The collection of the Sphex Club, of Lynchburg, Virginia, includes minutes ofmeetings, the constitution and bylaws of the Club, a roster of its members, and a listing ofSphex papers presented by members and guests of the Club. In addition to this guide, thecollection is outlined in more detail in “Sphex in the Jones Memorial Library,” ChapterVI of the Club history, The Sphex Club of Lynchburg, Virginia: The First One HundredYears, 1910-2010, by James M. Elson.
he paper titled "Hoaxes, Swindles and Cheats" explores various historical and modern deceptions, swindles, and hoaxes, examining their evolution and impact on society. The author discusses numerous cases, from the Cardiff Giant to the Piltdown Man, illustrating how these events often start as innocent pranks but can escalate into large-scale frauds or cultural phenomena. The discussion includes both humorous anecdotes and serious scams, highlighting the thin line between playful trickery and harmful deceit.
Ellen G. Nygaard's presentation "Home Grown" traces the history of the Central Virginia Training Center (CVTC), originally the Virginia State Epileptic Colony, and its evolution through the 20th century. It outlines the institution's initial role in housing individuals with various deficits and its subsequent involvement in the American Eugenics movement, including involuntary sterilizations legitimized by the Supreme Court case Buck vs. Bell. Nygaard discusses the shift towards more humane and enlightened care for individuals with special needs, emphasizing the ongoing challenge of providing appropriate care in the 21st century.
Ellen G. Nygaard's talk, "Home Sweet Home?", discussed global and U.S. refugee resettlement programs, emphasizing her experiences with the Lynchburg Catholic community's 2004 project aiding Bantu refugees from Somalia. Highlighting challenges like language barriers, cultural differences, and societal prejudice, Nygaard concluded with insights on overcoming personal biases and the importance of love and family. The paper underscores the complexities of refugee assimilation and the resilience of displaced individuals.
Stephen C. Smith's presentation "How did we get here and when will they join us?" discusses the evolution and current state of Artificial Intelligence (AI), specifically focusing on ChatGPT4 and its capabilities. He highlights the journey from classical AI systems to today's advanced models, emphasizing the overcoming of key barriers such as computational power, data availability, and algorithmic innovations. Smith also delves into the risks and potential misalignments associated with AI, as well as the optimism surrounding its beneficial applications for humanity.
The paper "How Did You Get Into This?" by Robert C. Wood III explores his journey into football officiating, influenced by coaches Vince Bradford, Jimmie Bryan, and Happy Lee. It recounts his experiences from youth football to officiating high school, college, and ACC games, emphasizing the mentorship, challenges, and personal growth involved in his officiating career.
James M. Elson's paper, presented to the Sphex Club, discusses Dr. Samuel Johnson's critical view of American liberty in the context of slavery. Elson juxtaposes Johnson's criticism with the paradoxical stances of American Founding Fathers like Patrick Henry, Thomas Jefferson, and George Washington on slavery. The paper also examines the evolution of curmudgeonry, highlighting notable figures and their societal critiques. Elson's narrative is interspersed with historical quotes and personal anecdotes, creating a reflective discourse on American ideals and hypocrisies.
Arelia S. Langhorne's lecture, titled "I Can See Russia" dives into the political espionage novel "Pushing Brilliance" by Tim Tigner. The story involves Russian President Vladimir Korovin, a former KGB lieutenant, and a plot involving a brain-enhancing drug aimed at political manipulation. Langhorne parallels the novel's narrative with real-world political tensions and espionage, highlighting the intricate and often dangerous interplay of intelligence, power, and political ambitions. The lecture serves as an allegory for contemporary geopolitical dynamics, especially between the United States and Russia, emphasizing the constant need for vigilance in political leadership and international relations.
Thomas Ledford begins: “I grew up in New Orleans and Hurricane Katrina has destroyed my hometown.” Ledford explains the history of New Orleans and the characteristics of the Mississippi River. The population of New Orleans nearly doubled its habitable land after water was moved out of formerly swampy areas. But the swamp dirt dried and became lower than sea level. New Orleans successfully evacuated before Katrina struck. But the damage was major. Ledford makes recommendations for the future.
This academic paper, authored by John T. Cook, presents a detailed historical analysis centered on John Marshall's pivotal role in shaping the U.S. Supreme Court during the early 19th century. It covers Marshall's personal background, his involvement in key legal cases, his innovative judicial practices, and his overarching influence on American jurisprudence. The paper emphasizes Marshall's leadership in establishing the court's authority and its independence, particularly through landmark cases like Marbury v. Madison.
