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  Table of Contents

Descriptive Summary
Collection Description
Administrative Information
Related Materials and Subjects
Series Descriptions and Folder Listing
I. Personal
A. General
B. European Trip Files
C. Sunday School Lessons
II. Legislative
A. Correspondence
B. Research Files
C. Legislative Appointment Files
D. Georgia General Assembly Committee Reports 1962-1974
III. Speech and Press
A. General Speeches
B. General Assembly Speeches
C. Collected Speeches By Others
D. News releases
E. News Clippings
IV. Scrapbooks
V. Photographs
VI. Artifacts
VII. Audiovisual Materials 1967-1971
George L. Smith II Papers
Special Collections Libraries :: finding aids search ::  search results :: item display
 

George L. Smith II Papers

Descriptive Summary

Title: George L. Smith II Papers
Creator: Smith, George Leon, 1912-1973.
Inclusive Dates: 1943-1974
Language(s): English
Extent: 28 box(es) (13 linear feet) and 2 microfilm reels, 8 audiovisual items
Collection Number: RBRL078GLS
Repository: Richard B. Russell Library for Political Research and Studies
Abstract: The George L. Smith II Papers span the dates 1943 to 1974, covering most of his twenty-nine year term as the representative from Emanuel County in the Georgia House of Representatives. The bulk of the papers represent Smith's second tenure as Speaker of the House of Representatives (1967-1973).

Collection Description

Biographical Note

One of Georgia's most politically skilled leaders, George Leon Smith, II was born in Stillmore, Georgia on November 27, 1912. After graduating from Swainsboro High School, Smith followed in his father and grandfather's footsteps and entered the University of Georgia. He studied law and was a member of Delta Tau Delta, Blue Key, Gridiron and Sphinx. He was admitted to the Georgia bar in 1932 and returned to Swainsboro to practice law. In 1937, Smith was elected as Solicitor of Swainsboro City Court. Later, in 1941, he became the City Attorney.

Smith's legislative career began with his election to the Georgia House of Representatives for the 91st District in 1944. After his 1948 re-election, Smith ran unopposed for the next fourteen years. He was a proponent of eleven year schools, as well as the addition of kindergarten to the school system. Smith argued that Georgia's schools should be funded by the state rather than by the local government.

Under Governor Vandiver, Smith was named as Speaker of the House in 1959 and remained in that position until Governor Sanders was elected in 1962. Sanders chose George T. Smith as speaker and made George L. Smith the Democratic Party Whip and president of the National Conference of Legislative Leaders.

In 1966, Smith resurrected his rise to legislative power by leading the House's declaration of independence from the executive branch. He became the first independently elected speaker of Georgia in 1967. Smith continued in his effort to consolidate the speaker's power by refusing to allow the administration's floor leader to sit as an ex-officio member of the Rules, Ways and Means, Appropriations or State of Republic Committees. He also changed the House rules, giving the speaker control over committee appointments and chairmanships.

Also in 1967, Smith was offered a seat on the Georgia Supreme Court but rejected the position saying, "my life is legislation." True to his calling, then, Smith continued his legislative career, winning his thirteenth term in 1968. He remained speaker until his death on December 9, 1973.

During his eleven years as Speaker of the House, George L. Smith, II dominated Georgia politics. He controlled the House of Representatives with great agility and his legislative skill was legendary. Governors came to him in order to insure that their legislation would be passed. Smith was Speaker during the 1966 election controversy in which no candidate received a majority of the votes and the election was decided in the legislature. He pushed for plurality votes in general elections so that the "people of Georgia can be assured of their right to choose their governor." In addition to his activities in the House, Smith was also a member of the Georgia State Democratic Committee.

Smith married Francis McWhorter Mobley on December 29, 1937 and had one daughter, Sally.

Scope and Content

The George L. Smith II Papers consist of manuscripts, clippings, memorabilia, and scrapbooks from Smith's career as a representative from Emanuel County in the Georgia House (1944-1973) as well as his tenure as Speaker of the House (1956-1962, 1967-1973). The years represented are 1956 to 1974 and activities documented are political (local and state).

Organization and Arrangement

The Papers are divided into seven series: I. Personal, II. Legislative, III. Speech and Press, IV. Scrapbooks, V. Photographs, VI. Artifacts, and VII. Audiovisual Materials. The bulk of the collection is organized in reverse chronological order, with the exception of the Series II, D (Georgia General Assembly Committee Reports) which was a later addition to the collection. This collection was originally housed in the Hargrett Rare Books and Manuscript Library where the papers were processed and organized. In 2000, alterations were made to the arrangement including the renaming of some series to provide a more clear description and the division and renaming of items at the folder level.

Administrative Information

Preferred Citation

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

Processing Notes

Clippings and thermofax papers have been copied onto bond paper for protection of content. Oversized materials and photographs have been separated for preservation purposes. Scrapbooks are preserved on microfilm.

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: 2000.

Related Materials and Subjects

Subject Terms

Audiovisual materials
Carter, Jimmy, 1924-
Georgia -- Politics and government -- 1951-
Legislative records.
Legislators -- Georgia.
Maddox, Lester G., 1915-2003.
Photographs.
Sanders, Carl Edward, 1925-
Scrapbooks.
Speeches.

