Lester Maddox - Key Points from the New Georgia Encyclopedia
Early Life
Birth and Family: Lester Garfield Maddox was born on September 30, 1915, in Atlanta, Georgia, to a working-class family.
Education and Work: Dropped out of high school; worked at Atlantic Steel and the Works Progress Administration. Married Virginia Cox in 1936.
World War II: Worked in wartime industries, including the Bell Bomber factory, receiving a draft deferment.
The Pickrick Cafeteria
Opening: Established the Pickrick Cafeteria in 1947 near Georgia Tech.
Advertisements: Used the "Pickrick Says" ads for promoting his restaurant and political views.
Segregation Stance: The cafeteria was known for adhering to segregationist Jim Crow policies.
Political Career
Initial Campaigns: Ran unsuccessfully for Atlanta Mayor in 1957 and 1961, promoting segregation and government integrity.
Civil Rights Act of 1964: Defiantly opposed the Act, famously using axe handles to turn away Black activists from his restaurant.
Governor of Georgia: Elected in 1966, defeating Ellis Arnall in Democratic primary, and won over Bo Callaway through a legislative decision.
Governorship Achievements
Racial Policies: Surprisingly progressive; backed prison reform and appointed numerous African Americans to government positions.
Education: Increased funding for the University System of Georgia.
Controversies: Heavy police presence during Martin Luther King Jr.'s funeral; opposed lowering flags for the funeral.
Post-Governorship
Lieutenant Governor: Elected in 1971 but often clashed with Governor Jimmy Carter.
Subsequent Elections: Ran unsuccessfully for governor again in 1974 and attempted a presidential run in 1976.
Legacy: Retired from politics, operated various businesses, and remained unapologetic about his segregationist views.
Later Life
Health and Death: Suffered from cancer and other ailments; died on June 25, 2003, at age 87.
Additional Resources
Several books and articles have been written about Maddox’s political life and legacy, including "The Riddle of Lester Maddox" and "Everything Is Pickrick: The Life of Lester Maddox."
Related Topics
Gubernatorial Election of 1966: Maddox’s unexpected rise to power during a time of political and social upheaval in Georgia.
Civil Rights Movement: Maddox’s role as a figurehead of segregationist resistance during the Civil Rights era in the U.S.