Mike Cheatham papers, 1900-2011

Summary

Creator:
Cheatham, Walter Malcolm (Mike), 1932-2013
Date:
1900-2011
Extent:
4.5 Linear Feet 5 boxes and 4 oversize folders
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

Mike Cheatham papers, ms3735, Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library, The University of Georgia Libraries.

Background

Scope and content:

The collection consists of Cheatham's research and writing on topics such as the Coca-Cola Bottling Company, the life of former Martin Marietta (now Lockheed Martin) CEO Thomas G. Pownall, and athletics. The collection also features his research on other topics, often related to southern history, as well as his newspaper sportswriting and transcripts of radio commentary. Research-related materials include his notes, correspondence, and photocopies of sources. A small portion of the collection contains personal writing and correspondence.

Biographical / historical:

Walter M. (Mike) Cheatham was an author and broadcaster originally from Toccoa, Georgia. He earned a history degree from the University of Georgia and a J. D. from Emory Univesity. Later, Cheatham worked in marketing and public affairs with the Coca-Cola Company and Union Carbide. He performed work in speech writing and public affairs in both corporate and political settings. He is best known for his books Your Friendly Neighbor: The Story of Georgia's Coca-Cola Bottling Families (1999), and No Man Walks Alone: The Life and Times of Thomas G. Pownall (2003). Prior to this, he wrote three books, Rabun Redux (1990), Class of the Carolinas (1992), An Athens Diary: One Georgia Community's Olympic Experience (1996). Cheatham served as a featured sports broadcaster throughout his career and wrote many newspaper op-ed columns. He passed away in 2013 at the age of 81.

Access and use restrictions

Restrictions:

Though the collection is open for research, the audiovisual recordings do not have reference copies; however, reference copies can be made available upon request. Availability is dependent upon the format and condition of the recordings.

Preferred citation:

Mike Cheatham papers, ms3735, Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library, The University of Georgia Libraries.