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Size | 13.0 feet of linear shelf space (approximately 5000 items) |
Abstract | Porter Lee Fortune (1920-1989) was born near Old Fort, N.C. During World War II he served in the United States Navy in the South Pacific, including the Solomon Islands. He received his Ph.D. in American History from the University of North Carolina in 1949. Fortune went on to be dean of Mississippi Southern College, 1956-1961; executive secretary of the National Exchange Club, 1961-1969; and the chancellor of the University of Mississippi, 1969-1984. The collection documents the personal and professional affairs of Porter Lee Fortune (1920-1989). Correspondence chiefly consists of letters sent by Fortune to his parents in Old Fort, N.C., describing his daily life, studies at the University of North Carolina, U.S. Navy service, and family life from the 1940s to 1980s. There are similar letters from his wife, Elizabeth Cummings Fortune, and his brother, Vernon L. Fortune. Of note are Porter Lee Fortune's letters, 1946 and 1968-1970, that describe racial tensions and protests at universities in Georgia and Mississippi. Professional correspondence and subject files, which include speeches, clippings, printed materials, and audiovisual materials, document University of Mississippi chancellor's office activities, special events, and visitors; the Confederate flag controversy at Ole Miss; and Exchange Club conventions and other programs. Photographs, both color and black-and-white images, include posed and candid snapshots and portraits depicting Porter Lee Fortune in his various professional roles and with his family. Other materials include a scrapbook for the Old Fort High School class of 1937. |
Creator | Fortune, Porter Lee. |
Curatorial Unit | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Library. Southern Historical Collection. |
Language | English |
Processed by: Danielle Fasig and Virginia Ferris, May 2013
Encoded by: Danielle Fasig and Virginia Ferris, May 2013
Updated by: Nancy Kaiser, November 2020
Back to TopThe following terms from Library of Congress Subject Headings suggest topics, persons, geography, etc. interspersed through the entire collection; the terms do not usually represent discrete and easily identifiable portions of the collection--such as folders or items.
Clicking on a subject heading below will take you into the University Library's online catalog.
Porter Lee Fortune was born near Old Fort, N.C., on 2 July 1920 to Porter Lee Fortune Sr. and Eunice Fortune. He received his B.A. from the University of North Carolina in 1941, his M.A. from Emory University in 1946, and his Ph.D. in American History from the University of North Carolina in 1949. During World War II he served in the United States Navy, in the South Pacific, including the Solomon Island. Fortune was stationed on the USS-APC-2 and later as Lieutenant Commander of the USS-Hooper Island. He received a Bronze Star in 1943 for heroism in action in the Southwest Pacific.
Porter Lee Fortune was dean of Mississippi Southern College from 1956 to 1961, executive secretary of the National Exchange Club from 1961 to 1969, and the chancellor of the University of Mississippi, also known as Ole Miss, from 1969 to 1984.
Fortune married Mary Elizabeth ("Lib") Cummings, a graduate of the Women's College of North Carolina (now the University of North Carolina at Greensboro), in the early 1940s. Together they had four children: Phil, Jean, Janet, and Carey. Porter Lee Fortune died 14 September 1989.
Vernon L. Fortune, the brother of Porter Lee Fortune, also served in the Navy in the South Pacific. After the war he lived in Salisbury, N.C., with his wife "Brownie."
Back to TopThe collection documents the personal and professional affairs of Porter Lee Fortune (1920-1989).
Series 1 Correspondence chiefly consists of letters sent by Porter Lee Fortune to his parents, Porter Lee Fortune Sr. and Eunice Fortune, in Old Fort, N.C. Letters describe his daily life, studies at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill and Emory University, his service in the U.S. Navy, family life, travel, and various jobs throughout his career. Of note are Fortune's letters, 1946 and 1968-1970, that describe racial tensions and protests at universities in Georgia and Mississippi. There are also letters from Porter Lee Fortune's children and his wife, Elizabeth "Lib" Cummings Fortune. Professional correspondence is from when Fortune served as chancellor of the University of Mississippi. Notable correspondents include Lee Wells, Jill Faulkner Summer, author Willie Morris, and Porter Lee Fortune's assistant, Leone King. Topics include university and Exchange Club events, invitations to speak or to attend events, and other professional concerns. Correspondence with Leone King also includes information on the Confederate flag controversy at the University of Mississippi in 1983.
Series 2 Vernon L. Fortune Correspondence includes letters sent by Vernon L. Fortune and his wife, "Brownie," to his parents Porter Lee Fortune Sr. and Eunice Fortune in Old Fort, N.C., and scattered letters to his brother Porter Lee Fortune. Most of the letters relate to Vernon L. Fortune's training and service in the Navy in the South Pacific during World War II, daily life, health, Brownie's employment during the war, and life after the war in Salisbury, N.C.
Series 3 Subject Files relates to Porter Lee Fortune's service in the Navy, his academic life, and his professional career spanning his time at Mississippi Southern College, his ongoing involvement with the National Exchange Club, and his years as chancellor at the University of Mississippi. Files from the University of Mississippi comprise the majority of materials in the subject files and chiefly document chancellor's office activities and special events and visitors, as well as the 1983 controversy surrounding the use of the Confederate flag at University events. Materials include speeches, correspondence, printed materials, clippings, and scattered photographs. Also included are clippings, photographs, and social correspondence relating to Elizabeth Cummings Fortune's involvement in social and philanthropic functions and National Exchange Club events, circa 1960-1980. There are a few videotapes and audiocassettes from events at the University of Mississippi.
