Access
Publication Rights
Preferred Citation
Historical Background
Collection Scope and Content Summary
Additional collection guides
Contributing Institution:
Special Collections and Archives, University of California, Irvine Libraries
Title: Charles Sparks Thomas papers
Creator:
Thomas, Charles Sparks
Identifier/Call Number: MS.R.003
Physical Description:
34.6 Linear Feet
(69 boxes)
Date (inclusive): 1946-1966
Abstract: 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.
Language of Material:
English
.
Access
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.
Publication Rights
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.
Preferred Citation
Charles Sparks Thomas papers. MS-R003. Special Collections and Archives, The UC Irvine Libraries, Irvine, California. Date
accessed.
For the benefit of current and future researchers, please cite any additional information about sources consulted in this
collection, including permanent URLs, item or folder descriptions, and box/folder locations.
Historical Background
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.
Collection Scope and Content Summary
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.