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George Platt Waller papers

 Collection
Identifier: W-0085
  • No requestable containers

Scope and Contents

The bulk of this collection consists of speech typescripts written by George Platt Waller dated between 1952 and 1961. Many of the speeches, presented to historic and civic organizations, relate to Confederate history. In a smaller number of speeches, Waller addresses political issues such as the rise of Communism and Supreme Court rulings on desegregation.

In several of his speeches, Waller discusses his experiences as a diplomat to Greece and Luxembourg. In one notable speech presented on Confederate Memorial Day in 1956, Waller recalls discussing Confederate history with King George II of Greece and draws interesting parallels between Confederate history and international politics during World War II.

The collection also includes one photograph of a bridge, identified as a turnpike and bridge over Shannon's Run, and one letter addressed to Waller containing a book prospectus.

The collection also includes two receipts and a small journal labeled "Physician's Visiting List 1894," related to the medical practice of Dr. George Platt Waller, Waller's father. The journal contains entries from 1894 to 1895, documenting the names of Waller's patients, the dates of their medical appointments, and charges.

Dates

  • Creation: 1894 - 1895
  • Creation: 1952 - 1961

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

None

Biographical / Historical

The son of Montgomery, Alabama, physician Dr. George Platt Waller and Susan Theresa Jones Waller, George Platt Waller was born on September 7, 1889. Waller attended the University of Virginia and received his LLB in 1912. A career diplomat, Waller was appointed vice consul to Nova Scotia in 1913. Between 1914 and 1930, Waller served counsel appointments in Austria, Greece, Japan, Tunis, and Dresden.

In 1931, Waller was named the secretary of embassy at Brussels, and served as legation at Luxembourg for eighteen years, drafting a treaty between the United States and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, which was ratified in 1935. Waller remained in Luxembourg after the German invasion, representing the interests of the French, Belgian, and British embassies.

In 1948, Waller left Belgium to accept a consul appointment in Italy. Waller retired in 1950, moved back to Montgomery, and became a civic leader within the city, serving as the president of the Alabama Historical Association and director of the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. Waller died on February 26, 1962.

Extent

0.2 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

Contains photographs, correspondence, and typescript speeches written by diplomat George Platt Waller. Also contains a small journal and receipts related to his father's medical practice.

Physical Location

The A. S. Williams III Americana Collection, Amelia Gayle Gorgas Library, The University of Alabama

Provenance

Gift of A. S. Williams III, 2010

Related Materials

Waller family papers, W. S. Hoole Special Collections Library, The University of Alabama.

General

Title on Spine: Papers and Speeches of George P. Waller of Montgomery, U. S. Consul to Luxembourg

Processed by

Haley Aaron, 2013

Source

Title
Guide to George Platt Waller papers
Status
Completed
Date
February 2014
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
English

Repository Details

Part of the The University of Alabama Libraries Special Collections Repository

Contact:
Box 870266
Tuscaloosa AL 35487-0266
205.348.0513