James L. Gillis, Sr. Papers

James L. Gillis, Sr. Papers

Descriptive Summary

Title: James L. Gillis, Sr. Papers
Creator: Gillis, James L., 1892-1975.
Inclusive Dates: 1923-1982
Language(s): English
Extent: 14 box(es)
Collection Number: RBRL119JLG
Repository: Richard B. Russell Library for Political Research and Studies
Abstract: The collection contains correspondence, reports, newspaper and magazine articles, and ephemera. Gillis served as the Director of the State Highway Board for much of the 1950s and 1960s, helping to create the state's modern road system. He was also the manager of Ernest Vandiver's successful 1958 gubernatorial campaign, the chairman of the State Democratic Executive Committee in 1939-1941, and a major figure in the early history of Treutlen County. The collection is of interest to those studying highways and Georgia politics, especially in the late 1930s and during the Herman Talmadge administration (1948-1955), as well as the Vandiver campaign and disputes over highway construction in the late 1960s.

Collection Description

Biographical Note

James Lester (Jim L.) Gillis, also known as Mr. Jim, was born in Soperton, Georgia, on January 6, 1892, and died in Atlanta on March 31, 1975. He represented Montgomery County in the Georgia House of Representatives (1915-1917) and the Sixteenth District in the Georgia Senate (1923-1924), during which term he served as President Pro Tem. A long career on the State Highway Board began when he became a member (1937-1939) followed by several terms as director under governors Herman Talmadge, Ernest Vandiver, Carl Sanders, and Lester Maddox (1948-1955; 1959-1970). In this position, Gillis helped build Georgia's modern highway system, including Atlanta's downtown connector. Gillis was also extensively involved in Democratic Party politics, including a stint as chairman of the State Democratic Executive Committee (1939-1940), and managing of Vandiver's 1958 gubernatorial campaign.

First elected to political office at the age of twenty-two, Gillis served in the Georgia House while his father, Neil, was in the State Senate. The Gillises helped create the new county of Treutlen, carved out of portions of Emanuel and Montgomery. Treutlen joined the Sixteenth Senatorial District, represented by Neil Gillis. Jim Gillis became the county's first Ordinary in 1917, but soon followed his father's path. In his single term as a state senator, he introduced legislation largely pertaining to farmers' concerns, but also showed interest in highway and automobile issues. Gillis was chairman of the Treutlen county commission for twenty-six years. In these years, Gillis also established himself in the turpentine industry and became the largest landowner in Treutlen.

Gillis re-emerged in state politics as an ally of Eurith D. "Ed" Rivers in opposition to Governor Eugene Talmadge. Rivers defeated a Talmadge-backed candidate in the 1936 gubernatorial race, and Gillis was made a member of three-person State Highway Board. Gillis had also been a Georgia delegate at the 1936 Democratic national convention. At the time, New Deal legislation was helping to expand and improve roads throughout the nation and Franklin Roosevelt was supported by Rivers, Senator Richard Russell, and many other Georgia politicians – but not Talmadge. Gillis was chosen in October 1938, to be chairman of the State Democratic Executive Committee, 1939-1940; during this period, the divisions embodied by Roosevelt and Talmadge within both the Georgia and national Democratic grew worse. In October 1940, Eugene's son, Herman, was chosen to follow Gillis as chairman of the State Democratic Executive Committee.

Despite their earlier differences, in early 1947, during the "three governors controversy" Gillis was chosen by the younger Talmadge to be the new State Highway Board director. The state Supreme Court's intervention in the affair, though, gave the governorship to M. E. Thompson. Gillis thus formally became Director in late 1948 after Talmadge's victory in the special gubernatorial election. In 1956, upon Senator George's retirement, Gillis supported Talmadge's successful senatorial campaign.

Soon after his victory in the 1958 gubernatorial election, Ernest Vandiver chose Gillis to be Director of the State Highway Board, returning Gillis to his previous position after four years of the Marvin Griffin administration. He remained in the position during the governorship of Carl Sanders. Overall, as Director of the State Highway Board, Gillis oversaw the construction and paving of thousands of miles of roads throughout Georgia and gained a reputation, not always positive, as a powerful player in Georgia politics.

