This collection consists of the personal papers of Charles Sparks Thomas (1897-1983), who served as Secretary of the Navy (1954-1957), President of Trans World Airlines (1958-1960), and President of The Irvine Company (1960-1966). The bulk of the collection consists of correspondence as well as personal and business files for the years 1946 through 1966.

Charles Sparks Thomas was born in Independence, Missouri and he attended the University of California, Berkeley and Cornell University. Thomas was President of Foreman & Clark, Inc., a men's clothing chain, between 1937 and 1953. During World War II, he served in the administration of the Navy Department. In 1954 Thomas became undersecretary of the Navy, then secretary of the Navy between 1954 and 1957. He returned to business as president of TWA in 1958 and became president of The Irvine Company in 1960. Thomas has been active in Republican politics at the state and national levels. His interviews focus on his management of Foreman & Clark, building a material organization during the war, becoming secretary of the Navy, his friendship with Howard Hughes, involvement with TWA, the plight of scheduled airlines, and organization of The Irvine Company for land development in Orange County.

34.6 Linear Feet (69 boxes)

Property rights reside with the University of California. Copyrights are retained by the creators of the records and their heirs. For permission to reproduce or to publish, please contact the Head of Special Collections and Archives.

The collection has not been processed. It may contain restricted materials. Please contact the Department of Special Collections and Archives in advance to request access.