George P. Burdell Telegram
Collection
Identifier: MF047
This collection contains one Western Union telegram for fictitious Georgia Tech student George P. Burdell. The telegram deals with Burdell's Navy recruitment in 1946.
(one archival folder)
No restrictions.
Permission to publish materials from this collection must be obtained from the Head of Archives and Special Collections.
0.05 Linear Feet
The George P. Burdell telegram, addressed to Georgia Tech, is a request from North American Aviation, Inc. for a copy of Burdell's school records with regards to recruitment.
George P. Burdell was created in 1927 as a practical joke. Incoming freshman William Edgar Smithreceived two enrollment application forms by mistake. He completed one accurately for himself, and filled out the other using as the surname either the first name of his friend's mother, the name of a former headmaster, or the name of his cat. Sources differ as to which of the three Burdell was named.
He once enrolled for 3,000 quarter hours and has received two degrees. Burdell has also occupied several important positions at Georgia Tech, including a Regents' Professorship, the Deanship of Humanities and Fine Arts, and a seat on the Board of Regents.
A print copy of this finding aid is available in the Georgia Tech Archives reading room.
Accessions #2001.119.
(one archival folder)
Jody Lloyd Thompson described this item in 2002.
Part of the Archives and Special Collections, Library, Georgia Institute of Technology Repository