Related Collections in this Repository

Clifford Hodges Brewton Collection of Lester G. Maddox Speech/Press Records

Braswell D. Deen, Jr. Papers

Charles L. Gowen Collection

Herman E. Talmadge Collection

Augustus Turnbull Collection of Carl Sanders Speech/Press Records

S. Ernest Vandiver Papers

Richard B. Russell, Jr. Collection

Howard H. (Bo) Callaway Papers

Roy V. Harris Papers

Carl E. Sanders Papers

Related Collections in Other Repositories

Thomas Murphy Papers, State University of West Georgia, Carollton, Georgia

Series Descriptions and Folder Listing

 

I. Personal

1 box(es)
(.5 linear feet)
Collection of personal letters and manuscripts that represent Smith's life outside his office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives.



A. General

Includes personal letters, programs, calendars, and other manuscripts. Arrangement is in reverse chronological order.
boxfolder
I.11Biographical
I.12Calendar, (1972)
I.13Personal Correspondence, 1968-1970
I.14Personal Correspondence, 1973
I.15Memoranda
I.16Certificates of Achievement
I.17Memorial by Bo Ginn, 1974



B. European Trip Files

Includes itinerary and brochures for Smith's 1970 trip to Europe.
boxfolder
I.18European Trip -- Intinerary, (1970)
I.19European Trip - brochures, (1970)



C. Sunday School Lessons

These are lectures prepared by Smith for his adult Bible Studies Class at Methodist Church. Many of the lessons concentrate on Biblical law and are derived from a publication entitled International Lesson Series for Adults. The arrangement (not chronological according to the accompanying lesson plan) preserves the original order of the notebooks containing the lesson plans.
boxfolder
I.110-12Sunday School Lessons
 

II. Legislative

17 box(es)
(8.5 linear feet)
Includes legislative materials from Smith's service in the Georgia General Assembly as a representative from Emanuel County and as Speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives. The legislative series includes materials that assisted Smith with monitoring legislative issues, researching and writing legislation, as well as supervising committees and members of the Georgia House of Representatives. Constituent mail concerning items of legislation is included in this series.



A. Correspondence

( 2 box(es) ) ( (1 linear foot) )
1. Emanuel County
Includes constituent correspondence concerning legislation from Smith's representative district. Arrangement is chronological.
boxfolder
II.11Christmas Cards
II.12-3Correspondence, 1967
II.14-5Correspondence, 1968
II.16-7Correspondence, 1969
boxfolder
II.21Correspondence, 1970
II.22Correspondence, 1971
II.23-4Correspondence, 1972
II.25Correspondence, 1973
2. Correspondence with Individuals
Letters to and from Vice President Hubert Humphrey, Calhoun Bank President Bert Lance, Senator and Governor Herman Talmadge, and Governor Jimmy Carter concerning legislative matters. Arranged in chronological order.
boxfolder
II.26Hubert Humphrey Correspondence
II.27Bert Lance Correspondence
II.28Herman Talmadge Correspondence
II.29Jimmy Carter Correspondence



B. Research Files

( 2 box(es) ) ( (1 linear feet) )
Collected reports, directories, and articles from Smith's two terms as Speaker of the House (1959-1962 and 1966-1973). Topics include a wide variety of legislative matters from taxes to executive pay raises. The arrangement is reverse chronological.
boxfolder
II.31Procedures for Presiding Over the House of Representatives by George Smith, undated
II.32World Congress Center, undated
II.33Statistics, (undated)
II.34Summary of Suggested Legislation, 1974
II.35Directory of 132nd General Assembly of Georgia, (1973-1974)
II.36House publications, 1973-1974
II.37Bills Referred to Smith by Governor Carter, 1973
II.38"Salary Bill Truth" by Lester Maddox, (April 1973)
II.39Appropriations, (Fiscal Year 1973)
II.310Cost of Living Challenge, (July 1973)
II.311Unfair Trade Practises and Consumer Protection Act, (1973)
II.312National Conference of State Legislative Leaders, (May 11, 1973)
II.313Report of the Pupil-Teacher Ratio Subcommittee, [1972]
II.314Institute for Georgia Legislators, (December 1972)
II.315Analysis of Georgia School Board Associaion Legislative Proposals, (1971-1972)
II.316State Commission on Compensation, (1971)
II.317Fulton County Superior Court Presentments, (1971)
II.318State Department of Education - Operational Audit, (1971)
II.319Virginia and Henry Henderson vs. Lester Maddox, (1971)
boxfolder
II.41State of the State Address by Lester Maddox, (January 13, 1970)
II.42Georgia Personal Income Tax Bill, (1970)
II.43Atlanta Area Schools Narcotics Study Committee, (January 1970)
II.44Summary of Legislative Session, 1970
II.45Constitution of the State of Georgia - Judiciary Committee, (1970)
II.46Lease of Air Rights in Atlanta, [1970]
II.47Emanuel County Legislation, (1969-1973)
II.48Supplemental Budget, State of Georgia, (1969)
II.49Jefferson County Farm Bureau Tax Committee Report, (1969)
II.410Bureau of State Planning and Community Affairs, [1968]
II.411Legislative Department Operations Appropriation, (1968)
II.412Forest Tax, (1967)
II.413Democratic Party: Jefferson/Jackson Day, 1968
II.414Georgia Official Directory of State and County Officers, (1968)
II.415Inaugural Program, 1963
II.416-17National Conference of Legislative Leaders, (1963)
II.418-19Democratic Party National Convention, (1960)



