Powell, Richard Holmes
Person
Dates
- Existence: 1875-1947
Found in 4 Collections and/or Records:
Babylonian Clay Tablets Website and Files
Digital Collection
Collection number: 88D4D77D-CCCF-86A7-4EAC-E5E321F361A0
Box 6: Babylonian Clay Tablets, 2112-2004 BCE
Box — Box 6
Collection number: Box 6
Scope and Contents
Dr. Richard Holmes Powell, first president of South Georgia State Normal College (now Valdosta State University), acquired ten Babylonian clay tablets for the school's students to study. The tablets, which are roughly 1.5" square, are imprinted with Cuneiform writing and are indicative of daily record-keeping in ancient Mesopotamia. They were purchased in 1920 from archaeologist and antiquities dealer Edgar J. Banks at a total cost of $40. Banks provided translations for each tablet, along...
Dates:
2112-2004 BCE
Folder 11: Authentication Letters
File — Box 6, Folder: 11
Collection number: Folder 11
Scope and Contents
Letter from Edgar J. Banks to Powell certifying authenticity of Babylonian clay tablets and providing translations. There are original letters, as well as multiple typed transcriptions. Also contains information from website on Edgar J. Banks and other Babylonian tablets.
Dates:
2112-2004 BCE
Richard Holmes Powell Papers
Collection — Multiple Containers
Collection number: UA-2-1-1
Scope and Contents
The papers in this collection are of particular interest and importance. They are the earliest records of establishing a college in Southwest Georgia, and clearly indicate the city of Valdosta's and Lowndes County's desire to have an institute of higher learning. Powell took his job as the first president of the College very seriously, and this is reflected in his writings and correspondence. His papers outline the struggles of literally starting a school from the ground up, and deal with...
Dates:
1895 - 1933