Robert Lindsay Thomas Papers, Series III: Personal

Descriptive Summary
Title: Robert Lindsay Thomas Papers, Series III: Personal
Creator: Thomas, Robert Lindsay, 1943-
Inclusive Dates: 1981-1995
Language(s): English
Extent: 15 box(es) (15 linear feet)
Collection Number: RBRL179RLT_III
Repository: Richard B. Russell Library for Political Research and Studies
Abstract: Robert Lindsay Thomas represented the First Congressional District of Georgia in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1983 to 1992. Series III: Personal contains personal files related to Thomas's political career, service on the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games, and involvement with other organizations.

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Collection Description

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

Robert Lindsay Thomas Papers, Series III: Personal contains personal correspondence, accepted invitations, certificates for awards he received from governmental and civic groups, and papers related to his involvement with various organizations, notably the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games. The personal correspondence is with Congressmen and constituents and includes thank you notes, exchanges of pleasantries with colleagues, sympathy notes after a death, and brief informational letters. The series also includes correspondence with his family, the transcript of an interview with Thomas during his first year in Congress, and his journal entries from November 29 to December 8, 1982 after he was elected to Congress for the first time.

Organization and Arrangement

This series is organized into six subseries: A. Personal Correspondence, B. Awards, C. Biographical and Family, D. Subject Files, E. Invitations, and F. Olympics. The rest of Thomas's Papers are described in separate finding aids: Series I: District Office, Series II: Political, Series IV: Legislative, Series V: Constituent Services, Series VI: Press Relations and Media Activities, Series VII: Office Administration, Series VIII: Photographs, Series IX: Artifacts, and Audiovisual Materials.

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Administrative Information

Preferred Citation

Robert Lindsay Thomas Papers, Richard B. Russell Library for Political Research and Studies, University of Georgia Libraries, Athens, Georgia, 30602-1641.

User Restrictions

Library acts as "fair use" reproduction agent.

Copyright Information

Before material from collections at the Richard B. Russell Library may be quoted in print, or otherwise reproduced, in whole or in part, in any publication, permission must be obtained from (1) the owner of the physical property, and (2) the holder of the copyright. It is the particular responsibility of the researcher to obtain both sets of permissions. Persons wishing to quote from materials in the Russell Library collection should consult the Director. Reproduction of any item must contain a complete citation to the original.

Finding Aid Publication

Finding Aid prepared by Adriane Hanson, 2012.

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Related Materials and Subjects

Subject Terms

Related Collections in this Repository

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

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Series Descriptions and Folder Listing

 

III. Personal, 1981-1995

A. Personal Correspondence

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III.1

Personal Correspondence (22 folders), 1983-1991

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III.2

Personal Correspondence (15 folders), 1991-1992

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III.3

1

Personal Correspondence, 1992

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III.11

9

Miscellaneous, 1984 January-June

III.11

10

Miscellaneous, 1984 July-December

III.11

11

Miscellaneous, 1985 January-June

III.11

12

Miscellaneous, 1985 July-August

III.11

13

Acknowledgements, 1985

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III.12

Personal Correspondence (25 folders), 1985-1989

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III.13

Personal Correspondence (24 folders), 1989-1992

B. Awards

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III.3

2

A Tip of the WSOJ [Southern Gospel Radio Station] Hat Certificate of Appreciation, 1983 June 14

III.3

3

Presentation of Gold Membership in the Governor's Club by Governor Joe Frank Harris, 1983 July 15

III.3

4

Certificate of Appreciation for Outstanding Leadership and Service to the Georgia Association of Student Councils, 1984 April 13

III.3

5

Honorary Membership to the Future Problem Solving Program, 1984 April 15

III.3

6

Certificate of Appreciation, Military Order of the World Wars, for Efforts to Secure Federal Funding for the New Savannah River Bridge, 1987 May 16

III.3

7

The Propeller Club of the United States Certificate of Appreciations, 1987 May 22

III.3

8

Certificate of Appreciation, Meter High School Class of 1987, 1987 May 29

III.3

9

Bicentennial Station, We The People, A Nation's Voice, Philadelphia, PA, 1987 July 16

III.3

10

Bicentennial Station, We The People, Shipping, Philadelphia, PA, 1987 August 22

III.3

11

Certificate from Family Life of Savannah, 1987 November 13-14

III.3

12

Certificate of Appreciation from the National League of Postmasters and Its Members, 1988 May 24

III.3

13

Certification Stating that Thomas was Duly Elected to the Office of United States Congressman, 1988 December 15

