George Washington Hitt Papers

Descriptive Summary
Title: George Washington Hitt Papers
Creator: Hitt, George Washington, 1913-1958
Inclusive Dates: 1930-1997
Language(s): English
Extent: 3 Linear Feet
Collection Number: RBRL468
Repository: Richard B. Russell Library for Political Research and Studies
Abstract: George Washington Hitt was an artist and writer from Toccoa, GA. Despite becoming disabled at an early age, Hitt had a remarkable career as a silhouettist from the 1930s through the 1950s. This collection consists of Hitt's silhouettes, as well as photographs, news articles, and memorabilia.

---

Collection Description

Biographical Note

George Washington Hitt was born on March 31, 1913 in Toccoa, GA. At the age of 10 Hitt was diagnosed with a severe form of rheumatoid arthritis causing him to become almost completely paralyzed. Despite his disability, Hitt earned a living as a silhouettist and freelance writer. During the 1930s he was hired by the WPA as a senior silhouette artist, and his work was displayed in federal buildings, libraries, and schools.

Hitt's story has been featured in a number of publications, including Ripley's Believe It Or Not and numerous national newspapers and radio programs.

George Hitt died in 1958. In 1984, the Stephens County Historical Society and Friends of George Hitt dedicated a historical marker in his honor in Toccoa.

Scope and Content

This collection contains many original Hitt silhouettes, as well as newspaper articles, awards, and pictures of George Washington Hitt.

---

Administrative Information

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open for research.

Preferred citation

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

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 Rob MacGregor, 2020-03-18.

---

Related Materials and Subjects

Subject Terms

---

Series Descriptions and Folder Listing

 

box

folder

Request box

1

1

A Beautiful Woodland Silhouette Cut, by George Hitt, undated

 

1

2

American Technical Society Letter From Emil Stein, October 21, 1944

 

1

3

At Henderson Falls Park - Hitt Memorial Dedicated, November 6, 1984

 

1

4

Cards, Silhouettes Templates, Letter, Product Order Form, January 1960

 

1

5

"Crippled Artist George Hitt to Get Citation", undated

 

1

6

"Crippled Boy Cuts His Handicap with Tiny Scissors," The Boston Transcript, 1932

 

1

7

George Hitt Enterprises - Silhouette Reproduction Order Form, undated

 

1

8

Newspaper Articles, 1947

 

1

9

Photographs, undated

 

1

10

Letter to Mr. Robert Ripley, February 8, 1947

 

1

11

Living on Main Street - A Vistor's Guide to Main Street Toccoa, undated

 

1

12

Murphy, Tylor & Ellis Inc. Letter from J. Clay Murphy, President, February, 27, 1937

 

1

13

Printouts - FDR Library & Museum, New Deal Network, 2003, 2006

 

1

14

Proclamation in Newspaper, October 22, 1984

 

1

15

Silhouettes - Dog and Cat, Two People Sitting in Chairs with Cat, And Fish Jumping out of Lake, undated

 

1

16

Silhouettes - Oglethorpe and Forest Scene, undated

 

1

17

The Atlanta Constitution - George Silhouette Artist Creates Beauty From Chair, Friday, March 18, 1955

 

1

18

The Chieftain - George Hitt - Artist, Philosopher, Humanitarian, October 23,1984

 

1

19

The Chieftain - George Hitt - Artist, Philosopher, Humanitarian, October 23, 1984

 

1

20

The Stephen County Historical Historical Society Presents "A Celebration of the Life and Work of George W. Hitt", November 4, 1984

 

1

21

"The White Heron," one in a series of five appearing in Nature Magazine, November 1945

 

1

22

Voices From the Past - Remarks of Franklin Delano Roosevelt - President of the United States of America - From the Rear Platform of His Train, Toccoa Georgia, March 23, 1938

 

1

23

[Clippings, Correspondence, Biographical Sketch, 1952-1984

 

1

24

[Silhouettes], undated

 

box

Request box

2

Framed Silhouettes , undated

Framed silhouette of woman with coin medallion; framed silhouette of man with coin medallion; framed silhouette of boy walking with dog; framed silhouette of man with top hat and lady with parasol; framed silhouette of man with top hat and lady with parasol closed; framed silhoutte of woman; framed silhoutte of man.

 

box

Request box

3

Framed Silhouette & George Hitt Enterprise Product Order Box, 1941

Framed silhouette of water scene with two herons

 

box

Request box

4

Scapbook Pages and Certificate of Recognition, 1930-1958, 1992, 1997

Scrapbook pages include certificates, letters, newspaper articles about Hitt, silhouettes, and product material from George Hitt Enterprises. Certificate of recognition given to Hitt from the National Society for Crippled Children and Adults and the Georgia Society for Crippled Children.

 

box

Request box

5

Framed Silhouettes, undated

Framed silhouette of farm scene with horse-drawn wagon; framed silhouette of farm scene with wagon transporting cotton.

 

box

Request box

6

Framed Silhouettes, undated

Framed silhouette of nature scene with lake, mountains, deer, and birds; framed silhouette of nature scene with lake, mountains deer, and ducks.

 

box

Request box

07

Scissors, circa 1940s