In December 1966, with the gubernatorial contest between Lester Maddox and Howard "Bo" Callaway still undecided, the State Highway Board chose Gillis for what would be his final term as Director. In 1964, new legislation backed by Gov. Sanders had given the Board sole power to pick its Director. During the Democratic gubernatorial primary of 1966, former governor Ellis Arnall, seeking the Democratic nomination, had accused Ernest Vandiver, also hoping to return to the governorship, of being Gillis's "puppet" and, despite the recent procedural change, promised that as governor he would fire Gillis. Arnall's focus on Gillis during the primary was seen as an attempt to associate Vandiver too closely with rural Democrats. Arnall's eventual decision to run as an independent write-in candidate in the general election probably stopped the Republican Callaway from winning the necessary majority of the vote. In such situations, the Assembly chose the governor, and thus Maddox ultimately won.

In 1968, Gillis's son, Hugh L. Gillis, was chosen to be President Pro Tem of the Georgia Senate, helping to solidify the younger Gillis's influence, which would outlast even the Democratic party's dominance, until his retirement in 2004. Another son, Jim L. Gillis, Jr., had also followed his father's footsteps, serving as Treutlen county commission chairman. As far as many political observers were concerned, the long-standing Gillis dynasty in Georgia politics was still strong. However, the elder Gillis faced challenges to his authority from Atlanta members of the State Highway Board. During this time, the Board was also beset by controversy over the route of Interstate 85. In the 1970 gubernatorial primary, Gillis openly endorsed Sanders; after Carter's victory, Gillis accepted Carter's request for him to resign, despite being re-elected by the board. In 1976, Interstate 16, which passes through Treutlen, was named after Gillis.

Scope and Content

Correspondence, clippings, printed materials pertaining to Georgia politics and highways, reports (especially as related to the State Highway Board), photographs, maps, speeches, ephemera, and oversize framed resolutions and certificates. The materials document James L. Gillis, Sr.'s entire career, especially the late 1930s and early 1950s. Of particular interest is Gillis' personal correspondence, which documents activities with the state and national Democratic Party, his work with the State Highway Board, and his role as manager of Ernest Vandiver's gubernatorial campaign. Unique to the papers is ephemera from Franklin D. Roosevelt's 1940 campaign and a small amount of correspondence with Eugene Talmadge. Very little of Gillis' state legislative career (1915-1917, 1923-1924) is documented: the principal material from that period is clippings.

Organization and Arrangement

This collection is organized into six series: I. State Highway Board; II. Correspondence; III. Speeches; IV. Personal/ Political; V. Clippings; and VI. Photographs.


Administrative Information

Preferred Citation

James L. Gillis, Sr. 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 on: 2011.


Related Materials and Subjects

Subject Terms

Related Collections in this Repository

Herman E. Talmadge Collection

S. Ernest Vandiver, Jr. Papers

Carl Sanders Papers

Harold Paulk Henderson, Sr. Oral History Collection

Georgia State Democratic Executive Party Records

Related Collections in Other Repositories

Hugh M. Gillis, Sr. Papers, Georgia Southern University

Georgia Government Documentation Project, Georgia State University

M. E. Thompson Papers, Emory University

Marvin Griffin oral histories, Georgia State University


Series Descriptions and Folder Listing

 

