Samuel P. Manning Papers

The collection consists of 1.5 linear feet of papers, 1895, 1937 to 1996 and n.d., arranged in 5 series: General; Topical; Appointment Books; Photographs and Clippings.

General papers consist chiefly of correspondence and contain political and other personal material. As a member of the Spartanburg YMCA Board of Directors, Manning was copied with an 18 June 1968 letter from the Bi-racial Committee of Spartanburg asking the YMCA to “justly process all new membership applications without regard to race or color.” In a news release of 7 Nov. 1982, Manning called attention to the dangers of hazardous waste, and noted his success in amending the state appropriations bill to require insurance for the protection of the public from low-level nuclear waste. He concluded, “If no corrective action is taken, many South Carolinians may suffer in future years. The problem could be more severe than the one presented at Love Canal.”

Topical files include material on subjects of particular interest to Manning. Under ‘American Revolution, General’ are records relating to Manning’s service as chair of the legislative study committee, the ‘Spirit of 1776 Committee,’ c.1969-1971, and the American Revolution Bicentennial of South Carolina Committee and the Bicentennial Council of the Thirteen Original States. The General file contains the first and second reports of the “Spirit” committee, issued in 1970 and 1971 respectively. Files on the battles of Cowpens and Eutaw Springs document the efforts to commemorate those events. ‘American Revolution, Notes’ contains writings of Manning and others and other notes on events of the Revolution.

The topical file on the South Carolina State Museum chiefly relates to Manning's work as a member of the Advisory Committee for the Charles H. Townes Science Center, 1984 to 1987. Manning also served on the Museum Foundation's Board.

The ‘Biographical Information’ topic contains folders regarding Manning’s life, education, and military career. The ‘School’ file contains a ‘General’ folder with information about Manning’s education. The ‘Papers’ folder contains school papers. The ‘Genealogy’ topical file contains two folders Charles H. Townes (right) at the Franklin Institute, Philadelphia with extensive genealogical information on the Manning family. ‘Military Service’ contains such items as Manning’s WWII Draft Letter, discharge paperwork, and letters regarding his specialization as an officer. The ‘Writings’ topical file contains two subdivisions. ‘General’ contains articles by Manning and notes for speeches or articles. Included are “Our Endangered State,” on the danger of nuclear waste; a review of Roy Smith’s biography of Vardry McBee; and an article on the Palmetto Landfill. ‘Correspondence’ contains family letters from Manning’s youth, regarding his education, and throughout his military service.