Series 4 Photographs, Photographs, both color and black-and-white images, include posed and candid snapshots and portraits depicting Porter Lee Fortune in his various professional roles and with his family. Many photographs document events attended or hosted by Porter Lee Fortune, including campus events at Mississippi Southern College; National Exchange Club Conventions (including conventions in Honolulu, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico); Exchange Club dinners and award presentations around the United States; and award presentations, receptions, building dedications, and football games at the University of Mississippi. Many photographs are annotated with identifying names and locations. There are also scattered personal and family photographs and snapshots from Fortune's service in the Navy in the 1940s, depicting scenes on the U.S.S. APc-2 and on the Solomon Islands. Elizabeth Cummings Fortune is featured chiefly in photographs from the 1940s, and accompanying her husband at events primarily after 1968.
Note that, for the most part, original folder groupings have been retained; original file titles are also noted.
Back to TopCorrespondence primarily consists of letters sent by Porter Lee Fortune to his parents, Porter Lee Fortune Sr. and Eunice Fortune, in Old Fort, N.C. These letters span most of Porter Lee Fortune's life and document his time as a student at the University of North Carolina and Emory University, his service in the Navy, and various jobs, including his position as chancellor of the University of Mississippi. Letters concern his daily life, his studies, his travels, his jobs, and his family life. A large number of the letters were sent during his service in the U.S. Navy. Also of note are letters, 1946 and 1968-1970, that describe racial tensions and protests at universities in Georgia and Mississippi. Other letters to Porter Lee Fortune Sr. and Eunice Fortune are from their grandchildren and daughter-in-law, Elizabeth "Lib" Cummings Fortune.
The series also contains professional correspondence between Porter Lee Fortune and various others during his time as chancellor of the University of Mississippi. Notable correspondents include Lee Wells, Jill Faulkner Summer, author Willie Morris, and Porter Lee Fortune's assistant, Leone King. Topics include university events, invitations to speak or to attend events, and other professional concerns. Correspondence with Leone King also includes information on the Confederate flag controversy at the University of Mississippi "Ole Miss" in 1983.
Folder 1 |
Letters to Porter Lee Fortune Sr. and Eunice Fortune, 1936-1946Chiefly from various correspondents but with isolated postcards from Porter Lee Fortune at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. Also includes a life insurance policy for Eunice Fortune. |
Folder 2-36
Folder 2Folder 3Folder 4Folder 5Folder 6Folder 7Folder 8Folder 9Folder 10Folder 11Folder 12Folder 13Folder 14Folder 15Folder 16Folder 17Folder 18Folder 19Folder 20Folder 21Folder 22Folder 23Folder 24Folder 25Folder 26Folder 27Folder 28Folder 29Folder 30Folder 31Folder 32Folder 33Folder 34Folder 35Folder 36 |
Letters to Old Fort, N.C., 1937-1984Primarily letters from Porter Lee Fortune to his parents, Porter Lee Fortune Sr. and Eunice Fortune. Letters concern daily life throughout the years, including graduate school and professional positions at Mississippi Southern College, the National Exchange Club, and the University of Mississippi, and discuss Porter Lee Fortune's health and hospital stays, family news, weather, gardening, football, and other personal affairs. Letters in 1968 through 1970 describe racial tensions and protests on the campus of the University of Mississippi. There are also letters about or from Porter Lee Fortune's children, Phil, Jean, Janet, and Carey. Original folder title has been retained. |
Folder 37-42
Folder 37Folder 38Folder 39Folder 40Folder 41Folder 42 |
Correspondence between Porter Lee Fortune and Elizabeth "Lib" Cummings Fortune, 1939-1989 (bulk 1939-1944, 1957-1966, 1982-1989)Letters from 1939-1944 are chiefly from Elizabeth Cummings Fortune to Porter Lee Fortune during his training for the U.S. Naval Reserve. Her letters discuss their engagement and wedding plans, her life as a student at the Women's College in Greensboro, N.C., and include occasional reference to working at the Carolina Inn in Chapel Hill, N.C. |
Folder 43 |
Letters from Porter Lee Fortune to his parents written from the University of North Carolina, 1939-1947 |
Folder 44 |
Letters from Porter Lee Fortune to his parents written from Emory University, 1941Letters concern his work as a teaching assistant, World War II, and his daily life. |
Folder 45 |
Letters from Porter Lee Fortune to his parents written from Midshipman's School, 1942Letters concern daily life and training in the Navy. |
Folder 46-47
Folder 46Folder 47 |
Letters from Porter Lee Fortune to his parents written from Mayport, Fla., 1942-1943Letters concern daily life and training in the Navy. |
Folder 48-54
Folder 48Folder 49Folder 50Folder 51Folder 52Folder 53Folder 54 |
Letters from Porter Lee Fortune to his parents written from the USS-APC-2, 1942-1944Letters concern World War II, daily life on an escort ship in the South Pacific, the islands and their natives, and his pending transfer to a new ship. |
Folder 55 |
Letters from Porter Lee Fortune to his parents written from the United States Naval Training Center, Miami, Fla., 1944Letters concern daily life and training in the Navy. |
Folder 56-58
Folder 56Folder 57Folder 58 |
Letters from Porter Lee Fortune to his parents written from New Port, R.I., 1945Letters concern training, daily life, and Porter Lee Fortune's new wife, Elizabeth "Lib" Cummings. |
Folder 59-60
Folder 59Folder 60 |
Letters from Porter Lee Fortune to his parents written from the USS-Hooper Island, 1945Letters concern training and daily life on a Navy escort ship in the South Pacific, thoughts about World War II and the atomic bomb, family and the birth of the Fortune's first child. |
Folder 61 |
Letters from Porter Lee Fortune to his parents written during other Naval duty, 1944-1946Letters concern daily life and training in the Navy. There are also letters about the death of Elizabeth Cumming's brother, J.C. Cummings, a member of the Air Force. |
