Bates, Lester Lee, Sr. (1904-1988)

Papers, 1942-2008, 4 ft.

Bates served as mayor of Columbia, South Carolina, from 1958-1970. The collection chronicles the daily difficulties of leading a Southern city through the tumultuous 1960s, as well as the challenges he faced in the business arena with two insurance companies. Also included are papers pertaining to Bates' son, Lester Lee, Jr.