I. State Highway Board

115 folders
Minutes of State Highway Board meetings. Regular reports by the Accounting Department of the State Highway Board (July 1, 1936-November 30, 1939), as well as Accounting Dept. reports for the Post Roads Division (July 1, 1937- April 30, 1939) and with regard to National Recovery Funds (February 28, 1937-December 31, 1939).
box
OS3Works Program Highway charts, 1937-1938
box
OS1Appointment by Gov. Rivers to State Highway Board, 1937 January-February
boxfolder
I.11State Highway Board meetings minutes, 1937 January-July
box
OS3State Highway Department System of State Roads map, 1937 January 1
box
OS1Appointment by Gov. Rivers to State Highway Board, 1937 March 3
OS1Appointment by Gov. Rivers to State Highway Board [poor condition], 1937 March 8
boxfolder
I.12State Highway Board meetings minutes, 1937 August-December
box
Mapcase1State Highway Department System of State Roads map, 1937 December 1
boxfolder
I.13State Highway Board meetings minutes, 1938
I.14State Highway Board Report of Examination Half Year Ended June 30, 1937
I.15State Highway Board Personnel, 1937 June 30
box
OS3State Highway Department System of State Roads map, 1937 July, October
boxfolder
I.16State Highway Board Accounting Department Report, 1936 July 1-1937 March 31
I.17State Highway Board Accounting Department Report, 1936 July 1-1937 May 31
I.18State Highway Board Accounting Department Report, 1937 February 28
I.19State Highway Board Accounting Department Report for Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 1937
I.110State Highway Board Accounting Department Report, 1937 July 1-September 30
I.111State Highway Board Accounting Department Report, 1937 July 1-December 31
I.112State Highway Board Accounting Department Report, 1937 July 1-1938 March 31
I.113State Highway Board Accounting Department Report, 1937 July 1-1938 June 30
I.114State Highway Board Accounting Department Report, 1937 July 31
I.115State Highway Board Accounting Department Report, 1937 August 31
I.116State Highway Board Accounting Department Report, 1937 October 31
I.117State Highway Board Accounting Department Report, 1937 November 30
I.118State Highway Board Accounting Department Report, 1938 February 28
I.119State Highway Board Accounting Department Report, 1938 April 30
I.120State Highway Board Accounting Department Report, 1938 May 31
I.121State Highway Board Accounting Department Report, 1938 July 1-September 30
I.122State Highway Board Accounting Department Report, 1938 July 1-December 31
I.123State Highway Board Accounting Department Report, 1938 July 1-1939 March31
I.124State Highway Board Accounting Department Report, 1938 July 31
I.125State Highway Board Accounting Department Report, 1938 August 31
I.126State Highway Board Accounting Department Report, 1938 October 31
I.127State Highway Board Accounting Department Report, 1938 November 30
I.128State Highway Board Accounting Department Report, 1939 January 31
I.129State Highway Board Accounting Department Report, 1939 February 28
I.130State Highway Board Accounting Department Report, 1939 April 30
I.131State Highway Board Accounting Department Report, 1939 May 31
I.132State Highway Board Accounting Department Report, 1939 July 1-September 30
I.133State Highway Board Accounting Department Report, 1939 July 31
I.134State Highway Board Accounting Department Report, 1939 August 31
I.135State Highway Board Accounting Department Report, 1939 October 31
I.136State Highway Board Accounting Department Report, 1939 November 30
I.137State Highway Board Post Roads Division Accounting Department Report, 1937 July 1-1938 June 30
I.138State Highway Board Post Roads Division Accounting Department Report, 1937 August 1-September 30
I.139State Highway Board Post Roads Division Accounting Department Report, 1937 August 31
I.140State Highway Board Post Roads Division Accounting Department Report, 1937 October 31
I.141State Highway Board Post Roads Division Accounting Department Report, 1938 February 28
I.142State Highway Board Post Roads Division Accounting Department Report, 1938 March 31
I.143State Highway Board Post Roads Division Accounting Department Report, 1938 April 30
boxfolder
I.21State Highway Board Post Roads Division Accounting Department Report, 1938 May 31
I.22State Highway Board Post Roads Division Accounting Department Report, 1938 July 1-September 30
I.23State Highway Board Post Roads Division Accounting Department Report, 1938 July 1-December 31
I.24State Highway Board Post Roads Division Accounting Department Report, 1938 July 31
I.25State Highway Board Post Roads Division Accounting Department Report, 1938 August 31
I.26State Highway Board Post Roads Division Accounting Department Report, 1938 October 31
I.27State Highway Board Post Roads Division Accounting Department Report, 1938 November 30
I.28State Highway Board Post Roads Division Accounting Department Report, 1939 January 31
I.29State Highway Board Post Roads Division Accounting Department Report, 1939 February 28
I.210State Highway Board Post Roads Division Accounting Department Report, 1939 March 31
I.211State Highway Board Post Roads Division Accounting Department Report, 1939 April 30
I.212State Highway Board Accounting Department Report National Recovery Funds, 1937 February 28
I.213State Highway Board Accounting Department Report National Recovery Funds, 1937 March 31
I.214State Highway Board Accounting Department Report National Recovery Funds, 1937 May 31
I.215State Highway Board Accounting Department Report National Recovery Funds, 1937 June 30
