Source
State Archives of Florida, Series S65
Description
Searchable collections of manuscripts, war records, historic images, vital statistics, audio and video recordings from the State Library and Archives of Florida.
Subjects
Askew, Reubin O'D., 1928-2014Beach, Cecil P. (Cecil Prentice), 1927-Florida State LibraryFlorida. Department of State (1971-1974 : Stone)Florida. Division of Archives, History, and Records ManagementFlorida. Governor (1971-1979 : Askew)Gray, R. A. (Robert Andrew), 1882-1975Groundbreakings--Florida--TallahasseeLeon High School (Tallahassee, Fla.)Museum of Florida HistoryR A Gray Building (Tallahassee, Fla)Stone, Richard, 1928-Williams, Robert, 1919-1983
General Note
R. A. Gray's (1882-1975) affiliation with the state government of Florida began in 1903 when he served as a clerk for the 1903 legislative session. In 1910, he represented Gadsden County in the legislature. Except for his sojourn in Washington as Senator Park Trammell's personal secretary and his army service in World War I, Gray lived and worked in Tallahassee for the rest of his life. He worked alternately for the State Treasury, the Comptroller's Office, and the Motor Vehicles Division. When Senator William Igou resigned as Secretary of State, Gray was appointed on August 12, 1930, to serve out his term. He then ran for the job himself and won, eventually serving his state in this capacity for 31 years. He resigned in 1961, but remained active in church and social groups. R.A. Gray died in 1975.
Robert Andrew Gray, 14th Secretary of State of Florida, was born August 2, 1882, at Cairo, Georgia.
Mr. Gray attended Florida public schools, South Florida Military College (afterwards consolidated in the University of Florida), and Georgetown University. He has a LLD. degree from Southern College at Lakeland.
He served as a Member of the House of Representatives in 1911 from Gadsden County. Subsequently, he was Assistant State Auditor, Executive Secretary to Governor Park Trammel, Private Secretary to U.S. Senator Trammell and Assistant State Comptroller before being appointed Secretary of State for 30 years. The Honorable R.A. Gray served in Florida government for 50 years.
EVENT:
Groundbreaking for the R.A. Gray Archives, Library and Museum BUILDING
DATE:
Wednesday, November 7, 1973
TIME: 2:00 p.m.
PLACE: The parking lot immediately south of Lafayette Street, between Boulevard and Bronough Streets.
Program
Leon High School Band
Master of Ceremonies
-Secretary of State Richard (Dick) Stone
Introductory Remarks
-Cecil Beach, Director, Division of State Library Services, Florida Department of State
Special Presentation to Honorable R.A. (Bob) Gray
Leon High School Band
Address and Ground Breaking
-Governor Reubin O'D. Askew, Governor of Florida
Listen: The Latin Program
