Janet B. Scarborough Merritt Papers

Descriptive Summary
Title: Janet B. Scarborough Merritt Papers
Creator: Merritt, Janet B. Scarborough, 1909-2000.
Inclusive Dates: 1900-2011
Bulk Dates: 1964-1976
Language(s): English
Extent: 22 box(es) (18.25 linear feet, including 400 photographs and 23 negatives)
Collection Number: RBRL121JSM
Repository: Richard B. Russell Library for Political Research and Studies
Abstract: Janet B. Scarborough Merritt was elected to represent the Sumter County (at the time, the 68th district) in the Georgia State House in 1964. The only woman in the Georgia State House of Representatives when she was elected, and the first to represent Sumter County, Merritt called herself a "full-time" representative. The topic of the role of women in government is thoroughly documented throughout Merritt's speeches and writings. She served four terms in that position: she was elected again in 1966, in 1968 (after reapportionment combined Sumter with Macon and Schley counties into the new 46th district), and in 1970. In 1972, after a second reapportionment, Merritt was defeated for re-election by her former colleague in the House, Oliver Oxford, in a run-off. Merritt ran against Oxford a second time in the 1974 election, but was again narrowly defeated in a run-off. The collection documents Merritt's campaigns, her time in the state legislature and her community activities including heavy involvement in the Daughters of the American Revolution (D.A.R.) Of particular note are materials documenting Merritt's ongoing battle to change Georgia's state flag. In 1969, Merritt sponsored a bill to change the Georgia flag adopted in 1955, shortly after the Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court ruling, back to the 1879 version, which did not include the Confederate battle flag. Included in the collection are speeches, notes, journals, correspondence, clippings, photographs, artifacts, and audiovisual material.

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Collection Description

Biographical Note

Janet B. Scarborough Merritt was born in Americus, Georgia, on January 4, 1909 to Robert Henry Scarborough and Janet August Burton. At the age of five, Merritt moved with her family to Hawkinsville, Georgia, where she attended elementary and secondary school. Merritt attended several schools in the University of Georgia System and earned a degree in humanities from Valdosta State College. She held a life-time teaching certificate and taught in the public schools of Georgia. A true Renaissance woman, Merritt was a musician and piano teacher, an accredited flower show judge, and a licensed real estate broker and insurance agent. In 1932, she married businessman Samuel Merritt, with whom she had three children: Thomas Burton Merritt, Ella Merritt and Janet "Jane" Merritt Myers.

Merritt was active in a number of organizations and clubs, most notably the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She was Georgia State Regent of that organization from 1960 to 1962. Merritt once said that the most important honor ever bestowed upon her was a scholarship established in her name at Berry College by the Georgia Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution. In 1962, Merritt decided to make the jump from women's clubs to state politics. After an unsuccessful election bid in 1962, Merritt was elected to represent the Sumter County (at the time, the 68th district) in the Georgia State House in 1964. She served four terms in that position: she was elected again in 1966, in 1968 (after reapportionment combined Sumter with Macon and Schley counties into the new 46th district), and in 1970. In 1972, after a second reapportionment, Merritt was defeated for reelection by her former colleague in the House, Oliver Oxford, in a run-off. Merritt ran against Oxford a second time in the 1974 election, but was again narrowly defeated in a run-off.

The only woman in the Georgia State House of Representatives when she was elected, and the first to represent Sumter County, Merritt called herself a "full-time" representative. She argued that her constituents deserved legislators who were willing to devote their attention and energy to the job year-round; many of her colleagues in the house also had full-time jobs outside of the legislature. While Merritt was careful to point out that she was no "women's libber," she shared many of the views of the feminist movement (for example, she supported the Equal Rights Amendment). She said repeatedly that Georgia did not need more women legislators, but more good legislators, whether men or women. On the other hand, she found many ambitious young men opposed her because of her gender. "A woman is in their way and she has to work harder than a man, which I did," Merritt wrote in her reminiscences. Merritt de-emphasized her gender during her career: on her first day in the legislature, speaker George L. Smith II introduced her as "sweetheart of the House," and, she said later, she let him know she didn't like it.

During her tenure Merritt authored or co-authored over one hundred bills. Of particular note was Merritt's ongoing battle to change Georgia's state flag. In 1969, Merritt sponsored a bill to change the Georgia flag adopted in 1955, shortly after the Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court ruling, back to the 1879 version, which did not include the Confederate battle flag. After a rousing speech on the House floor from former Governor Marvin Griffin, who strongly opposed the change, the bill was tabled and later re-introduced in 1971, when it was defeated. Merritt also supported improved retirement plans and higher salaries for civil workers and school teachers, and was a proponent of tourism in Georgia, helping to establish the Andersonville Civil War Prison as a National Historic Site. Merritt also had a strong interest in rural housing issues, and was active in the state planning and community affairs committee. She also served on the Committee on Care and Training of Preschool Children (which she chaired), the Tourism Study Committee, the Appropriations Committee, the University System of Georgia Committee, the Committee to Study the Day Nursing Program in Georgia, and the National Bicentennial Celebration Committee.

Merritt's term in the state legislature coincided with a tumultuous period in American politics; the civil rights movement was the major issue of the time. While she considered herself a moderate, she was no friend of the segregationists in her district, and she opposed the creation of private, segregated schools. Merritt was one of the few Democrats from southwestern Georgia to vote for Republican Bo Calloway in the 1966 governor's election, during which the state legislature chose Lester Maddox as Georgia's next governor. In her reminiscences, Merritt wrote, "I am convinced that I was truly needed in a responsible place during the sixties. I had the courage to stand for progress and what I thought was right."

Merritt witnessed the rise of one of Georgia's most successful politicians, Jimmy Carter, with whom she worked while he served in the Georgia State Senate and as governor of Georgia. Merritt's work with Carter is well documented throughout the collection.

Merritt served on the following committees: Appropriations Committee, member; Family and Children's Subcommittee, secretary; University System of Georgia Committee, member; Long-Range Sub-committee, chairperson; State Planning and Community Affairs Committee, member; Community Planning, chairperson; Commission on Planned Growth for Georgia, member; First interim Tourism Committee, member.

Merritt died at her residence in Americus on July 23, 2000 at the age of 91.

Scope and Content

The Janet B. Scarborough Merritt Papers consist of correspondence, date books and notebooks, photographs, audiovisual materials, campaign memorabilia, publications, telegrams, and newspaper clippings relating to Merritt's political campaigns and tenure in the Georgia State House of Representatives (District 68 and, later, 46), from 1964 to 1972. Also reflected within the papers is her participation in The Order of Women Legislators ("OWLS"), for which she served as recording secretary, and the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (D.A.R.), for which she was Georgia's State Regent among other positions. Well-documented throughout the collection in correspondence, notes, and newspaper clippings are various legislative issues that Merritt sponsored and supported throughout her legislative career. Of particular note is Merritt's ongoing battle to change Georgia's state flag.

The collection also includes correspondence, clippings, and speeches related to the hotly contested 1962 State Senate election between businessman Homer Moore (for whom Merritt campaigned) and peanut farmer Jimmy Carter.

In 1965, racial tensions erupted in Americus after Warren Fortson, brother of Georgia's secretary of state Ben Fortson, called for a bi-racial committee; Merritt supported Fortson during this controversy. The collection contains clippings and many issues of the Voice of Americus newsletter, which carefully documented the push for integration in Sumter County; a two-hour DVD featuring extensive film footage of rallies and marches in Americus; and notes and correspondence related to the issues surrounding desegregation. Especially valuable are Merritt's 1991 reminiscences in which she reflects on this tumultuous period. The collection also contains some correspondence and clippings related to the Americus school system's difficulty implementing integration, and the movement in Americus to create private segregated schools; these items are available in the Legislative series and the Speech/Press series.

A copious note-taker, Merritt's collection is a rich source of her personal opinions, personality, and style. Merritt's notes about a wide range of topics and her pocket calendars can be found in the Legislative series. Original audio recordings of interviews, campaign advertisements and jingles combined with memorabilia and photographs provide further insight into Merritt's campaign philosophy and the challenges of being a woman in politics during the 1960s.

Organization and Arrangement

The papers are arranged into seven series: I. Legislative; II. Speech/Press; III. Political/Campaign; IV. Organizations/Clubs; V. Personal; VI. Photographs; and VII. Audiovisual Materials (see separate finding aid).

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Administrative Information

Access Restrictions

Sensitive materials and case mail have been restricted for 75 years.

