In a direct contrast to his favorite forest atmosphere and forester garb, Peavy frequently appeared, formally dressed, in lecture halls and auditoriums to deliver his inspiring and prophetic speeches about the importance of forest conservation to audiences varying from loggers to lawmakers. During his 30-year tenure as the leader of forestry research and instruction at OSC, Peavy attracted the support of many patrons including Mary J.L. McDonald. Her gifts established the instructional and research forests and provided scholarship funds and interesting additions to the library collections.
(Harriet's Photograph Collection #75)
To prepare students "to accept the challenge of the changing social and economic order" was Peavy's goal as an educator. By 1940 when Peavy retired from the college, degrees had been conferred on 634 forestry students. The forestry graduates of 1930 posed with Peavy at graduation. Kneeling, from left: Nicholas Welter, Kenneth Lane, Davis Whitley, Owen Aydelott, Dean G. W. Peavy, Orelin de Hegy, Fred Ramsey, Ted Rainwater, William Manlove and Sam Miller. Standing, from left: Frazer Schlegel, Axel Lindh, James Iler, Richard Kearns, Vondis Miller, Allen Smith, Glen Voorhies, William Ruhmann, Alan McCready, Elmer Miller and Ralph Van Wagner.
(Harriet's Photograph Collection #384)
Peavy accepts the gift of a flag from the the Junior Class at the Junior Weekend Convocation in May 1940. Frank Chown, Chairman of the Weekend Committee, presented the flag.
(Harriet's Photograph Collection #384)
Peavy Cabin, 1944. This cabin in MacDonald Forest outside of Corvallis was built by "his boys" in 1935 and was Peavy's retreat both during his years as President and his retirement.
(Harriet's Photograph Collection #384)
Remaining active in his later years, in 1947 Peavy was elected Mayor of Corvallis. The Dodge was a congratulatory gift from the fernhoppers. A 41-year resident of Corvallis, Peavy continued as mayor until his death in 1951.
(Harriet's Photograph Collection #384)
Corvallis Mayor George Peavy, 1947. Peavy and John Fenner, Alumni Manager, inspect a map showing the wide scope of KOAC's radio network broadcast during the NCAA playoffs in Kansas City in March 1947. Peavy served as Corvallis Mayor from 1947 until his death in 1951.
(Harriet's Photograph Collection #384)
"Grower of trees and men ... educator and executive.", ca. 1955. This painting of Peavy with a group of students, made posthumously by the Weyerhauser Timber Company, was used extensively in advertisements in trade journals and the popular press including The Saturday Evening Post.
(P001:062)