technology

“Manning, Selvage & Lee/ Atlanta Forward Atlanta Campaign photographs”

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Atlanta Skyline Circa 1970

The Atlanta Chamber of Commerce hired the public relations firm Manning, Selvage & Lee/Atlanta to work on the Forward Atlanta campaign. The Forward Atlanta campaign worked to bring major businesses and industries to the city. The Forward Atlanta campaign began in 1925 with a national advertising campaign and it succeeded in bringing new businesses to Atlanta. The photographs in this collection are from the second Forward Atlanta campaign launched in 1961. Similar to the first campaign, the second Forward Atlanta campaign brought another wave of new businesses that altered the Atlanta skyline. Architect John Portman’s buildings particularly reinvented the cityscape. The photographs in this collection were used to promote Atlanta to potential businesses.

Click here to view and search the collection in the Georgia Archives

Agricultural Booklet: “Know Georgia’s Products”

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Agricultural Booklet: “Know Georgia’s Products”

Population in the rural areas saw a sharp decline after WWII. Nearly 28,000 families left farming between 1945 and 1950. Although the number of farms decreased the average size of Georgia farms increased. Improvements in farming technology and techniques made farming more efficient. Farmers were encouraged to diversify their crops, prevent soil erosion, and experiment with new methods and products. Mules and plows were replaced by tractors and other motorized equipment.

“Know Georgia’s Products: Key to a New Economy.” Public Service Announcement sponsored by Rich’s Atlanta. 1946. From the Georgia Historical Society Vertical Files, Agriculture – Pamphlets Collection. 

Photograph of Construction in progress on Buford Dam

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Photograph of construction on Buford Dam,

In Forsyth county, the Buford Dam was completed in 1957 and created Lake Lanier and flowed into Forsyth and Hall counties. The dam was a political accomplishment, supported by Atlanta mayor William B. Hartsfield and newly elected Governor Talmadge for its benefits, such as flood control and water supplies. Moreover, technological advances made the engineering of this dam possible and successful. Lake Lanier would go on to be used not only for practical concerns, but also for enjoyment. It is frequently used for water sports and in 1996, it held the rowing, canoeing, and kayaking Olympic competitions. 

Photograph of construction on Buford Dam,
Photograph of construction on Buford Dam, Forsyth County, Georgia, ca. 1950-1953. From the Georgia Archives Vanishing Georgia Collection. hal386

Click here to read the image description in the Georgia Archives