Robert L. Williford Richard B. Russell Dam and Lake Project Files

Robert L. Williford Richard B. Russell Dam and Lake Project Files

Descriptive Summary

Title: Robert L. Williford Richard B. Russell Dam and Lake Project Files
Creator: Williford, Robert L.
Inclusive Dates: 1951, 1962-1991, 1993
Language(s): English
Extent: 20 box(es) (7 linear feet)
Collection Number: RBRL178RLW
Repository: Richard B. Russell Library for Political Research and Studies
Abstract: The collection consists of papers accumulated by Elberton Star publisher Robert L. Williford from 1951 to 1993. These files relate to his involvement in the development of the Richard B. Russell Dam and Lake located in Elbert County, Georgia. The records include clippings, photographs, and audiovisual materials documenting the dam's history as well as reports and correspondence of both the steering committee and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Correspondees of significance include Richard B. Russell, Herman Eugene Talmadge, President Jimmy Carter, William J. Dorn, Philip Landrum, and Douglas Barnard.

Collection Description

Biographical Note

Robert L. Williford first became involved with the Trotters-Shoals Dam project through work as publisher and editor of The Elberton Star in Elbert County, Georgia. Williford purchased the newspaper in 1963 and began reporting on efforts to have a hydro-electric dam built in Elbert County on the Savannah River along the Georgia/South Carolina border. Soon thereafter, Mr. Williford became secretary of the Trotters-Shoals Dam and Lake Steering Committee and began to apply his efforts to the realization of the dam project.

As an editor, Mr. Williford was able to promote support for the dam in Elbert County through his paper's editorials and news columns. Mr. Williford also contacted many other newspapers in Georgia and South Carolina to enlist their support. Early support for the dam in the U.S. Congress was provided by Georgia Senators Richard B. Russell and Herman E. Talmadge, and Representative Phil Landrum. Through these combined efforts the dam was authorized by Congress in 1966. This approval was achieved in spite of initial opposition by South Carolina members of Congress, but in the years to come, much support was provided by South Carolina Representative William Jennings Bryan Dorn.

Though the dam was approved in 1966, little funding was provided. The steering committee coordinated efforts with politicians, the Rural Electrification Administration, the Army Corps of Engineers, and local communities to push forward with the dam. Many details had to be worked out and much preliminary work performed before construction could begin. As secretary of the committee, Mr. Williford corresponded with a large number individuals to these ends. He documented the progress of the project through this period and into the 1970s through extensive clippings of news articles from his and other papers.

As construction plans were held up by planning delays and low funding, opposition to the dam began to build. Presidents Nixon and Ford both attempted to cut funding for the dam due to budgetary concerns. President Carter, who as Georgia governor supported the dam project, called for the cancellation of it and 18 other dams around the country. Environmentalists began to complain about the dam's impact on the river and surrounding land and wildlife. Safety concerns over the possibilities of earthquakes at the dam site arose in 1976. And, many began to question the economic impact of the dam, citing it as a pork barrel project. Coverage of this opposition reached a national level in late 1977 during President Carter's efforts to halt federal government construction of dams, and to many the Russell Dam became a symbol of wasteful government spending.

Strong public relations efforts on the part of those in favor of the dam overcame much of this opposition. In 1973, the steering committee spearheaded a successful effort to have the project renamed in honor of popular Georgia Senator Richard B. Russell, who had died in 1971. Mr. Williford continued encouraging government support for the project through extensive letter writing and endorsement in his paper of politicians who favored the dam. One of whom, Georgia Representative Doug Barnard, provided great support in Congress. In addition, the energy crunch of the early and mid 1970s provided dam proponents with a strong reason for the construction of a hydro-electric facility.

When Mr. Williford retired from the publishing trade in 1979, construction of the Richard B. Russell Dam was well under way. He continued as secretary of the Russell Steering Committee, but as completion of the project neared, little effort was needed on the part of the committee. Plans for the dam's dedication in 1985 did require extensive preparations though, and Mr. Williford coordinated this event as chairman for the Dedication Committee.

Robert Williford died in 1991, several years after the completion of the Russell Dam and Lake. At the time of his death, many noted the importance of his dedication to and work on the dam, and his files provide an excellent source of information on the project from its beginnings to its completion and operation.

Scope and Content

Clippings, correspondence, photographs, reports, address lists, brochures, artifacts, audiovisual materails from 1951 to 1993 (bulk 1962 to 1978) document the history of the Richard B. Russell Dam and Lake Project, originally known as the Trotters-Shoals Dam. The titles for series I - IV were identified by Robert L. Williford as the chronological components of the dam project. V. Personal consists of Williford's materials not related to the Russell Dam. Though the earliest date included is 1951, that material concerns other dams or the Southeastern Power Administration. 1962 is the earliest dated material directly related to the Trotters-Shoals/Russell Dam.

Organization and Arrangement

The records are arranged in the following series: I. Pre-authorization, II. Planning and Funding, III. Construction, IV. Dedication and Power Distribution, V. Personal, VI. Photographs, VII. Artifacts, and VIII. Audiovisual Materials (see separate finding aid).


