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Marvin Griffin Papers
Descriptive Summary | |
| Title: Marvin Griffin Papers | |
| Creator: Griffin, Marvin, 1907-1982 | |
| Inclusive Dates: 1946-1982 | |
| Bulk Dates: 1954-1962 | |
| Language(s): English | |
| Extent: 3 box(es) (2.0 linear feet and 3 sound recordings) | |
| Collection Number: RBRL375 | |
| Repository: Richard B. Russell Library for Political Research and Studies | |
| Abstract: Marvin Griffin (1907-1982) served as Lieutenant Governor and Governor of the State of Georgia (1948-1955; 1955-1959). His papers include speeches, campaign files, clippings, correspondence, photographs, and audiovisual materials. | |
Collection Description
Historical Note
Samuel Marvin Griffin was born September 4, 1907 in Bainbridge, Decatur County, Georgia. After graduating from Bainbridge High School in 1925, Griffin went on to receive his A.B. degree in political science and history from The Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina, in 1929. In 1931, Griffin married the former Mary Elizabeth Smith, and together they had two children, Patricia Ann and Samuel Marvin, Jr. Beginning in 1933, Griffin was the editor and publisher of the The Post-Searchlight, a newspaper based in Bainbridge.
Griffin represented Decatur County in the Georgia General Assembly (1935-1936). Later, he served in the administration of Governor E. D. Rivers, eventually becoming executive secretary. Griffin was commissioned as a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army during World War II, later rising to the rank of brigadier general. In 1944, he was apponted Adjutant General of the Georgia National Guard and served until 1947.
Griffin was elected as Lieutenant Governor in 1948, serving under Governor Herman Talmadge.
In 1954, Griffin succesfully ran for governor and served until 1959. During his administration, Griffin increased the state income tax and funding forr education, particularly teacher salaries, and the Rural Roads Authority succeeded in paving nearly 12,000 miles of rural roads throughout Georgia. Having run on a segrationist platform, he ensured that no Georgia schools were integrated during his tenure despite the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling declaring segration unconstitutional. Accusations of corruption dogged his administration with several members being convicted on various charges.
Griffin ran for governor again in 1962, losing to Carl Sanders in the Democratic primary. In 1968, Griffin briefly served as a vice-presidential nominee alongside presidential candidate George Wallace.
Griffin's post-political life included involvement in the real estate business and his efforts in founding Bainbridge College (1970).
Griffin died in Bainbridge, Georgia, on June 13, 1982.
Scope and Content
The Marvin Griffin Papers document Griffin's campaigns for lieutenant governor and governor of Georgia and, to a lesser extent, his life outside of politics. The papers include speech and campaign files, clippings, correspondence, photographs, and audiovisual materials. Of note are his speeches delivered throughout his political career, many of which are annotated and revised, as well as records related to accusations of corruption during his tenure as governor.
Organization and Arrangement
The papers are arranged primarily in chronological order.
Administrative Information
Access Restrictions
This collection is open for research.
Reference copies of the audiovisual recordings are available upon request. Research requests will be filled as soon as possible and will be dependent upon the condition of the recordings.
Preferred citation
Marvin Griffin 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.
User Restrictions
Library acts as "fair use" reproduction agent.
Finding Aid Publication
Finding Aid prepared by Mat Darby, 2015.
Related Materials and Subjects
Subject Terms
Related Collections in this Repository
Reflections on Georgia Politics Oral History Collection, ROGP 017 Sam Griffin on Marvin Griffin
Herman E. Talmadge Collection, Subgroup B: Georgia Gubernatorial Papers