I.216State Highway Board Accounting Department Report National Recovery Funds, 1937 July 31
I.217State Highway Board Accounting Department Report National Recovery Funds, 1937 August 31
I.218State Highway Board Accounting Department Report National Recovery Funds, 1937 September 30
I.219State Highway Board Accounting Department Report National Recovery Funds, 1937 October 31
I.220State Highway Board Accounting Department Report National Recovery Funds, 1937 November 30
box
Mapcase3Tennessee Road Conditions map, 1938
Mapcase3State Highway Board System of State Roads map, 1938
boxfolder
I.221State Highway Board Accounting Department Report National Recovery Funds, 1938 February 28
I.222State Highway Board Accounting Department Report National Recovery Funds, 1938 March 31
I.223State Highway Board Accounting Department Report National Recovery Funds, 1938 April 30
I.224State Highway Board Accounting Department Report National Recovery Funds, 1938 May 31
I.225State Highway Board Accounting Department Report National Recovery Funds, 1938 June 30
I.226State Highway Board Accounting Department Report National Recovery Funds, 1938 July 31
I.227State Highway Board Accounting Department Report National Recovery Funds, 1938 August 31
I.228State Highway Board Accounting Department Report National Recovery Funds, 1938 September 30
I.229State Highway Board Accounting Department Report National Recovery Funds, 1938 October 31
I.230State Highway Board Accounting Department Report National Recovery Funds, 1938 November 30
I.231State Highway Board Accounting Department Report National Recovery Funds, 1938 December 31
I.232State Highway Board Accounting Department Report National Recovery Funds, 1939 January 31
I.233State Highway Board Accounting Department Report National Recovery Funds, 1939 February 28
I.234State Highway Board Accounting Department Report National Recovery Funds, 1939 March 31
I.235State Highway Board Accounting Department Report National Recovery Funds, 1939 April 30
I.236State Highway Board Accounting Department Report National Recovery Funds, 1939 May 31
I.237State Highway Board Accounting Department Report National Recovery Funds, 1939 June 30
I.238State Highway Board Accounting Department Report National Recovery Funds, 1939 July 31
I.239State Highway Board Accounting Department Report National Recovery Funds, 1939 August 31
I.240State Highway Board Accounting Department Report National Recovery Funds, 1939 September 30
I.241State Highway Board Accounting Department Report National Recovery Funds, 1939 October 31
I.242State Highway Board Accounting Department Report National Recovery Funds, 1939 November 30
I.243State Highway Board Accounting Department Report National Recovery Funds, 1939 December 31
I.244Miscellaneous Highway [State Highway Board] (folder 1 of 2), 1936-1938
I.245Miscellaneous Highway [State Highway Board] (folder 2 of 2), 1936-1938
I.246National Resources Committee - Drainage Basin Problems and Programs, 1936 December
I.247State Planning Board, 1937
I.248Highway Planning Survey, 1937
boxfolder
I.31Farm Security Administration Annual Report - Georgia, 1937
I.32Works Progress Administration - Review of Activities and Accomplishments, 1937
I.33Cotton Manufacturers Association - correspondence and reports, 1937
I.34National Resources Committee Progress Report, 1937 October
I.35Status of County Convict Allotments, 1938
I.36Proceedings of the Third Southeastern Planning Conference, 1938 January 11-12
I.37Diversion [of highway funds], 1938 February 10
I.38Federal Aid Grade Crossing Elimination, 1938 April 23
I.39State Highway Board Detour Information, 1938 April 28
I.310State Highway Board Post Roads Division - Partial Secondary Highway Program, 1939
I.311State payments of oil tax by county, 1940
I.312Georgia Supreme Court case re: automobile tax, 1940 April 9
I.313National Resources Planning Board Directory of State, Territorial, and Regional Planning Agencies, 1940 July 15
I.314Southeastern Regional Planning Commission meeting minutes, 1940 October 8
I.315Construction News Bulletin of the Dixie Contractor, 1940 November 13
I.316National Resources Planning Board - Our National Resources, circa 1940
box
OS3State Highway Department System of State Roads map - federal projects, 1943 August 31
boxfolder
I.317George Senate bill re: State Highway Board, 1950 February 2
box
OS4Appointment by Gov. Talmadge to State Highway Board, 1950 February 8
box
Mapcase2Treutlen County map – Federal Aid and Federal Aid Secondary Highway System Designations – State Highway Department – with correspondence and additional map, 1951
boxfolder
I.318State Highway Department court case, 1952
I.319State Highway Department - Some Figures and Comments on Better Roads in Georgia, 1952 October 1
I.320Francis Cherry speech - Highway Economics Conference - w/ handwritten notes, 1954 January 21
I.321Wilfred Owen speech - Third Annual Georgia Highway Conference, 1954 February 1-3
box
Mapcase2Plan and profile of proposed rural highway – Treutlen County, 1956 May 1
boxfolder
I.322Report of Examination - State Highway Department, 1957 June 30
box
OS5Appointment by Gov. Vandiver to State Highway Board, 1959 January 19
box
Mapcase2Georgia Traffic Map – State Highway System – State Highway Department Division of Highway Planning, 1970
box
OS2Georgia Rural Roads Authority Act, undated
box
OS3Hand-drawn map of Richland, Ga., undated
box
Mapcase2Georgia System of Parks map – Department of State Parks, undated
boxfolder
81[State Highway Board Material], 1963-1970
 