Administrative Information

Preferred Citation

Robert L. Williford Richard B. Russell Dam and Lake Project Files, Richard B. Russell Library for Political Research and Studies, University of Georgia Libraries, Athens, Georgia, 30602-1641.

Processing Notes

Photographs, oversized materials, and audiovisual materials separated for preservation. Duplicate materials have been weeded from the records.

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 permission. 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: 2008.


Related Materials and Subjects

Subject Terms

Related Collections in this Repository

Richard B. Russell, Jr. Collection

Herman E. Talmadge Collection

Maston O'Neal Papers

John W. Davis Papers

Doug Barnard, Jr. Papers

Robert G. Stephens, Jr. Papers

Related Collections in Other Repositories

Strom Thurmond Papers, Clemson University

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Records, National Archive and Records Administration

William Jennings Bryan Dorn Papers, Modern Political Collections, University of South Carolina


Series Descriptions and Folder Listing

 

I. Pre-Authorization

1 box(es)
(.5 linear feet)
Clippings, correspondence, brochures, reports, and photographs illustrate the activities of the Southeastern Power Administration (S.E.P.A.) and area politicians in the years prior to and immediately after the authorization of the Trotters-Shoals (later Richard B. Russell) Dam. Items are arranged alphabetically by folder title and chronologically within each folder. Information on S.E.P.A., Clark Hill Dam and Hartwell Dam consist mainly of newsclippings from the 1950s. Material on two U.S. Congressional members consists mostly of newsclippings concerning 1960s elections of Representative Phil Landrum and biographical information on Senator Herman Talmadge. General correspondence and newsclippings from the early 1960s reflect Georgia dam and river development.The majority of materials pre-date the involvement of Robert L. Williford in The Elberton Star and the Trotters-Shoals project. These files most likely come from the Elberton Star's previous editor and were acquired when Mr. Williford purchased the paper.
boxfolder
I.1 1Correspondence, 1962
I.1 2Hartwell Dam, undated
I.1 3Landrum, Phil, undated
I.1 4News Clippings, 1960
I.1 5News Clippings, 1961
I.1 6News Clippings, 1962
I.1 7News Clippings, 1963
I.1 8News Clippings, 1964
I.1 9News Clippings, 1965
I.1 10Photographs [photographs removed], undated
I.1 11Southeastern Power Administration (SEPA) and Clark Hill, undated
I.1 12Southeastern Power Administration (SEPA) and Clark Hil, 1951
I.1 13Talmadge, Herman E., undated
 

