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Fed R. Thomas bridge construction scrapbook

 Collection
Collection number: ahc.MSS1260

Scope and Contents

This collection contains a scrapbook that documents Fed R. Thomas’ engineering career with the City of Atlanta. The scrapbook includes bridge construction proposals, architectural specifications, and blueprints of bridges. Proposals include Peachtree Creek Bridge and Forsyth Street Bridge and detail bridge length, materials, and weight capacity alongside correlating city regulations. Of particular note is a copy of Atlanta Mayor James Calhoun's (1811-1875) recollection of the city’s surrender to United States forces in 1864. The collection also contains an annual budget report from the Atlanta Construction Department and a booklet that details specifications for bridge, viaduct, and roof construction.

Dates

  • 1885-1980

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

Unpublished manuscripts are protected by copyright. All requests to publish, quote, or reproduce must be submitted through the Kenan Research Center.

Biographical / Historical

Fed Reid Thomas (1924-2008) was born in Atlanta, Georgia, to Ina M. (1884-1968) and Fed Thomas (1878-1934). Thomas graduated from Tech High School and the Georgia School of Technology, and served in the United States Navy between 1943 and 1946. In approximately 1945, he married Mary Jo Thomas (1929-2019), with whom he had three children, Jimmy Thomas (1941- ), Patti Gunnyon (1954- ), and Cindy Ayers (1958- ). In 1948 Fed Thomas started working at the City of Atlanta in the Bridge Division of the Construction Department as a Chief Engineer-I, and was later promoted to Chief Engineer-II, then in 1957 to Chief Engineer-III. He was a member of the United States Power Squadron, the American Public Works Association, and held licenses in Unlimited Marine Navigation and in Marine Radio use.

Extent

1.42 linear ft. (one oversize box)

Language

English

Arrangement

This collection is arranged alphabetically by titles supplied by staff.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Gift, 2020

Bias in Description

As archivists, we acknowledge our role as stewards of information. We choose how individuals and organizations are represented and described in our archives. We are not neutral, and bias is reflected in our descriptions, which may not accurately convey the racist or offensive aspects of collection materials. Archivists make mistakes and might use poor judgment. In working with this collection, we often re-use language used by the former owners of the material. This language provides context but often includes bias and prejudices reflective of the time in which it was created. The Kenan Research Center’s work is ongoing to implement reparative language where Library of Congress subject terms are inaccurate and obsolete.

Kenan Research Center welcomes feedback and questions regarding our archival descriptions. If you encounter harmful, offensive, or insensitive terminology or descriptions, please let us know by emailing reference@atlantahistorycenter.com. Your comments are essential to our work to create inclusive and thoughtful description.

Processing Information

This collection was processed in 2023.

Title
Fed R. Thomas bridge construction scrapbook
Subtitle
ahc.MSS1260
Author
Senadzi Kpeglo
Date
June 2023
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Part of the Kenan Research Center at Atlanta History Center Repository

Contact:
130 West Paces Ferry Road
Atlanta GA 30305
404-814-4040