| |
Descriptive Summary |
| Title: Robert Lindsay Thomas Papers: Collection Summary |
| Creator:
Thomas, Robert Lindsay, 1943-
|
| Inclusive Dates: 1975-1996 |
| Language(s): English |
| Extent:
184 box(es)
(188.5 linear feet)
|
| Collection Number: RBRL179RLT |
| Repository:
Richard B. Russell Library for Political Research and Studies
|
Abstract: Robert Lindsay Thomas served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1938 to 1992, where he served on the Agriculture Committee, Merchant Marine and Fisheries Committee, and Appropriations Committee, and gained a reputation for supporting environmental causes. His papers document his career in Congress and include constituent  correspondence, committee and legislative files, press files, and subject files. |
Biographical Note
Lindsay Thomas, a Democrat, was elected in 1983 to represent the First Congressional District of Georgia in the U.S. House of Representatives. During his terms, he served in different capacities on the Agriculture Committee (1983/1984; 1985/1986), Merchant Marine and Fisheries Committee (1983/1984; 1985/1986), and Appropriations Committee (1989/1990; 1991/1992), and served as co-chair for the Wetlands Task Force and the Forestry 2000 Taskforce. Thomas gained a reputation for his middle-of-the-road views and for supporting environmental causes. He chose not to run for another term in 1992.
After leaving the House, Thomas first worked as director of governmental affairs for the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games. He became president and CEO of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce in 1996, building the organization into a powerful lobbying force for Georgia businesses. From 1998 to 2002, he served as the federal commissioner of the Georgia, Florida and Alabama Tri-State Water Compacts, and in 2002 he became senior vice president of governmental affairs for AGL Resources.
Robert Lindsay Thomas was born on November 20, 1943 in Patterson, Georgia and earned a B.A. degree in English from the University of Georgia in 1965. Prior to his political career, Thomas worked as an investment banker and stockbroker until 1973, when he took over management of a farm he inherited. He also served in the Georgia Air National Guard from 1966 to 1972.
Scope and Content
The Robert Lindsay Thomas Papers document his career in the U.S. House of Representatives (1983-1992) and include 
constituent correspondence, committee and legislative files, press files, and subject files. Common subjects include the U.S. military and appropriations for military construction, taxation, energy policy, the judicial system, the post office, education, and the environment.
Organization and Arrangement
This collection is organized into 10 series: Series I. District Office, Series II. Political, Series III. Personal, Series IV. Legislative, Series V. Constituent Services, Series VI. Press Relations and Media, Series VII. Office Administration, Series VIII. Photographs, Series IX. Artifacts, and Audiovisual Materials Series.
This series is open for research with the following exception:
Audiovisual Materials Series: Though the collection is open for research, reference copies of the audiovisual recordings are available upon request. Research requests will be filled as soon as possible and will be dependent upon the condition of the recordings.
Robert Lindsay Thomas Papers, Richard B. Russell Library for Political Research and Studies, University of Georgia Libraries, Athens, Georgia, 30602-1641.
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.
Library acts as a "fair use" reproduction agent.
Finding Aid Publication
Finding Aid prepared by Adriane Hanson and Jordan Graham (student assistant), September 2016.
Subject Terms
Williamson S. Stuckey Papers, Series III: Legislative
Braswell D. Deen, Sr. Papers
Thomas W. Hardwick Papers
J. Roy Rowland Papers, Series II, Subseries A: Legislative Directors' Files
J. Roy Rowland Papers, Series II, Subseries B: Legislative Assistants' Files
Herman E. Talmadge Collection, Subgroup C, Series VIII: Legislation
