Thomas, Charles Sparks

Charles Sparks Thomas was born in Independence, Missouri and he attended the University of California, Berkeley and Cornell University. Thomas was President of Foreman & Clark, Inc., a men's clothing chain, between 1937 and 1953. During World War II, he served in the administration of the Navy Department. In 1954 Thomas became undersecretary of the Navy, then secretary of the Navy between 1954 and 1957. He returned to business as president of TWA in 1958 and became president of The Irvine Company in 1960. Thomas has been active in Republican politics at the state and national levels. His interviews focus on his management of Foreman & Clark, building a material organization during the war, becoming secretary of the Navy, his friendship with Howard Hughes, involvement with TWA, the plight of scheduled airlines, and organization of The Irvine Company for land development in Orange County.

Historical Background

Charles Sparks Thomas was born in Independence, Missouri and he attended the University of California, Berkeley and Cornell University. Thomas was President of Foreman & Clark, Inc., a men's clothing chain, between 1937 and 1953. During World War II, he served in the administration of the Navy Department. In 1954 Thomas became undersecretary of the Navy, then secretary of the Navy between 1954 and 1957. He returned to business as president of TWA in 1958 and became president of The Irvine Company in 1960. Thomas has been active in Republican politics at the state and national levels. His interviews focus on his management of Foreman & Clark, building a material organization during the war, becoming secretary of the Navy, his friendship with Howard Hughes, involvement with TWA, the plight of scheduled airlines, and organization of The Irvine Company for land development in Orange County.