Jim Hightower donating archives to Texas State

[sonias]

AAS 3/4/09
Jim Hightower donating archives to Texas State

SAN MARCOS, Texas — Radio commentator and former Texas Agriculture Commissioner Jim Hightower is donating his archives to the Wittliff Collections at Texas State University-San Marcos.

Among the more than 100 boxes taken recently from Hightower's Austin office are recordings of his nationally syndicated radio show, including handwritten first drafts and edits, the final scripts and cue sheets. Other items from the donation announced Wednesday include copies of his monthly newsletter, "The Hightower Lowdown," copies of speeches, videos and photos.

One of the earliest papers in the collection is a Certificate of Exemption from Poll Tax issued to Hightower in 1964 when he was a 21-year-old junior at the University of North Texas. The poll tax, considered a tool to keep minorities from voting, was declared unconstitutional in Texas two years later.

:toast: to Jim.

Sonia

[tbyg52]

1. That's great!

I visited the San Marcos area last year and really liked it. It's one of the places I was considering moving to, but I'm staying put until (if) the economy gets straightened out.

[sonias]

2. Amazing that he still had his poll tax receipt

Damn I thought I was a pack rat, but that's pretty old.

Good for Jim but shame on Texas - we're about to reinstate a "poll tax" in Texas.

San Marcos is a nice little city.

Sonia