II. Correspondence

46 folders
Correspondence, a vast majority of which comes from three periods: 1937-1940, as a member of the State Highway Board under Gov. Rivers and chairman of the State Democratic Executive Committee; the late 1940s-early 1950s, as Director of the State Highway Board under Gov. Herman Talmadge, including the period of the "three governors" controversy; and 1958, as campaign manager for Ernest Vandiver.
boxfolder
I.323Correspondence with and regarding Eugene Talmadge, 1933, 1938
I.324Correspondence - Democratic National Committee, 1936 October
I.325Correspondence, 1937 March-1939 August
I.326Correspondence - Post Roads, 1937 April-1939 February
I.327Correspondence - Democratic National Committee [folder 1 of 2], 1940
I.328Correspondence - Democratic National Committee [folder 2 of 2], 1940
I.329Correspondence [folder 1 of 2], 1940 January-May
I.330Correspondence [folder 2 of 2], 1940 January-May
I.331Correspondence, 1940 June
I.332Correspondence, 1940 July-1941 January
I.333Correspondence, 1946 January-September
I.334Correspondence [folder 1 of 2], 1946 October-December
I.335Correspondence [folder 2 of 2], 1946 October-December
I.336Correspondence - Congratulations, Letters of, 1947
I.337Correspondence - From Gov[ernor's] Office - Applications, 1947
boxfolder
II.41Correspondence - From Gov[ernor's] Office - Personnel, 1947
II.42Correspondence - From Gov[ernor's] Office, 1947
II.43Correspondence, 1947
II.44Correspondence - Frank Gilreath, 1949 June 15
II.45Correspondence, 1950s
II.46Correspondence, 1951
II.47Correspondence, 1952
II.48Correspondence, 1953 January-April
II.49Correspondence, 1953 May-June
II.410Correspondence, 1953 July-August
II.411Correspondence, 1953 September-December
II.412Correspondence, 1954 January-February
II.413Correspondence, 1954 March-April
II.414Correspondence, 1954 May-August
II.415Correspondence, 1954 September-December
II.416Correspondence, 1955 January
II.417Personal correspondence, 1955 February 25
II.418Correspondence - State Highway Board, 1955 April 28
II.419Personal correspondence, 1955 August 2
II.420Correspondence - Georgia Forest Commission, 1955 September 12
II.421Correspondence - Carl Vinson, 1955 September 27
II.422Correspondence re: Herman Talmadge senatorial campaign, 1956
II.423Correspondence - State Highway Board, 1956 August 13
II.424Correspondence, 1957 October 4
II.425Correspondence - Ernest Vandiver gubernatorial campaign, 1958 January-June
II.426Correspondence - Ernest Vandiver gubernatorial campaign, 1958 July
II.427Correspondence - Ernest Vandiver gubernatorial campaign, 1958 August
II.428Correspondence - Ernest Vandiver gubernatorial campaign [folder 1of 2], 1958 September
II.429Correspondence - Ernest Vandiver gubernatorial campaign [folder 2of 2], 1958 September
II.430Correspondence, 1960s-1970s
II.431Correspondence - State Highway Department, 1966 April 20
II.432Correspondence - State Highway Department, 1966 May 24
II.433Correspondence, 1966 May 26
II.434Correspondence - Carl Sanders, 1967 January 10
boxfolder
82-3Correspondence, 1956-1971
84Correspondence - Condolences [Telegrams], 1962 October
85-9Correspondence - Condolences, 1962 October
 

III. Speeches

12 folders
A selection of speeches given by Gillis. Topics largely pertain to highway issues, including the two longest texts, both from the early 1950s. Two political speeches are included: the first speech in the collection, from Gillis's period as head of the state Democratic Executive Committee, and the last, regarding the Vandiver administration. Given that he famously avoided public speaking, these copies and notes constitute a significant collection.
boxfolder
II.435Speech - State Democratic Executive Committee, 1940
II.436Speech, 1950s
II.437Speech - 4-H Club, circa 1950s
II.438Speech - Dedication ceremony for expressway bridge between Bankhead Highway and Marietta Street, 1953 April 30
II.439Speech - Rome, Ga., 1953 July 21
II.440Speech - County Commissioners Convention, 1954 April 19-20
II.441Speech - 100th anniversary of Atlanta and West Point Railroad, 1954 May 12
II.442Statement, circa 1954
II.443Press release, 1958 August 30
II.444Speech in acceptance of County Commissioners of Georgia Man of the Year award, undated
II.445Speech introducing Governor Vandiver, 1960s
 

