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Miscellaneous Materials Regarding Edward Ball

 Collection
Identifier: MS 181

Scope and Content

This collection contains news clippings, articles, manuscripts, photographs, and interviews related to Ed Ball. The materials were accumulated by Raymond K. Mason and Virginia Harrison during the writing of their book, Confusion to the Enemy: A Biography of Edward Ball (1976). The majority of the materials pertain to Ball's financial empire in Florida, including the Florida East Coast Railway and his position as trustee of the dePont estate. The manuscripts consist of two works about Ball: Confusion to the Enemy by Mason and Harrison, and The Ed Ball Story by Hullverson.

Dates

  • Creation: 1938-1981

Creator

Access

The collection is open for research.

Biographical/Historical Note

Born in Virginia in 1888, Edward Ball became a leading and powerful figure in Florida finance and politics when he took over the management of the estate of his brother-in-law, Alfred I. duPont. As trustee for this estate, he was able to spearhead profitable endeavors such as the St. Joe Paper Co., the Florida East Coast Railway, the Florida National Bank, and substantial real estate investments. Although he never held public office, his political clout was extraordinary. He was recognized as the power behind the rural Florida politicians known as the "Porkchop Gang" who held power for several decades, beginning in the 1930s. He died in 1981 in New Orleans.

Extent

0.8 Linear feet (2 boxes)

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

Interviews, articles, clippings, and other material used by Raymond K. Mason and Virginia Harrison in their book about Florida businessman Ed Ball entitled Confusion to the Enemy: A Biography of Edward Ball.

Physical Location

University of Florida Smathers Library Building

Acquisition Information

Gift of Raymond K. Mason.

Title
A Guide to the Miscellaneous Materials Regarding Edward Ball
Status
Completed
Author
Finding aid prepared by Dept. Staff
Date
March 2005
Description rules
Finding Aid Prepared Using Dacs
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
Description is written in English.

Repository Details

Part of the Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida Repository

Contact:
George A. Smathers Libraries
PO Box 117005
Gainesville Florida 32611-7005 United States of America
352-273-2755