947 November
1	6	Correspondence, Charles Bowden, 1948-1952
1	7	Christmas cards
1	8	Speeches and announcements [Automotive Safety Week, WMAZ (1938); war-time problems of municipalities; campaign (1937); Exchange Club program, WSB (1938); business; Mercer University (1938); WMAZ 5000 watt transmitter; Post War Program, WBML (1944); Carl Vinson; Post War Development, WBML (1944); Wartime Manpower Program, WMAZ (1942); Christmas (1938, 1943); Macon (1934); Independence Day; Ellis Arnall Campaign; War Chest, WMAZ; Kiwanis Club, WBML; federal government], 1937-1944
1	9	Speech supporting Ellis Arnall campaign, 1942
1	10	Speech by Maury Maverick to the Georgia League of Municipalities, 1942
1	11	Announcement, Emergency Food Drive Program, WMAZ, circa 1946
1	12	Speech supporting re-election of Carl Vinson, 1946 July 11
1	13	Public Affairs Committee, Finances of the State of Georgia, WNEX, 1946 June 28
1	14	Macon Hospital Commission, 1945-1947
1	15	Macon Hospital Executive Committee, 1948-1952
1	16	Statement concerning Macon Banks, 1928
1	17	City of Macon audit, 1938-1941
1	18	City of Macon financial statement, 1939-1947
1	19	City of Macon audit, 1942-1946
1	20	City of Macon daily cash report, 1945 February 8-9
1	21	City of Macon audit, 1947
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OS1		City of Macon analysis of expenditures, 1947 January-October
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1	22	Macon Auditorium opening program, 1925
1	23	Stribling Memorial Foundation Benefit Boxing Program, Macon, 1934
1	24	Standing Committees of City Council, Macon, 1934-1935
1	25	City of Macon, Mayor, Aldermen, standing committees card, 1936-1937
1	26	Campaign, Charles Bowden v. Glen Toole, 1937
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OS2		Scrapbook, 1937-1938
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OS3		Scrapbook, 1937-1948
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1	27	Dinner in honor of Blanton Winshop program, 1938
1	28	Memorial service Harry Stillwell Edwards, 1938
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Mapcase		Official map, City of Macon, disrtibuted by Macon Chamber of Commerce, 1940s
Mapcase		Dated Events War Map, invasion map of fortress Europe, 1940s
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1	29	Independent Democrats of Bibb County leaflet, 1940
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OS1	2	Macon Peaches poster [signed], 1940
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1	30	Resolution to re-name Persons Building in Macon in honor of Robert T. Persons and G. Ogden Persons, 1940
1	31	Continuity for Army-Navy E Award, Reynolds Corp. Naval Ordinance Plant, circa 1941
1	32	Macon Housing News, Bowden Homes, 1941-1942
1	33	Ribbon, Arnall delegate, State Democratic Convention, 1942
1	34	Lanier High School military program, 1942
1	35	Southern City, 1942 April
1	36	Macon WPA Improvements, circa 1942
1	37	Macon Chamber of Commerce annual report, 1942
1	38	Proposal to close alley, Macon, 1942
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OS1	1	Beloved Macon rhyme, 1943
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1	39	Macon Community War Chest Unit Division, 1943
1	40	Warner Robins Army Air Depot dedication, 1943
1	41	Robins Field News, Vol. 1, no. 12, 1943 April 30
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Mapcase		Map of property in the vicinity of the Mable White Baptist Church, Macon, Georgia, 1944 March
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1	42	Launching of USS Macon , clippings, 1944
1	43	Statement at launching of USS Macon, 1944
1	44	USS Macon, memorabilia and program, 1944
1	45	Story of Macon, 1944
1	46	Macon police force request 6-day work week, 1944
1	47	Correspondence, Premiere of God is my Co-pilot, 1944-1945
1	48	League Leaves, Robert Scott celebration, 1945
1	49	Warner Robins 38th Anniversary Army Air Forces, 1945
1	50	Homecoming celebration for General Courtney H. Hodges, 1945
1	51	Infantry Replacement Training Center, Camp Wheeler, 1945
1	52	52nd annual meeting, Macon Chamber of Commerce, 1946
1	53	Dinner to honor Eugenia Dorothy Blout Lamar, 1946
1	54	Macon Digest, 1946 June
1	55	Play Ball Macon Peaches scorebook, 1946
1	56	City council meeting minutes, 1946 January 8
1	57	Armstrong Reporter, Macon groundbreaking ceremony for fibreboard plant, 1946 June
1	58	Mercer University commencement ceremony, introducing Carl Vinson, 1946 June 2
1	59	Air Force Day proclamation, 1947
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OS1	3	Bibb Manufacturing Co. honors Central of Georgia Railway Co., Nancy Hanks II, 1947
