A Guide to the Edward Ball Papers
Finding aid prepared by Dept. Staff
University of Florida Smathers Libraries - Special and Area Studies Collections
March 2005
Descriptive Summary |
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| Provenance: | Ball, Edward, 1888-1981 | |
| Title: | Edward Ball Papers | |
| Dates: | 1938-1981 | |
| Abstract: | Interviews, articles, news clippings, and manuscripts about Ed Ball. | |
| Extent: | 2 Boxes | |
| Identification: | Ms 181 | |
Biographical/Historical Note
Born in Virginia in 1888, Edward Ball became a leading and powerful figure in Florida finance and politics when he took over the management of the estate of his brother-in-law, Alfred I. duPont. As trustee for this estate, he was able to spearhead profitable endeavors such as the St. Joe Paper Co., the Florida East Coast Railway, the Florida National Bank, and substantial real estate investments. Although he never held public office, his political clout was extraordinary. He was recognized as the power behind the rural Florida politicians known as the "Porkchop Gang" who held power for several decades, beginning in the 1930s. He died in 1981 in New Orleans.
Scope and Content
This collection contains news clippings, articles, manuscripts, photographs, and interviews related to Ed Ball. The majority of the materials pertain to Ball's financial empire in Florida, including the Florida East Coast Railway and his position as trustee of the dePont estate. The manuscripts consist of two works about Ball: Confusion to the Enemy by Mason and Harrison, and The Ed Ball Story by Hullverson.
Access or Use Restrictions
Access
Collection is open for research.
Administrative Information
Preferred Citation
[Identification of item], Edward Ball Papers, Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
Contents List
Selected Subjects and Access Points |
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| The following terms have been used to index the description of this collection in the Library's online catalog: | ||
| Organizations: | ||
| Florida East Coast Railway. | ||
| Personal Names: | ||
| Ball, Edward, 1888-1981. | ||
| Du Pont family. | ||
| DuPont, Alfred I. (Alfred Irenee), 1864-1935. | ||
| Subject Terms: | ||
| Businessmen -- Florida -- Biography. | ||
| Florida -- Politics and government -- 1865-1950. | ||
For further information, please contact: Special Collections Access Services.