II. Planning and Funding

8 box(es)
(4 linear feet)
Clippings, correspondence, photographs, pamphlets, meeting transcripts, notes, government and legal documents, memorabilia, and audio cassettes reflect the progress of the Russell Dam project from its authorization to the start of its construction and beyond. Planning and Funding is the largest series in the Williford files and provides particular insight into the operations of the Russell Dam Steering Committee, and into public and political sentiment towards the dam.The bulk of materials are newsclippings gathered by Robert Williford and the Army Corps of Engineers. These provide a chronological history of the dam project during its most controversial years. Included are press releases from political figures and newsletters from organizations that opposed the dam. Correspondence comprises the next largest amount of material and reflects much of the personal influence that Mr. Williford and several U.S. Congressional members had in the dam's development. As with the newsclippings, the correspondence dates bulk in 1977 during the height of opposition to the dam.Public Hearings consists of voluminous, typed manuscripts of meetings held to discuss issues of concern and express opinions on the Russell dam. There is an extensive amount of material under this heading but general descriptions of the meetings can be found in newsclippings corresponding to the dates of the meetings. This heading also includes a number of photographs of unidentified speakers and attendants at these meetings.Though a relatively small amount, the material under Public Relations provides particular insight into the goals and actions of the steering committee. Of note is a 1977 position paper from an Atlanta public relations firm that describes the tenuous position of the project at that time, and proposes the plan of action used to build support. This heading also contains background information on the project and its history.Material under Government Activity consists largely of statements of individuals to the U.S. Congress concerning the Russell Dam, and copies of public laws and resolutions concerning water management/federal dam projects in general. There is also information on members of the Georgia and national legislatures. Several political figures, Richard Russell, Wyche Fowler, Bo Ginn, and Doug Barnard, have separate headings under their own names.
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II.1 1Address Lists
II.1 2Barnard, Doug
II.1 3Community Activity
II.1 4Contracts
II.1 5Correspondence
II.1 6Corespondence, 1971
II.1 7Correspondence, 1972
II.1 8Correspondence, 1973
II.1 9Correspondence, 1974
II.1 10Correspondence, 1975
II.1 11Correspondence, 1976
II.1 12Correspondence, January-April 1977
boxfolder
II.2 1Correspondence, May-December 1977
II.2 2Correspondence, 1978
II.2 3Correspondence, 1979
II.2 4Correspondence, 1984
II.2 5Fowler, Wyche
II.2 6Ginn, Bo
II.2 7Government Activity-Congress, [undated]-1975
II.2 8Government Activity-Congress, 1976-1989
II.2 9Government Activity-Congressional Committees
II.2 10Government Activity-Georgia Assembly
II.2 11Government Activity-President
II.2 12Government Activity-Statements to Congress, 1971-1974
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II.3 1Government Activity-Statements to Congress, 1975-1979
II.3 2Harrison, Walter
II.3 3Impact Statements, 1972-1975
II.3 4Impact Statements, 1976
II.3 5Impact Statements, 1977-1978
II.3 6Land Acquisition
II.3 7Lawsuits, 1976-1978
II.3 8Lawsuits, 1976-1978
boxfolder
II.4 1Meetings
II.4 2Memorabilia
II.4 3News Clippings
II.4 4News Clippings, 1966
II.4 5News Clippings, 1967
II.4 6News Clippings, 1968
II.4 7News Clippings, 1969
II.4 8News Clippings, 1970
II.4 9News Clippings, 1971
II.4 10News Clippings, 1972
II.4 11News Clippings, 1973
II.4 12News Clippings, 1974
II.4 13News Clippings, 1975
II.4 14News Clippings, January-August 1976
boxfolder
II.5 1News Clippings, September-December 1976
II.5 2News Clippings, January-February 1977
II.5 3News Clippings, March 1977
II.5 4News Clippings, April 1977
II.5 5News Clippings, May 1977
II.5 6News Clippings, June 1977
boxfolder
II.6 1News Clippings, July 1977
II.6 2News Clippings, August-December 1977
II.6 3News Clippings, 1978
II.6 4News Clippings, 1979
II.6 5News Clippings, 1984
II.6 6Notes
II.6 7Photographs [photographs removed]
II.6 8Public Hearings
II.6 9Public Hearings, 1971
II.6 10Public Hearings, 1972
II.6 11Public Hearings, 1973
II.6 12Public Hearings, 1974
II.6 13Public Hearings, 1976
II.6 14Public Hearings-Vol. I, March 10, 1976
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II.7 1Development: Steering Committee-Public Hearings, March 10, 1976
II.7 2Public Hearings, 1977
II.7 3Development: Steering Committee-Public Hearings, March 30, 1977
II.7 4Development: Steering Committee-Public Hearings, March 30, 1977
boxfolder
II.91Development: Steering Committee-Public Hearings, March 30, 1977
boxfolder
II.7 5Development: Steering Committee-Public Hearings, November 28,1977
II.7 6Development: Steering Committee-Public Hearings, November 29, 1977
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II.8 1Development: Steering Committee-Public Hearings, May 24, 1978
II.8 2Development: Steering Committee-Public Hearings, September 23-25, 1980
II.8 3Development: Steering Committee-Public Hearings, November 13, 1986
II.8 4Public Hearings-Photographs [photographs removed]
II.8 5Public Relations
II.8 6Resolutions
II.8 7Russell, Richard B.
II.8 8Saveland, Dr./Georgia Conservancy
II.8 9Southeastern Power Administration (SEPA) Figures and 404 Materials
II.8 10Spruill Bluff Dam
II.8 11Tri-State Power Committee
box
OS1Pro Dam Broadsides, reprints from Abbeville Press and Banner, 1963
OS1Color poster of the dam
 

III. Construction

2 box(es)
(.75 linear feet)
Photographs, reports, charts, correspondence, brochures and video tape illustrate the construction of the Russell Dam and related activities of the Army Corps of Engineers. The majority of the series consists of several hundred black and white photographs which cover dredging and other preparation activities at the dam site. Also present are photos of visitors to the construction site, but there are no photos of the construction of the actual dam and relatively few of the finished dam. A video tape does contain news casts covering the dam construction from 1981 to 1985, as well as a Russell Dam Committee dinner held after the dedication in 1985.Several charts and maps provide details of the dam site, but again not of the actual dam construction. Correspondence provides little insight into the construction and pertains mostly to steering committee activities that took place while construction was under way. The Corps of Engineers material provides general information on the Corps and its work in the Southeast.
boxfolder
III.1 1Charts and Graphs
III.1 2Corps of Engineers
III.1 3Correspondence, 1978
III.1 4Correspondence, 1979
III.1 5Correspondence, 1984
III.1 6Correspondence, 1991
III.1 7Environmental Impact
III.1 8Environmental Impact Report, May 1974
III.1 9Environmental Impact Report, September 1976
III.1 10Environmental Impact Report, September 1990
III.1 11Lakeshore Management
III.1 12News Clippings, October 1978-October 1981
III.1 13Photographs [photographs removed]
III.1 14Photographs-Visitors [photographs removed]
boxfolder
III.2 1Review Draft, January 1980
III.2 2Video-Newscasts, Committee Dinner, 1981-1985
III.2 3Work Force Profile
 

