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Oral history interview with David Gambrell, 1992 September 21

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@ University of West Georgia. Special Collections

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David Gambrell was born on December 20, 1929 in Atlanta, where he attended public schools before earning a law degree from Harvard University in 1952. He served in the U.S. Army Reserve from 1949-1957 while in private practice, opening his own firm in 1963. Gambrell was the president of the Atlanta Bar Association from 1965-1966, and the state Bar of Georgia from 1967-1968. He served as chair of the Democratic Party of Georgia from 1970-1971. Upon the death of Senator Richard B. Russell in 1971, he was appointed by Governor Jimmy Carter to fill the vacancy. Gambrell ran for a full term in 1972, but lost to Sam Nunn. He also ran for governor in 1974, but finished poorly in the Democratic primary. Gambrell returned to private practice in Atlanta and remains active in business and civic affairs.; Intervied by Mel Steely and Don Wagner on September 21, 1992.; The interview begins with a discussion of Gambrell's heritage, including dispelling the "legend" that his grandfather was a Confederate general in the Civil War. He talks about his school days and his time on the school newspaper; he was in high school from just before World War II up until right before it ended. He transitions into answering questions about his time at Davidson as well as Harvard Law. The conversation then changes over to his time in the service. When the interview shifts to politics, Gambrell talks about his career choices and his meeting with Jimmy Carter, as well as...
Type:
Video
Contributors:
Steely, MelWagner, DonUniversity of West Georgia. Georgia Political Papers and Oral History Program
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University of West Georgia. Special Collections

Record Harvested From

Digital Library of Georgia