C. Legislative Appointment Files

( 2 box(es) ) ( (1 linear foot) )
Smith kept notebooks listing each senator alphabetically and the committees they were a member of; he also kept listings of each committee alphabetically and their members. Included in this series are those lists for the years 1969-1970 and 1971-1972. Also included in this series are lists of chaplains and legislative pages as well as various daily schedules and legislator records.
boxfolder
II.51Freshman Legislators
II.52Opening Day, (1973)
II.53Date Letters, 1973
II.54Letters from Speaker, 1973
II.55Legislative Miscellaneous, 1972
II.56Alphabetical Listing of Legislators (A-K) v. 2, [1971-1972]
II.57Alphabetical Listing of Legislators (L-Z) v. 2, [1971-1972]
II.58Legislators listed by Committee v. 2, [1971-1972]
boxfolder
II.61Alphabetical Listing of Legislators (A-H) v. 1, [1971-1972]
II.62Alphabetical Listing of Legislators (K-Z) v. 1, [1971-1972]
II.63Legislators listed by Committee v. 1, [1971-1972]
II.64Legislators listed by Committee, [1969-1970]
II.65Chaplains and Procedures, (1962)
II.661959-1960 List of Legislators and their Pages



D. Georgia General Assembly Committee Reports , 1962-1974

 ( 11 box(es) ) ( (5.5 linear feet) )
This series consists chiefly of committee reports by the House and/or Senate of the Georgia General Assembly from the years 1962-1974. 1971 reports are absent. The collection is divided by years into eleven boxes and separated by committee name. The listing under Content in the finding aid refers to the name of the committee. Subcommittees are kept together in a single folder under the general committee name. Many folders contain several duplicate copies of reports. There are also some miscellaneous items including Governor Carl Sander's 1966 State of the State Address, materials from the Atlanta Commission on Crime and Juvenile Delinquency, the Georgia Municipal Association, the State Board of Probation and the composite status for the State House of Representatives for the years 1969-1970.
boxfolder
II.71Lakes and Rivers; Education, undated
II.72Hygiene and Sanitation, (1962)
II.73Education, (September 21-22, 1961)
II.74Proposed Revised Constitution, (1964)
II.75Memorandum - Proposed New Constitution, undated
II.76Amendment of U.S. Constitution, (October 14, 1964)
II.77State Parks, undated
II.78Sales and Tax for Interstate Carriers, November 29, 1964
II.79University System of Georgia, December 15, 1964
II.710Stone Mountain, undated
II.711Public Welfare, undated
II.712School Bus Transportation, (December 31, 1964)
boxfolder
II.8112 Month School Year, December 1, 1965
II.82Juvenile Court Law, 1965
II.83Economic Index of GA County School System's Tax Paying Ability, 1964-1965
II.84Assistance to Indigent Criminal Defendants, June 1965
II.85State Election Board, 1965
II.86Fire Insurance and Underwriting Practices, September 28, 1965
II.87Tobacco, October 1, 1965
II.88Atlanta Commission on Crime and Juvenile Delinquency - Rehabilitation, November 16, 1965
II.89Juvenile Delinquency, 1965
II.810Taxation of Rural Lands, November 30, 1965
II.811Retirement and Emeritus Positions Utilization of Farm Land, (December 1965)
II.812Business Tax Structure Local Government and Revenue, (December 1965)
II.813Marriage Laws Private Financing of College Dorms, (December 1965)
II.814Interim Scholarship, (December 1965)
II.815Plumbing and Electrical Code, (December 1965)
II.816Economic and Industrial Development, (December 1, 1965)
II.817Motor Fuel Tax, (December 1, 1965)
II.818Tobacco Warehouse, (December 3, 1865)
II.819Nursing Homes, (December 6, 1965)
II.820Atlanta Commission on Crime and Juvenile Delinquency - Crime and Poverty, (December 7, 1865)
II.821Atlanta Commission on Crime and Juvenile Delinquency - Law and Order, (December 7, 1965)
II.822Atlanta Commission on Crime and Juvenile Delinquency - Organized Crime, (December 7, 1965)
II.823Penal Study, (December 8, 1965)
II.824Public Schools' Costs, (December 11, 1965)
II.825Inspection of State Ports, (December 14, 1965)
II.826Fiscal Affairs, (December 14, 1965)
II.827Industrial Safety, (December 20, 1965)
II.828Traffic, (December 20, 1965)
II.829Tax Equalization, (December 20, 1965)
II.830Auto Theft, (December 22, 1965)
II.831Industrial Development, (December 28, 1965)
II.832State Parks, (December 1965)
II.833Georgia Municipal Association - Police Handbook, (1965)
II.834Georgia Municipal Association - Bid Proposal for Community Antenna TV System, (1965)
boxfolder
II.91Listing of Reports, (1965)
II.92Inter-Agency Motor Pool, (January 1966)
II.93School Districts' Organization and Criteria, (January 1966)
II.94Economic and Industrial Development, (December 1, 1965)
II.95Senate Renovation, (January 1960)
II.96Gov. Carl Sanders' State of the State Address, (January 11, 1966)
II.97State Park Inspection, (January 11, 1966)
II.98Ports Authority, (January 7, 1967)
II.99Capital Punishment, (February 1, 1966)
II.910Nursing Program, (February 1, 1966)