IV. Dedication and Power Distribution

3 box(es)
(1.5 linear feet)
Address lists, planning reports, correspondence, memorabilia, newsclippings, committee meeting notes, and photographs document the planning and celebration of the Richard B. Russell Dam dedication on September 7, 1985, and activities related to dam and lake operations from that date through 1991.The bulk of materials are address lists used for mailing invitations for the dam dedication ceremonies. Also included are over 300 R.S.V.P. cards returned to the dedication steering committee from those invited. A small amount of newsclippings provide information on the actual ceremony the day of the dedication and environmental issues in the years after the dedication. Memorabilia consists mainly of handouts, programs, and packets used at the ceremony, though also included are several mementos of the dam and books on rural electrification.Planning for the ceremony is best illustrated in the financial, medical and other logistical materials. The notes of the steering committee are very few and provide little insight into the dedication. They consist mostly of additional address lists and some schedules.Correspondence pertains mostly to post dedication issues, such as shore line management and the use of pumped storage. Correspondence from 1985 does contain efforts to get President Ronald Reagan and Vice-President George Bush to attend the dedication, and thank you letters from those who attended.Of particular interest in this series is the historical information on the Russell Dam project. It consists of a transcript of audio tapes Robert Williford made in 1986 for the Army Corps of Engineers. These tapes were made to provide information for the visitor center at the Russell Dam. The transcript contains Mr. Williford's reminiscences of the project's major events and people who played a role in it.
boxfolder
IV.1 1Address Lists
IV.1 2Address Lists and Duplicate Lists
IV.1 3Address Lists-Old Timers Get Together
IV.1 4Address Lists-Source Lists
IV.1 5Address Lists-Source Lists
IV.1 6Address Lists-Source Lists
boxfolder
IV.2 1Address Lists-VIPs #3
IV.2 2Address Lists-VIPs #3
IV.2 3Address Lists-VIPs #3
IV.2 4Address Lists-VVIPs #1
IV.2 5Address Lists-VVIPs #2
IV.2 6Correspondence, 1985
IV.2 7Correspondence, 1986-1987
IV.2 8Correspondence, 1988
IV.2 9Correspondence, 1989
IV.2 10Correspondence, 1991
IV.2 11Financial Information
IV.2 12Historical Information
IV.2 13Logistical Information
IV.2 14Logistical Information-Medical
boxfolder
IV.3 1Memorabilia
IV.3 2Memorabilia
IV.3 3Memorabilia
IV.3 4News Clippings, 1985
IV.3 5News Clippings, 1986
IV.3 6News Clippings, 1987
IV.3 7News Clippings, 1988
IV.3 8News Clippings, 1989
IV.3 9Photographs [photographs removed]
IV.3 10Steering Committee Meetings
box
IV.4 Attendance reply cards for Russell Appreciation Dinner, circa 1985
 

V. Personal

2 box(es)
(1.25 linear feet)
Newspapers, clippings, correspondence, memorabilia, and audio tape illustrate the professional activities of Robert L. Williford as a newspaper publisher/editor. The correspondence includes letters with and about other newspaper editors, and issues pertaining to print journalism. These date from the 1970s through the early 1980s. The bulk of the materials consist of the trade papers Editor's Forum from throughout the 1970s and Publisher's Auxiliary from 1971. A few copies of The Elberton Star relating to Williford's purchase and sale of it and other newspapers are included. An audio cassette contains a speech by George Berry, former head of the Atlanta airport, on North Georgia economic development. Additionally, there are obituaries of Robert Williford and his brother John.Small amounts of materials on conservation and health issues, and personal travel receipts of Robert Williford can also be found in this series.
boxfolder
V.1 1Correspondence, March 26, 1970-May 29, 1984
V.1 2Editor's Forum, July 1969-September 1970
V.1 3Editor's Forum, January 1971-June 1979
V.1 4George Berry Speech, undated
V.1 5Memorabilia
V.1 6Miscellaneous
V.1 7News Clippings, December 29, 1960-May 5, 1993
V.1 8Newspapers, October 3, 1969-September 12, 1978
V.1 9Newspapers, September 20, 1978-October 24, 1978
V.1 10Newspapers, November 15, 1978-May 23, 1985
V.1 11Publisher's Auxiliary, January-August 1971
V.1 12Williford, Robert and John
 

