John S. Bordner Papers, circa 1895-circa 1997

Container Title
General correspondence
Letters dictated by Myles Horton
Audio   515A/168
1955 November
Scope and Content Note

Letter to Harvey O'Connor--comments on strikes and role of trade unionism in the U.S., comments on the AFL convention in Memphis, AFL and CIO merger, progressive unions, role of political action, CIO's fight against Jim Crow, plight of the Southern farmer, and the roles of churches and unions; letter to Rev. C.G. Brown--praises Rev. Brown for work among African-Americans on Johns Island; report on a visit to Kodak, Sevier County, Tennessee-- comments on the farmers union, leaders in the union, and the movement to end segregation in Sevier County; letter to Lennard Reiser-- comments on Johns Island, Esau Jenkins, and Clarence Mitchell; notes on Johns Island-- quotes Esau Jenkins' letter telling of his daughters being fired because of integration work, Horton's reply is quoted; Horton reports on visit to Johns Island--investigation into the firing of Esau's daughters, comments on Rev. G.C. Brown backing up Esau in the fight. Also a discussion from a college workshop.

Approximate running time: 60 minutes.

Audio   515A/44
1955
Scope and Content Note

An appeal for contributions with information about Highlander's 25th anniversary celebration, to Mike Ross concerning the legal battle over Highlander's tax status and to Jan Shelby evaluating Highlander's progress; notes from a speech by Horton on Highlander's background, basic program structure, goals, and obstacles. Also a meeting about the citizenship program.

Approximate running time: 30 minutes.

Audio   515A/7
1957 October 10
Scope and Content Note

Letter to John B. Thompson--tells of difficulty in writing because of pressing duties, tells of attacks on Highlander by Senator James Eastland, Governor Orval Faubus, comments on Governor Marvin Griffin leading the attack, comments on Ed Friend's pictures smearing the school, praises Septima Clark; notes for an article--explains role of Highlander and methods used, letter to Reinhold Niebuhr--tells of Governor Griffin's attack, says Governor Griffin is playing into the hands of the communists, says Governor Griffin is invading states rights by going into Tennessee, comments on loss of tax status and how it's hurting the school; news release--tells of Myles Horton and Septima Clark attending a meeting in San Diego, California, discusses Thanksgiving weekend workshop, comments on plans for future workshops; letter to Tom Ludwig--tells of Catholic conference in Kansas City where Horton made a speech, tells of Holland Catholic Conference and of plans to go to Delaware Catholic Conference; statement to executive council and sponsors--comments on someone that Israel sent to Highlander; letter to Roger Baldwin--comments on Prince Hopkins Foundation funds to Highlander, tells of regular audits on the school's records, tells of Governor Griffin's attacks; letter to Senator Paul Douglas--comments on contributions by Douglas in 1935, tells of Governor Griffin's attack and denies connection with communists; letter to Congressman Brooks Hays praises Hays for his efforts in Little Rock school desegregation, comments on Governor Griffin, comments on Alva Taylor; letter to Margaret Meade--comments on donation by her in 1934, role of whites in the South; letter to Miss Anna O.H. Williamson--comments on a planned article; letter to Mrs. Fran Perlstein--comments on fundraising party in California, comments on Governor Griffin; letter to Perry Cartwright--comments on article on Highlander in October issue of the Southern Newsletter, critical of labor unions in the South, criticizes textile workers union, praise for Larry Rogan and Packinghouse Workers, says that integration and not labor is the real issue in the South; letter to Thurgood Marshall--comments on Governor Griffin and future troubles of Highlander; letter to Roy Wilkins--comments on Governor Griffin; letter to Father O'Grady--comments on the illness of Miss Favire, Governor Griffin's attack, Catholic conferences; letter to Jim Elliot--asks advice on barring the press from future meetings at Highlander, speculates that Abner Berry and Ed Friend were working together at the 25th anniversary meeting.

Approximate running time: 120 minutes.

Audio   515A/8
1957 December
Scope and Content Note

Letter to the press--countering attack made by Governor Griffin; letter to Glen Hanson; announcement of increase in Highlander's dairy herd; letter to Mrs. Louise Fort; letter to Lois Graff--explains Highlander's position on communism and comments on damage to reform efforts by the communists; letter to Senator Hubert Humphrey--comments on attacks on Highlander; memo to the press--answers attacks on Highlander; letter to Ralph Buncbe-comments on Governor Griffin's attack and expresses determination to fight back (similar letters to Roy Wilkins and Thurgood Marshall); letter to Glen Wilson--comments on efforts to raise funds for the school; memo to the executive council--comments on need for younger staff at the school, asks council to consider replacing him, discusses plans for future projects; memo to staff; letter to Bonnie Flint; letter to Maria George; letter to Judge and Mrs. J.W. Waring; letter to Carl Hessler--comments on a staff member; letter to Alvena Vesar; letter to George and Bea Wolfe; letter to Chris Benson; letter to Gordon Monkan; letter to Melvin and Velva Good; letter to Iz and Betty Goldiamond; letter to Tom and Jane Govan--comments on cooperation by members of University of the South; letter to Charlotte and Reynold Holt; letter to Mrs. James (Edith) Storr; letter to Leon Wilson--asks him to write to Ralph McGill complaining about his "pseudoliberalism," comments on reactionary leaders in Grundy County; letter to Branston O'Casey.

Approximate running time: 120 minutes.

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