Preferred Citation

Janet B. Scarborough Merritt Papers, Richard B. Russell Library for Political Research and Studies, University of Georgia Libraries, Athens, Georgia, 30602-1641.

Processing Notes

The collection was re-foldered in acid free folders and re-housed in archival boxes during processing. Clippings, telegrams and thermo fax paper have been photocopied onto bond paper. Paperclips, rubber bands and binder clips have been replaced. Photographs, artifacts, audiovisual materials and oversize items have been separated from manuscript materials for preservation and storage.

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: 2008.

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Related Materials and Subjects

Subject Terms

Related Collections in this Repository

Carl E. Sanders Papers

Augustus Turnbull Collection of Carl Sanders Speech/Press Records

George L. Smith II Papers

Clifford H. (Baldy) Baldowski Editorial Cartoons

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

Thomas Gresham Collection of Lester Maddox Speech/Press Records

Georgia House of Representatives Communications Office Records

J. Frank Myers Papers

R. Chappelle Matthews Papers

Howard H. (Bo) Callaway Collection

Rodney Mims Cook Papers

Sidney J. Marcus Papers

William H. Burson Papers

Related Collections in Other Repositories

Georgia Legislature Records, Record Group 37, Georgia Archives

Georgia Legislative Documents Project, Digital Library of Georgia

Southern Women Legislators Collection, Department of Archives and Special Collections, University of Mississippi

Women in the Legislature, Georgia Government Documentation Project, Georgia State University

Owletter, National Order of Women Legislators, Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records

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Series Descriptions and Folder Listing

 

I. Legislative

4 box(es)

(4 linear feet)

This series is primarily composed of papers from Merritt's time serving in the Georgia State House, from 1964 to 1972, although it also includes a few items (correspondence with past colleagues, legislative publications, later additions to old notebooks) dating from after her 1972 re-election defeat by Senator Oliver Oxford. The legislative series is divided into six sub-series; correspondence is the most substantial of these. Topics covered in this series include a variety from fire ants, fluoridation, and mobile homes (in the correspondence sub-series) to political gossip (in the notes and schedules sub-series).

A. Correspondence , 1964-1977 ( 27 folder(s) )

This sub-series consists primarily of Merritt's correspondence with constituents and colleagues. Highlights include constituent responses to a 1969 newspaper survey conducted by Merritt concerning various pieces of legislation and eight

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I.1

1

[Legislative correspondence], 1964 October 7 - 1964 December 31

I.1

2

Local Letters, 1965

I.1

3-4

[Legislative correspondence], 1965-1966

I.1

5

[Nursing Homes], 1966

I.1

6-7

[Legislative correspondence], 1967-1968

I.1

8-12

[Newspaper surveys] , 1969 February 4

I.1

13-14

[Legislative correspondence], 1969 March - 1970 November

I.1

15

[From letter to pages], 1970

I.1

16-23

[Legislative correspondence with replies], 1971 January 13 - 1971 March 12

I.1

24

[Correspondence], 1971-1972

I.1

25-26

Legislative Correspondence, 1971 January 26 - 1972 October 25

I.1

27

[Correspondence], 1973-1977

B. Committee Files ( 26 folder(s) )

This sub-series is arranged alphabetically by committee and includes clippings, reports, and official correspondence relating directly to Merritt's work with the many committees and commissions on which she served. A considerable amount of material focusing on rural housing comes from her work on the State Planning and Community Affairs Committee. Other committees include: Family and Child Services Sub-committee; Andersonville National Historic Site Committee; Tourism Study Committee; Care and Training of Preschool Children (chair); Committee to Study the Day Nursing Program in Georgia; and National Bicentennial Celebration Committee. See the notes and schedules sub-series for additional information concerning Merritt's committee work and appointments.

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I.1

28

[Materials related to committee work including information on education and the Georgia Art Commission], 1967-1969

I.1

29

[Andersonville National Historic Site], 1968 April 19 - 1972 January 26

I.1

30

[Andersonville National Historic Site Monument], 1974-1976

I.1

31

[Appropriations Committee, Subcommittee of Family and Child Services], 1967 February 14 - 1972 February 28

I.1

32

[National Bicentennial Celebration Committee], 1972 April

I.1

33

Daycare & Head Start [House Day Nursery Program Study], 1965-1966

I.1

34

[Report of Day Nursing Committee], 1966 February 1

I.1

35

[Education Committee, Sub-committee on Minimum Foundation Program of Education Act], 1968 January

I.1

36

[Intercontinental Congress Center Committee], 1970

I.1

37

[Planning and Community Affairs Committee, 1971 November - 1972 June

I.1

38

[Planning and Community Affairs Committee Materials, 1972 June - August

I.1

39

Planning and Community Affairs Committee, Rural Housing Subcommittee (folder 1 of 2), 1972

I.1

40

Planning and Community Affairs Committee, Rural Housing Subcommittee (folder 2 of 2), 1972

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I.2

1

Community Planning, 1971-1972

I.2

2

Planning and Community Affairs Committee [House Roll Call HB1203], 1972

I.2

3-4

[Planning and Community Affairs Committee] State Office of Housing, 1972

I.2

5

Planning and Community Affairs Committee [New Towns and Mobile Homes], 1972

I.2

6-7

[Planning and Community Affairs Committee Reports], 1971, 1973

I.2

8

[Planned Growth Commission Report], 1973 December

I.2

9

[Care and Training of Preschool Children Committee Reports], 1967-1968

I.2

10

[Reorganization and Management Improvement Study], 1971

I.2

11

[Commission on the Status of Women and Children], 1973-1974

I.2

12

[Tourism Study Committee], 1970 May - 1972 June

I.2

13

[University System of Georgia Committee], 1971 January - 1972 June

C. Bills and Resolutions ( 10 folder(s) )

This sub-series, arranged chronologically, includes actual bills and resolutions as well as material Merritt used to research legislation that she introduced. Topics include changing the state song and flag, the legislative retirement system, qualifications of school board members, abolition of the office of the Lieutenant Governor, and various resolutions regarding Sumter County.

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I.2

14

Georgia Songs [changing the Georgia State song], 1964

I.2

15

[Various Bills/Resolutions, including resolutions concerning taxes, the Georgia state flag, and the office of the Lieutenant Governor], 1965 May - 1970 December, undated

I.2

16

[Member Reapportionment, Thomas County], 1966

I.2

17

[Various House Resolutions and Roll Call, concerning the office of the Lieutenant Governor and the creation of county or municipal governments within Sumter County], 1969, undated

I.2

18

[Resolution Commemorating the Nineteenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States], 1970

I.2

19

[Various Bills and Resolutions and the final composite of the session], 1970, 1974

I.2

20

[Bills: increase the compensation of the official court reporter of the Southwestern Judicial Circuit; reduce the size of the board of commissioners in Macon], 1971

I.2

21

[Sumter School Issue/Americus Parking Authority], 1972

I.2

22

[H.B. 1996, Qualifications of School Board members, includes roll call vote], 1972

I.2

23

S.B. 120 (Brown's Retirement Act), S.B. 328 Legislative Retirement System (Janet Merritt's Retirement Act), 1980, 1986

D. Notes and Schedules ( 32 folder(s) )

The notes sub-series is primarily made up of notebooks, which cover a wide variety of topics, including communism, constituent issues, political issues, legislative sessions, and, in one case, city council sessions. The sub-series includes a large number of calendars, which reveal Merritt's day-to-day schedule while she was a legislator. Folders are organized chronologically, with undated materials appearing at the end of the sub-series. Many of the notebooks contain notes Merritt added while composing her reminiscences decades later: see the Personal Series.

