</s>BH 44-1740 RENTAL OF SAFE DEPOSIT BOX NO. 5517 AT MAIN OFFICE OF BIRMINGHAM TRUST NATIONAL BANK, BY ERIC S. GALT ON AUGUST 28, 1967. 81 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary  
The documents include records related to Safe Deposit Box No. 5517 rented by Eric S. Galt at Birmingham Trust National Bank on August 28, 1967. The box was surrendered and inspected on December 13, 1967, found empty. Bank employees noted Galt’s access between August 28, 1967, and September 28, 1967, with no suspicious activity observed. Procedural details about safe deposit box access times and banking hours are included. Separate FBI records detail inquiries at Birmingham gun stores in April 1968 regarding high-powered rifles and ballistics, including descriptions of a white male customer with light-colored eyes and light brown hair. Rental records from car agencies in North Birmingham between April 7-9, 1968, mention a Mustang not found in records, possibly taken to Tennessee. An FBI investigation into Eric GALT’s association with dance studios in New Orleans and Birmingham includes financial transactions, behavioral observations, and attempts to verify his identity via dry cleaning receipts and gas station green stamps.  

Key People  
- Eric S. Galt (renter of Safe Deposit Box No. 5517)  
- Mrs. Catherine Reedy (bank employee)  
- Diane Battles (former bank employee)  
- Charles T. Smith (Birmingham Trust National Bank auditor)  
- Marlin C. Myers (owner of Continental Dance Studios in New Orleans and Birmingham)  
- Joan Myers (wife of Marlin Myers, dance instructor)  
- Doris Ladner (sister-in-law of Myers, student at Birmingham dance classes)  
- Quinton B. Davis (owner of "The Gun Rack")  
- Clyde Royal Manasco (clerk at "The Gun Rack")  
- John Michael Kopp (manager of firearms department at Long-Lewis Hardware)  
- Lyn dell Earl Dilbeck (employee at Long-Lewis Hardware)  
- Charles Hill (rental associate)  
- Brenda Greer (rental agent)  
- Danny English (rental clerk)  
- Ervin Daniels (hiker)  
- James Howell (hiker)  
- Sam Henderson (hiker)  
- Robert Grayson (hiker)  
- Joe Klyce (owner)  
- Jean Brookton, Gloria Roddam, Lilla Hyde, Pete Kyce, Mike Sullivan, Curtis Lee Jones, Dewey Ruffin, Laurine Odom  

Key Locations  
- Birmingham Trust National Bank, Birmingham, Alabama  
- Safe Deposit Box No. 5517  
- Continental Dance Studios (New Orleans, Louisiana; Birmingham, Alabama)  
- Mayfield Cleaners (Birmingham, Alabama)  
- Standard Service Station (Birmingham, Alabama)  
- Atlanta, Georgia (location of GALT’s effects)  
- The Gun Rack, Birmingham, Alabama  
- Long-Lewis Hardware Company, Bessemer, Alabama  
- Banks Pawn Shop, Bessemer, Alabama  
- Simmons Pawn Shop, Bessemer, Alabama  
- 2328 5th Avenue, North Birmingham, Alabama  
- 1813-15 1st Avenue, North Birmingham, Alabama  
- 2020 5th Avenue, North Birmingham, Alabama  
- 2023 5th Avenue, North Birmingham, Alabama  

Key Events  
- Rental of Safe Deposit Box No. 5517 by Eric S. Galt on August 28, 1967  
- Surrender of keys and closure of the box on December 13, 1967  
- Inspection of the empty box on December 13, 1967  
- Employee records of Galt’s access to the box between August 28, 1967, and September 28, 1967  
- GALT’s dance lessons at Continental Dance Studios in New Orleans and Birmingham (1964–October 1969)  
- Financial transactions for lessons paid in cash  
- FBI investigation into GALT’s identity via dry cleaning receipts (ticket #4591) and gas station green stamps (number 627)  
- Customer inquiries at Birmingham gun stores in April 1968 regarding high-powered rifles, ballistics, calibers (30/06, 243, 308), and ammunition drop measurements  
- Descriptions of the individual’s physical appearance, demeanor, and clothing (e.g., business suit, glasses)  
- Rental records for vehicles from April 7–9, 1968, including a Mustang not found in records, possibly taken to Tennessee and returned  
- References to releases under Executive Order 14176  

Key Organizations  
- Birmingham Trust National Bank  
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)  
- Continental Dance Studios (New Orleans and Birmingham locations)  
- Mayfield Cleaners (dry cleaning service)  
- Standard Service Station (gas station distributing green stamps)  
- The Gun Rack, Long-Lewis Hardware Company, Banks Pawn Shop, Simmons Pawn Shop  
- National Car Rental, Budget Rent-A-Car, Hertz Rent-A-Car, Avis Rent-A-Car, International Fleet Corp. (Rent-A-Ford)

MLK Declassified Files

44-cg-1114_738662_04-01-part_3_of_7.pdf

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