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1	60	Voter registration, 1947
1	61	Macon pension and retirement plan, 1947
1	62	Macon Chamber of Commerce, Industrial brief, 1947
1	63	U.S. Navy Citation Award certificate, Charles Bowden, 1947
1	64	Oath of City officers, 1947
1	65	Macon Progressive Democratic Club, 1948
1	66	Story of Riverside Cemetery, Macon, 1948
1	67	Georgia Dinner in honor of Bibb Manufacturing Co., 1950
1	68	Vehicle registration, war rationing gas stamps
1	69	Naval Aviation Citation certificate, Charles Bowden
1	70	Memorabilia [includes ticket stubs, invitations, placards]
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OS2		USS Macon launching buttons, name badge, keys
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3		Clippings

 

II. Personal, 1883-1983
38 folder(s)
		A small amount of correspondence documents Charles Bowden's career at Wofford Oil Company and his appointment to postmaster. Correspondence between Bowden, his wife, Urney Fields Bowden, and their children, Charlotte and Patsy illustrate family life in Macon in the 1930s and 1940s. Urney Bowden's diary and memorabilia from her 1937 road trip from Montezuma, Georgia to California can be found in this series. The Bowden and Fields families are documented through genealogical research files and correspondence (1883-1889) between Urney Fields Bowden's grandparents, W. G. Fields and Emma Massey (-1902). Includes 19th century clothing handmade by the West and Fields families in Macon County, Georgia.
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2	1	Bowden, Minter, and Britt genealogy
2	2	Correspondence, Emma Massey and W. G. Fields, 1883-1887
2	3	Correspondence, Emma Massey and W. G. Fields, 1888-1889
2	4	W. G. Fields bills and receipts, 1890s
2	5	W. G. Fields bills and receipts, 1890s
2	6	W. G. Fields and Emma Massey remembrance cards, 1902, undated
2	7	Georgia Normal and Industrial College class night, 1909
2	8	Correspondence, S. T. Lofley, 1884, 1886
2	9	Correspondence, Charles Bowden, 1913, 1922
2	10	International Association of Machinists, 1913-1919
2	11	Pistol Toters Association, 1914
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OS1	4	Certificates, 1919, 1949, 1966
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2	12	Petitions to retain Charles Bowden and Wilse Birdsong as members of the police squad, circa 1922
2	13	Notebook recording Macon crimes and misdemeanors, 1922-1923
2	14	Fraternal Order of Eagles certificate, 1924
2	15	Deeds, 1925-1926, 1939-1940
2	16	Wofford Oil Company Service Station Stock Sheets, 1925-1930
2	17	Wofford Oil Company, 1927-1949
2	18	Sport-O-Grafs, Sharkey v. Stribling, 1929
2	19	Marble White Memorial Baptist Church, 1929
2	20	Beverly Terrace, Sarasota Florida, 1929-1945
2	21	Urney Fields bachelor's in education, 1932
2	22	Correspondence, Urney Fields, 1933-1981
2	23	Correspondence, Charles Bowden and Urney Fields, 1935-1936
2	24	Diary of my trip west, Urney Fields, Montezuma, Georgia [travel diary from Georgia to California], 1937
2	25	Trip [Thomaston, Georgia to California], 1937
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Mapcase		Exchange Club Convention, Atlanta, official program and map, 1939 June
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2	26	22nd annual convention Kiwanis International, Georgia District, 1940
2	27	Exchange Club, Macon, Georgia, directory, 1944
2	28	The Fifth Freedom, Exchange Club, 1944 September 28
2	29	Al-Sihah program, 1945 July
2	30	Correspondence, Charlotte and Patsy Bowden, 1947-1958
2	31	Resolution honoring Charles Bowden, Exchange Club, 1947
2	32	Correspondence, Postmaster Charles Bowden, 1948-1953
2	33	Memorial book, funeral Charles Bowden, 1953
2	34	Rutherford Jr. Garden Club, 1951-1952
2	35	Montezuma High School 50th anniversary, 1978
2	36	Judge Julie L. Fields campaign, 1983
2	37	Japanese centavo, Philippines, 1940s
2	38	Confederate money, 1860s
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OS2		Exchange Club buttons, ribbons, 1930s-1940s
		19th century clothing handmade in Macon County, Georgia, by the West and Fields families, 1880s
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OS4			Pink cape
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OS5			Pantaloons, camisole, and dress

 

III. Photographs, 1905-1952
311 photograph(s)
		The majority of the photographs are of Mayor Charles L. Bowden and the City of Macon. Many of the photos were used in newspaper and magazine articles related to events in Macon, including the premiere of God is my Co-pilot. There are also many photos of the commissioning of USS Macon (1945).