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I.2

24

[Small notebook related to communism], circa 1961

I.2

25

Pocket Calendar, 1965

I.2

26

[Appointments calendar], 1966

I.2

27

[Pocket diary], 1966

I.2

28

[Pocket calendar], 1966

I.2

29

[Wall calendar], 1966

I.2

30

Book No. 2, All University of Georgia Committee Notes, begins 1966

I.2

31

[Calendar], 1967

I.2

32

Book No. 1 [notes], 1967

I.2

33

Jottings from Notebook No. 4 (includes other notes), 1967

I.2

34

[Pocket diary], 1968

I.2

35

Book No. 5 [notes], 1968

I.2

36-37

[Pocket diaries], 1969-1970

I.2

38

Book No. 6 begun January 16 (some backtrack notes), 1970]

I.2

39

Book No. 6 (?) [notes], 1970 December

I.2

40

[Pocket diaries], 1971

I.2

41

[Calendar], 1971]

I.2

42

Book No. 7 [notes], 1972 January

I.2

43

Book No. 8 [notes], 1972 March 30

I.2

44

[Notebook, covers 1972 Campaign, Legislative Matters, etc.], 1972

I.2

45

[Pocket diary], 1973

I.2

46

Book No. 1 [City Council meeting notes], 1973-1974

I.2

47

[Pocket calendar], 1974

I.2

48

[Legislative Notes], undated

I.2

49

[Notes/Schedule, 2 pp.], undated

I.2

50

[Notes on education], undated

I.2

51

[Small notebook], undated

I.2

52

[Notebook, related to housing and cooking], undated

I.2

53

[Notes related to Sam Nunn], undated

I.2

54

[Small notebook, political notes], undated

I.2

55

[Notes on urban renewal], undated

E. Publications ( 27 folder(s) )

This sub-series consists of legislative manuals, lists of House members, and other publications produced to assist legislators. It also includes some publications of state agencies. Merritt has annotated some publications.

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I.2

56

Charter for the United Nations, 1945

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I.3

1

Red Cross Home Nursing, The American National Red Cross, 1951

I.3

2

Your Baby's Formula and How to Prepare It, Sumter Co. Health Dept., 1951

I.3

3

Prenatal care, Children's Bureau, No. 4, 1949

I.3

4

State of Georgia Department of Family and Children Services Official Report for fiscal year, 1964-1965

I.3

5

Directory of Georgia Municipal Officials, circa 1960

I.3

6

Georgia House of Representatives [pamphlets] for sessions, 1967-1968, 1971-1972

I.3

7-8

Members of the Georgia General Assembly, 1965-1980

I.3

9

Members - Committees - Rules of the Georgia House of Representatives, 1969-1970

I.3

10

Rules of the Georgia House of Representatives, 1965-1972

I.3

11

Committees of the Georgia House of Representatives, 1965-1972

I.3

12-14

Legislative Manual of the General Assembly of the State of Georgia, 1963-1972

I.3

15

Official State of Georgia Tabulation by Districts for General Assembly of Georgia 1971-1972 Term Senators and Representatives, 1970

I.3

16

Georgia Municipal Election Code [includes annotations and clippings], 1970, 1972

I.3

17

Georgia Official Directory of State and County Officers, 1971, 1983

I.3

18-19

Summary of General Statutes Enacted [by the Georgia General Assembly], 1965-1974

I.3

20

Handbook of the 1967-1968 General Assembly of the State of Georgia, 1967

I.3

21

Organization of School Systems in Georgia, 1965

I.3

22

Joint Legislation of the Railroad Brotherhood and United Transportation Union, 1965-1971

I.3

23

Georgia Official Directory of the State of Georgia Capital Area, 1971

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I.4

1

Directory [including brief biographies] of the General Assembly of Georgia, 1971-1972

I.4

2

Georgia Information [various state pamphlets], 1973

I.4

3

[Various State of Georgia publications, including Georgia laws regulating the employment of children, labor laws, population of Georgia counties, Georgia General Assembly, state tax for revenue, voting], 1965-1972

F. Artifacts/Memorabilia ( 23 item(s) )

This sub-series includes certificates, Merritt's stationary and business cards, invitations, a briefcase, and a gavel. Of particular interest is a giant three foot long Confederate tie worn by Merritt as she lobbied to return the Georgia state flag back to the 1879 version.

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I.4

4

[Certificates Janet S. Merritt election to the office of Representatives in the General Assembly, signed by Ben W. Forston Jr.], 1966, 1968, 1970

I.4

5

[Certificate: Member of the Democratic Executive Committee of the Third Congressional District of Georgia at Large], 1966

I.4

6

Picture with Governor [Agenda, invitation and photograph with Lester Maddox], 1968

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OS1

[Code of ethics for government service; Proclamation for Women Legislators], 1968, 1985

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I.4

8

[Notepad (blank): National conference of State Legislative Leaders], 1969

I.4

9

[Representative license plate], 1969

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OS1

[Commissions], 1969, 1971

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I.4

11

[Notepad (blank) Georgia General Assembly], 1970 January

I.4

12

[Invitation to dinner with Governor Carter], 1971

I.4

13

[Member Georgia General Assembly 1972 calendar (blank)], 1972

I.4

14

[Invitation to Dedication of Stone Mountain Memorial Carving], 1972

I.4

15

[Certificate, State Seminar for voter registration and election officials], 1973

I.4

16

[Certificate, Governor's Committee for the Erection of a Georgia Prisoner-of-War Memorial], 1975

I.4

17

[Legislator license plate], undated

I.4

18

[Name tags], undated

I.4

19

[Stationary, Merritt House of Representatives, memorandum sheets], undated

I.4

20

[Business Cards and District Cards], undated

I.4

21

[State Representative Stickers], undated

I.4

22

[Georgia House of Representatives portfolio], undated

I.4

23

[House of Representatives Member Cards], 1965-1966

I.4

24

[House of Representatives Dog Tag], circa 1965

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OS2

[Gavel], undated

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Mapcase

[House Seating Chart], undated

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OS2

[House of Representatives brief case], undated

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[Giant Confederate Flag necktie], undated

 

II. Speech/Press

1 box(es)

(1 linear foot)

The Speech/Press series includes Merritt's speeches and related materials, press coverage, and clippings. Many items in the press and clippings sub-series include notations.

A. Speeches ( 4 folder(s) )

This sub-series includes Merritt's speeches and related materials (outlines, programs, jokes, notes, and, occasionally, clippings). It provides particular insight into Merritt's personality, as well as the issues she considered most vital and that she was often asked to address. Topics include the role of women in politics, kindergarten, childcare, taxes, civil defense, and nursing education and vocational schools. Merritt included several speeches delivered by others.

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II.1

1

[Speeches and notes, includes Southeastern Fair speech, kindergarten and childcare, taxes, civil defense, the role of women in politics, Mule day, Kiwanis speech, Lions Club speech, etc.], 1965-1972

II.1

2

[Speeches and notes, includes campaign speeches, nursing education, kindergarten, Order of Women Legislators, etc.], 1966-1972

II.1

3

Speeches and Material For Them [includes Kiwanis Club speeches, tourism, the role of women in politics, kindergarten, vocational schools, Red Cross], [1965-1971, undated

II.1

4

[Speeches, notes and clippings related to women in politics], 1964-1973

B. Press/Clippings ( 44 folder(s) )

This sub-series, arranged chronologically, includes press coverage on Merritt, most of it from her tenure in the legislature. Merritt was a popular topic for both the Americus and the Atlanta papers, especially during her first term, at which point she was the only woman in the state legislature. The clippings cover a wide variety of topics including women in politics, civil rights including women in politics, civil rights, but the most notable relate to the civil rights movement in Americus: the Voice of Americus newsletter is one example. Many items appear to have been in scrapbooks at one time.

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II.1

5

[Clippings related to the D.A.R.], 1950-1957

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OS1

[Clippings: Related to Schley County's Centennial includes articles on Russell's Address (oversize item removed)], 1957

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II.1

7

["Little Ms. Vernon" Clipping], 1960 August 24

II.1

8

The Georgia Journal, Volume X, no. 3, 1962

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Mapcase

Americus Times-Reader , 1962

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II.1

10

[Political clippings related to State Senate race], 1962-1963

II.1

11

[Clippings], 1962-1973

II.1

12

[Campaign clippings], 1964

II.1

13

[Voice of Americus and S.W. Georgia (topics include integration and the campaign of C.B. King) and various photocopies of House roll call votes], 1964, 1971

II.1

14

[Various Publications including The Georgia Journal and Georgia Petroleum Retailer], 1964-1966

II.1

15-16

[Press scrapbooks (including campaign material)], 1964-1970

II.1

17

[Atlanta Constitution editorial by Eugene Patterson], 1965 January 12

II.1

18

[Warren Fortson and biracial committee coverage], 1965 August 4

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Mapcase

Clippings, 1965

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II.1

20

Accomplishments [clippings], 1965, undated

II.1

21

[Press scrapbook], 1965-1969

II.1

22-25

[Clippings], 1966-1972

II.1

26

[Scrapbook: clippings, correspondence, photographs, publications, related to the Georgia flag and Merritt], 1969-1972, 1992-2001