III.3

14

Sketch by Chris Youngbluth presented to Thomas by Liberty County Chamber of Commerce and Liberty County Industrial Authority, 1989

III.3

15

Sound Dollar Award, 1989

III.3

16

Certificate of Appreciation, Savannah Council "98", The Navy League of the United States, 1990 August 28

III.3

17

Proclamation of Observance of January 18, 1990 as "Congressman Lindsay Thomas Day" in Patterson and Blackshear, Georgia, 1990 January 18

III.3

18

Certification of Election to Office of U.S. Congressman by Governor Joe Frank Harris, 1990 November 21

III.3

19

Sound Dollar Award, 1990

III.3

20

Farmers Union Award, Recognition of Outstanding Voting Record during the 2nd Session of the 101st Congress, 1991 June 20

III.3

21

Certificate of Appreciation to Representative Lindsay Thomas, Speaker at Transportation and Safety Seminary, 1991 July 29

III.3

22

Resolution to Name a Segment of S.R. 38/U.S. 84 the Lindsey Thomas Highway, 1995 April 20

III.3

23

Lindsay Thomas Plaques [Photocopies], 1983-1991

III.3

24

Appreciation for Serving as Guest Speaker at the Rotary Club of Swainsboro, Georgia, undated

III.3

25

Citation for Outstanding Service in Reducing Federal Government Waste and Inefficiency through Participation in the Grace Caucus, undated

III.3

26

Green Thumb, Inc. Certificate of Appreciation, undated

C. Biographical and Family

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III.3

27

Biographies, 1983-1988

III.3

28

Charity (Pay Raise Donations), 1990

III.3

29

Family Correspondence, 1983

III.3

30

Family Correspondence, 1984

III.3

31

Gridiron, 1983

III.3

32

Interview with Lindsay after Grenada, Etc. (Press School), circa 1983

III.3

33

Retirement from Congress, 1992 November

III.3

34

Thomas Personal Journal Entries, 1982 November 29-December 8

III.3

35

White House Correspondence, 1991 November 15

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III.14

1

Pencil Sketch of Cartoon Showing a Texan Man Threatening Thomas with Hitler, while Thomas Imagines Shooting the Texan and a Crowd looks on Confused by the Argument, undated

III.14

2

Lindsay's Biographical Info, undated

III.14

3

Family Correspondence, 1986

III.14

4

Family Correspondence, 1985

III.14

5

Family Correspondence, 1987

III.14

6

Lindsay Thomas Jr. [The Statesboro Hi-Owl], 1988 May 25

III.14

7

Lindsay Thomas' Legislative Accomplishment, undated

III.14

8

Marilyn Fry [Thomas's Sister-In-Law], 1985

III.14

9

Marilyn Fry [Thomas's Sister-In-Law], 1987

III.14

10

Membership/Sponsorship, 1984-1985

III.14

11

Membership/Sponsorship, 1984

III.14

12

Membership/Sponsorship, 1985-1986

III.14

13

Membership/Sponsorship, 1986-1987

III.14

14

Memberships, 1988

III.14

15

Lindsay Thomas Personal Information, 1981-1984

III.14

16

Lindsay Thomas Personal Information, 1984-1988

D. Subject Files

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III.3

36

The Blacksear Times, 1990 January 10

III.3

37

Jim Cromartie, 1984

III.3

38

The Emanuel County Taxpayer's Association Mail-Out, undated

III.3

39

Evans County 4-H Awards Program, 1983

III.3

40

Expo Seminar, 1984

III.3

41

Miscellaneous Information [Pamphlets and Memos] (folder 1 of 2), 1983-1985

III.3

42

Miscellaneous Information [Pamphlets and Memos] (folder 2 of 2), 1983-1985

III.3

43

Newspaper Article on Melinda Thomas and Ginny Galvin's Tour of Homes, 1983 August 10

III.3

44

Report Copies, undated

III.3

45

School Packets, 1990-1991

III.3

46

Tongass National Forest, 1988

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III.14

17

Belfair Dove Shoot, 1985

III.14

18

Carter Center, 1985-1986

III.14

19

Chair for Human Rights, 1985

III.14

20

Carter Center, 1988

III.14

21

Chair for Human Rights, 1987

III.14

22

Cumberland Island, 1988

III.14

23

Ducks Unlimited, 1985-1987

III.14

24

Ducks Unlimited, 1989 November-December

III.14

25

Ducks Unlimited, 1988-1990

III.14

26

Ducks Unlimited, 1988

III.14

27

Georgia 2000: Future Growth and Human and Natural Resources (folder 1 of 2), 1984-1985