II.911Invasion of Privacy, (December 1, 1965)
II.912State and Local Government, (December 1966)
II.913Public Utilities Property Evaluation Tax, (December 1966)
II.914Mental Health, (December 1966)
II.915Public School's Personal Retirement, (December 1966)
II.916Reproduction of Fresh Water Fish in the Lakes and Rivers of Georgia, (December 1966)
II.917Social Diseases; Used Car Dealers, (December 1966)
II.918Central Computerized Criminal Records, (December 1966)
II.919Day Care Centers for Mentally Retarded, (December 1966)
II.920Penal, (December 1966)
II.921Construction and Development of Youth Centers, (December 1966)
II.922Uniform Transcripts for High School Student Records, (December 1966)
II.923Election Laws, (1966)
II.924Teacher Tenure Law, (December 1966)
II.925Defense and Veteran Affairs, (December 1966)
II.926Workmen's Compensation, (December 1966)
II.927Retail Consumers Finance, (December 1966)
II.928Invasion of Privacy, (December 1966)
II.929Highway Maintenance, undated
II.930Mental Retardation, undated
II.931Lakes and Rivers, undated
boxfolder
II.101State Employees Improvement, (January 1967)
II.102House Banking Laws, (January 1967)
II.103Consumer Financing, (January 1967)
II.104Ports Authority, (January 7, 1967)
II.105Drunk Driving Laws, (September 15, 1967)
II.106Education - Superintendent, (October 1967)
II.107Care and Training of Pre-School Children, (November 1967)
II.108State Liaison Office - Washington, DC, (November 1967)
II.109Inspection of Prison Camp, (July 19, 1967)
II.1010Agricultural and National Resources - Tobacco, (November 1967)
II.1011Highway Laws, (November 30, 1967)
II.1012Governor's Traffic Safety, (December 1967)
II.1013State Institutions and Property - Income Producing Property - Recreational - State Ports, (1967)
II.1014Capital Punishment, (December 1967)
II.1015State Claims, (December 1967)
II.1016Workmen's Compensation, (December 1967)
II.1017Vocational - Education, (December 1967)
II.1018State Highway, (December 1967)
II.1019Mental Retardation, (1967-1969)
II.1020Ad Valorem Tax, (December 1967)
II.1021Surface Mining, (December 1967)
II.1022Penal Institutions, (December 1967)
II.1023Education, (December 1967)
II.1024State Claims, (December 1967)
II.1025Uniform Consumer Credit Code, (December 1967)
II.1026Fireman Training Academy, (December 10, 1967)
II.1027Highway Grants, (December 1967)
II.1028Juvenile Court Law, undated
II.1029Oceanographic Study, undated
II.1030Election Laws, (1967)
II.1031Game and Fish, (December 1, 1967)
boxfolder
II.111Motor Vehicle, (January 1968)
II.112Change in Judiciary Article of Constitution, (January 1968)
II.113Licensing and Regulating Collection Agencies, (January 1968)
II.114Teaching Certification Policies, (January 1968)
II.115Penal and Correctional Affairs, (January 1968)
II.116University System of Georgia, (January 1968)
II.117Mental Health, (January 1968)
II.118Horseback Riding, (January 1968)
II.119Aviation and Airport, (January 1968)
II.1110Minimum Foundation Program - Education Act, (January 1968)
II.1111Pre-school Children, (January-November 1968)
II.1112Pari-Mutual Betting, (February 1968)
II.1113Tourism, (February 1968)
II.1114State Board of Probation, (February 10, 1968)
II.1115Invasion of Privacy, (March 1968)
II.1116Game and Fish - Training and Qualification of Enforcement Officers, (March 1968)
II.1117Legislative Services, (October 4, 1968)
II.1118Transportation of Forest Products, (December 1968)
II.1119Highway Maintenance, (December 1968)
II.1120Water Well Drills, (December 1968)
II.1121Shad Fish, (December 1968)
II.1122Regulations of Cemeteries, (December 1968)
II.1123Joint Highway Study, (December 1968)
II.1124Wild Dog, (December 1968)
II.1125High School Grads in College, (December 1968)
II.112612-Month School Year, undated
II.1127Oceanography, undated
II.1128Natural Resources, undated
II.1129Election Laws, undated
II.1130Juvenile Court, undated
II.1131Agriculture and Natural Resources - Tobacco, undated
boxfolder
II.121Auto and Truck License, (January 1969)
II.122Fireman Training Center, (January 1969)
II.123Mechanics and Materialmen's Liens, (January 1969)
II.124Budgetary Procedures of the Board of Regents, (January-February 1969)
II.125Nonpar Banking, (January 1969)
II.126Teaching Retirement Compensation, January 1969)
II.127Computerized Criminal Records, (January 1969)
II.128Uniform Consumer Credit Code, (January 1969)
II.129State Examining Boards, (January 1969)
II.1210Aviation, (January 1969)
II.1211State Planning Bureau, (January 1969)
II.1212Driver Education, (January 1969)
boxfolder
II.131Election Laws, (February 1969)
II.132Metropolitan Airport, (April 1969)
II.133Chattahoochie Judicial Circuit, (November 1969)
II.134State Conference on Aging, (November 1969)
II.135Catfish Farming at the Skidway Oceanography Institute, (November 1969)
II.136Governor's Conference on Industrial Development, (November 1969)
II.137Highway Maintenance, (December 1979)