II.1

27-34

[Scrapbook related to the Georgia Flag], 1969-2001

II.1

35

[Clippings on politics and national parks], 1968-1972

II.1

36

[Clippings], 1968

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Mapcase

[Clippings], 1969

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II.1

39-40

[Clippings], 1969-1975

II.1

41

[Clipping, "Woman Chairman of House Planning Unit Is Tackling Job with Determination"], 1971

II.1

42

[Clipping, Semco News "Meet Your Representatives" featuring Merritt], 1971 October

II.1

43

[Subject File related to Merritt's work on Appropriations Committee and Mr. Oliver Oxfords False Radio Broadcast], 1972

II.1

44-45

[Clippings and press releases] , 1971-1972

II.1

46

[Clippings], 1973-1975

II.1

47

[Clippings on Amendments], 1978

II.1

48

Americus Times-Recorder, 1978 August 21

II.1

49

[Trip to Nepal, India and Sri Lanka], 1981

II.1

50

[Clippings related to Merritt and the Georgia flag; Merritt being honored in Americus' Walk of Fame], 2003-2006

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Mapcase

General Highway Map, Sumter County, Georgia, 1964

Mapcase

State of Georgia Traffic map, Highway system, 1966

Mapcase

General Highway map, Sumter County, Georgia, 1971

 

III. Political/Campaign

2 box(es)

(2 linear feet)

This series is comprised of notes, advertisements, and other campaign material from Merritt's seven campaigns for the Georgia State House of Representatives. Also included are clippings related to other politicians and the Democratic Party. The series is divided into three sub-series: A. Political/Party Politics; B. Campaign Files; C. Artifacts and Memorabilia. For other material related to Merritt's politics and campaigns see the Legislative Series and Personal Series.

A. Political/Party Politics (8 folders)

Much of the material in this sub-series is related to Jimmy Carter's career, including a considerable amount on the 1962 state senate race between Carter and businessman Homer Moore. Also included are letters and telegrams from various candidates (mostly Democratic) soliciting Merritt's support in many different campaigns.

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III.1

1

[Carter-Moore Senate Race], 1962

III.1

2

[Political pamphlets, including The Voice of Liberty (Radical Minorities), State-wide Black Leadership Coalition, Equal Rights Amendment flyer], 1966, 1969

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3

[Governor/Lieutenant Governor races], 1966-1970

III.1

4

[State party politics correspondence], 1964-1970

III.1

5

[National elections for Congress, Garland T. Byrd, Bo Callaway, Jack Brinkley, Fletcher Thompson], 1964-1972

III.1

6

[Merritt and Jimmy Carter campaign materials, items related to women in politics, clippings related to local politics], 1970-1977

III.1

7

[County Commissioner Salary Bill clippings], 1975

III.1

8

[Mass mailings from Carter Campaign], 1979

B. Campaign Files (35 folders)

This sub-series is arranged chronologically and includes advertisements, notes, clippings, correspondence, and memorabilia related to Merritt's campaigns from 1962 to 1974. The majority of the materials date from the 1964 campaign, one of Merritt's biggest campaigns during which she became the first woman to hold the post of state representative in the 68th district, and the 1972 campaign where she was defeated for re-election by her former colleague in the House, Oliver Oxford. Additional information about Merritt's campaigns can be found in the Personal series.

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III.1

9

Newspaper Ads and pictures/advertising [includes campaign materials for Merritt and her rivals], [1960-1968, undated

III.1

10

[Key points of campaign and flyer], 1962

III.1

11

1962 Election [Speech], 1962

III.1

12-13

[Campaign materials and clippings], 1962

III.1

14

[1964 Campaign], 1964-1968

III.1

15

Advertising Ideas and Clippings, [1964-1972, undated

III.1

16-17

Campaign [clippings and notes], 1964

III.1

18

[Political notes – 1964 Campaign], 1964

III.1

19

Campaign/Patronage Book, 1966

III.1

20

[Campaign clippings and correspondence], 1966

III.1

21

[Campaign letter and clipping], 1968

III.1

22

[Campaign correspondence], 1970

III.1

23

Campaign 1970 [notes], 1970

III.1

24

Campaign [clippings, correspondence, ad layouts], 1970

III.1

25

[Campaign file, includes jingle sheet music, clippings, correspondence], 1970

III.1

26

Miscellaneous and Odds and Ends for 1970 Campaign [notes and map of Georgia], 1970

III.1

27

Radio Used – 1970 Campaign, 1970

III.1

28

[Correspondence], 1970

III.1

29

Record: 1970 Campaign/ 1972 Campaign [notes], 1970-1972

III.1

30

[Sheet music for campaign jingle], 1972

III.1

31

1972 Campaign [notebook], 1972

III.1

32-33

1972 Campaign [includes press releases and clippings], 1972

III.1

34

[Clippings related to the campaign and 1971-1972 correspondence], 1971-1972

III.1

35-37

[Campaign materials and correspondence], 1972

III.1

38

1972 Campaign Pictures and Ideas [clippings, resolutions, notes], 1972

III.1

39

Notes (Random) on Campaign, 1972 June 30-1973

III.1

40

[Campaign correspondence], 1974

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III.2

1-2

Campaign 1974 [notes, correspondence, clippings], 1974

III.2

3

1974 Campaign [notes and clippings on kindergarten], 1967-1968, 1974

C. Artifacts/Memorabilia ( 5 folder(s) )

This small sub-series contains matches, sashes, campaign cards, homemade campaign signs, and eight wooden planks that Merritt used to outline the key points of her 1962 campaign.

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III.2

4

Campaign Card: Re-elect Janet Merritt, circa 1964-1972

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01

Merritt Sashes, circa 1964-1972

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III.2

6

Vote for Janet Merritt matches, campaign cards, and nail files, circa 1964-1972

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OS3

Re-elect Janet Merritt hand painted signs (2), circa 1964-1972

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OS5

Re-elect Janet Merritt hand painted sign, circa 1964-1972

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OS4

Planks outlining key points of campaign, 1962

 

IV. Organizations/Clubs

3 box(es)

(l.5 linear foot)

Merritt was involved in a variety of organizations, and often held prominent club positions. Of particular note are the materials related to the Center for the American Woman and Politics at Rutgers University and the 1972 Pocono Manor conference that Merritt attended. It was at this conference that Jeane Kirkpatrick interviewed Merritt for her first book, Political Woman. For more information on this conference, see the Reminiscences in the Personal series. The series is divided into six sub-series by organization.

A. Art Council ( 6 folder(s) )

This sub-series contains a variety of material relating to the Southwest Georgia Art Council and the Georgia Art Commission, including correspondence, clippings and notes along with drafts of council by-laws and other official documents.

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IV.1

1

[Southwestern Art Council at Americus and Georgia Art Commission materials], 1967-1968

IV.1

2

[Southwestern Art Council at Americus], 1967-1970

IV.1

3

Southwest Georgia Art Council at Americus], [1967-1970

IV.1

4

[Southwestern Art Council at Americus and Georgia Art Commission], 1968-1969

IV.1

5

[Art Council], 1968-1970

IV.1

6

Art Council [Southwestern Art Council at Americus], 1970

B. Business and Professional Women's Club ( 6 folder(s) )

This sub-series contains material relating to Merritt's involvement in the Americus and Sumter County Business and Professional Women's Club, including clippings on the Woman of Achievement Award she received from the organization.

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IV.1

7

[Certificate: National Federation of Business in Professional Women's Clubs], undated

IV.1

8

1968-1988 History of the Business and Professional Women's Club, Americus and Sumter County, [1988

IV.1

9

[Business and Professional Women's Club], 1965 March - 1997 March

IV.1

10

[Plaque: Americus – Sumter County Woman of Achievement], 1974-1975

IV.1

11

[Plaque: Woman In History], 1996-1997

IV.1

12

[Business and Professional Women's Club material], 1997, undated

C. Center for the American Woman and Politics (3 folders)

This sub-series contains annual reports and correspondence related to the Center for the American Woman and Politics at Rutgers University, as well as a folder on the Pocono Manor conference in 1972, which Merritt attended. It was at this conference that Jeane Kirkpatrick interviewed Merritt for her first book, Political Woman.

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IV.1

13

1972 Pocono Manor [Conference for Women State Legislators], 1972

IV.1

14

[Correspondence on Center for American Woman and Politics], 1972

IV.1

15

[Center for the American Woman and Politics material], 1972-1975

D. Daughters of the American Revolution ( 32 folder(s) )

This sub-series contains a considerable amount of material relating to Merritt's involvement with the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution. Merritt was particularly active in the group in the 1950s and early 1960s, when she served as Georgia State Regent. Merritt's involvement with the Georgia Society of the DAR is well-chronicled in a press scrapbook which includes correspondence, newspaper clippings, and photographs with captions identifying events and individuals.

