Atlanta in 50 Objects
A pink pig and a renegade cow. A movie prop and a Coke bottle. A Pulitzer Prize–winning book and a Nobel Prize–winning icon.
How do you tell the story of Atlanta in 50 objects? We decided the best experts were Atlantans themselves—residents who cheer the Braves and rue I–285 rush-hour traffic, who understand how Civil War losses and Civil Rights victories together helped forge the city’s unique identity. Atlanta History Center asked the public to submit what objects they think best represent their town. The parameters were broad: an object could also be a person, a place, an institution, or an idea. After receiving hundreds of submissions, History Center staff assembled a collection of fifty pieces that represent the themes identified by the public. In addition to items from our own collections, we have partnered with many local institutions and individuals to gather artifacts from around the city to tell this community–driven story.
Ivan Allen Jr.
Ivan Allen Jr. served as mayor of Atlanta from 1962 to 1970, bringing significant economic growth and providing pivotal leadership during the turbulent years of the Civil Rights Movement.
In 1963, President Kennedy personally asked Mayor Allen to testify before Congress in support of a federal law mandating desegregation of public accommodations.
Allen gave his testimony in July 1963 before the Senate Commerce Committee, risking his political career and his relationship with the Atlanta business community. Allen’s support of what became the 1964 Civil Rights Act increased his standing in Atlanta’s black community and cemented his personal commitment to progress on civil rights. During his reelection campaign in 1965 when meeting with African American groups, Allen displayed the green leather-bound book of his Congressional testimony and read from the actual transcript.
Allen was largely responsible for the construction of Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium and for bringing major league sports franchises to the city. His years as mayor were marked by a 30% increase in the city’s population, helping spur a downtown building boom, and development of I-285 and the downtown connector to help manage the increasing traffic.
Mayor Ivan Allen Jr. presents the key to the city to the Beatles, August 1965. Kenan Research Center at Atlanta History Center