Downing Musgrove Oral History Interview 1988 October 1

Abstract

Among topics discussed: Helps E. D. Rivers's 1932 election; resistance to New Deal programs; old age pension clubs; Rivers's 1936 election; Rivers's programs and financial problems; Lint Miller; Rivers's character; Rivers as campaigner; Rivers's differences with Atlanta newspapers; education; county unit system; experience as a legislative page; Roy Harris; campaign managers; women in Rivers's campaigns; 1946 governor's race; political positions held by Musgrove; the Highway Commission; Corridor Z; Presidential Parkway; importance of roads to politics; Jim Gillis; Red Townsend; three‑governor controversy; poll tax; Roy Harris. ; Downing Musgrove (d. 1995) served as executive secretary to Gov. E.D. Rivers from 1937 to 1940, and held other government positions including comptroller general and revenue commissioner He also served in the Georgia House of Representatives from 1951 to 1960, and was on the highway board from 1970 to 1975.