Folder 62 |
Letters to Porter Lee Fortune written from the Naval Reserve, 1945 and 1955-1959Chiefly forms and form letters to Porter Lee Fortune from the Department of the Navy. |
Folder 63-78
Folder 63Folder 64Folder 65Folder 66Folder 67Folder 68Folder 69Folder 70Folder 71Folder 72Folder 73Folder 74Folder 75Folder 76Folder 77Folder 78 |
Letters from Elizabeth "Lib" Cummings Fortune to Porter Lee Fortune Sr. and Eunice Fortune, 1942-1946Letters concern visits with parents, daily life, and studies at the Women's College of the University of North Carolina. There are also a few letters sent to Porter Lee Fortune. |
Folder 79 |
Letters from or about J.C. Cummings to Elizabeth Cummings Fortune, 1942-1944Letters from "Jimmy" Cummings in Ontario, Canada, during his training for the U.S. Air Force. Also includes a letter from Porter Lee Fortune to his parents regarding attending J.C. Cummings' funeral (the letter is dated 20 November 1944, though the year may be an error). |
Folder 80 |
Correspondence of an official nature, 1946-1948Letters concern his acceptance of a position as an assistant professor at Mississippi Southern College, his contract for that position, and his search for housing in the area. Original folder title has been retained. |
Folder 81-82
Folder 81Folder 82 |
Letters from Porter Lee Fortune to his parents written from Emory University, 1946Letters concern his work as a teaching assistant, racial conflict in Georgia universities and Governor Talmadge, and his daily life. |
Folder 83-86
Folder 83Folder 84Folder 85Folder 86 |
Crazy, irrelevant, nutty letters, 1967-1988Letters complaining about various speakers, events, or decisions made by Porter Lee Fortune as chancellor at the University of Mississippi. Some letters reflect interracial tensions while others are from conspiracy theorists. Original folder title has been retained. |
Folder 87 |
Letters from Doris Cummings to Porter Lee Fortune and Elizabeth Cummings Fortune, 1972-1979Contains letters to Porter Lee Fortune and Elizabeth Cummings Fortune, from Elizabeth's mother Doris Cummings in High Point, N.C. Letters discuss family news and health. |
Folder 88-89
Folder 88Folder 89 |
Leone King and Porter Lee Fortune correspondence, 1976-1983Correspondence between Porter Lee Fortune and his assistant Leone King at the University of Mississippi. Includes cards, thank you notes, and office memos primarily from King to Fortune. Correspondence relates to their friendship and professional activities in the Chancellor's Office, and discuss Fortune's health, family, work events, and the Confederate flag controversy. |
Folder 90-91
Folder 90Folder 91 |
Lee Wells and Porter Lee Fortune correspondence, 1975-1983Contains correspondence between Porter Lee Fortune and Lee Wells, his successor as the executive secretary of the National Exchange Club; includes routine correspondence, information about meetings, and responses to visits with each other. |
Folder 92 |
Professional correspondence, 1980-1989Letters written by Porter Lee Fortune in his role as chancellor of the University of Mississippi. Contains informal business and social correspondence, including letters of sympathy and thanks. Original folder title has been retained. |
Folder 93 |
Elsie Mae Adkins and Porter Lee Fortune correspondence, 1983-1987Contains correspondence between Porter Lee Fortune and a woman who was caring for his mother, Eunice Fortune. Most of the correspondence regards Elsie Mae Adkin's requests for loans and financial assistance from Porter Lee Fortune |
Folder 94 |
Jill Faulkner Summer and Porter Lee Fortune, 1985Correspondence regarding planning for a William Faulkner appreciation event at the University of Mississippi. |
Folder 95 |
Letters from Kappa Alpha fraternity to Porter Lee Fortune, 1985-1988Primarily form letters, newsletters, and invitations from the fraternity's administration. Also contains a letter regarding the death of a pledge and the fraternity's response. |
Folder 96-97
Folder 96Folder 97 |
VIP Letters, 1967-1989Contains letters from various important or well-known figures, including Bob Hope, Ted Kennedy, John C. Stannis, Hubert Humphrey, Gerald R. Ford, and Buddie Newman. Most letters are regarding invitations to speak at the University of Mississippi, thank you notes for visits, or responses to his retirement. Also contains an autographed photograph of Ronald Reagan. Original folder title has been retained. |
Folder 98-99
Folder 98Folder 99 |
Letters to Elizabeth "Lib" Fortune, 1989-1990Letters of condolence for Porter Lee Fortune's death in September 1989. |
Folder 100-116
Folder 100Folder 101Folder 102Folder 103Folder 104Folder 105Folder 106Folder 107Folder 108Folder 109Folder 110Folder 111Folder 112Folder 113Folder 114Folder 115Folder 116 |
Postcards, 1946-1981Sent to Porter Lee Fortune Sr. and Eunice Fortune from their children and their families, particularly Porter Lee Fortune. Postcards were sent from a variety of places, primarily throughout the United States, from vacations and work-related travels. |
Folder 117-131
Folder 117Folder 118Folder 119Folder 120Folder 121Folder 122Folder 123Folder 124Folder 125Folder 126Folder 127Folder 128Folder 129Folder 130Folder 131 |
Cards to Old Fort, N.C., 1951-1984Greeting cards for holidays and birthdays sent by Porter Lee Fortune and other family members to Porter Lee Fortune Sr. and Eunice Fortune. Original folder title has been retained. |
Folder 132-133
Folder 132Folder 133 |
Unsorted correspondence and related materials, 1949-1970, 1986-1989Mixed correspondence with friends. Letters in 1989 frequently refer to Porter Lee Fortune's recovery from an illness, and include a letter from Willie Morris (14 August 1989). Original folder title has been retained. |
Letters sent by Vernon L. Fortune, Porter Lee Fortune's brother, and his wife "Brownie" to his parents, Porter Lee Fortune Sr. and Eunice Fortune, in Old Fort, N.C. Most of the letters were written during World War II, when Vernon L. Fortune was serving in the Navy in the South Pacific. Letters concern daily life, training and service in the Navy, and Brownie's employment during the war. After the war Vernon L. Fortune lived in Salisbury, N.C., and wrote both to his parents and to his brother. These letters primarily concern his daily life, family news, and his health.
