Thornton Jordan Papers
Scope and Contents
These papers consist of materials relating to Jordan’s researches in the life and work of Carson McCullers, as well as his deep involvement with the McCullers Center for Writers and Musicians. In addition, there are materials concerning a symposium to celebrate the centenary of the birth of Nunnally Johnson. Among his many other wide-ranging interests are: historic preservation; theater; music; Linwood Cemetery; fund-raising for various non-profits such as The Springer Opera House, Westville, the Columbus State University Archives Foundation, etc.; Blind Tom (Thomas Higgins), a musical savant born into slavery; Horace King, an enslaved master-builder; the disputes between Georgia and Alabama over the water rights to the Chattahoochee River; and the Little White House in Warm Springs, Georgia, to name only a few.
1925-2011 3 boxes (1.66 l.f.)
Dates
- Creation: Majority of material found within 1925 - 2011
Creator
- Jordan, Thornton F. (Person)
Biographical / Historical
Thornton Jordan was born in 1944. He taught English at Columbus College, later Columbus State University, for a number of years. He was also very interested in the history of Columbus, Georgia and the surrounding area. Other abiding interests of his include the life and works of Carson McCullers and Nunnally Johnson, two Columbus-born authors. Indeed, he bought the childhood home of Carson McCullers when it came up for sale in 1997 and was aa central figure in its transfer to the Columbus State University Foundation, as well as the establishment of the Carson McCullers Center for Writers and Musicians. He was also very involved with Westville, a recreation of an 1840s Georgia small town.
Extent
1.66 Linear Feet
Language of Materials
English
Arrangement
The papers are divided into 5 series:
Series 1 – Carson McCullers
Series 2 – Columbus History
Series 3 – Nunnally Johnson
Series 4 – Westville
Series 5 – Music
Custodial History
Multi-part gift of Thornton Jordan.
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Repository Details
Part of the Columbus State University Archives and Special Collections Repository
4225 University Ave
Columbus Georgia 31907 United States