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IV.1

16

[Certificate: D.A.R recognizes Merritt as Patron of Meadow Gardens], undated

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OS1

Georgia Society N.S.D.A.R. Press Scrapbook [oversize], 1939-2000

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folder

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IV.1

18

[D.A.R. Magazine and other D.A.R. material], 1951

IV.1

19

By-laws and list of members, 1952-1954

IV.1

20

[Proceedings of Georgia's N.S.D.A.R.], 1953-1954

IV.1

21

Council of Safety Chapter, 1954-1956

IV.1

22

[Correspondence: D.A.R.], 1957

IV.1

23

[Clippings and a program], 1957-1971

IV.1

24

D.A.R. Scholarship at Berry College], [1957-2001

IV.1

25

[D.A.R. proceedings and correspondence], 1958-1997

IV.1

26

Proceedings of Georgia's N.S.D.A.R.], 1959-1960

IV.1

27

Elijah Clarke Chapter, 1959-1960

IV.1

28

Proceedings of Georgia's N.S.D.A.R., 1960-1961

IV.1

29

[Letter: D.A.R.], 1960

IV.1

30

Sixty-ninth Continental Congress, 1960

IV.1

31

Heroines of the American Revolution, The University of Tennessee Newsletter, 1961

IV.1

32

Sixty-sixth Annual State Conference [Illinois chapter], 1962

IV.1

33

Seventy-first Continental Congress, 1962

IV.1

34

[Announcement Cards: Merritt for Vice President General], 1963

IV.1

35

Seventy-second Continental Congress, 1963

IV.1

36

[D.A.R.] Magazine, 1963 March

IV.1

37

Seventy-fourth Continental Congress, 1965

IV.1

38

Seventy-seventh Continental Congress, 1968

IV.1

39

[Clipping, D.A.R. event hosted by Mrs. Thomas Merritt], 1980

IV.1

40

Ninety-third Continental Congress, 1984

IV.1

41

[Certificate, fifty years of service], 1985

IV.1

42

[Tickets to the ninety-ninth Continental Congress], 1993

IV.1

43

Proceedings of the Georgia Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, includes related letter dedicated to Merritt, 2000-2001

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IV.2

1

[Program for the One Hundred Third State conference, dedicated to Merritt], 2001

IV.2

2

[Agendas for Memorial Services for D.A.R.], 2001

IV.2

3

Berry Connection Newsletter, 2001

IV.2

4

Stationary, undated

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IV.3

1-2

[National Society, Chapters, and Affiliates], 1921-2000

E. Garden Club (Sumter County) ( 6 folder(s) )

This sub-series contains material related to the creation of East Forsyth Street Park in Americus, Georgia; of particular interest is the scrapbook, which contains photographs of the park, clippings, and a substantial narrative on the park's development. Also included are three handbooks for flower shows and judging.

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IV.2

5

The Handbook For Flower Shows [includes annotations], 1951

IV.2

6

Middle Georgia Society of Flower Show Judges Yearbook, 1956-1957

IV.2

7

The Handbook of Flower Shows [includes annotations], 1957

IV.2

8

South Georgia Council of Accredited Judges, 1963-1964

IV.2

9

[Garden Club], 1970-1974

IV.2

10

[Garden Club of Georgia Scrapbook], 1974-1975

F. OWLS ( 9 folder(s) )

This sub-series contains clippings related to Merritt's involvement with the National Order of Women Legislators (OWLS); she was recording secretary of the organization in 1971-72.

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IV.2

11

[Letter and list of members], 1967

IV.2

12

[Letterhead: National Order of Women Legislators], 1971-1972

IV.2

13

[OWLs], 1971-1986

IV.2

14

History of the National Order of Women Legislators [Booklet and Assorted OWLS Material], 1972-1992

IV.2

15

National OWLS Baltimore Tour, 1972-1978

IV.2

16

[OWLS Membership Roster], 1987

IV.2

17

OWLS Sheraton Sand Key Clearwater Beach, 1983-1999

IV.2

18

[Membership roster], 1995, 1998

IV.2

19

Stationary, undated

 

V. Personal

5 box(es)

(4 linear feet)

The personal series includes a wide range of material from Merritt's life outside of her legislative career and involvement with clubs and organizations. Most notable are Merritt's reminiscences, found in the writings sub-series, in which she reflects on her time in the legislature.

A. Correspondence ( 16 folder(s) )

The correspondence subseries contains a variety of letters, some including Merritt's replies, relating to her life outside of the legislature. Primarily composed of material from the mid-to-late 1970s, this series reflects her life post legislature but still involved in politics. Topics include the State Board of Education, Hancock Ditch issue, daycare, Americus Sumter County Bi-Centennial Committee, women in politics, piano lessons, and various community activities.

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V.1

1

[Letter and mini book Healing Thoughts], 1942

V.1

2

Clipping and Correspondence related to Hancock Ditch Issue, 1950

V.1

3

[Correspondence], 1960-1964

V.1

4

[Announcement to Merritt's piano pupils], 1965

V.1

5

[Personal letters, vitae, biographies, etc.], 1965 August-1970 August

V.1

6

[Letter: to Miss Jane Merritt from Janet Merritt], 1966

V.1

7

[Correspondence from American Biographical Institute], 1970

V.1

8

[Pamphlet, The Dogwood Festival Light up Atlanta, and letter], 1971

V.1

9

[Personal correspondence with replies], 1971 January 27-1971 March 11

V.1

10

[Personal correspondence], 1971 February-1972 May

V.1

11

[Personal post-career correspondence and clippings], 1973-2010

V.1

12

[Personal correspondence], 1974

V.1

13

[W. Herschel Covett Foundation], 1977

V.1

14-15

[Retirement Proposals, 1969-1983

V.1

26

[Clippings], 1980, 2011

B. Writings ( 10 folder(s) )

This subseries is primarily Merritt's notes from a correspondence course in American history and a creative writing course. The scrapbook created during the creative writing course documents Merritt's life from childhood to the late 1950s. In the 1997, Merritt wrote "Reminiscences of My Experience in the Georgia State Legislature 1965 to 1973." This sub-series includes those reminiscences, as well as notes and other materials she referenced. See also: legislative series, notes and schedules sub-series and the audiovisual series.

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V.1

16

Mrs. Janet S. Merritt – English 414 [Note cards about literature], 1957

V.1

17

Correspondence Course [Valdosta State College Home Study Course], 1957

V.1

18-21

[Creative writing correspondence course scrapbook including correspondence photographs, newspaper clippings, and writings by Merritt], 1957

V.1

22

Georgia's Growth and Developments as a State, 1733-1860, undated

V.1

23

ONE A: [notes for reminiscences, includes correspondence, campaign songs and information about C.B. King], 1962-1970

V.1

24

[Material for Reminiscences], 1969-1972, undated

V.1

25

"Reminiscences of my experiences in the Georgia State Legislature 1965 to 1973," Americus, Georgia U.S.A., 1997

C. Books ( 46 item(s) )

The bulk of this subseries is 21 volumes, which Merritt purchased at an estate sale, titled Delphian Text, published by the Delphian Society in the late 1920s to promote the education of women. Also included are books and other publications related to Georgia history, politics and literature, as well as other subjects of interest to Merritt. Of note is Who's Who of American Women featuring Merritt, and an issue of The Journal of Southern Legal History that mentions Merritt and the Georgia state flag. Many items include notes or inscriptions to Merritt as well as clippings, letters and ephemera.