VI. Photographs

70 photograph(s)
This series consists of seventy sets of images documenting the history of the Richard B. Russell Dam and Lake Project.
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VI.1RLW-PF-01U.S. Congressman Paul Brown, 10th District Georgia, circa late 1950s. ( (26 x 21 cm) b/w )
VI.1RLW-PF-02Senator Richard B. Russell (on left) standing in front of the sign commemorating Millwood, the home of James Edward Cahoun, circa 1950s. ( 2 photograph(s) )
VI.1RLW-PF-03Congressman Phil Landrum who provided early support for the Dam in Congress, circa 1966. ( (26 x 21 cm) b/w )
VI.1RLW-PF-04 Survey of the archeological sites above the Russell Dam (Folder 1 of 3), circa 1967. ( 7 (13 x 16 cm), 3 (15 x 21cm) b/w )
VI.1RLW-PF-04 Survey of the archeological sites above the Russell Dam (Folder 2 of 3), circa 1967. ( 3 (15 x 16 cm), (13 x 18 cm), (16 x 20 cm), 2 (12 x 12 cm) b/w )
VI.1RLW-PF-04 Survey of the archeological sites above the Russell Dam (Folder 3 of 3), circa 1967. ( 6 (12 x 12 cm), 2 (11 x 21 cm), (13 x 15 cm) b/w )
VI.1RLW-PF-05U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Acquiring Land for the Russell Dam, circa 1967. ( 3 (21 x 21cm), (18 x 16 cm) b/w )
VI.1RLW-PF-06Governor Jimmy Carter signing the Recreation Agreement committing state resources to the Russell Dam, October 1972. ( 5 photograph(s) )
VI.1RLW-PF-07Governor Jimmy Carter signing the Richard B. Russell Dam Contract, circa 1972. ( 3 (21 x 26 cm), (26 x 21 cm) b/w )
VI.1RLW-PF-08U.S. Corp Engineers and Office Employees, and Dam Supporters Working to Rename Trotters - Shoals Dam to the Russell Dam in honor of Rishard B. Russell, circa 1973. ( 5 photograph(s) )
VI.1RLW-PF-09Russell Dam Supporters, circa 1974. ( (11 x 12 cm), (12 x 17 cm) b/w )
VI.1RLW-PF-10Corps of Engineers Officials of Atlanta Division and Savannah District offices at Elberton Rotary Club Meeting, July 1974. ( 2 photograph(s) )
VI.1RLW-PF-11Russell Dam Supporters and Promoters at a Reception, circa 1970s. ( 2 (13 x 18 cm), (10 x 13 cm), (13 x 10 cm) color )
VI.1RLW-PF-12T. Foley Treadway, president of Southern Engineering Company fo Georgia, circa 1970s. ( (13 x 10 cm) b/w )
VI.1RLW-PF-13Congressman Robert G. Stephens, Jr. from Athens, Ga., circa 1970s. ( (26 x 21 cm) b/w )
VI.1RLW-PF-14Russell Dam engineers and advisors at Russell Dam site, September 1975. ( (15 x 20 cm) b/w )
VI.1RLW-PF-15Williford at a Russell Dam Meeting, circa 1976. ( (12 x 11 cm), (12 x 17 cm), (14 x 11 cm), (11 x 21 cm), (21 x 26 cm) b/w )
VI.1RLW-PF-16Supporters of the Dam Visit the Russell Dam Site, March 1976. ( (16 x 19 cm), 4 (14 x 20 cm) b/w )
VI.1RLW-PF-17S.C. Third District Congressman Butter Derrick Visits Russell Dam Site, March 1976. ( 2 (14 x 15 cm), (13 x 20 cm), (14 x 20 cm) b/w )
VI.1RLW-PF-18 Assistant Secretary of the Army Victor Veysey inspects progress on the Russell Dam (Folder 1 of 3), April 1976. ( 7 (12 x 20 cm), (15 x 16 cm), (17 x 15 cm) b/w )
VI.1RLW-PF-18 Assistant Secretary of the Army Victor Veysey inspects progress on the Russell Dam (Folder 2 of 3), April 1976. ( 3 (15 x 16 cm), 3 (14 x 15 cm), (15 x 14 cm) b/w )
VI.1RLW-PF-18 Assistant Secretary of the Army Victor Veysey inspects progress on the Russell Dam (Folder 3 of 3), April 1976. ( 2 (14 x 11 cm), (14 x 20 cm), 2 (11 x 15 cm), (13 x 20 cm) b/w )
VI.1RLW-PF-19U.S. Corp of Engineers Officials and Engineers in front of the Russell Dam Offices, circa 1976. ( (15 x 16 cm) b/w )
VI.1RLW-PF-20Department fo Interior Officials inspect Russell Dam Progress, October 12, 1976. ( 7 (14 x 15 cm), 2 (15 x 17 cm), (15 x 20 cm) b/w )
VI.1RLW-PF-21Russell Dam Supporters and Officials at Rotary Club Luncheon in Elberton, circa 1976. ( (20 x 12 cm), (15 x 13 cm) b/w )
VI.1RLW-PF-22Congressman - elect Doug Barnard visits Russell Dam during a trip touring Clark Hill and Hartwell Dams as well, November 30, 1976. ( (16 x 15 cm), 2(15 x 13 cm), (16 x 12 cm), (16 x 11 cm) b/w )