Folder 134-136
Folder 134Folder 135Folder 136 |
Letters from Vernon L. Fortune to Porter Fortune Sr. and Eunice Fortune from Mobile, Ala., 1942-1943Letters concern daily life, particularly job prospects. |
Folder 137-140
Folder 137Folder 138Folder 139Folder 140 |
Letters from Vernon L. Fortune to Porter Fortune Sr. and Eunice Fortune during Navy service, 1943-1946Letters concern training, Navy life, and shows put on for the troops. |
Folder 141-148
Folder 141Folder 142Folder 143Folder 144Folder 145Folder 146Folder 147Folder 148 |
Letters from Vernon L. Fortune to Porter Fortune Sr. and Eunice Fortune during Navy service from San Francisco, 1944-1945Letters concern training and daily life while serving in the Navy in the South Pacific. |
Folder 149-150
Folder 149Folder 150 |
Letters from "Brownie" to Porter Fortune Sr. and Eunice Fortune from Washington D.C., 1944-1945Letters concern daily life and work. |
Folder 151-152
Folder 151Folder 152 |
Letters from Vernon L. Fortune and "Brownie" to Porter Fortune Sr. and Eunice Fortune, 1943-1946Letters concern daily life. |
Folder 153-154
Folder 153Folder 154 |
Letters from Vernon L. Fortune to Porter Fortune Sr. and Eunice Fortune from Salisbury, N.C., 1962-1973Letters primarily concern daily life and family; also contains a property map. |
Folder 155 |
Correspondence of Vernon L. Fortune and "Brownie" Fortune with Porter Lee Fortune, 1936-1989 (bulk 1986-1989)Includes a 1941 announcement of Vernon L. Fortune's graduation from Old Fort High School; correspondence, 1986-1989, includes cards and letters between Porter Lee Fortune in Oxford, Miss., and Vernon L. Fortune in Old Fort, N.C., regarding daily life, family news, health, and their mother Eunice Fortune. |
Arrangement: Chronological.
Subject files contain materials relating to Porter Lee Fortune's service in the U.S. Navy, his academic writing, and his professional career spanning his time at Mississippi Southern College, ongoing involvement with the National Exchange Club, and years as chancellor at the University of Mississippi. Files consist primarily of speeches, correspondence, printed materials, clippings, writings, and scattered photographs.
Files from the University of Mississippi comprise the majority of materials in the series. Notable topics include Mississippi Governor William Winter, author and friend Willie Morris, and a 1983 controversy surrounding the use of the Confederate flag at University events. There are also a few videocassettes and audiocassettes documenting special events at the university.
Also included are clippings, photographs, and social correspondence relating to Elizabeth Cummings Fortune's involvement in social and philanthropic functions and National Exchange Club events, circa 1960-1980.
Note that, for the most part, original folder groupings and titles have been retained.
Folder 156 |
Undergraduate papers, 1937Essays and notes written by Porter Lee Fortune as an undergraduate at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. Also includes papers regarding Fortune's dormitory room assignment. |
Folder 157 |
University admissions materials, 1941-1947Correspondence, transcripts, recommendations, and other papers relating to Porter Lee Fortune's applications to graduate school, as well as fellowships and funded positions. |
Folder 158-159
Folder 158Folder 159 |
U.S.N.R. Midshipman's School, circa 1942Newsletter from Chaplain C. Leslie Glenn of the U.S. Naval Reserve Midshipman's School in New York, N.Y., and three school composition notebooks of Porter Lee Fortune. |
Folder 160-161
Folder 160Folder 161 |
U.S.S. Hooper Island, 1946-1947Navigation charts, notepads, and printed materials, including "The Whooper" newsletter; also includes a small amount of correspondence. |
Folder 162 |
Navy file, 1942-1945Papers collected during Porter Lee Fortune's time in the Navy. Includes a Request for Leave of Absence (17 December 1942), and isolated printed materials. |
Folder 163 |
Navy file, 1945-1965Correspondence and official documents relating to Porter Lee Fortune's transfer to inactive duty. Also includes papers from an officers' correspondence course completed by Fortune. |
Folder 164 |
Chapel Hill housing, 1946Correspondence and other materials relating to Porter Lee Fortune's search for housing in Chapel Hill during his first year of graduate school at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. |
Folder 165-166
Folder 165Folder 166 |
M.A. thesis, 1946Typed draft of Porter Lee Fortune's M.A. thesis at Emory University, "U.S.-Japanese Relations 1937-1944, a study in American diplomatic history," with handwritten edits and some loose pages of notes. |
Folder 167 |
Academic writings, 1947-1948Papers submitted for coursework in political science and history at Emory University. |
Folder 168 |
Research materials, circa 1950sFolder originally labeled "Research materials relating to writings, and other materials," by creator. Notes, printed materials, clippings, and bibliographies relating to Mississippi history and the United Nations. |
Folder 169 |
Military projects, 1951-1952Papers relating to the R.O.T.C. at Mississippi Southern College, and to other projects related to military education. |
Folder 170-174
Folder 170Folder 171Folder 172Folder 173Folder 174 |
Mississippi Southern College, 1950-1961Chiefly printed materials, including faculty bulletins and programs for events on campus. |
Folder 175-176
Folder 175Folder 176 |
