Dr. George Ebey Papers

This collection covers post-World War II issues including McCarthyism, the Red Scare, and Un-American activities. It also includes extensive information on the Minute Women, an organization of women against communism in politics and for the teaching of American heritage in schools. The Minute Women's organization spread throughout the U.S. and acquired a large membership in Texas.

Marie Christensen Ebey (with her husband, R. M. Ebey) gave birth to George Ebey in San Jose, California, on June 1, 1907. George graduated valedictorian from San Jose High School in 1924. He continued his education at San Jose State College, where he received a Junior College Certificate in 1927. Between 1922 and 1929, George Ebey worked for several businesses: Southern Pacific Railroad, Richmond Chemical Company, Aetna Life Insurance Company, and Standard Oil Company of California. After 1927, Ebey attended Stanford University. He earned his BA Degree in 1929. He continued his advanced education in 1931 when he enrolled at Stanford University a second time and earned his Master's Degree in 1932.

Ebey taught English and Dramatics, and was the Football coach at the Kamehameha School, Honolulu, Hawaii from September 1932 until June 1937. Dr. George Ebey married Leonor Campo at Honolulu, Hawaii, on August 12, 1933. Afterward he attended Columbia University, Stanford University, and finally earned his Doctorate in Education from the Teacher's College, Columbia University, New York City in 1940.

Dr. George Ebey was commissioned to serve as a Lieutenant in the US Army Air Force on July 25, 1942. He was granted the Award of the Legion of Merit on June 8, 1946, for his service as a member of Staff Planning Officers.

After his discharge, Dr. Ebey lectured for Stanford University during the Spring and Summer Term of 1946. In September 1946, he worked as a Professor of Secondary Education at Chico State College, Chico, California, until 1948. He eventually gained a position as Assistant Superintendent of Schools in Portland, Oregon, from 1948 to 1952. Thereafter he was employed as Deputy Superintendent of Schools for the Houston Independent School District (HISD), Houston, Texas.

Shortly after his arrival in Houston, accusations of Un-American activities were lobbed at Dr. Ebey. The HISD School Board conducted a hearing and decided to fire him in 1953.