II.138Atlanta-Fulton Consolidation, (December 1969)
II.139Tax Revision, (December 1969)
II.1310Joint Highways Laws, (December 1969)
II.1311Property Classification, (December 1969)
II.1312Providence Canyons, (December 1969)
II.1313University System of Georgia, (December 1969)
II.1314Community Affairs, (December 1969)
II.1315Department of Community Affairs, (December 1969)
II.1316Revenue Bond, (December 10, 1969)
II.1317Striped Bass, undated
II.1318Fertilizers and Insecticides, undated
II.1319State Institutions and Property, (1969)
II.1320Water Well Drillers, (1969)
II.1321House of Representatives - Composite Status
boxfolder
II.141High School Narcotics [Report of the Atlanta Metropolitan Area High Schools Narcotics Study Committee], 1970 January
II.142Merit Systems [Report of the Merit System Study Committee], 1970 January
II.143Revenue Collection, (January 1970)
II.144Ophthalmic Advertising, (January 1970)
II.145Game and Fish [Report of the Enforcement Officers Training Subcommittee of the Game and Fish Committee], 1970 January
II.146University System of Georgia, (January 1970)
II.147Bank Holding Company, (January 1970)
II.148Oceanographic Study, (January 1970)
II.149State Claims, (January 1970)
II.1410Code of Ethics, (January 1970)
II.1411Auto Five Year Tag, (January 1970)
II.1412Georgia Coastal Islands, (January 1970)
II.1413Battey State Hospital, (January 1970)
II.1414Housing Needs, (January 1970)
II.1415Vocational Education, (January 1970)
II.1416Interim Subcommittee on Drugs, Narcotics, and Related Matters, (January 1970)
II.1417Water Pollution, (January 1970)
II.1418Industrial Arts, (February 1970)
II.1419Water Wells, n.d.
II.1420GBI, (February 1970)
II.1421American Negro Study, (February 1970)
II.1422House of Representatives - Composite Status, 1970
II.1423Retirement, undated
boxfolder
II.151Asbestos and Fiberglass Industrial Health, (January 1973)
II.152Game and Fish, (January 1973)
II.153Security Guard Qualifications, (December 1972)
II.154Industrial Safety, (December 1972)
II.155Agricultural Commodities Commission, (December 1972)
II.156State Institutions and Property - Penal Institutions - Recreational Facilities, (December 1972)
II.157Workmen's Compensation, (December 1972)
II.158Nutrition and Human Needs, (January 1972)
II.159Ad Valorem Tax, (January 1972)
II.1510University System of Georgia - Physician's Ass't Program, (January 1972)
II.1511Sales and Use Tax, (January 1972)
II.1512Antitrust Laws, (January 1972)
II.1513State Planning and Community Affairs, (January 1972)
II.1514Long-term Disability, (January 1972)
II.1515Education, (January 1972)
II.1516Jail Standards, (January 1972)
II.1517Self-Insurance, (January 1972)
II.1518Atlanta Area Chattahoochie River, (January 1972)
II.1519Georgia International Congress Center, (January 1972)
II.1520Public Schools, undated
II.1521Bail Bond, (January 1972)
II.1522State Superior Court, (January 1972)
II.1523Motor Vehicles, (January 1972)
II.1524Public Service Commission, (December 1971)
II.1525Drug Abuse, (January 1972)
boxfolder
II.161University System of Georgia - Veterinary Medicine n.d.; Non-resident Junior College, (January 1974)
II.162Special Judiciary - Sentencing, Probation and Parole, (December 1973)
II.163Banking and Finance - No Fault Insurance, (December 1973)
II.164Motor Vehicles - Highway Safety, (January 1974)
II.165Youth Development Centers, (February 1973)
II.166Jail Standards, (January 1973)
II.167State of Republic, (January 1973)
II.168State Institutions and Property, (January 1973)
II.169State Parks, (January 1973)
II.1610Game and Fish, (January 1973)
II.1611No Fault Insurance, (January 1973)
II.1612Justices of the Peace, (January 1973)
II.1613Tax Exempt Foundations, (January 1973)
II.1614Forest and Naval Stores, (January 1973)
II.1615Credit Cards, (January 1973)
II.1616MARTA, (December 1973)
II.1617State Planning and Community Affairs, (December 1973)
II.1618Veterinary Medicine, (December 1973)
II.1619Mental Health, (October 1973)
boxfolder
II.171Economy Reorganization and Efficiency, (January 1974-1975)
II.172Environmental Education, (February 1974)
II.173State Institutions and Property - Lease Rental - State Ports - Eleemosynary Institutions, (December 1974)
II.174Recreation - Parks and Recreation, (January 1974)
II.175Kaolin and Processing, (January 1974)
II.176University System of Georgia - Allied Medical Affairs (December 1974)- Nonresident Jr. Colleges, (January 1975)
II.177Highways - Atlanta Expressway Action, (March 1975)
II.178Atlanta-County Fulton Government, (December 1974)
II.179Fulton County Board of Education, (December 1974)
II.1710Banks and Banking, (January 1975)
II.1711State Planning and Community Affairs, (December 1974)
II.1712Corridor Loop, (January 1975)
II.1713Senate Tourism, (December 1974)
II.1714Land Assessment, (January 1975)
II.1715Urban Areas Law Enforcement, (December 1974)
II.1716Industrial Tax Incentive, (January 1975)
II.1717MARTA, (December 1974)
II.1718Toxoplasmosis, (November 1974)
 

