Request Material





George Washington Hitt Papers

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

Disabilities
Silhouettes

Series Descriptions and Folder Listing

 
boxfolder
11A Beautiful Woodland Silhouette Cut, by George Hitt, undated
 
12American Technical Society Letter From Emil Stein, October 21, 1944
 
13At Henderson Falls Park - Hitt Memorial Dedicated, November 6, 1984
 
14Cards, Silhouettes Templates, Letter, Product Order Form, January 1960
 
15"Crippled Artist George Hitt to Get Citation", undated
 
16"Crippled Boy Cuts His Handicap with Tiny Scissors," The Boston Transcript, 1932
 
17George Hitt Enterprises - Silhouette Reproduction Order Form, undated
 
18Newspaper Articles, 1947
 
19Photographs, undated
 
110Letter to Mr. Robert Ripley, February 8, 1947
 
111Living on Main Street - A Vistor's Guide to Main Street Toccoa, undated
 
112Murphy, Tylor & Ellis Inc. Letter from J. Clay Murphy, President, February, 27, 1937
 
113Printouts - FDR Library & Museum, New Deal Network, 2003, 2006
 
114Proclamation in Newspaper, October 22, 1984
 
115Silhouettes - Dog and Cat, Two People Sitting in Chairs with Cat, And Fish Jumping out of Lake, undated
 
116Silhouettes - Oglethorpe and Forest Scene, undated
 
117The Atlanta Constitution - George Silhouette Artist Creates Beauty From Chair, Friday, March 18, 1955
 
118The Chieftain - George Hitt - Artist, Philosopher, Humanitarian, October 23,1984
 
119The Chieftain - George Hitt - Artist, Philosopher, Humanitarian, October 23, 1984
 
120The Stephen County Historical Historical Society Presents "A Celebration of the Life and Work of George W. Hitt", November 4, 1984
 
121"The White Heron," one in a series of five appearing in Nature Magazine, November 1945
 
122Voices 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
 
123[Clippings, Correspondence, Biographical Sketch, 1952-1984
 
124[Silhouettes], undated
 
box
2Framed 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
3Framed Silhouette & George Hitt Enterprise Product Order Box, 1941
Framed silhouette of water scene with two herons
 
box
4Scapbook 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
5Framed Silhouettes, undated
Framed silhouette of farm scene with horse-drawn wagon; framed silhouette of farm scene with wagon transporting cotton.
 
box
6Framed 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
07Scissors, circa 1940s