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V.2

Year Books for Delphian Chapters Second Year thru Fifth Year, 1927

V.2

Delphian Text First Year Parts One thru Nineteen [incomplete], 1927

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V.3

1

A Short Outline of the History of Americus, Georgia [photocopies], circa 1931

V.3

2

Who's Who of American Women, Third Edition, 1964-1965

V.3

3

The Journal of Southern Legal History, 2003

V.3

4

Remembering Americus Georgia, 2006

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V.5

1

Studies in the American Race Problem, 1908

V.5

2

The Life and Times of William H. Crawford, 1909

V.5

3

Georgians: First Settlers of Upper Georgia, 1926

V.5

4

David Crenshaw Barrow, 1930

V.5

5

Georgia: A Short History, 1947

V.5

6

Sunlit Summit of Devotion, circa 1960

V.5

7

Georgia's Third Force: Thoughts and Comments of the People of Georgia and their Government, circa 1960

V.5

8

Handbook for Georgia Legislators, 1963

V.5

9

The Georgia Review: Volume XVIII, 1964

V.5

10

"Old Gene": A Short Story of Quail Hunting in the Old South, circa 1965

V.5

11

Georgia Poetry, 1966

V.5

12

No Retreat from Tomorrow, 1967

V.5

13

To Heal and to Build, 1968

V.5

14

Political Woman, 1974

V.5

15

Cousin Beedle and Cousin Hot: My Life with the Carter Family of Plains, Georgia, 1978

V.5

16

Jimmy Carter: In Search of the Great White House, 1980

V.5

17

The Neighborhood Mint, 1986

V.5

18

Echoes of the Past, 1986

V.5

19

The Journal of Southwest Georgia History, 1987

D. Artifacts/Memorabilia ( 23 folder(s) )

This subseries consists of certificates, programs, invitations and artifacts related to Merritt's personal interests. Included are materials related to her involvement in the Red Cross, Georgia Association of Real Estate Boards, nursing, and education.

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V.3

5

[Certificates: The American National Red Cross], 1953, 1964

V.3

6

[Certificates: Department of Defense, course in Civil Defense], 1956

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OS1

[Certificate: completion of Civil Defense Leadership Training Course], 1957 January 25

OS1

[Certificate: Honorary Citizen of Tennessee], 1962 February 21

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V.3

9

[Certificate: Joint Committee on Piano Certificate of experience in piano teaching], 1964

V.3

10

[Invitation: Annual Dinner with Governor and Mrs. Carl Sanders], 1965

V.3

11

[Certificate: Traffic Safety Award], 1968

V.3

12

[Press Credential], 1968

V.3

13

[Program: Georgia Southwestern college, Division of Nursing Education, capping ceremony Merritt- speaker], 1968

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OS1

[Certificate: Realtor License], 1969

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V.3

15

[Certificate: The National Register of Prominent Americans], 1969

V.3

16

[Certificate: Georgia Association of Real Estate Boards. Merritt member], 1969

V.3

17

[Certificate: The Two Thousand Women of Achievement], 1969

V.3

18

Honorary Citizen Certificate [Various Personal Materials], 1971-1973

V.3

19

[Certificate: Georgia Wings of Progress Day], 1975

V.3

20

[Certificate: The Marquis Biographical Library Society, Merritt as an advisory member], undated

V.3

21

[Pamphlet: Service Bureau for Women Organizations; annotated)], undated

V.3

22

[State of Georgia Real Estate Commission, Certifies Merritt as a Real Estate Broker], undated

V.3

23

[Clippings, Americus Times Reader], 2006

V.3

24

[Certificate: Who's Who of American Women], undated

V.3

25

[Licenses and Membership Cards], 1966-1969

V.3

26

[Citizens Bank of Americus Downtown Park Dedication], 2011

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V.4

[Hat: Featured in "Assembly Opens – Like Time Bomb" and Hat receipt], 1968

V.4

Glasses, 1960s

V.4

[Sash with state buttons, pins and patches; other decorative buttons and pins; Utah letter opener], 1960s-1970s

V.4

[Passports], 1979, 1985

 

VI. Photographs

5 box(es)

(3.5 linear feet), including 399 photographs and 23 negatives

Arranged chronologically, the majority of this series consists of black and white and color photographs depicting the legislative activities of Janet Merritt from 1965 to 1972. Included in this series are images of Carl Sanders, Lester Maddox, Jimmy Carter, Ben Fortson, George L. Smith, George T. Smith, Oliver Oxford, and other state representatives. Also there are several images of D.A.R. events, Merritt's scrapbook from 1927, and two scrapbooks belonging to Mrs. Kate Thornton, dating from 1900 to 1947. The Thornton materials were purchased by Merritt at an estate sale and document a woman's life in Georgia at the turn of the twentieth century. Many of the photographs have been separated from their associated files; this information is recorded on the separation sheet accompanying the photo.

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VI.1

1

Portraits of Merritt, D.A.R. event, circa late 1950s ( 3 photograph(s) )

VI.1

2

Candid – Merritt shows a map of Georgia (Committee Plan A – 215 Representatives) to George Busbee, 1954 October ( 2 photograph(s) )

VI.1

3

D.A.R. Regent photograph, circa 1960-1962 ( 2 photograph(s) )

VI.1

4

Janet Merritt, Georgia Potts, and Minnie Pearl, 1960s ( 1 (5x7) b/w, 2 (8x10) b/w )

VI.1

5

Merritt and (presumably) other D.A.R. ladies at Stephen Foster Park; Merritt standing near piano; Merritt speaking at D.A.R. event; D.A.R. ladies at Old Jamestown, VA, and Myrtle Beach, SC, 1961, 1963 ( 4 (3x5 and 3.5x3.5) b/w, 4 (3.5x3.5) color )

VI.1

6

Campaign – Merritt's candidate speech in front of the Windsor Hotel – All candidates for all offices involved, 1962 September ( 3 (8x10) b/w, 2 (5x7) b/w )

VI.1

7

Merritt with group of women at D.A.R. event, 1962 ( 3 photograph(s) )

VI.1

8

D.A.R. events, 1962-1963 ( 23 (various sizes) b/w, 32 (4x4 and 4x5) color, 12 (negatives) )

VI.1

9

Merritt with D.A.R. candidates for vice president general; Merritt in D.A.R. garb (sash and pin), 1963 ( 2 photograph(s) )

VI.1

10

Merritt and another woman receiving garden club award; D.A.R. pink gown portrait from same scrapbook; snapshot of Merritt at Red Cross function, 1963 ( 1 (3.5x3.5) color, 1 (3.5x5) color, 1 (5x7) color, 1 (negative) )

VI.1

11

Posed – Janet Merritt, Carl Sanders with pages, circa 1963 ( 6 photograph(s) )

VI.1

12

Posed with pages – Janet Merritt, Carl Sanders, Billy Blair, circa 1963 ( 7 photograph(s) )

VI.1

13

Janet Merritt, Jimmy Carter, Carl Sanders, Billy Blair, Senator McKenzie, and unidentified others, circa 1963 ( 5 photograph(s) )

VI.1

14

Representative Merritt and Girl Scouts from Americus with Carl Sanders, circa 1963-1967 ( 3 photograph(s) )

VI.1

15

Governor's Office – Posed – Carl Sanders sitting; Janet Merritt in the background; 13 unidentified people in the background; 14 children in the background, circa 1963-1967 ( 5 photograph(s) )

VI.1

16

Family Dates of Interest Kate F. Thornton [Scrapbook], 1877-1947 ( (6x11) )

VI.1

17

Janet Merritt and M. Walter Wilson and at his home on Shiloh Rd., circa 1964-1974 ( 2 (6x9) negatives, 1 (8x10) b/w )

VI.1

18

Frank Butler, Jr., Representative Merritt, and Governor Carl Sanders, 1965 February ( 2 photograph(s) )

VI.1

19

Janet Merritt with two pages from Sumter County, circa 1965 ( 2 photograph(s) )

VI.1

20

Posed – Janet Merritt, circa 1965 ( 4 photograph(s) )

VI.1

21

Candid – Janet Merritt, Georgia's only woman Legislator, gets a hand shake from Representative William "Billy" Blair, lawmaker from Americus, at the start of the 1965 Legislature in Atlanta Today. Others in the welcoming committee are from the left: Roy Coker of Turner, Mac Pickard, Muscogee and Earl Story, Gwinnett, 1965 January 11 ( 1 photograph(s) )

VI.1

22

Janet Merritt in session, 1966 ( 3 photograph(s) )

VI.1

23

Portraits of Merritt; 46th District Janet S. Merritt Cards, 1966 ( 3 photograph(s) )

VI.1

24

Janet Merritt and Hugh A. Carter, circa 1966 ( 1 (2x3) b/w, 1 (negative) )

VI.1

25

Posed – Janet S. Merritt and Phyllis Schlafly, 1966 April 13 ( 2 photograph(s) )

VI.1

26

Tech Today, graduating class of Georgia Tech, 1967 May ( 1 photograph(s) )

VI.1

27

Representative Merritt, Mrs. Marcil, Denise Marcil, and Representative George Smith, 1967 ( 1 photograph(s) )

