George Cullen Thomas Papers

Collection

Identifier: MSS069

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This collection includes photocopied representations of two scrapbooks belonging to George Cullen “Cully” Thomas, who graduated from Butler University in 1913. They document the college athletic career of Thomas, where he played football, basketball, baseball, track, and tennis, as well as his professional career after graduating. Most of the content is photocopies of newspaper clippings and photographs from his time playing football and covers the years 1909 to 1913.

Dates

Creation: 1909 - 1960
Creation: Majority of material found within 1909 - 1913

Creator

Thomas, George Cullen, 1890-1973 (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

Collection is open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

Biographical Note

George Cullen “Cully” Thomas (1890-1973) graduated from Butler University in 1913 with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. During his time at Butler, he participated in football, basketball, baseball, tennis, and track, where he earned 18 varsity letters. He was football captain from 1909 to 1911, basketball captain in 1910, intercollegiate tennis champion of nine states in 1911 and class president in 1912 and 1913. He later served as Butler’s athletic director and coach of all sports. In 1924, he worked for General Mills (then known as the Washburn Crosby Company) until his retirement in 1956. At that time, he was appointed to the Butler Board of Directors and was later named a trustee emeritus. Thomas passed away in Minnesota in 1973 at the age of 82.

Extent

1.25 Linear Feet (1 oversize box)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

This collection contains photocopies of two scrapbooks belonging to George Cullen “Cully” Thomas, documenting his athletic career at Butler University, where he played football, basketball, tennis, track, and baseball. The focus of the scrapbooks is football.

Arrangement

This collection is arranged in one series.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Jane T. Noland (George’s daughter) loaned this collection to Butler University Libraries in 1990 (Accession Number 1990.004). Photocopies were made of the scrapbooks and the originals returned to the family.

Related Materials

MSS 019 J. Russell Townsend Collection, Special Collections, Rare Books, and University Archives, Irwin Library, Butler University.

MSS 020 Perry K. Zahn Collection, Special Collections, Rare Books, and University Archives, Irwin Library, Butler University.

MSS 039 Steve Abbot Collection, Special Collections, Rare Books, and University Archives, Irwin Library, Butler University.

MSS 054 Milton Wiener Track Shirts, Special Collections, Rare Books, and University Archives, Irwin Library, Butler University.

MSS 055 C.C. “Corky” Bauermeister Football Letter Sweater, Special Collections, Rare Books, and University Archives, Irwin Library, Butler University.

MSS 062 Bill Davis Collection, Special Collections, Rare Books, and University Archives, Irwin Library, Butler University.

UA 003 Butler University Biography Research Files, Special Collections, Rare Books, and University Archives, Irwin Library, Butler University.

UA 018 Butler University Board of Trustees Papers, Special Collections, Rare Books, and University Archives, Irwin Library, Butler University.

UA 122 Butler University Athletics, Special Collections, Rare Books, and University Archives, Irwin Library, Butler University.

The Butler Collegian Digital Collection

The Drift

Bibliography

“G. Cullen Thomas.” 2023. Wikipedia. March 22, 2023. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/G._Cullen_Thomas.

“George Cullen Thomas.” Butler University Athletics. Accessed May 2, 2024. https://butlersports.com/sports/2016/5/20/george-cullen-thomas.aspx?id=1650