Mary Margaret Byrne Papers (MC 338)

Biographical Note

Mary Margaret Byrne was a well- known and regarded citizen of Columbus, Georgia, editorial page editor and journalist for over 40 years. Her deep love of history, historic preservation and journalism endeared her to her friends and colleagues. According to a genealogy chart, she was born Friday Nov. 9, 1928 in Franklin, North Carolina to John B. Byrne and Margaret Bryant. She had two brothers, Philip and John Bernard Byrne, Jr. Her family in Columbus dates back to 1828. She attended St. Elmo Elementary School, Columbus High School and the University of Georgia. She was associated with the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer since 1949 except for 3 years, starting in 1953 at WDAK, a local TV station, as woman's director. She also was very active with the Historic Columbus Foundation and was a founding member. She was also a Springer Theatre trustee. She died February 19, 1989 and is buried in Linwood Cemetery in Columbus.

Scope and Content

The collection consists of an eclectic accumulation of material relating to Mary Margaret Byrne, from personal items to photographs, historic homes, personalities and ties with the Carter White House. It was previously MC 001 at the public library.

1896-1989 1 box (.33 l.f.)

Permission to Publish

Permission to publish material from the Mary Margaret Byrne Papers must be obtained from the Columbus State University Archives at Columbus State University. Use of the following credit line for publication or exhibit is required:

Mary Margaret Byrne Papers (MC 338) Columbus State University Archives Columbus, Georgia

Provenance

This collection was donated to the CSU Archives in the fall of 2013 when the Columbus Public Library closed its archival collection. It was previously numbered MS001 at the public library.

Note to Researchers:

See also:

Vertical file biography Byrne, Bryant and Durkin Family Papers (MC 412)

Box and Folder List

Box 1

• Folder 1 - Baby's Own Book, Mary Margaret Bryne's baby book
• Folder 2 - Byrne Pedigree chart
• Folder 3 - Columbus Girls' Club program
• Folder 4 - Fort Benning Dramatic Club, 1937-1939
• Folder 5 - John B. Byrne Memorial Tower, 1937
• Folder 6 - John Byrne's writings
• Folder 7 - Les Waldroop recording of "The Peanut Farmer" and "That True Blue Woman of Mine", 45 rpm, 1976
• Folder 8 - Mary Margaret Byrne Obituary and Memorials, 1989
• Folder 9 - Newspaper clippings
• Folder 10 - "Peanuts" lyrics by Lesley Davison, 1976
• Folder 11 - Pencil drawing by F. Clason Kyle
• Folder 12 - Personal notes and cards
• Folder 13 - Photograph-Broadway flood, 1929
• Folder 14 - Photograph - framed male relative
• Folder 15 - Photograph-Jimmy Carter shaking hands with Mary Margaret Byrne
• Folder 16 - Photographs-Mary Margaret Byrne
• Folder 17 - Photographs on CDs (2)
• Folder 18 - Photographs-Peters Langdon House
• Folder 19 - Photograph and drawing-Springer Theatre
• Folder 20 - Photograph-10th St. School, 3rd grade class (father in picture), 1896
• Folder 21 - Photographs-unidentified groups
• Folder 22 - Photographs -unidentified house ( 19th Ave. near park)
• Folder 23 - Photographs -unidentified individuals
• Folder 24 - "A Program for Columbus, Georgia" by Janice A. Woodruff, 1966
• Folder 25 - Sample Democratic ballot, 1932
• Folder 26 - Ration books from World War II
• Folder 27 - Wedding of Augusta Benning Burgard to David Garrison, February, 1954
• Folder 28 - White House correspondence
• Folder 29 - Writings of Gertrude Handley
• Folder 30 - Print of the Springer Opera House