VI.1RLW-PF-23Visitors to the proposed Russell Dam Site, circa 1976. ( 2 (15 x 15 cm), 2 (15 x 20 cm), (15 x 16 cm), (18 x 20 cm) b/w )
VI.1RLW-PF-24U.S. Corp Engineers standing in front of the diversion channel bridge contruction site, circa early 1977. ( (15 x 15 cm) b/w )
VI.1RLW-PF-25Richard B. Russell Dam Planning and funding Hearings also attended by protestors, March 1977. ( 5 (16 x 11 cm), 4 (16 x 20 cm), (14 x 20 cm) b/w )
VI.1RLW-PF-26Richard B. Russell Dam Support Rally (Folder 1 of 2), April 1977. ( 3 (14 x 11 cm), 5 (12 x 11 cm) b/w )
VI.1RLW-PF-26Richard B. Russell Dam Support Rally (Folder 2 of 2), April 1977. ( 3 (13 x 16 cm), (14 x 20 cm) b/w )
VI.1RLW-PF-27Corps of Engineers Officials inspecting the Russell Dam, April 8, 1977. ( (16 x 20 cm), (16 x 21 cm), 2 (17 x 20 cm), (17 x 16 cm) b/w )
VI.1RLW-PF-28Robert Scherer, President fo Georgia Power Company inspects Russell Dam, circa May 1977. ( (16 x 20 cm) b/w )
VI.1RLW-PF-29Local Business Women visit Russell Dam Site. Guided tour by Assistant Resident Engineer Capt. Mel Lynch, May 1977. ( 2 photograph(s) )
VI.1RLW-PF-30Beaverdam Elementary Class visits Russell Dam Construction Site. Mrs. Ann Gunter's fifth grade "Outoor Class" is standing on top of the upstream cofferdike that runs between Georgia and South Carolina Shores, June 3, 1977. ( (14 x 20 cm) b/w )
VI.1RLW-PF-31Georgia Electric Membership Corp. Officials in Elberton to visit Russell Dam Site, August 1977. ( (18 x 21 cm) b/w )
VI.1RLW-PF-32Preconstruction Conference between U.S. Corps of Engineers and Lane Construction Co., Inc. on the Russell Dam Project, September 16, 1977. ( (16 x 16 cm) b/w )
VI.1RLW-PF-33Hearing on pumped Storage at Russell Dam. There was a large crowd of proponents and opponents to the Russell Dam, December 1977. ( 4 (14 x 11 cm), (15 x 20 cm) b/w )
VI.1RLW-PF-34Political Figures who support the Russell Dam at Elberton Civic Center, circa 1977. ( (12 x 12 cm) b/w )
VI.1RLW-PF-35Director of Georgia Department of Transportation visits Russell Dam Site and lunches with the Elberton Rotary Club, circa 1977. ( 3 photograph(s) )
VI.1RLW-PF-36U.S. Corp of Engineers Officials and Engineers Placing 25 cents on a board beside their name, circa mid-late 1970s. ( 3 photograph(s) )
VI.1RLW-PF-37U.S. Corp of Engineers and Department of the Interior Officials inspect the Russell Dam Project, August 1978. ( (11 x 16 cm) b/w )
VI.1RLW-PF-38Construction Site tour at Richard B. Russell Dam (folder 1 of 2), circa October 1978. ( 9 (16 x 20 cm), 3 (14 x 15 cm), (21 x 26 cm), (15 x 15 cm), (18 x 15 cm), (14 x 13 cm) b/w )
VI.1RLW-PF-38Construction Site tour at Richard B. Russell Dam (folder 2 of 2), circa October 1978. ( 3 (14 x 15 cm), (21 x 26 cm), (15 x 15 cm), (18 x 15 cm), (14 x 13 cm) b/w )
VI.1RLW-PF-39Senator Herman Talmadge touring the Russell Dam Site, circa 1978. ( (16 x 20 cm), (19 x 20 cm) b/w )
VI.1RLW-PF-40U.S. Corps of Engineers sponsored Russell Dam Site Guided Tours, July 1979. ( 5 (14 x 20 cm), (15 x 15 cm), 2 (13 x 20 cm), (12 x 12 cm), (14 x 15 cm) b/w )
VI.1RLW-PF-41Russell Dam Building Tour, circa 1980s. ( 9 (14 x 16 cm), (12 x 12 cm) b/w )
VI.1RLW-PF-42Bridge Dedication, circa early 1980s ( 6 photograph(s) )
VI.1RLW-PF-43Richard B. Russell Dam Dedication Ceremony, circa 1985. ( 6 photograph(s) )
VI.1RLW-PF-44Russell Dam Appreciation Dinner, circa August 1985. ( (12 x 12 cm) b/w )
VI.1RLW-PF-45Artists Conception at Completed Hartwell Dam, circa 1930. ( (15 x 21 cm) b/w )
VI.1RLW-PF-46Hartwell Dam under construction, circa 1960. ( (10 x 13 cm) b/w )
VI.1RLW-PF-47U.S. Corps of Engineers Facilities, 1975. ( 2 (15 x 20 cm), (13 x 20cm), (21 x 26 cm) b/w )
VI.1RLW-PF-48 West Side access road to the Russell Dam Site (folder 1 of 2), November 1974-September 1975. ( 4 (15 x 20 cm), 4 (21 x 26 cm) b/w )
VI.1RLW-PF-48West Side access road to the Russell Dam Site (folder 2 of 2), November 1974-September 1975. ( (16 x 20 cm), 4 (12 x 12 cm), (13 x 15 cm), (16 x 16 cm), (15 x 21 cm) b/w )
