Collection Title: Williamson (G.D.) Papers

Accession Number: AM07-19

Inclusive Dates: 1977-1989

Extent: 6 large scrapbooks, 1 ledger, and less than .25 cubic feet of loose material

Given By: G. D. Williamson via Keith Williamson and Alice Williamson

Copyright: This collection may be protected from unauthorized copying by the Copyright Law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code).

Form of Material:

Scrapbooks and other materials relating to G. D. Williamson, who served as Hattiesburg City Commissioner from 1977-1985.  He became Mayor of Hattiesburg in 1985, when  the city’s government changed from a commission form of government to a mayor/city council form, and served until July 3, 1989.

The scrapbooks consist primarily of newspaper clippings (most dated) from the Hattiesburg American. Some photographs and correspondence are included.  Among the topics covered are life in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, including economic development, entertainment, transportation, area attractions, utilities, youth sports, and natural disasters.  The scrapbooks were put together by Williamson’s longtime secretary, Peggy Green.  Brief descriptions are as follows:

1. Scrapbook: December 28, 1978 – June 24-1981. (This one is in reverse chronological order.)  This one has a death notice for Congressman William Colmer (September 1980).  Williamson was City Commissioner during this time period.
2. Scrapbook: July 1986 – May 1987.  Williamson was Mayor during this time period.  Of special note: photographs of the flood of 1961 (some loose).
3. Scrapbook: May – November 1987.  Williamson was Mayor during this time period.  Of special note: many photographs, including those of a Veterans Memorial Day Service in 1987.  Also Hattiesburg: The City of Progress, a municipal report on the occasion of the city’s 80th anniversary (dated Jan. 15, 1964)
4. Scrapbook: December 1987 - .  Williamson was Mayor during this time period. 
5. Scrapbook: March 1988 – July 1989.  Williamson was Mayor during this time period.  Of special note: many clippings on the subject of Hattiesburg annexation proceedings.
6. Scrapbook: July 1988 – May 1989: Williamson was Mayor during this time period.  Of special note: Information on the movement of a 1925 locomotive from Meridian to Hattiesburg.
7. Trash Pick-up Ledger, covering financial accounts for trash pick-ups at local businesses from January 1973 to January 1974.
8. Loose items:
1. Letter of certification as commissioner: June 28, 1977.
2. Various publications
3. Personal and business correspondence, including letters of appreciation and complaint
4. Photographs
5. Items related to city finances 1977-1979.
6. Pamphlets related to local events.

Created by: Yvonne Arnold
Prepared and maintained by
The University of Southern Mississippi Libraries Special Collections
http://www.lib.usm.edu/spcol/index.php
118 College Drive #5148   Hattiesburg, MS 39406-5148

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Revised: August 8, 2007