Nick Mamalakis oral history interview, May 15, 1997
Scope and Contents
Interviewed by Chris Paton. After a brief discussion of his youth and early years with the Mercer Insurance Agency, Mamalakis provides a quick sketch of Johnny Mercer's family background. The conversation then turns to Mamalakis' friendship with Johnny Mercer. Mamalakis mentions several anecdotes regarding his visits to Johnny Mercer in New York, Mercer's visits to African-American churches in Savannah, and Mercer's trips to Savannah as an adult. Mamalakis also speaks about Ginger Mercer, and about Amanda Mercer's debut in Savannah. He talks at some length about Johnny Mercer's repayment of his father's debts and Mercer's generosity to Savannah charities. Near the end of the interview, Chris Paton and Mamalakis discuss Mercer's last visit to Savannah.
Dates
- Creation: May 15, 1997
Creator
- Mamalakis, Nick (Interviewee, Person)
Restrictions on Access
Oral history available for research.
Biographical Note
Nick Mamalakis went to work for the Mercer Insurance Agency in 1932, the year he graduated from Savannah High School. Except for a period of four and a half years in naval intelligence in World War II, he remained in the employ of Johnny Mercer's father, G. A. Mercer, for fifty years.
Extent
2 item(s) (Audio (43:09 duration) transcript (23 pages))
Language of Materials
From the Collection: English
Repository Details
Part of the Special Collections Repository
100 Decatur St., S.E.
Atlanta, Georgia 30303
404-413-2880
404-413-2881 (Fax)
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