IV. Personal/ Political

83 folders
A diverse selection of items, largely political in subject, including: resolutions passed by the Georgia Assembly and other organizations in the 1960s and early 1970s honoring Gillis; copies of magazines featuring articles about Gillis; varied documents and publications regarding Georgia politics; personal memorabilia; 1940 presidential campaign materials; and a few items related to Herman Talmadge's 1956 senatorial campaign.
box
OS1Members of the State Senate, 1923-1924
boxfolder
IV.51State Democratic party platform, 1936
IV.52Who's Who in Dixie, 1937
IV.53General Motors annual report, 1937
IV.54Division of Wild Life report, 1937 November 15
IV.55Franklin Roosevelt speech, 1938 January 3
IV.56Southern Highway Journal, 1938 February
IV.57Correspondence re: Sixteenth Senatorial District Executive Committee and 1936 Georgia ballot, 1938 March 4
IV.58Senate Special Committee report on Unemployment and Relief, 1938 April 20
IV.59Primary Rules and Regulations, 1938 September
IV.510Forest Resources of Southeast Alabama, 1939 December 8
IV.511State Democratic Executive Committee members list, 1939-1940
IV.512Georgia Delegates to Democratic National Convention, circa 1940
IV.513Officers and Committees of Preferential Primary Committee, circa 1940
IV.514Democratic national campaign poster, 1940
IV.515Democratic national campaign materials, 1940
IV.516Eugene Talmadge campaign advertisement, 1940
IV.517State Democratic Executive Committee Rules Committee members list, 1940
IV.518Resolution re: presidential preference primary, 1940
IV.519James Farley speech, 1940 January
IV.520Georgia Jackson Day Dinner - annual meeting of state Executive Committee, 1940 January 8
IV.521State Planning Board - Organized Camping in Georgia, 1940 February
IV.522Capitol Sideshow, 1940 February 12
IV.523Farm Credits Vol. 5 No.2, 1940 May
IV.524Alice Denton Jennings speech, 1940 May 8
IV.525Wood Preserving News, 1940 June
IV.526Friends of the Land correspondence and literature, 1940 June 26
IV.527The Lion magazine, 1940 August
IV.528Rules and Regulations as Adopted by the State Democratic Executive Committee, 1940 September 11
IV.529M.E. Thompson ballot, 1946
IV.530Agricultural and Industrial Development Board of Georgia - excerpts of meetings minutes, 1948 April 14
IV.531Newspaper articles re: Gillis by Jim Wilson, 1948 September
IV.532Through the Little White House, circa 1950
IV.533Gillis biography, circa 1950s
IV.534Southeastern Road Builder w/ Gills on cover, 1951 October
IV.535Georgia Safety News - article by Gillis, 1952 December
box
OS1Resolution - Savannah Chamber of Commerce, 1953 May 12
boxfolder
IV.536Marvin Griffin speech excerpt - Fifth District Testimonial Dinner, 1954 August 16
IV.537Members of the Georgia Assembly lists, 1955-1956
IV.538Handbook of the 1955-1956 Georgia General Assembly, 1955-1956
IV.539Talmadge senatorial campaign stickers, circa 1956
IV.540Herman Talmadge speaking schedule, 1956
IV.541Consolidated Vote in State Democratic Primary, 1956 September 12
box
OS1Resolution - Georgia Senate, circa 1960s
boxfolder
IV.542Resolution re: Gillis, circa 1960s
IV.543Speech by Sen. Henderson re: Gillis resolution, circa 1960s
IV.544Ol' Jim Gillis - Cracker Crumble Party, circa 1960s
IV.545Suggested Foreword on Fifty-Year Career of Jim L. Gillis, Sr., circa 1960s
IV.546Introduction to 'Foreword on Fifty-Year Career' with hand-written addition, circa 1960s
IV.547Citation of Merit - Association County Commissioners of Georgia, 1961 March 27
IV.548Resolution - Georgia Assembly joint session, 1962 January 15
IV.549Statement by Gills and related materials, circa 1963
IV.550County Government Magazine - articles re: Gills, 1963 March, 1964 July
IV.551Georgia Alumni Record, 1963 December
IV.552Speech re: Gillis, circa 1964-1965
IV.553Resolution - Georgia House, 1964 June 10
IV.554Resolution - Georgia Senate, 1964 June 15
IV.555Resolution - Georgia House, 1964 June 17
IV.556Gilchrist University - Doctor of Enjoyment in Entertainment, 1965
IV.557Resolution - State Highway Board, 1965
IV.558Resolution - Georgia Senate, 1965 January 13
IV.559Resolution - Georgia House, 1965 February 12
IV.560Resolution - Georgia House, 1965 March 12
IV.561City of Columbus resolution, 1965 April 13
IV.562Men and Women Who Have Performed Distinctive Service After the Age of 74 - correspondence and article, 1966 March 23
IV.563County Government Magazine article by Gillis, 1966 August
box
OS1Resolution - Seventh and Ninth District County Commissioners, 1966 August 1
OS1Resolution - Eighth Congressional District County Commissioners, 1966 November 29
boxfolder
IV.564The Survey - article by Gills, article re: Gillis, 1967 September, 1970 March
IV.565Master Mason certificate - Grand Lodge of Georgia, 1967 October 5
IV.566WSB Radio awards - Worthy Safety Booster, Beaver, 1968 March 27, undated
IV.567Community Service Award - Commissions of Roads and Revenues of Fulton County, 1968 December 9
IV.568The Centerline, 1970 February
IV.569Resolution - Georgia Highway Contractors' Association, 1970 November 19
IV.570Resolution - Eighth Congressional District County Commissioners Association, 1970 December
IV.571Resolution - State Highway Board, 1970 December 17
IV.572Resolution - Board of Commissioners of Hall County, Georgia, circa late 1970-early 1971
IV.573Resolution - Georgia House, 1970 January 13
IV.574Resolution - Georgia Senate, 1971 January 14
IV.575The Georgia Translator article re: Gillis, 1975 May
IV.576Program for Interstate 16 dedication, 1976 April 15
IV.577Brown's Guide to Georgia article re: Gillis, 1980 August
IV.578Telephone directory - Ben Fortson, Secretary of State, undated
IV.579List of Available Farmers' Bulletins and Leaflets of the USDA, undated
IV.580Personal memorabilia, undated
IV.581County Democratic Chairman, undated
IV.582Meetings minutes - unknown, undated
IV.583Department of Forests legislation, undated
boxfolder
91Certificates, 1960-1973
92[Speech by John M. Wilkerson, Jr.], 1964 July 28
93[Youmans Family History], 1964
94Resolutions, 1964-1976
95[Tribute Speech to Jim L. Gillis, Sr.], 1965
96[113th Session], 1969-1970
97[U.S. Department of Agriculture maps], circa 1970
98[Department of Transportation Index to Personnel List], 1973 November 13
99[Jim L. Gillis, Sr. Dedications], 1976-1980
910[Ol' Jim Gillis poem], undated
 