VI.1RLW-PF-49Construction of Upper coffer dike to Divert the Savannah River (folder 1 of 2), undated. ( 7 photograph(s) )
VI.1RLW-PF-49Construction of Upper coffer dike to Divert the Savannah River (folder 2 of 2), undated. ( 6 (14 x 20 cm), 2 (12 x 20 cm) b/w )
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VI.2RLW-PF-50 Clearing trees and land at the Russell Dam Site (4 folders), 1976. ( 6 (16 x 20 cm), 2 (11 x 16 cm), (16 x 17 cm) b/w )
VI.2RLW-PF-51 Russell Dam Office buildings, Garage, Warehouse and parking lots under construction (folder 1 of 3), September 1975-March 1976. ( 4 (12 x 12 cm), 6 (16 x 20 cm) b/w )
VI.2RLW-PF-51Russell Dam Office buildings, Garage, Warehouse and parking lots under construction (folder 2 of 3), September 1975-March 1976. ( 8 photograph(s) )
VI.2RLW-PF-51Russell Dam Office buildings, Garage, Warehouse and parking lots under construction (folder 3 of 3), September 1975-March 1976. ( 4 (13 x 20 cm), 2 (15 x 20 cm), (20 x 16 cm) b/w )
VI.2RLW-PF-52Excavation of Russell Dam Diversion Channel with Dynamite (folder 1 of 3), April 18, 1976. ( 5 (15 x 20 cm), (12 x 15 cm) b/w )
VI.2RLW-PF-52Excavation of Russell Dam Diversion Channel with Dynamite (folder 2 of 3), April 18, 1976. ( 3 (13 x 15 cm), 6 (13 x 20 cm) b/w )
VI.2RLW-PF-52Excavation of Russell Dam Diversion Channel with Dynamite (folder 3 of 3), April 18, 1976. ( 9 photograph(s) )
VI.2RLW-PF-53Buildings to house the Corps of Engineers Offices, test laboratory, vehicle maintenance department, and flammable materials at the Russell Dam. The buildings have been completed and will house the construction offices and remain as permanent offices once the dam is completed, April 20, 1976. ( 2 (14 x 15 cm), (17 x 15 cm) b/w )
VI.2RLW-PF-54Dredging the Savannah River Bed Where the Russell Dam will be built (folder 1 of 4), July 1976. ( 3 (13 x 20 cm), 2 (12 x 15 cm), 2 (16 x 15 cm) b/w )
VI.2RLW-PF-54Dredging the Savannah River Bed Where the Russell Dam will be built (folder 2 of 4), July 1976. ( 2 (15 x 15 cm), 3 (14 x 15 cm), 2 (15 x 20 cm) b/w )
VI.2RLW-PF-54Dredging the Savannah River Bed Where the Russell Dam will be built (folder 3 of 4), July 1976. ( 5 (21 x 26 cm), (12 x 12 cm), 3 (13 x 15 cm), (10 x 16 cm) b/w )
VI.2RLW-PF-54Dredging the Savannah River Bed Where the Russell Dam will be built (folder 4 of 4), July 1976. ( (12 x 20 cm), 7 (14 x 20 cm), (16 x 20 cm), (19 x 20 cm) b/w )
VI.2RLW-PF-55Diversion Channel being built at the Russell Dam Site to Divert the Savannah River (folder 1 of 6), October 1976-May 5, 1977. ( (12 x 15 cm), 6 (13 x 15 cm), 2 (14 x 15 cm) b/w )
VI.2RLW-PF-55Diversion Channel being built at the Russell Dam Site to Divert the Savannah River (folder 2 of 6), October 1976-May 5, 1977. ( 8 photograph(s) )
VI.2RLW-PF-55Diversion Channel being built at the Russell Dam Site to Divert the Savannah River (folder 3 of 6), October 1976-May 5, 1977. ( 7 (15 x 15 cm), 3 (15 x 17 cm) b/w )
VI.2RLW-PF-55Diversion Channel being built at the Russell Dam Site to Divert the Savannah River (folder 4 of 6), October 1976-May 5, 1977. ( 8 (15 x 20 cm), 2 (13 x 16 cm) b/w )
VI.2RLW-PF-55Diversion Channel being built at the Russell Dam Site to Divert the Savannah River (folder 5 of 6), October 1976-May 5, 1977. ( 4 (13 x 20 cm), 3 (14 x 20 cm) b/w )
VI.2RLW-PF-55Diversion Channel being built at the Russell Dam Site to Divert the Savannah River (folder 6 of 6), October 1976-May 5, 1977. ( (17 x 15 cm), 2 (15 x 16 cm), 2 (17 x 20 cm), (16 x 16 cm), 2 (16 x 20 cm) b/w )
VI.2RLW-PF-56Construction of the bridge over the Savannah River Diversion Channel at the Russell Dam Site (folder 1 of 3), December 1976-May 1977. ( 4 (15 x 20 cm), 6 (21 x 26 cm) b/w )
VI.2RLW-PF-56Construction of the bridge over the Savannah River Diversion Channel at the Russell Dam Site (folder 2 of 3), December 1976-May 1977. ( 9 photograph(s) )