Records and memorabilia, circa 1955-1966Professional correspondence, photographs, and other materials from Porter Lee Fortune's time at Mississippi Southern College; also includes birth certificate; medical records, vaccination reports, and health history. |
Folder 177 |
Clippings, circa 1955-1966Newspaper clippings relating to Porter Lee Fortune's activities at Mississippi Southern College and in the National Exchange Club. |
Folder 178-185
Folder 178Folder 179Folder 180Folder 181Folder 182Folder 183Folder 184Folder 185 |
National Exchange Club, 1957-1974 (bulk 1957-1964)Printed materials, including newsletters for the Mississippi Exchange Club, event programs, and certificates. Also includes correspondence between Porter Lee Fortune and presidents of various state Exchange Clubs regarding speaking engagements and conventions. Materials in 1962 reflect Fortune's . Also included is a photograph of Fortune speaking at an event in Fargo, N.D. (1962), when he was secretary of the National Exchange Club, and a 1974 copy of The Exchangite in which Porter Lee Fortune and Elizabeth Cummings Fortune appear on the cover. |
Folder 186-187
Folder 186Folder 187 |
Speeches, 1961-1965Typed drafts of speeches by Porter Lee Fortune, given at Exchange Club events, Mississippi Southern College, and the University of Southern Mississippi, and other locations. |
Folder 188 |
University of Southern Mississippi, 15 September 1962Typed draft of Dean's Report to the Faculty. |
Folder 189 |
Financial papers, circa 1961-1966 |
Folder 190 |
Financial correspondence, circa 1961-1966 |
Folder 191 |
Clippings, circa 1963-1971Chiefly clippings from Mississippi newspapers regarding Porter Lee Fortune's role as chancellor of the University of Mississippi; also includes scattered clippings relating to Fortune's involvement with the National Exchange Club, and printed materials. |
Folder 192 |
Certificates, circa 1964-1975Certificates and proclamations presented to Porter Lee Fortune in recognition of his service in the National Exchange Club, from exchange clubs in Los Angeles, Calif.; San Antonio, Tex.; Puerto Rico; and Dayton, Ohio. |
Folder 193 |
Mrs. L. Fortune clippings, 1964-1979Newspaper clippings, chiefly from publications in Oxford, Miss., regarding social and civic events organized or attended by Elizabeth Cummings Fortune. Includes announcements of daughter Jean Fortune's wedding to Arthur Staff Kaplan (1970). |
Image Folder PF-5436/1 |
Mrs. L. Fortune photographs, circa 1965-1980Photographs of Elizabeth Cummings Fortune at various events, including National Exchange Club conventions in Hawaii and California. |
Folder 194 |
Mrs. L. Fortune social correspondence and related materials, circa 1965-1980Invitations and thank you letters addressed to Elizabeth Cummings Fortune. Materials relate to the Oxford Garden Club, University of Mississippi football and R.O.T.C. programs, and charitable programs such as Meals on Wheels, for which Mrs. Fortune volunteered. |
Folder 195 |
Chancellor Inauguration Program, 1968Printed program for the inauguration ceremony of Porter Lee Fortune as chancellor of the University of Mississippi in 1968. |
Folder 196-197
Folder 196Folder 197 |
University letters, history, and papersContains articles about the University of Mississippi, letters regarding the review of the university by Phi Beta Kappa, letters sent by Porter Lee Fortune to other university presidents and chancellors, Porter Lee Fortune's statements about the Confederate Flag controversy, and photocopies of letters about the University of Mississippi from the 19th and 20th centuries. |
Folder 198 |
"Re-opening of Havana Trade System," 1971Humorous correspondence between Porter Lee Fortune and Elizabeth Cummings Fortune, as well as John Leslie and other staff at the University of Mississippi, regarding Porter Lee Fortune's resuming smoking cigars after six months of abstaining. |
Folder 199 |
Personal, circa 1973-1984Informal writings, sketches, clippings, and photographs created or collected by Porter Lee Fortune. |
Folder 200 |
Mrs. L. Fortune: National Exchange Club Convention, 1975Invitation address lists and other materials relating to a social coffee hour hosted by Elizabeth Cummings Fortune at the National Exchange Club Convention in Honolulu, Hawaii. |
Folder 201 |
Honors Day, 1976Letters from James D. McComas thanking Porter Lee Fortune for his visit and his address at the University of Mississippi; includes travel arrangements, a draft of his address, a list of luncheon guests, winners of the Taylor medal, and letters to participants. |
Folder 202 |
Chancellor's luncheons and dinners, 1976-1979Invitations and menus for various events. |
Folder 203-204
Folder 203Folder 204 |
Willie Morris papers, 1981-1989Correspondence and clippings regarding recent writings, the premier of "Good Old Boy: A Delta Boyhood," the hiring of Willie Morris as writer-in-residence at the University of Mississippi, and his resignation from that position two years later. |
Folder 205-206
Folder 205Folder 206 |
William Faulkner papers, 1981-1987Contains a list of publications, clippings about William Faulkner's home, a guide to Rowan Oak, and information about the University of Mississippi's acquisition of some of William Faulkner's papers and the release of a commemorative stamp and events surrounding it. |
Folder 207 |
