Finding Aid of the Robert Grady Johnson Photograph Collection, PHC.132
Abstract
Photographic prints dating 1931-1945 depicting Robert Grady Johnson, other members
of the North Carolina General Assembly, and/or other members of state government during
that time period. Four certificates documenting Robert Grady Johnson's membership
on the State Highway and Public Works Commission, 1937; the State Board of Alcoholic
Control, 1941; and the North Carolina Utilities Commission, 1942 and 1945.
Descriptive Summary
- Title
- Robert Grady Johnson Photograph Collection
- Call Number
- PHC.132
- Creator
-
Unknown
- Date
- 1931-1945
- Language
-
English
- Repository
-
State Archives of North Carolina
Restrictions on Access & Use
Use Restrictions
Copyright is retained by the authors of these materials, or their descendants, as
stipulated by United States copyright law (Title 17 US Code). Individual researchers
are responsible for using these materials in conformance with copyright law as well
as any donor restrictions accompanying the materials.
Preferred Citation
[Identification of item], PhC.132, Robert Grady Johnson Photograph Collection, State
Archives of North Carolina; Raleigh, NC.
Collection Overview
Photographic prints dating 1931-1945 depicting Robert Grady Johnson, other members
of the North Carolina General Assembly, and/or other members of state government during
that time period. Individuals include Governor J. Melville Broughton, Governor R.
Gregg Cherry, Governor John C. B. Ehringhaus, Thad Eure, Governor O. Max Gardner,
Governor Clyde Hoey, Fred C. Hunter, Carl L. Williamson, and Judge Stanley Winbourne.
Most if not all of these photographs were gifts to Robert Grady Johnson over the course
of his long career of service to the state of North Carolina, and many are inscribed
and signed. Also in this collection are four certificates documenting Robert Grady
Johnson's membership on the State Highway and Public Works Commission, 1937; the State
Board of Alcoholic Control, 1941; and the North Carolina Utilities Commission, 1942
and 1945.
Arrangement Note
By item level call numbers
Biographical/Historical note
Robert Grady Johnson (5 May 1895-22 June 1951), lawyer, legislator, and politician,
was born in Burgaw, North Carolina, son of Joab F. and Myrtie Grady Johnson. He studied
law at both The University of North Carolina and Wake Forest University and was admitted
to the bar in 1926. In 1929, Johnson was elected state senator from the Ninth District.
In 1931 he was elected to the state House of Representatives for Pender County. He
was re-elected in 1933 and 1935 and was Speaker of the House in 1935. He served as
secretary of the North Carolina Petroleum Industries Committee from January 1936 thourgh
September 1937, when he was appointed a member of the state Highway and Public Works
Commission, which elected him director of the state prisons, a post at which he served
until 1941. While in this role he placed emphasis on improving the physical living
environments of the prisons, making them more pleasant, and focusing rehabilitation
around productive recreation and prison work industries. In 1941 he was made chairman
of the State Board of Alcoholic Control, and from 1942 until 1950 he was a member
of the Utilities Commission. At various times Johnson also served on the board of
trustees of The University of North Carolina, as register of deeds in Pender County,
and as a member of the Pender County and the state Democratic executive committees.
Johnson was a private in the United States Army during World War I and worked as a
medical records clerk. He was a member of the American Legion and an active Mason.
Johnson was married to Mrs. Louise White Freeman of Elizabeth City, NC, and had three
children: Louise Grady, Robert White, and Marion Lee. He is buried in Burgaw, NC.
(From: Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, Vol. III, pp.297-298)
Contents of the Collection
Collection Contents
The Governor of North Carolina and the Speaker, Members, Officers, and Employees of
the General Assembly 1931. Inscription is at the bottom of a panoramic photograph
that shows a large group of mostly men (only one woman distinctly visible) and a few
small boys posing with Governor O. Max Gardner in front of the State Capitol building,
1931. Robert Grady Johnson is supposed to be in the third row near Thad Eure who is
kneeling somewhere near the middle.
PhC.132.01
Presented to my good friend Robert Grady Johnson with sentiments of high esteem, O.
Max Gardner. Inscription is at bottom of this photograph of governor O. Max Gardner
sitting at his desk, c. 1930. he has a pen in his hand, there are two telephones on
the desk, and a small photograph of Fay Gardner is also distinctly visible on the
desk.