VI.2RLW-PF-56Construction of the bridge over the Savannah River Diversion Channel at the Russell Dam Site (folder 3 of 3), December 1976-May 1977. ( 2 (13 x 20 cm), 5 (17 x 20 cm), (18 x 20 cm) b/w )
VI.2RLW-PF-57The dried up Savannah River bed that has been diverted and dredged to build the Russell Dam (folder 1 of 2), September 1977. ( 9 photograph(s) )
VI.2RLW-PF-57The dried up Savannah River bed that has been diverted and dredged to build the Russell Dam (folder 2 of 2), September 1977. ( 5 (16 x 20 cm), 2 (19 x 20 cm), (15 x 20 cm), (21 x 26 cm) b/w )
VI.2RLW-PF-58Drilling and rock excavation at the Russell Dam Site. Lane Construction Company has the rock excavation contract (folder 1 of 4), June 1978. ( (17 x 20 cm), 9 (19 x 20 cm) b/w )
VI.2RLW-PF-58Drilling and rock excavation at the Russell Dam Site. Lane Construction Company has the rock excavation contract (folder 2 of 4), June 1978. ( 5 (22 x 23 cm), 2 (13 x 22 cm), 2 (13 x 21 cm), (20 x 20 cm) b/w )
VI.2RLW-PF-58Drilling and rock excavation at the Russell Dam Site. Lane Construction Company has the rock excavation contract (folder 3 of 4), June 1978. ( 3 (15 x 20 cm), (14 x 20 cm), (13 x 20 cm), 3 (16 x 15 cm), (21 x 22 cm), (20 x 20 cm) b/w )
VI.2RLW-PF-58Drilling and rock excavation at the Russell Dam Site. Lane Construction Company has the rock excavation contract (folder 4 of 4), June 1978. ( 2 (14 x 20 cm), 2 (16 x 15 cm), (13 x 15 cm), 2 (14 x 15 cm), 2 (21 x 26 cm), (15 x 19 cm) b/w )
VI.2RLW-PF-59Aerial photo of dam construction site with the sections fo the site identified, circa 1977. ( (22 x 24 cm) b/w )
VI.2RLW-PF-60Concrete plant being built at the Russell Dam Site (folder 1 of 2), October 1978. ( 4 (14 x 20 cm), (15 x 20 cm), (13 x 20 cm), 2 (24 x 20 cm) b/w )
VI.2RLW-PF-60Concrete plant being built at the Russell Dam Site (folder 2 of 2), October 1978. ( (19 x 20 cm), 2 (17 x 20 cm), 4 (15 x 15 cm), (23 x 11 cm), (22 x 20 cm) b/w )
VI.2RLW-PF-61The Russell Dam Overlook on the South Carolina side of the dam site, December 1978. ( 2 (15 x 20 cm), 2 (14 x 20 cm) b/w )
VI.2RLW-PF-62The Artificial Banks being built to hold the Russell Lake, circa 1978. ( (16 x 21 cm), 2 (14 x 20 cm), (17 x 20 cm), (15 x 19 cm), 2 (15 x 20 cm) b/w )
VI.2RLW-PF-63Constructing the actual dam - pouring concrete, March 17, 1979. ( 2 (13 x 15 cm), (18 x 20 cm), 3 (19 x 20 cm), 3 (17 x 20 cm) b/w )
VI.2RLW-PF-64Aerial view of the nearly completed Richard B. Russell Dam, September 30, 1981. ( (13 x 18 cm) b/w )
VI.2RLW-PF-65Relief sculpture of Richard B. Russell at the Richard B. Russell Dam in various stages of progress, circa 1982. ( 2 (9 x 13 cm), 2 (9 x 11 cm), 2 (9 x 7 cm) b/w )
VI.2RLW-PF-66Aerial view of the nearly completed Richard B. Russell Dam, circa 1982. ( 5 photograph(s) )
VI.2RLW-PF-67Nearly completed Russell Dam, circa 1982. ( (26 x 15 cm) b/w )
boxfolder
OS1RLW-PF-68Aerial view of the nearly completed Russell Dam Signed, undated. ( (28 x 35 cm) b/w )
boxfolder
VI.2RLW-PF-69Aerial view of the State Route 72 bridges across the Savannah River between Elberton, GA, and Calhoun Falls, S.C. The new bridge to the left was built as part of the Russell Dam Project, September 30, 1981. ( 2 photograph(s) )
VI.2RLW-PF-70Railroad Bridge, circa 1980s. ( 4 photograph(s) )
 

VII. Artifacts

1 box(es)
(1.5 linear feet)
This small series is comprised of "Ginn for Governor" buttons, a souvenir ashtray, the black felt tip pen used by Governor Carter to sign the Russell Dam agreement and two pieces of granite from the dedication ceremony.
box
VII.12 "Ginn for Governor" campaign buttons
VII.12 granite cores from the granite shelf on which the Russell Dam is built (3 in. diameter), September 7, 1985
VII.1Ashtray with print from "The Elberton Star," Joint Senate-House Resolution Changes Trotters Shoals Name to the Richard B. Russell Dam and Reservoir , July 27, 1971
VII.1Black felt tip pen used by Governor Jimmy Carter to sign Richard B. Russell Dam Agreement, circa 1966

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