Fortune v. Winter rumor, 1980-1984Contains clippings about William Winter and the Meredith Program of the College Board, a rumored conflict between William Winter and Porter Lee Fortune, and Winter's 1984 senate campaign. Also contains letters from Porter Lee Fortune regarding the rumored conflict and a letter from William Winter declining the offer to become chancellor after Fortune. |
Folder 208 |
Chancellor's response to issues raised by the Black Student Union, April 1983Contains a statement written by Porter Lee Fortune regarding the Confederate flag controversy printed in the "Monday Report." |
Folder 209 |
Confederate flag controversy statements and other materialsRegarding objections to the use of the Confederate, or Rebel, flag at University events. |
Folder 210 |
Confederate flag controversy correspondence and phone messagesRegarding objections to the use of the Confederate, or Rebel, flag at University events; includes reactions to Porter Lee Fortune's decision to ban use of the Confederate flag by representatives of the University of Mississippi, both favorable and negative, and a threatening letter from the "Royal Order of the Confederates." |
Folder 211 |
Confederate flag controversy clippingsRegarding objections to the use of the Confederate, or Rebel, flag at University events. |
Folder 212 |
"The Impact of the Natchez Trace from 1785-1818"Three copies, including an undated typed draft, a draft dated 1986, and a bound copy from a 1986 symposium on the Natchez Trace held in Mathiston, Miss. |
Folder 213 |
Mississippi House of Representatives commendation, 1987Official copy of a resolution passed by the Mississippi House of Representatives commending Porter Lee Fortune and a letter from C.B. Newman regarding the commendation. |
Audiocassette C-5436/1 |
Memorial Service, Dr. Porter Fortune, 16 September 1989 |
Audiocassette C-5436/2 |
Willie Morris Tribute, 16 September 1989Also contains a tribute to Porter Lee Fortune, an interview with Brad Dye, and the Ole Miss Radio Network. |
Folder 214 |
Commencement tribute, 1990Contains programs and letters regarding a commencement tribute honoring Porter Lee Fortune |
Folder 215-216
Folder 215Folder 216 |
Ole Miss Alumni Association, Hall of Fame, 1990Contains letters to Elizabeth Cummings Fortune regarding preparations for invitations for a ceremony inducting Porter Lee Fortune into the University of Mississippi's Hall of Fame; also contains programs from the ceremony, a schedule, and clippings. |
Folder 217-218
Folder 217Folder 218 |
Senate of Faculty speechContains letters about funding and committee meetings, the University of Mississippi's admissions policy, information about budget planning hearings, reports on enrollment projections, and information about the establishment of the Sumners Foundation. |
Videotape VT-5436/1 |
Hall of Fame, 1990 |
Folder 219-220
Folder 219Folder 220 |
Invitations mailing listLists of widows, retired faculty, ministers, organizations, university employees, elected officials, and members of the board of trustees. |
Folder 221-223
Folder 221Folder 222Folder 223 |
"George M. Troup: State Rights Advocate"Typed loose pages, probably from Porter Lee Fortune's Ph.D. dissertation at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. |
Folder 224 |
"The Lincoln Myth"Typed draft of an essay about Abraham Lincoln. Cover page is blank except for a handwritten note, "You could read this"; author is not identified. |
Folder 225 |
Other writingsWritings and essays by others; includes handwritten notes possibly by Porter Lee Fortune |
Folder 226-227
Folder 226Folder 227 |
Miscellaneous personal papersGenealogical notes, clippings, awards and certificates, poems, and drafts of speeches. |
Folder 228 |
Poems and songsHandwritten and typed poems and song lyrics by Porter Lee Fortune and by unidentified authors. Includes a humorous poem titled "President General Portly Goodfortune," and poems about a National Exchange Club Convention in Florida and Ole Miss football. |
Folder 229 |
RulesPhotocopies of rules for women's conduct at the University of Mississippi, primarily from the 1920s to 1940s. |
Folder 230-232
Folder 230Folder 231Folder 232 |
Printed materialsReports on Mississippi River flood control efforts, inauguration pamphlets, articles about Porter Lee Fortune, handbooks, and a 1941 University of North Carolina commencement program. |
Folder 233 |
ID cardsPersonal identification cards, including Porter Lee Fortune's North Carolina driver's license (1948), Midshipman's School card, Mississippi Southern College Dean ID cards (1959-1961), and Vernon Fortune's Recruit ID card for the U.S. Naval Reserve in Anniston, Ala., among others. |
Arrangement: Chronological.
Photographs, both color and black-and-white, including posed and candid snapshots and portraits of Porter Lee Fortune attending events in various professional roles. Events include campus events at Mississippi Southern College; Exchange Club conventions, dinners and award presentations around the country; and award presentations, receptions, building dedications, and football games at the University of Mississippi. Many photographs include annotations on the verso, identifying names and locations. There are also a school portrait of Vernon L. Fortune and snapshots from Porter Lee Fortune's service in the Navy in the 1940s, featuring scenes on the U.S.S. APc-2 and on the Solomon Islands. Elizabeth Cummings Fortune chiefly appears in family photographs from the 1940s, and accompanying her husband at events primarily after 1968.
Original folder titles have been retained.
