Frank Thomas papers

The Frank Thomas Papers, although a very small collection, provide details on political issues and campaigns during the early twentieth century. The correspondence and printed materials largely pertain to Thomas' tenure as Postmaster, 1933 to 1945, and his tenure as state representative and senator, 1910 through 1916. These two facets of the collection serve to illuminate some of the political issues important in Ohio during this time period. Although the collection is not as comprehensive as one would wish, the researcher still can gain a sense of the extensive work Thomas accomplished during his political career. Similarly, his accomplishments, such as his service on Bowling Green's City Council and as state representative and senator, as a founder of the International Typographical Union, and his work in procuring Bowling Green Normal School are fairly well illustrated despite the absence of much of his political and personal correspondence.

The photographic material included in the collection provide some documentation of Frank Thomas and his family. Unfortunately, most of the photographs are not identified or dated.

Ultimately, it can be concluded that the collection provides a good source to the researcher who is interested in some of the issues important in Ohio politics in the early twentieth century. The collection, however, is limited and provides only a preliminary indication of the political issues and Thomas' accomplishments as a public official.