Thomas William Hunter Papers

.25 feet of papers, 1932-1992, includes correspondence, copies of many newspaper and journal articles, including most of Hunter’s columns as president of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, photographs and a film. In a draft speech, c.1970, Hunter describes his vision of the importance of rural electrification, “Outside of church service, I doubt if there is any area of life in which an individual can gain so much personal satisfaction and affect the lives of so many people as he can through the rural electrification program.” A letter to his widow from Congressman William Jennings Bryan Dorn states, “He spent his life working to improve rural America and was successful in that effort.”

Among the general papers is a transcription of reminiscences of Newberry County Probate Court Judge Frank H. Ward, c.1986, a good friend of Bill Hunter, recalling their friendship and Hunter’s sense of humor. The collection includes one folder of genealogical information on the Knotts Family, compiled by Annie Mercer Knotts of Woodford, S.C. Photos show Hunter with presidents Kennedy and Johnson, Sen. Olin D. Johnston, and others.

A DVD replicates a 16mm film received with the papers. The approximately 28½ minute film documents the 1968 annual meeting of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association in Dallas, Texas, which Hunter served at that time as President. It begins with an introduction made by Hunter, and concludes with an appearance by President Lyndon Johnson.