VI.1

28

Candid – Representative Janet S. Merritt of Americus addressees the Georgia Legislature in Atlanta on Tuesday, urging the passing of a bill to return the Civil War locomotive, the General, to Georgia from Chattanooga Tennessee, 1967 ( 1 photograph(s) )

VI.1

29

Governor's Office –Posed: (Left to Right) Lester Maddox, Griffin Walker (Mayor of Americus), Janet S. Merritt, Johnny Sheffield (Mayor Pro-Term Americus), 1967 ( 1 photograph(s) )

VI.1

30

Posed – Janet Merritt (left); Lester Maddox (right); and an unidentified man, circa 1967-1971 ( 1 photograph(s) )

VI.1

31

Governor's Office – 24: Bill signing – Lester Maddox signing bill, Janet Merritt standing up; Merritt shaking hands with Lester Maddox, circa 1967-1971 ( 4 photograph(s) )

VI.1

32

Janet S. Merritt and Lester Maddox, governor, at a desk; Merritt with Carl Sanders, circa 1967-1971 ( 2 photograph(s) )

VI.1

33

Pam Tyler, Governor Maddox, and Miss Martin, circa 1967-1971 ( 2 photograph(s) )

VI.1

34

Posed with pages – Janet Merritt and Lester Maddox, circa 1967-1971 ( 5 photograph(s) )

VI.1

35

Posed – Janet S. Merritt, Lester Maddox, on front steps with unidentified groups of people, circa 1967-1971 ( 4 photograph(s) )

VI.1

36

Posed with pages – Lester Maddox and Janet S. Merritt; Two unidentified women, circa 1967-1971 ( 1 photograph(s) )

VI.1

37

Posed with pages – Lester Maddox, Janet S. Merritt, circa 1967-1971 ( 2 photograph(s) )

VI.1

38

Posed with page, Lester Maddox, an unidentified woman, circa 1967-1971 ( 1 photograph(s) )

VI.1

39

Governor's Office – Posed with a page – Janet Merritt, Lester Maddox, circa 1967-1971. ( 1 photograph(s) )

VI.1

40

Governor's Office – Signing – An unidentified young man signing a document; Merritt and Lester Maddox, circa 1967-1971. ( 4 photograph(s) )

VI.1

41

Posed – Governor's Office – Lester Maddox (Center-Left) and Janet Merritt (Third from right), circa 1967-1971. ( 4 photograph(s) )

VI.1

42

Signing – (Left to Right); Hugh Carter, Clarence Parker, Sam Caldwell, Janet Merritt; signing new labor office for Americus, GA, 1968 January. ( 1 photograph(s) )

VI.1

43

Merritt in legislature; Merritt in front of capital throwing a snowball, 1968. ( 4 (8x10) b/w, 2 (8x10) negatives )

VI.1

44

Candid – Representative Janet Merritt and Hugh Carter looking through a notebook, 1969. ( 3 photograph(s) )

VI.1

45

Working – Janet Merritt, 1969. ( 1 photograph(s) )

VI.1

46

Posed – Janet Merritt (second from left) and four unidentified men, circa late 1960s. ( 2 photograph(s) )

VI.1

47

Posed – Janet Merritt (second from right); Senator Hugh Carter (District 14) (right); two unidentified men, circa late 1960s. ( 2 photograph(s) )

VI.1

48

Posed – Janet Merritt all the way to the right; unidentified men in suits, circa late 1960s. ( 3 photograph(s) )

VI.1

49

Posed with pages, Janet Merritt, circa late 1960s/early 1970s. ( 2 photograph(s) )

VI.1

50

Working – Janet Merritt (Left); McKee Hargrett (Right), 1970 January. ( 2 photograph(s) )

VI.1

51

Working – Atlanta, GA, Checking their notes, Representative Carter Dodson, Left, of Macon, House Minority Leader, and Representative Janet Merritt of Americus, check their notebooks Wednesday in Atlanta to make sure they are together on committee meeting times, 1970 February 4. ( 1 photograph(s) )

VI.1

52

Lester Maddox, Virginia Maddox, and Janet Merritt, 1970. ( 1 photograph(s) )

VI.1

53

Working – Janet Merritt with two unidentified men, circa 1970. ( 1 photograph(s) )

VI.1

54

Posed with pages – Janet Merritt; an unidentified man with glasses, 1970. ( 5 photograph(s) )

VI.1

55

Posed – Janet Merritt; unidentified man; two unidentified youths, circa 1970. ( 1 photograph(s) )

VI.1

56

Posed – Janet Merritt; unidentified man; Tom Harris, FFA, circa 1970. ( 1 photograph(s) )

VI.1

57

Posed with pages – Janet S. Merritt, unidentified men, circa 1970. ( 2 photograph(s) )

VI.1

58

Janet Merritt, Jimmy Carter, Oliver Oxford, and two pages (Emily Sheffield and Carol Ann Reddish), 1971. ( 1 photograph(s) )

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VI.2

1

Janet Merritt, Oliver Oxford, and George L. Smith with pages, 1971. ( 10 photograph(s) )

VI.2

2

Posed with pages – Janet S. Merritt; Speaker George L. Smith; Representative Oliver Oxford; unidentified others, 1971. ( 6 photograph(s) )

VI.2

3

Merritt shaking hands with Senator David. H. Gambrell at Georgia Southern College, 1971. ( 1 photograph(s) )

VI.2

4

Posed – Janet Merritt with pages; Speaker George Smith; various adults, 1971. ( 6 photograph(s) )

VI.2

5

Posed with pages – Janet S. Merritt; Speaker George L. Smith; Representative Oliver Oxford; Various adults, 1971. ( 8 photograph(s) )

VI.2

6

Posed with page – Janet S. Merritt (right), Jimmy Carter (center); Butch and Ann Faircloth (next to Merritt) and Sister, 1971. ( 2 photograph(s) )

VI.2

7

Posed: Chesley Gilmore; Jimmy Carter; Tom Coogle, 1971. ( 1 photograph(s) )

VI.2

8

Posed with pages, Janet S. Merritt, 1971. ( 5 (8x10) b/w 1 (8x10) color )

VI.2

9

Posed with pages – Janet S. Merritt and Jimmy Carter, 1971. ( 9 photograph(s) )

VI.2

10

Posed – Janet S. Merritt Shaking hands with Jimmy Carter, Holding Bill; Jimmy Carter Handing off His pen after signing the bill, Janet S. Merritt standing on the right; Janet S. Merritt and other Representatives posed behind Jimmy Carter, 1971. ( 4 photograph(s) )

VI.2

11

Posed – Janet S. Merritt with an unidentified man; holding a folded flag after the death of Richard B. Russell, Jr., 1971. ( 2 photograph(s) )

VI.2

12

Posed, Left to Right: Janet S. Merritt, Oliver Oxford, "Bud" McKenzie; Georgia L. Smith, 1971. ( 1 photograph(s) )

VI.2

13

Posed – Janet S. Merritt; The "Fire Ant Group", 1971. ( 2 photograph(s) )

VI.2

14

Working – Janet S. Merritt (Right); Oliver Oxford (left); an unidentified man, circa 1971. ( 1 photograph(s) )

VI.2

15

Posed with pages – Janet S. Merritt, 1971. ( 3 photograph(s) )

VI.2

16

Posed (Left to Right) – Oliver Oxford, Kemp Carpenter, Joel Mauk, Theo Baldwin, Janet S. Merritt, Frank Myers, 1971. ( 2 photograph(s) )

VI.2

17

Posed (Left to Right) – Sarah Coker, Oliver Oxford, Frances Clarke, Ruby Lindsay, Sally Pratt, Janet S. Merritt, Faye Knight, George L. Smith, 1971. ( 2 photograph(s) )

VI.2

18

Negatives taken in Governor Carter's office, 1971. ( 3 item(s) )

VI.2

19

Signing – Jimmy Carter Signing a bill on Andersonville; Janet S. Merritt standing, circa 1971. ( 2 photograph(s) )

VI.2

20

Posed (Left to Right) Mayor Frank Myers and Wife; Perry Walker and Wife; Jack Brinkley; Ruth Carter; Hugh Carter; Janet Merritt; Samuel Merritt, 1972 December. ( 1 photograph(s) )

VI.2

21

Posed – Janet S. Merritt in front of a Christmas tree, 1972 December. ( 1 photograph(s) )

VI.2

22

Posed – Janet S. Merritt, Jimmy Carter's desk, 1972. ( 4 (8x10) b/w, 1 (8x10) color, 12 (3.5x5) color )

