Jim George Collection

Series

Jim George Collection

• 1950s - 1990s (Creation)

Quantity: 1 – 2 ½ W x 12 L x 10 H blue/grey standing document box
1 – 12 x 13 x 2 ½ 3-ring blue/grey preservation box album
1 – 12 x 13 x 2 ½ 3-ring tan preservation box album

Arrangement: Primarily chronological

Background Note: Jim George was born Oct 10, 1917 in Burlington, Iowa. He graduated from Coe College in 1938 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. During World War II he served for four years in the United States Air Force. Following the war, Jim George served as editor of newspapers in Eldora, Grinnell, and Montezuma. In 1956 he began a four-year stint at Grinnell College as staff editor and sports information director. He later joined the staff of the Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company as public relations and advertising director. During his time with the company, he authored a book about the company’s history titled “Working Together: Grinnell Mutual The First 75 Years”. Jim George had a time-long interest in photography and operated his own photography business, George Photo, for over 30 years. He submitted many of his photographs of Grinnell events and locals for publication in the Des Moines Sunday Register.

This collection consists of the articles and photographs Jim George contributed to The Des Moines Sunday Register and other newspapers during the 1950s – 1990s. It includes a number of Jim George’s original photographs, including original photographs of Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington playing at Grinnell College, President Harry Truman in Grinnell, and the demolition of the landmark Monroe Hotel.

Donated by: Cheryl Osterhaus

Name of preparer: V. Ruse and T. Lincoln 2/16/24