box	folder
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2	39	Commemorative 1st day stamps, 1951-1952
2	40	Postcards (blank) (8)
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OS1	8	City Hall Park, Macon, circa 1905, 1934 (3 (4x6") b/w)
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2	41	Camp Wheeler, Macon, Georgia, 1917 (6 (8x10") b/w)
2	42	Trip, California and Mexico, 1925 (14 (3x4.5") b/w)
2	43	Charles Bowden with 3 unidentified women, Canada, 1920s (1 (7.5x9.5") b/w)
2	44	Charles Bowden in Shriner outfit; group of Shriners, 1930s (4 (5x8") b/w, 1 (5x7") b/w)
2	45	Charles Bowden with a car, 1930s (5 (2.5x3.5") b/w, negative)
2	46	Shriner trip, 1930s (22 (various size) b/w)
2	47	City of Macon, 1930s (1 (8x10") b/w)
2	48	City of Macon from above, 1930s (1 (7x9") b/w)
2	49	Gas stations, Macon [?], 1930s (2 (7x9") b/w)
2	50	Parade, Macon, 1931 April 16 (1 (8x10") b/w)
2	51	Macon Fire Department Drill Tower, 1938 [?] (1 (8x10") b/w)
2	52	City of Macon, Cherry Street [?], 1938 (2 (3x4.5") b/w)
2	53	Sale of $375,000 debt certificate of City of Macon, 1939 July 15 (1 (8x10") b/w)
2	54	Photo album [includes USS Macon, premiere "God is my Co-pilot," various events], 1940s (91 (8x10") b/w)
2	55	Carl Vinson, Charles Bowden, Herschell Lovett, Charles Bloch, 6th district Democratic Convention, 1940s (2 (8x10") b/w)
2	56	Charles and Urney Bowden at Macon Hospital at birth of daughter Charlotte, 1940s (5 (8x10") b/w)
2	57	Charles Bowden at Warner Robbins T Award, 1940s (1 (8x10") b/w)
2	58	Janis Paige portrait, 1940s (2 (8x10") b/w)
2	59	Charles Bowden welcomes French Angel Maurice Tillet, 1940s (1 (8x10") b/w)
2	60	Charles Bowden receiving the Algernon Sidney Sullivan Award from Mercer University, 1940s (2 (8x10") b/w)
2	61	Urney Bowden with daughters Charlotte and Patsy, 1940s (4 (8x10") b/w)
2	62	Charlotte and Patsy Bowden, 1940s (4 (8x10") b/w)
2	63	Portraits of Charles Bowden at his desk and in his office, 1940s (6 (8x10") b/w)
2	64	Portrait of Charles Bowden, 1940s (4 (4.5x6.5") b/w)
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OS1	6	Charles Bowden portrait, 1940s (2 (8x10") b/w)
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2	65	Charles Bowden signing city debt certificates, 1940s (1 (8x10") b/w)
2	66	Macon City Hall, 1940s (1 (8x10") b/w)
2	67	Exchange Club dinner, 1940s (1 (8x10") b/w)
2	68	James Farley, W. A. Patillo, Charles Bowden, Macon, 1940 (1 (8x10") b/w)
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OS1	5	Price Library and City Hall, City of Macon, 1940s (3 (8x10") b/w)
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2	69	Charles Bowden meeting with woman in mayor's office, 1941 (1 (8x10") b/w, 1 (6x7") b/w)
2	70	Charles Bowden presiding over City Council meeting, 1941 (1 (6x7") b/w)
2	71	Charles Bowden mowing his lawn, 1941 (1 (8x10") b/w)
2	72	Charles Bowden with Macon YMCA basketball team, 1941 (1 (8x10") b/w)
2	73	Charles Bowden inspecting a city project, 1941 (1 (8x10") b/w)
2	74	Charles Bowden boxing, Macon, YMCA, 1941 (3 (8x10") b/w, 1 round b/w)
2	75	Camp Wheeler, Macon, Georgia, 1941 (8 (8x10") b/w)
2	76	Charles Bowden with family, 1941 (1 (8x10") b/w)
2	77	Charles Bowden shaving, 1941 (1 (8x10") b/w, 1 round b/w)
2	78	Charles Bowden with daughter Charlotte, 1941 (1 (8x10") b/w, 1 (6x7") b/w)
2	79	Charles Bowden with family, 1941 (1 (8x10") b/w)
2	80	Alderman John Jones, Henry Harris, and Charles Bowden, 1941 January (1 (8x10") b/w)