V. Clippings

23 folders
Newspaper clippings, both as provided to Gillis by the Dixie Clipping Company and contained separately in the collection, including a "Blazing the Turnpike Trail" scrapbook. Many of the articles from the 1960s and 1970 pertain to political controversies, especially due to accusations made by Ellis Arnall, and finally Gillis's resignation after the election of Jimmy Carter.
boxfolder
IV.584Clippings, 1920-1933
box
OS2Dade County Times collection, 1938 April 28
boxfolder
IV.585Clippings - Dixie Clipping Company, 1940 April 11-15, 17-20
IV.586Clippings - Dixie Clipping Company, 1940 April 11, 14, 17-20
IV.587Clippings - Dixie Clipping Company, 1940 April 20, 24-26, May 2-3
IV.588Clippings - Dixie Clipping Company, 1940 April 20, 23-26, 28
boxfolder
V.61Clippings - Dixie Clipping Company, 1940 April 21-23, 25-26
V.62Clippings - Dixie Clipping Company, 1940 April 21, 26-28
V.63Clippings - Dixie Clipping Company, 1940 April 22-23, 30, May2
box
OS2Georgia Homestead issue; Ed Rivers Weekly issue, 1940 April 25; 1940 April 29
boxfolder
V.64Clippings - Dixie Clipping Company, 1940 April 28-May 5
V.65Clippings - Dixie Clipping Company, 1940 May 6-11
V.66Clippings - Dixie Clipping Company, 1940 May 9-12
V.67Clippings - Dixie Clipping Company, 1940 May 13, 16, 18-19
V.68Clippings - Dixie Clipping Company, 1940 May 16-17, 19-20, 23, 27-28
V.69Clippings - Dixie Clipping Company, 1940 May 26, 30-31
box
OS2Augusta Courier, 10 issues; Statesman - 8 issues; Georgian - 1 issue, 1940-1966
boxfolder
V.610Clippings - Gillis Press Releases - State Highway Department, 1948-1949
V.611Clippings, 1937-1950
V.612Blazing the Turnpike Trail scrapbook, 1953
V.613Clippings, 1953-1960
V.614Clippings, 1963-1968
box
OS2Atlanta Times - Expressways Section, 1964 October 15
OS2Atlanta Journal and Constitution article re: Gillis, 1968 August 18
boxfolder
V.615Clippings, 1969-1988
V.616Clippings, undated
V.617Clippings - Neil Gillis, 1918, 1922, undated
V.618Newspaper articles re: Gillis, 1936-1980
boxfolder
810-14Clippings, 1956-1982
 