III. Speech and Press

7 box(es)
(3.5 linear feet)
The Speech and Press series includes files which document the activities of communicating information about Smith's view on various issues and positions through speeches, press releases, and newspaper columns. The bulk of this series concentrates on Smith's second term as Speaker of the House of Representatives (1967-1973).



A. General Speeches

( 3 box(es) ) ( (1.5 linear feet) )
Includes speeches that Smith delivered to various civic organizations, local governments, business associations, church groups, and school organizations in Georgia and elsewhere. The topics chiefly pertain to the Georgia General Assembly and current legislative issues. Organization of the undated speeches is alphabetical while the following dated speeches are arranged in reverse chronological order.
boxfolder
III.11Bond Issue
III.12County Commissioners Association (folder 1 of 2)
III.13County Commissioners Association (folder 2 of 2)
III.14Emanuel Junior College
III.15Future Farmers (folder 1 of 2)
III.16Future Farmers (folder 2 of 2)
III.17General Assembly
III.18Gift from Legislature
III.19Georgia Jaycees
III.110Incomplete Speeches
III.111Introduction - Lieutenant Governor Greer
III.112Karnea Banquet
III.113Introduction - Lester Maddox
III.114Legislative Committees and Programs
III.115Municipal Association
III.116Oak Park, Georgia
III.117Public Responsibility for Politics
III.118Swainsboro Rotary Club
III.119Service Corps of Retired Executives
III.120Introduction - George Simpson
III.121State Constitution
III.122Swainesboro Masons (folder 1 of 2)
III.123Swainesboro Masons (folder 2 of 2)
III.124Introduction: Herman Talmadge
III.125Taxes
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III.21Rotary and Kiwanis Club, (August 1973)
III.22Democratic Meeting (1st and 8th Districts), (July 21, 1973)
III.23Ben Ehrlich Tribute, (June 6, 1973)
III.24New York Speech, (May 1973)
III.25Carter Administration, (1973)
III.26GA Municipal Association, (1973-1974)
III.27University System, (1973)
III.28Education Finance, (June 25, 1972)
III.29Legislative Programs and Services, (June 1972)
III.210Delta Tau Delta Fraternity, (May 13, 1972)
III.211Introduction - Governor Jimmy Carter, (May 12, 1972)
III.212Introduction - George Simpson, (April 20, 1972)
III.213Georgia Municipal Association, (January 31, 1972)
III.214Media Relations for the Legislature, (1972)
III.215Reapportionment, [1972]
III.216Georgia Municipal Association, [1972]
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III.31Georgia Assessing Officials, (June 29, 1971)
III.32Public Information and Media Relations for the Legislature, (1971)
III.33State Department, (1971)
III.34Public Information Office, (1970-1971)
III.35Georgia Public Information Office, (1970-1971)
III.36Gallery Speech, (1969)
III.37Georgia Municipal Association, (October 16, 1968)
III.38Wesley Farm Bureau Speech, (March 12, 1968)
III.39Macon Lions Club, (July 25, 1967)
III.310Atlanta Lions Club, (February 3, 1967)
III.311County Commissioners Association of Georgia, [late 1960s]
III.312Oak Park Graduation Address, (1963)
III.313Swainsboro Business and Professional Women's Club, (1963)
III.314Radio Script, (1963)
III.315Emanuel County Education Association, (1962)
III.316Rural Mail Carriers, (1961)
III.317Georgia Municipal Association, (May 9, 1961)
III.318Democratic Rally, (1960)