III.14

28

Georgia 2000: Future Growth and Human and Natural Resources (folder 2 of 2), 1984-1985

III.14

29

Georgia 2000, 1984-1985

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III.15

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Georgia 2000, 1984

III.15

2

Georgia 2000 [Brochure], 1986

III.15

3

Hunting, 1985

III.15

4

Hunting, 1988

III.15

5

Leadership Savannah, 1987

III.15

6

Arts (Leadership Savannah) (folder 1 of 2), 1990

III.15

7

Arts (Leadership Savannah) (folder 2 of 2), 1990

III.15

8

Leadership Georgia, 1985-1986

III.15

9

Leadership Savannah Program [Thank You Letters], 1991

III.15

10

Leadership Savannah Program, Pentagon Tour, 1991 May 14

III.15

11

Leadership Savannah Program Speakers, Persian Gulf Crisis, 1991 May 14

III.15

12

Leadership Savannah Reception Invitations, 1991 May 13

III.15

13

Leadership Savannah Reception Menu/ Room Reservation, 1991 May 13

III.15

14

Leadership Georgia, 1991

III.15

15

M&M Products in Atlanta (McKenzie and McBride), 1984

III.15

16

Masters of Projects, 1992

III.15

17

[Memorabilia, Inauguration of Ronald Reagan], 1985

III.15

18

Paper Institute, 1987-1988

III.15

19

Project II, 1987

III.15

20

Special Events Information, 1989

III.15

21

Talmadge Auditorium, 1988

III.15

22

Tropical Rainforests Project, 1989

III.15

23

Turkey Hunt, 1989

III.15

24

Wild Turkey Federation, 1986-1987

III.15

25

Miscellaneous, 1988-1990

E. Invitations

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III.3

47

Invitations - Accept, 1983 January

III.3

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Invitations - Accept, 1983 February

III.3

49

Invitations - Accept, 1983 March

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III.4

Invitations (16 folders), 1983-1984

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III.5

Invitations (20 folders), 1984-1986

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III.6

Invitations (20 folders), 1986-1987

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III.7

Invitations (17 folders), 1987-1990

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III.8

Invitations (16 folders), 1990-1991

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III.9

Invitations (26 folders), 1991-1992

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III.15

26

Invites, 1988

III.15

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Invitations, 1989

F. Olympics

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III.10

1

ACOG [Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games] Master Plan, 1992

III.10

2

ACOG [Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games] Meeting, 1992 March 27

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3

ACOG [Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games] Press Releases, 1992

III.10

4

ACOG [Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games] Report to the International Olympic Committee, 1992 February

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5

ACOG [Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games] Speakers Bureau Manual, 1991

III.10

6

"The ACOG Torch" Newsletter [Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games], 1992

III.10

7

ACOG [Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games] Weekly News Clips (folder 1 of 5), 1992

III.10

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ACOG [Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games] Weekly News Clips (folder 2 of 5), 1992

III.10

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ACOG [Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games] Weekly News Clips (folder 3 of 5), 1992

III.10

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ACOG [Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games] Weekly News Clippings (folder 4 of 5), 1992

III.10

11

ACOG [Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games] Weekly News Clippings (folder 5 of 5), 1992

III.10

12

Atlanta Construction Projects, 1992 February

III.10

13

Consultant Reports, 1992

III.10

14

Correspondence, 1992

III.10

15

Olympic Fundraising (folder 1 of 2), 1991-1992

III.10

16

Olympic Fundraising (folder 2 of 2), 1991-1992

III.10

17

Olympic Legislative Support Group, undated

III.10

18

Meetings with Atlanta Officials, 1991-1992

III.10

19

Notes, 1989-1991

III.10

20

Notes on the Budget Study, 1985-1990

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III.11

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Publications (folder 1 of 2), 1992

III.11

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Publications (folder 2 of 2), undated

III.11

3

Savannah Olympic Support Council, 1992

III.11

4

Smallwood, Reynolds, Stewart, Stewart, and Assoc. Architects (folder 1 of 3), 1992

III.11

5

Smallwood, Reynolds, Stewart, Stewart, and Assoc. Architects [Designs] (folder 2 of 3), 1992

III.11

6

Smallwood, Reynolds, Stewart, Stewart, and Assoc. Architects [Designs] (folder 3 of 3), 1992

III.11

7

Thomas Resigns from Congress to work for ACOG [Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games], 1992

III.11

8

Olympic Tickets- Requests and Information, 1992