John E. Drewry Papers (UGA 04-026)

Record Group : 2:18 (Journalism)

15.25 linear ft : 14 Bankers Boxes, 2 Ms. Boxes and a 1/2 Ms.Box

Introduction

John E. Drewry's teaching skills and knowledge of the field of journalism are legendary. In a 1982 Athens Banner Herald article, Loren Smith recalled that when John E. Drewry was dean of the Henry Grady School of Journalism, "we all were charmed by his presence, inspired by his intellect and relaxed by his wit".

A native of Griffin, Georgia, John E. Drewry in 1922 became the second person awarded a B.J. degree from the University of Georgia's journalism program. In 1925 he received his A.M. degree from UGA based on graduate work done at Columbia University in New York City and at the University of Georgia.

Hired as a journalism instructor at UGA in 1922, Drewry was promoted to Director of the Journalism School in 1932 and - with the creation of the position - took on the role of Dean of the Henry W. Grady School of Journalism; a position he held from 1940 through his retirement in 1969.

Some Magazines and Magazine Makers, published in 1924, was the first in a long line of books and brochures that Drewry either wrote or edited. Drewry's column "New Book News" which ran for 61 years was just one of many columns and articles that he authored during his lifetime.

During his long career Drewry served as a Capitol Reporter and State Editor for the Associated Press. Additional journalistic activites included work as a correspondent for the Christian Science Monitor and the Atlanta Journal and Constitution.

Drewry was also instrumental in the creation of the prestigious Peabody Awards in 1940. Other accomplishments include playing a pivital role in the establishment of the Georgia Scholastic Press Association, the Georgia Collegiate Press Association, the Georgia Press Institute and the Georgia Radio and Television Institute.

In 1949 Drewry and his fiancee, Miriam Thurmond, were shot by his ex-wife, Kathleen Drewry. The victims recovered and married, but some believe this event and subsequent trial eclipsed Drewry's chances to be appointed President of UGA at the time. Drewry continued as Dean until retirement in 1969 and died in 1983 at the age of 80.

Scope and Content

Accession UGA 04-026 ("The John Drewry Papers") consists of documents dating from 1920 through 2000. Accession UGA 05-054 ("The School of Journalism's Annual Reports") was received at the same time as these papers but was set up as a distinct collection.

The John E. Drewry Papers reveal Drewry as a reporter, author, student, instructor, dean and dean emeritis through correspondence, notes, manuscripts, photographs and newspaper clippings. Located within Drewry's papers are unique insights into the world of magazine and newpaper publishing in America at mid-twentieth century. There are copies of many of Drewry's lectures and speeches over the years plus documentation of his involvement in organizations such as the Georgia Scholastic Press Association and the Georgia Collegiate Press Association. Additionally Drewry's involvement involvement with the Peabody Awards from their inception in 1940 is represented through correspondence and photographs.

Box 15 includes a folder of personal correspondence from 1931-1937 regarding Kathleen Drewry. These letters have been photocopied from originals held by the Hargrett Library and have been added to this accession for the information they add regarding Drewry's life.

For preservation purposes the "John E. Drewry Papers" have been refoldered. Metal paperclips have been removed, photographs were placed in archival sleeves and newspaper articles along with fragile paper documents have been photocopied onto archival quality paper. Also as noted in the "Content Inventory" several fragile oversized materials of special interest have been removed from folders and placed flat into large boxes.

Related Items:

1. A listing of books and brochures written or edited by John E. Drewry can be obtained by entering the search term "Drewry, John E." into the University of Georgia Libraries' GIL Catalog http://www.libs.uga.edu/.

2. Georgia Room Vertical File "Drewry, John E."

Content Inventory

Processed by Carol Bishop, December 2005.

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