Image Folder PF-5436/2 |
Vernon L. Fortune, circa 1930Black-and-white school portrait of Vernon L. Fortune as a young boy, circa 1930. |
Image Folder PF-5436/3 |
Photographs from Navy, circa 1942-1943Black-and-white snapshots depicting friends and other sailors on ship (some photographs label ship as APc-2) and on land and the landscape and native people of the Solomon Islands. Also includes snapshots and portraits of Elizabeth ("Lib") Cummings Fortune and others in America. Many photographs are annotated on verso. In addition, there is one telegram from Lib, dated 1 January 1943, and printed illustrations of "8 Views of Innisfail." |
Image Folder PF-5436/4 |
Circa 1940sBlack-and-white snapshots and negatives of Porter Lee Fortune in Navy uniform, on campus at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, and on the U.S.S. APc-2. |
Image Folder PF-5436/5 |
1950sPosed pictures at Mississippi Southern College, and snapshots of houses and buildings in Miami, Fla. |
Image Folder PF-5436/6 |
1952Posed picture of Porter Lee Fortune shaking hands with a Japanese student at Mississippi Southern College. Photo description on back reads, "Japanese student who was at Nagasaki when the bomb was dropped in 1945." |
Image Folder PF-5436/7 |
Photos at Ft. Sill, 1953Porter Lee Fortune and others touring R.O.T.C. summer camp at Ft. Sill, Okla. |
Image Folder PF-5436/8 |
Exchange Club, 1954Black-and-white posed photographs of Porter Lee Fortune and others at Exchange Club events in Meridian, Miss., and Biloxi, Miss. |
Image Folder PF-5436/9 |
Mississippi Southern College, 1954Black-and-white posed photographs of students and faculty on stage for commencement. |
Image Folder PF-5436/10 |
Mississippi Southern College, 1955Black-and-white posed photograph of Porter Lee Fortune with students and others at a formal banquet. |
Image Folder PF-5436/11 |
Mississippi Southern College, 1958Black-and-white photograph of Annette Tisdale, Miss Mississippi 1958, posed with a dog; stamped by the Public Relations Department of Mississippi Southern College. |
Image Folder PF-5436/12 |
Circa 1960sSnapshots of Porter Lee Fortune at home with family; school portraits of his children; and black-and-white professional portraits of Fortune. |
Image Folder PF-5436/13 |
1960sBlack-and-white portraits of Porter Lee Fortune, and snapshots with Elizabeth Cummings Fortune and others. |
Image Folder PF-5436/14 |
Miscellaneous, 1960sSnapshots from events for the National Exchange Club, Shriner's Club, and Mississippi Southern College. |
Image Folder PF-5436/15 |
Exchange Club, 1960Black-and-white snapshots and posed photographs from Exchange Club events in Indiana and Mississippi. Includes a posed group portrait of the International Service Club Leadership Conference, with handwritten description identifying Lyndon B. Johnson and Lady Bird. |
Image Folder PF-5436/16 |
Mississippi Southern College, 1960Posed photographs of Porter Lee Fortune with students. |
Image Folder PF-5436/17 |
Exchange Club, 1961Snapshots from Exchange Club events in Mississippi, Ohio, Puerto Rico, and Texas. |
Image Folder PF-5436/18 |
Exchange Club, 1962Portraits of Porter Lee Fortune, snapshots, and posed group photographs from Exchange Club events in Michigan, New Jersey, Ohio, and Puerto Rico. |
Image Folder PF-5436/19 |
University of Southern Mississippi, 1963Black-and-white photographs of Porter Lee Fortune speaking at the University of Southern Mississippi commencement. |
Image Folder PF-5436/20 |
Exchange Club, 1963Photographs of Porter Lee Fortune and others at various Exchange Club events, including Freedom Shrine Presentation ceremonies in Michigan, Massachusetts, and Alabama. |
Image Folder PF-5436/21 |
Trip through Georgia -- Joe Pruitt, host, 1963Black-and-white snapshots from an Exchange Club dinner in Albany, Ga. |
Image Folder PF-5436/22 |
1964Photographs of Porter Lee Fortune from various National Exchange Club events in Texas, Michigan, Mississippi, and Utah. |
Image Folder PF-5436/23 |
1965Black-and-white professional portraits of Porter Lee Fortune, and snapshots from National Exchange Club events. |
Image Folder PF-5436/24 |
1966Exchange Club events in Arizona, California, Michigan, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, and Washington, D.C. |
Image Folder PF-5436/25 |
Pasadena, Calif., visit to Rose Bowl, 1966Snapshots of Porter Lee Fortune and others at a National Exchange Club event related the Rose Bowl. |
Image Folder PF-5436/26 |
1967Snapshots and posed photographs from National Exchange Club events, including a March of Dimes event in New York, N.Y., and with Elizabeth Cummings Fortune at the Rose Bowl football game in California. |
Image Folder PF-5436/27 |
Dr. Jonas Salk, 1967Negative and photograph of Porter Lee Fortune shaking hands with Dr. Jonas Salk at a National Exchange Club event in Toledo, Ohio. |
Image Folder PF-5436/28 |
Ole Miss, 1967Black-and-white photographs of Porter Lee Fortune visiting the University of Mississippi, posing outside with R. Baxter Wilson and several other men. |
Image Folder PF-5436/29 |
Ole Miss, 1968Porter Lee Fortune, Elizabeth Cummings Fortune, and others at an outdoor event. |
Image Folder PF-5436/30 |
Hubert Humphrey's visit to Ole Miss, 1968Photographs of Vice President Hubert Humphrey with Porter Lee Fortune, Elizabeth Cummings Fortune, and others at the University of Mississippi. |
Image Folder PF-5436/31 |
Ole Miss, 1969Includes a black-and-white snapshot of Porter Lee Fortune with Alabama Governor Albert Brewer. |
Image Folder PF-5436/32 |
1970sIncludes candid snapshots of Porter Lee Fortune and Elizabeth Cummings Fortune at a National Exchange Club Convention in Honolulu, Hawaii. |
Image Folder PF-5436/33 |
Ole Miss, 1970sPortraits and snapshots of Porter Lee Fortune and Elizabeth Cummings Fortune hosting events in the chancellor's home; also includes a portrait of Ole Miss football player Archie Manning. |
Image Folder PF-5436/34 |
1970Events at the University of Mississippi, and Porter Lee Fortune attending the Southern Universities Conference. |
Image Folder PF-5436/35 |