PhC.132.02
To my friend Robert Grady Johnson, with best wishes, J. M. Broughton. Inscription
is at the bottom of this formal portrait photograph of governor J. Melville Broughton.
Broughton is shown seated with an open book on a surface in front of him, c. 1937.
This print has tears across the upper left side and upper right corner, but only the
background of the image is compromised.
PhC.132.03
No inscription. This photograph depicts three members of the North Carolina Utilities
Commission appointed by Governor J. Melville Broughton, 1942. left to right: Fred
C. Hunter, Stanley Winbourne, and Robert Grady Johnson. Photograph by Owen Ballance,
Raleigh, NC
PhC.132.04
To Robert Grady Johnson with Kind regards R. Gregg Cherry Governor of North Carolina.
With best wishes R. Gregg Cherry Governor of North Carolina 1945. Inscriptions are
on the side and bottom of this portrait photograph of Governor R. Gregg Cherry. Cherry
is shown seated leaning on a closed book and holding a pair of eyeglasses.
PhC.132.05
No inscription. This is a group shot of the members of the State Board of Alcoholic
Control being sworn into office, 1937. left to right: Governor J. Melville Broughton,
unidentified, Robert Grady Johnson, unidentified, unidentified.
PhC.132.06
To my friend Hon. Robt. Grady Johnson, in pleasant recollection and with kindest regards,
J. C. B. Ehringhaus. Inscription is at the bottom right corner of this head shot portrait
photograph of Governor John C. B. Ehringhaus. Photograph is an edited copy printed
on thin cardboard c. 1935.
PhC.132.07
To Hon. Robert Grady Johnson my esteemed friend Thad Eure Secretary of State May 1944.
Inscription written in Thad Eure's signature green ink, is at the bottom of this portrait
of Thad Eure.
PhC.132.08
To my good friend, Robert Grady Johnson, cordially Yours, Clyde R. Hoey. Inscription
is at the bottom of this photograph of Governor Clyde R. Hoey, c. 1937. This photograph
has some water damage and a few tears, which somewhat obscures small portions of the
image.
PhC.132.09
No inscription. This is a group shot of the members of the Council of State for the
administration of Governor Clyde R. Hoey standing along one side of the State capitol
c. 1937-1941. Robert Grady Johnson is third from left. Governor Hoey is in the middle,
sixth from the left.
PhC.132.10
Certificate of appointment. Robert Grady Johnson to the State Highway and Public Works
Commission, 1 May 1937. Signed by Governor Clyde R. Hoey and Secretary of State Thad
Eure.
PhC.132.11
Certificate of appointment. Robert Grady Johnson to the State Board of Alcoholic Control,
1 August 1941. Signed by Governor J. Melville Broughton and Secretary of State Thad
Eure.
PhC.132.12
Certificate of appointment. Robert Grady Johnson to the North Carolina Utilities Commission,
31 March 1942, signed by Governor J. Melville Broughton and Secretary of State Thad
Eure.
PhC.132.13
Certificate of appointment. Robert Grady Johnson to the North Carolina Utilities Commission,
27 March 1945, signed by Governor R. Gregg Cherry and Secretary of State Thad Eure.
PhC.132.14
Subject Headings
Broughton, J. Melville (Joseph Melville), 1888-1949
Cherry, Robert Gregg, 1891-1957
Ehringhaus, John Christoph Blucher, 1882-1949
Eure, Thad, 1899-1988
Gardner, Oliver Max, 1882-1947
Hoey, Clyde Roark, 1877-1954
Hunter, Fred C.
Johnson, Robert Grady, 1895-1951
Williamson, Carl L.
Winbourne, Stanley
North Carolina State Highway and Public Works Commission
North Carolina. State Board of Alcoholic Control
North Carolina. Utilities Commission
Democratic Party (U.S.)
Governors
North Carolina. General Assembly
Politics
Burgaw (N.C.)
Hickory (N.C.)
Pender County (N.C.)
Raleigh (N.C.)
Acquisitions Information
Donated to the North Carolina State Archives April 2008 by Louise J. Johanson, Raleigh,
North Carolina.
Processing Information
Processed by Kim Cumber, August 2008
Encoded by Kim Cumber, August 2008