VI.2

23

Georgia State D.A.R. Conference, includes letter from Zeph Pate, 1989. ( 1 photograph(s) )

VI.2

24

Posed – Janet S. Merritt, E. B. Toles, and unidentified man, undated. ( 1 photograph(s) )

VI.2

25

Representative Merritt holding historic Georgia flat, undated. ( 2 (4x5 and 8x10) color, 2 (8x10) b/w )

VI.2

26

Group from Leslie with Representative Merritt in Atlanta, undated. ( 1 photograph(s) )

VI.2

27

3 cousins in Atlanta, Representative Merritt, Representative Quimby Melton, Jr. and Representative Caw Glover, undated. ( 1 photograph(s) )

VI.2

28

Group of women with Representative Merritt and George L. Smith, undated. ( 1 photograph(s) )

VI.2

29

Portraits of Merritt formally dressed, taken at Spiezberg's Studio, Albany, GA; Merritt in same outfit with D.A.R. sash and pin, undated. ( 3 photograph(s) )

VI.2

30

Merritt dressed in pink gown with D.A.R. pin and sash, undated. ( 1 photograph(s) )

VI.2

31

Merritt and group of women at civil defense course, undated. ( 1 photograph(s) )

VI.2

32

Merritt with Founders Memorial Park Plaque, undated. ( 2 photograph(s) )

VI.2

33

East Forsyth Park (Former Old Forsyth Street Cemetery) in Americus, GA; Land and Standard Oil Gas Station, undated. ( 16 (3.5x4.5 and 4.5x5) color 1 (4x6) b/w )

VI.2

34

Two unidentified men, undated. ( 2 photograph(s) )

VI.2

35

Janet Meritt at D.A.R. event, undated. ( 1 photograph(s) )

VI.2

36

Photographs, negatives, and printing plates, undated. ( 8 printing plates 2 negatives )

VI.2

37

Campaign – Merritt's Merry Maids, undated. ( 1 (7.5x7) b/w 3 (5x7) b/w )

VI.2

38

Portraits – Gerald H. Leonard, undated. ( 1 photograph(s) )

VI.2

39

Posed – Janet S. Merritt with an unidentified man, undated. ( 1 photograph(s) )

VI.2

40

Janet S. Merritt shaking hands with Harry Hughes at OWLS event, undated. ( 1 photograph(s) )

VI.2

41

Posed – Janet S. Merritt with a pilot, undated. ( 1 photograph(s) )

VI.2

42

Janet S. Merritt at picnic photograph by Jessie Sampley, undated. ( 1 photograph(s) )

VI.2

43

Portrait of Janet Merritt, undated. ( 1 (2.5x3.5) color, 4 (negatives) )

VI.2

44

Janet Merritt and Lester Maddox posed with two boys. Janet Merritt and Clarence Parker posed with two boys, undated. ( 3 photograph(s) )

VI.2

45

Representative Merritt, daughter Ella, Jimmy and Rosalyn Carter in Atlanta, undated. ( 1 photograph(s) )

VI.2

46

Jack Nix, Representative Merritt, and Representative Mack Barber, undated. ( 2 photograph(s) )

VI.2

47

Candid – Janet S. Merritt; an unidentified man; Lauren (Bubba) McDonald Jr., undated. ( 1 photograph(s) )

VI.2

48

Posed – Janet S. Merritt and Katherine Peden of Kentucky, undated. ( 1 photograph(s) )

VI.2

49

Posed – Speaker George T. Smith, Inez Henry, Janet S. Merritt, undated. ( 3 photograph(s) )

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OS1

Portrait – Janet S. Merritt, DAR Event, (oversize removed), undated. ( 1 photograph(s) )

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VI.3

2

Vince Dooley and Representative Merritt, undated. ( 2 photograph(s) )

VI.3

3

Posed – Janet Merrit (right); Dorsey Matthews (left); Two unidentified kids, undated. ( 1 photograph(s) )

VI.3

4

Posed with pages- Janet S. Merritt and Former Secretary of State Ben W. Fortson, undated. ( 3 photograph(s) )

VI.3

5

Posed – Janet S. Merritt (right); Miss Georgia (left), undated. ( 1 photograph(s) )

VI.3

6

Posed with page – Janet S. Merritt, undated. ( 1 photograph(s) )

VI.3

7

Chamber – working, photograph by Dexter Gatehouse, undated. ( 1 photograph(s) )

VI.3

8

Posed – Janet S. Merritt (second from right) with her husband, Samuel Merritt; unidentified guests, undated. ( 1 photograph(s) )

VI.3

9

Candid – Janet S. Merritt with Ben Fortson, unidentified people and wax statues; Merritt with wax statues, undated. ( 1 photograph(s) )

VI.3

10

Posed – Banquet – Janet S. Merritt (Center right) with several people, undated. ( 1 (8x10) color 1 (8x10) b/w )

VI.3

11

Banquet – Janet S. Merritt at a table with five unidentified men, undated. ( 2 photograph(s) )

VI.3

12

Posed – Janet S. Merritt (center) and several people, undated. ( 1 photograph(s) )

VI.3

13

Posed – Janet S. Merritt; Jimmy Carter; two unidentified men, undated. ( 2 photograph(s) )

VI.3

14

Posed – Janet S. Merritt and Jimmy Carter, undated. ( 1 photograph(s) )

VI.3

15

Candid – Janet S. Merritt speaking on the telephone, undated. ( 2 photograph(s) )

VI.3

16

Working – Janet S. Merritt on the phone, undated. ( 1 photograph(s) )

VI.3

17

Working – Janet S. Merritt sitting at her desk, undated. ( 1 photograph(s) )

VI.3

18

Posed – Janet S. Merritt at the lectern, undated. ( 4 photograph(s) )

VI.3

19

Janet S. Merritt's pin, undated. ( 1 photograph(s) )

VI.3

20

(Left to Right) – Ann Geeshin, Sherry Brown, Janet S. Merritt, R. E. Lee, Department of Public Relations, Women's College of Georgia, undated. ( 1 photograph(s) )

VI.3

21

Posed – Janet S. Merritt with three unidentified women, undated. ( 2 photograph(s) )

VI.3

22

Janet Merritt at D.A.R. event, undated. ( 1 photograph(s) )

VI.3

23

Merritt, Jimmy Carter, and unidentified man, undated. ( 1 photograph(s) )

VI.3

24

Headshots of Merritt, undated. ( 3 (2.5x3.5) b/w 3 (2.5x3.5) color )

VI.3

25

Posed: Janet S. Merritt on the steps with unidentified groups of people, undated. ( 3 photograph(s) )

VI.3

26

Posed – Janet S. Merritt with Junior Samples, undated. ( 1 photograph(s) )

VI.3

27

Posed – (Left to Right): Bobby Johnson, Janet S. Merritt, Herman Talmadge, undated. ( 1 photograph(s) )

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VI.5

2

Photo album, Janet B. Scarborough Merritt, 1926-1927

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VI.3

28

Posed – Tom Coogle, Janet S. Merritt, Chesley (?) Gilmore, undated. ( 1 photograph(s) )

VI.3

29

Posed – Janet S. Merritt with an unidentified man, undated. ( 1 photograph(s) )

VI.3

30

Candid – Janet S. Merritt; an unidentified woman; Vince Dooley, undated. ( 1 photograph(s) )

VI.3

31

Posed – Lamar Dodd, Janet S. Merritt, Dr. Georgia Beattie, photograph by W. E. Birdsong, undated. ( 1 photograph(s) )

VI.3

32

Posed – Janet S. Merritt with Hugh Carter (L), Clarence Parker, and an unidentified group of women, undated. ( 2 photograph(s) )

VI.3

33

Posed – Janet S. Merritt, George L. Smith, Chappelle Matthews, and 3 unidentified men, undated. ( 1 photograph(s) )

VI.3

34

Posed – Janet S. Merritt and Two unidentified people, undated. ( 2 photograph(s) )

VI.3

35

Women campaigning for Merritt, undated. ( 1 photograph(s) )

VI.3

36

[Governor Carter's Inaugural Ball: Samuel Merritt, Janet S. Merritt, Theo Baldwin and his wife, Raymond Sullivan, Nancy Sullivan, Angie Marshall, Tom Marshall, and two unidentified individuals], 1971 January

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VI.4

1

Mrs. W. J. Thornton Photo album, undated

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VI.5

1

Photo album, Kate Felder Thornton, 1900-1947