1971Posed photographs of Porter Lee Fortune and others at football games, and candid snapshots at events relating to the University of Mississippi. Includes a photograph of Fortune receiving a certificate appointing him as Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army for Mississippi, from Lieutenant General Albert O. Connor. |
Image Folder PF-5436/36 |
1972Color photographs of Porter Lee Fortune and others at a new Exchange Club in Southaven, Miss. |
Image Folder PF-5436/37 |
1973Posed and candid photographs of Porter Lee Fortune and others at football games, at Dr. Bryant's retirement dinner, and at an autograph party for A History of Mississippi. |
Image Folder PF-5436/38 |
1974Includes posed snapshots of Porter Lee Fortune at the National Football Foundation and Hall of Fame Banquet at the Waldorf Astoria in New York, N.Y. |
Image Folder PF-5436/39 |
1975Snapshots of Porter Lee Fortune with Rust College President William A. McMillen in Holly Springs, Miss., and at National Exchange Club events in Puerto Rico, Hawaii, New Mexico, and Florida. |
Image Folder PF-5436/40 |
Dedication of Coulter Hall (Chemistry), 1975Building dedication at the University of Mississippi. |
Image Folder PF-5436/41 |
1976Posed photographs of Porter Lee Fortune with Mississippi Governor Bill Waller, and of Fortune at an Ole Miss football game. |
Image Folder PF-5436/42 |
1977Porter Lee Fortune with students at the chancellor's home, and at the Football Foundation Hall of Fame Banquet in New York, N.Y. |
Image Folder PF-5436/43 |
1978Includes a photograph of Porter Lee Fortune with Senator Ted Kennedy, 1978 commencement speaker for the University of Mississippi. |
Image Folder PF-5436/44 |
DeRosie Reception, 1978Snapshots from a reception for Art and Delores DeRosie. |
Image Folder PF-5436/45 |
1979Photographs of Porter Lee Fortune at events for the University of Mississippi, and visiting Camp Shelby in Hattiesburg, Miss. |
Image Folder PF-5436/46 |
1980sIncludes a black-and-white photograph of Porter Lee Fortune posed with Douglas Edwards, William Winter, and Charlie Holt. |
Image Folder PF-5436/47 |
1980Includes photograph of Porter Lee Fortune receiving the Civilian Service Award from General Forrest S. McCartney. |
Image Folder PF-5436/48 |
Easter Holiday, Outstanding Civilian Service Award, 1980Includes photograph of Porter Lee Fortune receiving the Civilian Service Award from General Forrest S. McCartney and additional photographs from the same event. |
Image Folder PF-5436/49 |
1981Includes a photograph of Porter Lee Fortune with Governor William Winter presenting the Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award to a professor at the University of Mississippi. |
Image Folder PF-5436/50 |
Gerald Ford's visit to Ole Miss, 1981Photographs of President Gerald Ford with Porter Lee Fortune, Elizabeth Cummings Fortune, Carey Fortune, students, and other guests, in the chancellor's home. Includes a photo of President Ford shaking hands with Ole Miss mascot Colonel Rebel. |
Image Folder PF-5436/51 |
1982Photographs from University of Mississippi events and campus activities. Also includes a candid black-and-white photograph of Porter Lee Fortune and Elizabeth Cummings Fortune on the Oxford Square, taken by William R. Ferris. |
Image Folder PF-5436/52 |
1983Photograph of Porter Lee Fortune and Elizabeth Cummings Fortune at a dinner at the Governor's Mansion in Jackson, Miss. |
Image Folder PF-5436/53 |
1985Porter Lee Fortune posing with Native American instruments, possibly from the Joe Berryman collection, and at a meeting of the Delta Council in Cleveland, Miss. |
Image Folder PF-5436/54 |
Exchange Club, 1985National Exchange Club convention in Philadelphia, Penn. |
Image Folder PF-5436/55 |
Photographs, P.L.F.Black-and-white portraits of Porter Lee Fortune (circa 1980s); also includes negatives and photographs from an American Cancer Society event and other unidentified snapshots from the 1980s. |
Image Folder PF-5436/56 |
Public Relations photographsContains photographs sent from the University of Mississippi Public Relations Department in 1984; images depict buildings and building dedication ceremonies; Hubert Humphrey's 1968 visit to Ole Miss; and Porter Lee Fortune at various award presentations and campus events. Some photos are labeled "Alumni Association" on verso. |
Image Folder PF-5436/57 |
Pictures from OfficeBlack-and-white and color photographs of Porter Lee Fortune with notable people, including Vice President Hubert Humphrey (25 April 1968), Dr. Jonas Salk, Leontyne Price (21 April 1982), President Gerald Ford (February 1975), and others. The photographs were sent to Elizabeth Cummings Fortune after the death of Porter Lee Fortune, from the Law Offices of Herring, Long, and Joiner in Canton, Miss. (10 August 1990). |
Image Folder PF-5436/58 |
Golden Deeds Award presentation, 1989Black-and-white posed photograph of Porter Lee Fortune presenting the 1989 Golden Deeds Award to Willie B. Tankersley at the Exchange Club of Oxford, Miss. |
Image Folder PF-5436/59 |
Photographs from Ole MissBlack-and-white snapshots of celebrations of Porter Lee Fortune's birthday and the tenth anniversary of his inauguration as chancellor, with staff in the chancellor's office. |
Image Folder PF-5436/60 |
Scrapbook, 1936-1937Handmade scrapbook for the Old Fort High School class of 1937. Includes individual and group photographs of the class, a handwritten draft of Porter Lee Fortune's valedictory speech, classmate and teacher autographs, a list of class superlatives, clippings about high school events, and paragraph long descriptions for many individual classmates. There is also an invitation to the 1988 class reunion, at which Porter Lee Fortune was the speaker. |
Photograph Album PA-5436/1 |
Photograph album, circa 1920s-1950sIncludes both clippings and photographs. Clippings are primarily about World War II, wedding announcements, and about members of the Fortune family. Many of the clippings are loose in the album. Photographs are primarily of Fortune family members and friends from the 1920s to the 1950s, some of whom are identified. Several photographs were taken at Emory University in Atlanta, Ga. |