VI. Photographs and Scrapbooks

21 folders
A small selection of photographs, including a few portraits; a significant number from both Gillis being sworn in by Governor Carl Sanders in 1963 and the Interstate 75 dedication ceremony in 1961. Another set features what appears to be a road-expansion project, perhaps in Treutlen County. A small number of postcards, mats and zinc halftones are included. Several scrapbooks are included containing letters, clippings and photographs, documenting Gillis's tenure as State Highway Board chairman and paying tribute to him upon his death.
boxfolder
VI.71Photograph, circa 1940. (1 (8 x 10) b/w)
VI.72James Hurley photograph dedicated to Gills , circa 1940. (1 (8 x 10) b/w)
VI.73Mats and zinc halftones, circa 1953.
VI.74Gillis at West Point, 100th anniversary celebration of WA Railroad, circa 1954. (3 (8 x10) b/w)
VI.75Gillis w/ Herman Talmadge - 1 (8 x 10) b/w, 1956 Summer.
VI.76Dedication ceremony for Interstate 75 - 7 (8 x 10) b/w, 1 (5 x 7) b/w, 6 (3 ½ x 5) b/w, circa 1961.
VI.77Gillis being sworn in by Gov. Sanders - 11 (5 x 7) b/w, 1963.
VI.78Two photographs: Gillis and unidentified woman - 1 (2 x 1 ½) b/w, 1 (1 ½ x 1) b/w, 1965-1966.
VI.79Retirement banquet for H.H. Huckabee - 3 (5 x 7) b/w, 1969.
VI.710Gillis w/ Gov. Maddox - 1 (4 x 5) color, 1969 October 15.
VI.711The Bert Lances and Mr. Jim - 1 (3 ½ x 3 ½) color, 1973 July 29.
VI.712Portraits of Gillis - 3 (8 x 10) b/w, undated.
VI.713Photograph of Gillis - 1 (8 x 10) b/w, undated.
VI.714Gillis residence - 1 (8 x 10) b/w, undated.
VI.715Photographs - 9 (8 x 10) b/w, undated.
VI.716Gillis w/ Gov. Vandiver, Elmo Thrash, and unidentified man - 2 (8 x 10) b/w, undated.
VI.717Gillis w/ Sam Caldwell and son - 1 (8 x10) b/w, undated.
VI.718Jefferson-Jackson Dinner - 2 (3 ½ x 3 ½) color, undated.
VI.719James Hurley photograph - 1 (8 x10) b/w, undated.
VI.720Photograph - 1 (3 ½ x 5) b/w, undated.
VI.721Postcards
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911-13Photographs, 1950-1969
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101Photographs: James L. Gillis, Sr.; Ernest Vandiver, 1960s
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111Scrapbook: A Highway of Tribute to Hon. James L. Gillis, Chairman, Georgia State Highway Board, 1954
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102Scrapbook, 1963-1965
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12Scrapbook, 1965-1970
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112Scrapbook: Tributes Following Resignation (1), 1970 November
113Scrapbook: Tributes Following Resignation (2), 1970 November
114Scrapbook: JLG Letters, 1971-1975
115Scrapbook: An Era Has Passed, 1975 March 31
116Scrapbook: I-16, 1976-1980

Special Collections Libraries
University of Georgia
Athens, GA 30602-1641