B. General Assembly Speeches

( 2.5 box(es) ) ( (1.25 linear feet) )
These are speeches which Smith delivered while in office as Speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives for the years 1973, 1972, 1969, 1967, 1963, 1962, and 1961. Included are acceptance speeches for election as Speaker, speeches to open and close House sessions, and Legislative Session Overviews and topic-centered Floor Summaries. Topics of note include the 1966 Governor's election controversy (found in the 1967 Floor Summary speeches under "Plurality") and desegregation, which Smith addresses in terms of "open schools" (found in the 1960-1961 and 1961 "Legislative Topics"). Arrangement is reverse chronological.
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III.41Acceptance Speech, Speaker of the House, 1973
III.421972 Legislative Session Overview, (March 20, 1972)
III.43End of Session Speech, (March 9, 1972)
III.44Opening of Session Address, (1972)
III.45Acceptance Speech, Speaker of the House, 1972
III.46Floor Summary: Introduction, [1969]
III.47Appropriations, [1969]
III.48General, [1969]
III.49Legislative Review, [1969]
III.410Constitution, [1969]
III.411Cities, [1969]
III.412Taxes, [1969]
III.413Political, [1969]
III.414Sweetheart Bill
III.415Mental Health, [1969]
III.416Miscellaneous Items Passes by the General Assembly, [1969]
III.417Floor Summary - Topic Copies, [1969]
III.418Opening of Session Address, [1969]
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III.51Floor Summary: Opening Remarks, v. 1, (1967)
III.52Anti-Snooping, v. 1, (1967)
III.53Appropriations, v. 1, (1967)
III.54University of Georgia Appropriations, v. 1, (1967)
III.55Education, v. 1, (1967)
III.56Interim Committee Work, v. 1, (1967)
III.57Interim Committee Rules Change, v. 1, (1967)
III.58Miscellaneous [Address to Georgia Youth Council, Macon Lions Club, etc., v. 1], (1967)
III.59Penal, v. 1, (1967)
III.510Plurality, v. 1, (1967)
III.511Rules Change, v. 1, (1967)
III.512Reapportionment, v. 1, (1967)
III.513Sales Tax, v. 1, (1967)
III.514Tax on Tax, v. 1, (1967)
III.515Tax Structure, v. 1, (1967)
III.516W & A Railroa, v. 1d, (1967)
III.517Floor Summary, Closing Remarks, v. 1, (1967)
III.518Opening and General Remarks, v. 2, (1967)
III.519Appropriations, v. 2, (1967)
III.520University of Georgia Appropriations, v. 2, (1967)
III.521Education, v. 2, (1967)
III.522Forestry Tax, v. 2, (1967)
III.523Interim Committee, v. 2, (1967)
III.524Interim Committee Rules Change, v. 2, (1967)
III.525Miscellaneous, v. 2 [General Assembly Overview], (1967)
III.526Penal, v. 2, (1967)
III.527Plurality, v. 2, (1967)
III.528Rule Change, v. 2, (1967)
III.529Reapportionment, v. 2, (1967)
III.530Sales Tax, v. 2, (1967)
III.531Tax on Tax, v. 2, (1967)
III.532Tax Structure, v. 2, (1967)
III.533W & A Railroad, v. 2, (1967)
III.534Closing Remarks, v. 2, (1967)
III.535Legislative Statistics, v. 2, (1967)
III.5361967 Floor Summaries - Topic Copies (folder 1 of 2)
III.5371967 Floor Summaries - Topic Copies (folder 2 of 2)
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III.61Legislative General Assembly, [1963]
III.62Constituent Address, (1963)
III.63Constituent Address, (1962)
III.64Legislative Topics, v. 1, (1961)
III.65Legislative Topics, v. 2, (1961)
III.66Legislative Topics, (1960-1961)



C. Collected Speeches By Others

( 1 box(es) ) ( (.5 linear feet) )
Included are speeches by former Georgia Governor Carl Sanders, former University of Georgia Dean of Students William Tate, former Tennessee Governor Bufford Ellington, and a speech about Smith by Shell E. Hartley.
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III.67Unknown Speech
III.68"Georgia Rock of Gibraltar: George L. Smith" by Shell Hartley
III.69"Deceit, Denial, Desertion" - Tennessee Governor Buford Ellington
III.610[Carl Sanders Speech]
III.611"Moses Visits My Grandmother" - William Tate
III.612Inaugural Program - Governor Elect Jimmy Carter, 1971



D. News releases

( 0.5 box(es) ) ( (.25 linear feet) )
From the office of Speaker Smith, these press releases detail the activities of the Georgia House from 1970 to 1973. Included are some articles which Smith wrote for his hometown newspapers, the Swainsboro Forest Blade and the Peoples Voice. Arrangement is reverse chronological.
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III.71News Releases, (1973, undated)
III.72News Releases, (1972)
III.73News Releases, (1971)
III.74News Releases, (1970)
III.75Articles to the Forest Blade, (1969)



E. News Clippings

( 0.5 box(es) ) ( (.25 linear feet) )
Included are political cartoons as well as newspaper and magazine clippings which focus primarily on the last few years of Smith's life and career, 1968-1973. Arrangement is reverse chronological.
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III.76Cartoons
III.77News Articles, (1973-1968, undated)
III.78News Articles, (November 1973-December 1974)
III.79News Articles, (November 12, 1973)
III.710News Articles (miscellaneous)
 

IV. Scrapbooks

Contains newspaper clippings, pictures, brochures, cartoons, certificates, and letters concerning political career of Smith. The 25 original scrapbooks were mircrofilmed on to 2 reels and then returned to the family.
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1[Scrapbook no. 1], 1943-1947
1[Scrapbook no. 2], 1945-1972
1[Scrapbook no. 3], 1946-1947
1[Scrapbook no. 4], 1948-1953
1[Scrapbook no. 5], 1958-1959
1[Scrapbook no. 6], 1960
1[Scrapbook no. 7], 1960-1961
1[Scrapbook no. 8], 1962
1[Scrapbook no. 9], 1959-1963
1[Scrapbook no. 10], 1962-1964
1[Scrapbook no. 11], 1967
1[Scrapbook no. 12], 1967
1[Scrapbook no. 13], 1967
1[Scrapbook no. 14], 1967-1970
1[Scrapbook no. 15], 1968
1[Scrapbook no. 16], 1968-1970
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2[Scrapbook no. 17], 1969
2[Scrapbook no. 18], 1971-1973
2[Scrapbook no. 19], 1972
2[Scrapbook no. 20], 1973
2[Scrapbook no. 21], 1973
2[Scrapbook no. 22], 1973
2[Scrapbook no. 23], All dates
2[Scrapbook no. 24] Pictures, 1939-1970
2[Scrapbook no. 25] Cartoons
 

