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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. | |
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.
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.
Related Materials and Subjects
Subject Terms
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