Correspondence Series, 1922-1975 and undated

Extent:

4 boxes

Scope and content:

Incoming correspondence primarily consists of cards and personal letters from friends and family. While friends and colleagues in various political organizations discuss business matters in letters in this series, topics discussed are generally of a personal nature. A substantial number of letters are from men in the British armed forces, contacts apparently made while George was involved with the British Service Entertainment Committee in Richmond. Many of these letters are filed in the "unknown/unnamed" correspondence file because only first names or nicknames were included in the letter.

The political correspondence contains letters to and from officials and their staff in the organizations with which George was involved through his life, both as a socialist in the 1930s and as a conservative in the 1960s and 1970s. Prominent national leaders with whom George corresponded include the socialist U.S. Congressmen Victor Berger and George M. Rhodes as well as Barry Goldwater, Estes Kefauer, and others. Substantial correspondence with Hubert Humphrey is also included. Additional notable national political figures include Norman Thomas, Upton Sinclair, Gardner Jackson, Arthur McDowell, Nelson Rockefeller, and George Wallace. In addition, George corresponded with a number of prominent Virginia politicians. Many of the letters in this section are generic testimonials to George's good character or are updates about possible employment opportunities, though some also discuss specific political matters.

Another significant portion of correspondence, received as part of a later accession, documents George's interests and operations in Mexico mining, particularly tungsten mining in the Chihuahua region. This correspondence largely dates from 1954. Substantial additional correspondence can be found in the Subject Files Series and in the Personal Files Series.

Correspondence has been loosely arranged by correspondent's last name, with scattered "general" folders throughout the series. Many of the larger name files relate to George's Mexican mining exploits. General folders tend to include earlier letters from a wider variety of correspondents. There is also a folder of correspondence from the George family, with many letters to George from his mother and siblings.

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