V. Photographs

52 item(s)
This series consists of candid and formal portraits and group shots of George L. Smith, II during his career in the Georgia House of Representatives. In several photographs, Smith is pictured with Lester Maddox or former Governor of Georgia, Jimmy Carter.
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V.1George L. Smith, II ( [1 color 8x10", 2 b/w 8x10", 1 b/w 8x11.75", 1 b/w contact sheet of 32 images] )
V.1George L. Smith, II ( [7 b/w 3x2.25", 2 color 4.25x3.5", 1 b.w negative] )
V.1George L. Smith II and Lester Maddox, Agriculture Commodity Commission for Milk ( [b/w 8x10"] )
V.1George L. Smith, II and Lester Maddox with two women ( [2 b/w 8x10"] )
V.1George L. Smith, II Jimmy Carter, man ( [color 8x10"] )
V.1Governor Jimmy Carter handing check to Jack Godfrey of Baxley, Georgia ([2 b/w 8x10"])
V.1George L. Smith, II and Jimmy Carter ( [2 color 3.5x3.5"] )
V.1George L. Smith, II and group with Governor Jimmy Carter ( [b/w 8x10"] )
V.1George L. Smith, II and group with Governor Jimmy Carter ([b/w 8x10"])
V.1George L. Smith, II, Phil Campbell, and two men at restaurant ([color 3.5x5"])
V.1George L. Smith II and Jody Powell ( [b/w 8x10"] )
V.1George L. Smith, II departing Gray Line bus for Underground Atlanta ([b/w 8x10"])
V.1George L. Smith, II riding on bus with group ( [2 b/w 8x10"] )
V.1George L. Smith, II posed with individuals in courtroom ( [2 color 8x10"] )
V.1George L. Smith, II posed in courtroom with two men ( [b/w 8x10"] )
V.1George L. Smith, II with wife at restaurant ( [2 b/w 8x10"] )
V.1George L. Smith, II with wife and daughter at Christmas ( [2 color 3.5x7"] )
V.1State Capitol building, Atlanta, Georgia ( [8 b/w contact sheets (94 images)] )
V.1Woman standing next to Christmas tree ( [color 3.5x3.5"] )
V.1Unidentified man, October 1967. ( [color 3.5x3.5"] )
V.1Unidentified woman ( [color 4.25x3.5"] )
V.1Three unidentified women in office ( [color 8x10"] )
V.1External shot of unidentified building ( [color, 3.5x4"] )
V.1Miscellaneous slides (3)
 

VI. Artifacts

This series includes eight items from Smith's years as a representative. Objects such as business cards, stickers, a "Legislator" car tag, calendars, and Smith's Speaker of the House gavel are included.
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VI.1Legislator license plate with 3 Emanuel County tag stickers
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VI.2Speaker of the House of Representatives gavel
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VI.15 personalized House of Representatives, Speaker of the House notepads
VI.1Black name tag
VI.15 white and gold stickers "Geo. L. Smith II / Speaker / House of Representatives"
VI.1Set of business cards
VI.1Season Pass to Atlanta Braves, 1973
VI.1Box of metal magic calendars, "Compliments of Geo. L. Smith", 1970-1997
 

VII. Audiovisual Materials

8 item(s)
George L. Smith II Papers, Series VII. Audiovisual Materials includes seven 16mm films of the Georgia legislature from the late 1960s and one phonodisc, "God, Family, and Country: Lester Maddox Sings, Whistles, Speaks and Plays Harmonica."
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.
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UC RBRL/078/GLS/16mm_0001Smith 1 General Assembly, circa 1967 ( 1 moving_image(s) )
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UC RBRL/078/GLS/16mm_0002Smith 2 General Assembly, circa 1967 ( 1 moving_image(s) )
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UC RBRL/078/GLS/16mm_0003Smith 3 General Assembly, circa 1967
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UC RBRL/078/GLS/16mm_0004Smith 4 General Assembly, circa 1967 ( 1 moving_image(s) )
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UC RBRL/078/GLS/16mm_0005Smith 5 General Assembly, circa 1967 ( 1 moving_image(s) )
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UC RBRL/078/GLS/16mm_0006Smith 6 General Assembly, circa 1967 ( 1 moving_image(s) )
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UC RBRL/078/GLS/16mm_0007Smith 7 General Assembly, circa 1967 ( 1 moving_image(s) )
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UC RBRL/078/GLS/PD_0001God, Family & Country, Lester Maddox Sings Whistles, Speaks and Plays Harmonica, Lefevre Sound MSLP 3485, 1971 ( 1 sound_recording(s) )