2	81	Charles Bowden and dancer Sally Rand at Georgia House of Representatives, 1941 February (1 (8x10") b/w)
2	82	Charles Bowden mowing the lawn, 1941 June (1 (6x7") b/w)
2	83	John Jones, Charles Bowden, and O. B. Newman, WBML, 1941 October (1 (8x10") b/w)
2	84	Mess shack, Camp Wheeler, Macon, 1942 (1 (8x10") b/w)
2	85	City of Macon, Cherry Street [?], 1942 (negatives)
2	86	Charles Bowden donating blood, 1942 July (1 (8x10") b/w)
2	87	Dedication of Brig. Gen. A. R. Emery Highway, 1943 (2 (8x10") b/w)
2	88	Charles Bowden presenting Mrs. Robert L. Scott, Jr. with a tea set, 1943 (1 (8x10") b/w)
2	89	Charles Bowden presenting deed to lands, where Warner Robins Air Depot is located, to Gen. W. H. Frank, 1943 (1 (4x5") b/w)
2	90	Charles Bowden at Warner Robins Air Depot dedication, 1943 April 26 (1 (4x5") b/w)
2	91	Charles Bowden with Jennings Randolph, 1944 (1 (8x10") b/w)
2	92	Urney Bowden commissioning USS Macon, 1944 (1 (4x5") b/w)
2	93	Phil Bucheit receives award from Dr. Holmes Mason, YMCA Membership Drive, 1944 February (1 (8x10") b/w)
2	94	Phil Anderson, Ellis Arnall, Charles Gavrett, Hamilton Holt, Charles Bowden, County Officers Association, 1944 March (1 (8x10") b/w)
2	95	Infantry Replacement Training Center, Camp Wheeler, 1944 March 9 (1 (8x10") b/w)
2	96	3rd birthday Salvation Army USO, 1944 May 7 (1 (8x10") b/w)
2	97	Aviation clinic, Macon, 1944 October 3-4 (1 (8x10") b/w)
2	98	Charles Bowden reading a large telegram, War Loan Drive, 1945 (1 (8x10") b/w)
2	99	Charles Bowden addressing 15,000 officers of the Infantry Replacement Training Center during V-J ceremonies, 1945 (1 (4x5") b/w)
2	100	Cinderella party, Robins Field Service Club, 1945 (5 (8x10") b/w)
2	101	Major Will H. Fields, Tokyo, 1945 (1 (5x7") b/w)
2	102	God is my Co-pilot, Col. Robert L. Scott and film crew visit Macon, 1945 (18 (8x10") b/w, 8 (7x9") b/w)
2	103	Charlotte and Patsy Bowden with Dennis Morgan, premiere of God is my Co-pilot, 1945 (1 (8x10") b/w, 3 (7x9") b/w)
2	104	Urney Bowden and daughters, Charlotte and Patsy, choosing Mrs. Bowden's outfit to wear at commissioning of USS Macon, 1945 August (1 (8x10") b/w)
2	105	Commissioning of USS Macon, 1945 August 26 (2 (8x10") b/w)
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OS1	7	Commissioning of USS Macon, 1945 August (1 (8x10") b/w, 10 (11x14") b/w)
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2	106	Charles Bowden receives first x-ray in Macon's $81,000 health movement, 1946 (2 (8x10") b/w)
2	107	Street sweeper machine, 1946 (1 (8x10") b/w)
2	108	Charles Bowden, John Jones, John Owings, Bob Miller playing golf at Bowden Memorial Golf Course, 1946 (4 (8x10") b/w)
2	109	King and Queen of annual May Festival of Burke School, 1946 (3 (8x10") b/w)
2	110	Opening game of Macon Peaches, Charles Bowden throwing out first pitch, 1946 (1 (5x8") b/w)
2	111	Charles Bowden playing golf with John Owings and Robert Miller, 1946 (1 (8x10") b/w)
2	112	Gallant Bess in Mayor's office, 1946 December 20 (1 (8x10") b/w)
2	113	Charlotte and Patsy Bowden, 1947 (1 (8x10") b/w)
2	114	YMCA meeting , H. K. Burns, Gov. M. E. Thompson, Mark Smith, Dr. Lanier [?], Charles Bowden, 1947 (1 (8x10") b/w)
2	115	Charlotte Bowden and Norman Ketchie watch Charles Bowden sign proclamation for American Education Week, 1947 November (1 (5x7") b/w)
2	116	Governor Talmadge, Oil Progress Week, 1949 October (1 (8x10") b/w)
2	117	Unidentified photographs, 1930s-1940s (6 (8x10") b/w, 1 (4x5") b/w, 1 (3x4") b/w)