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Georgia Political Papers and Oral History Program

The Georgia Political Papers and Oral History Program is comprised of over 3,000 linear feet of archival collections, along with an extensive number of oral history interviews, that document the unique political culture of the state of Georgia.

Robert "Bud" Jones

Robert "Bud" Jones was born on September 22, 1930, in Tallapoosa, Georgia, and grew up in the city, later attending North Georgia College. In the 1950s, he moved to Casper, Wyoming, to pursue a singing career, and moved back to Tallapoosa a few years later. After working in industry, he opened a taxidermy shop in the city, which he operated for decades. He was heavily involved in creating a historical museum in the center of Tallapoosa and helped begin the "Possum Drop," an annual New Year's Day event. Jones discusses his childhood, singing career, taxidermy career, his wife and children, and his involvement with historical memory in Tallapoosa. He also offers his thoughts on how the city has changed over the years, and how Atlanta's metropolitan development has affected Tallapoosa.