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As I dove into the archives at Max Chambers Library to research Dr. John George, I quickly realized that archival work is like piecing together a historical puzzle, with each document offering a glimpse into the past of John George and his time teaching political science at UCO. The John George Collection offers fascinating insights into the life and impact of a significant figure in local politics and education. The collection contains a wide array of materials including letters, speeches, legal documents, pamphlets, rare periodicals, and extensive notes which paint a vivid picture of his work. John George, a prominent Oklahoman, was an influential scholar involved in the intellectual development of the university community and general public. George spent more than 30 years teaching classes at UCO about extremism and terrorist factions.
Dr. George later moved to Carlsbad near San Diego, California where he continued to teach part time and remained active in educational and civic groups. Prior to retirement, George enjoyed a successful career as a productive scholar authoring or co-writing half a dozen books including American Extremists (Prometheus, 1996), and They Never Said It: A Book of Fake Quotes, Misquotes, and Misleading Attributions (Oxford, 1989). Journalists and scholars relied on George as a source regarding extremists and terrorist groups because he collected materials, researched, and taught about these subjects for decades. Congress summoned George to testify after the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah building in Oklahoma City regarding his then current knowledge of militia groups.
Jack T. Chick, “Exorcists,” The Crusaders Vol. 4. Chino, CA: Chick Publications, 1975.
Jack T. Chick, “Primal Man?” The Crusaders Vol. 6. Chino, CA: Chick Publications, 1976.
While poring through the extensive John George periodicals collection, something caught my eye- a folder filled with comics titled The Crusaders, written by Jack Chick, mostly related to religious themes. These comics portrayed Christianity as the correct religion, and suggested that others do not matter as much or at all. In “Exorcists”, the devil possesses a little boy because he prayed to him thinking christianity was not the way because his communist family claimed that gods were not real or just fake gods. Later, the child and his family convert to christianity. Finding these comics shows the civic work that Dr. George performed by enlightening the public about militia groups who spread this kind of deception.
Researching in the archives has given me a deeper appreciation for the meticulous work that goes into preserving and interpreting these collections. It is a reminder to me that behind every document is a story waiting to be told, and through this process we continue to learn from the past and apply those lessons to our present and future.
Jairo Hernandez is a senior history major graduating from the University of Central Oklahoma in fall 2024. After graduation, he plans to earn a teaching certificate to pursue a career in history education in public schools.
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