Allen Morris Papers

Collection — Multiple Containers

Identifier: MSS 1966-187

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Allen Morris Papers consist of personal and professional records and research materials accumulated by Mr. Morris over a period of about forty-one years. The papers consist of correspondence; biographical sketches of Florida officials and other famous Floridians; photographs, programs, and other materials related to the Allen Morris Legislative Awards; historical data concerning place names, historical houses, rivers and river boats.

Also included is a complete file of "Cracker Politics," the column that Allen Morris was responsible for writing for so many years, as well as notes and materials compiled and used in the creation of the Florida Handbook. A large portion of the collection is made up of papers, letters, and notes relating to important figures such as governors, state legislators and other Florida politicians. Also included are books and manuscripts written by Allen Morris and books and pamphlets written by others.

Includes MSS 75-11.

Online Copies Available

Select materials from the Allen Morris Papers have been digitized and are available through the FSU Digital Library

Dates

Creation: 1861-1970

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open to all researchers. Users may access this collection at the Claude Pepper Library.

This collection is in an offsite storage location. Please contact lib-specialcollections@fsu.edu with requests for access or for more information.

Conditions Governing Use

Copyright has not been transferred to the Florida State University Libraries. All requests for permission to quote, publish, broadcast or otherwise reproduce from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the Associate Dean for Special Collections and Archives. Permission for publication is given on behalf of the Florida State University Libraries as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained by the researcher.

Biographical or Historical Information

Allen Morris was born and educated in Chicago, Illinois, December 3, 1909. He came to Florida and settled in Miami in 1923. There he became connected with the Miami Daily News, which lead to a successful career as reporter, editor, and author. As a journalist he moved from Miami to Tallahassee and began writing the popular column, "Cracker Politics," which covered politics in the state.

His work in the state capital eventually led to his career as the Clerk of the House of Representatives for the State of Florida from 1966 until 1986. His most popular book, The Florida Handbook, has been published since the late 1940s and he is also the author of several other works including Florida Place Names and Our Florida Government. Allen Morris is described in greater detail in several biographical sketches which are to be found in his personal papers.