Archives West Finding Aid

The Granville Frank Knight papers consist largely of correspondence, speeches and writings. Most of this material concerns fluoridation of public water, mental health, the John Birch Society, and anti-communism as well as Knight's theories about nutrition and allergies.

The correspondence, consisting of about 2,000 letters, memorandums, and postcards is arranged chronologically. It spans from 1920 to 1981 but, for the most part, dates between 1960 and 1975. Numerous members of the John Birch Society and the conservative movement are represented in the correspondence, including: Robert Welch, Margaret P. Wuichet, R.E. Combs, Pedro A. del Valle, and C.O. Garshwiler. Of special note are about 250 letters from West Wuichets, a member of the John Birch Society. Many of Wuichet's letters, addressed to third parties, discuss members and the activities of the John Birch Society. Letters also are included from congressmen and public figures such as Charles M. Teague, John R. Rarick, Sam I. Hayakawa, and Barry Goldwater.

The speeches and writings of Granville Knight include testimonials, speeches, articles, editorials, and reports, which were written mainly between 1950 and 1965. Knight's speeches and writings, arranged alphabetically by title, concern fluoridation of public water, anti-communism, nutrition, and other political issues and medical theories. The speeches and writings by other authors and unknown authors are similar in nature to Knight's. Those by other authors are arranged alphabetically by the authors' names, and those by unknown authors are arranged alphabetically by title. Researchers also should note that Bats in the Belfry: The Case Against Mental Health by Ellen McClay (Vol. 1) includes a "Foreword" by Granville Frank Knight.

Photographs include two pictures of Granville Frank Knight taken in 1926 while he played in Europe with a jazz band called "The Jolly Friars." Other photographs include a picture of an anti-Kissinger banner and two illustrations for an article.