This often humorous paper, "I Was a Mole in the Moral Majority: Or How the Academy Theatre Got Saved" by James M. Elson, chronicles the history and revival of Lynchburg's Academy of Music Theatre. It details Lynchburg's cultural and economic development, the theatre's multiple restorations, and Elson's involvement with Liberty University and the Moral Majority. Key events include efforts to preserve the theatre, civic support, and challenges faced during renovations.
"I, Me, Mine" by Joel T. Keys delves into the evolving American character through the lens of "utilitarian individualism." Keys uses vignettes to illustrate a shift towards a societal focus where individual desires and conveniences outweigh communal responsibilities and ethics. He critiques this ethos as a departure from the founding values of America, highlighting its potential to lead to societal anarchy or despotism. Keys suggests radical societal and economic reforms to counteract this trend, including a universal national service program to foster a sense of community and shared responsibility among youth. The paper ultimately calls for a reevaluation of individualistic attitudes for the betterment of society.
The paper "IF I WERE KING" by George T. Stewart explores the universal human desire for power and prestige through the historical narrative of James Aloysius Harden-Hickey. Harden-Hickey declared himself King James I of the uninhabited island of Trinidad in 1893. His ambitions and eventual downfall are detailed, highlighting themes of status, ambition, and the often quixotic nature of personal aspirations.
This paper, presented by Marc Schewel, delves into Ulysses S. Grant's venture into writing his memoirs as a means to address his financial ruin and provide for his family, despite his initial reluctance and battling throat cancer. Schewel highlights Grant's transformation through writing, supported notably by Mark Twain, and the eventual success of the memoirs, selling over 300,000 sets and significantly benefiting Grant's estate. The paper also touches on the historical and personal context of Grant's life, emphasizing the impact of his memoirs on both his legacy and American history.
This paper by George Snead recounts the development and impact of the SIGSALY secure voice communication system during WWII. It details Snead's personal journey in science and technology, emphasizing the importance of pluralistic support for R&D. The paper underscores the critical role of SIGSALY in military operations and reflects on current challenges in American science and technology.
Dr. Ken West’s presentation focuses on the "couple strengths" that lead to positive marriages and the "couple weaknesses" that frequently create unhappy marriages. West explains why quick marriages based on romantic feelings create a high risk. Robert Sternberg’s triangle theory is explored. People lacking one or more “sides” experience predictable problems. John Gottman’s theory of the mismatches that create perpetual problems in a marriage is examined. Also, the characteristics of “Consummate Love” that can last a lifetime are presented.
James M. Elson's paper, "If You Would Not Be Forgotten," presented to the Sphex Club on October 13, 2005, encourages individuals to consider how they will be remembered by posterity. Elson highlights the importance of writing autobiographies and preserving documents to ensure one's legacy. He discusses historical figures like Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and George Washington, emphasizing the value of written records in preserving their legacies. Elson also provides practical advice on documenting personal and family histories for future generations.
In Memoriam by Joan S. Jones is a deeply reflective paper dedicated to Helen Calvert, exploring the profound impact of the Scramble for Africa from approximately 1876 to 1912. Through meticulous analysis of Thomas Pakenham's extensive research, Jones encapsulates the frenzied annexation of Africa by European powers, driven by imperialistic ambitions and a disregard for indigenous sovereignties. The narrative weaves through various historical milestones, including the roles of explorers like Stanley and de Brazza, the strategic military and diplomatic maneuvers of European nations, and the eventual partitioning of the continent. Jones highlights the complex interplay of exploration, exploitation, and the eventual push towards independence, illustrating the enduring consequences of colonialism.
James A. Huston’s paper, presented to the SPHEX Club of Lynchburg on October 22, 2009, explores the phenomenon of how myths and misinformation can spread and become accepted as truth. The paper is structured into eight sections, each discussing various anecdotes and examples, including humorous misattributions, psychological warfare, frivolous lawsuits, and pressures on witnesses. The central theme highlights the unintended consequences of information manipulation and the creation of urban legends.
The paper "Industry and Civilization" by S. Wells Utley discusses the historical importance and societal contributions of industry. Utley criticizes contemporary attitudes that belittle industrial achievements and emphasizes that industry has been fundamental in the progress of civilizations by creating surplus wealth, driving cultural advancements, and opposing war. The paper underscores the necessity of preserving industrial freedom and warns against increasing government intervention.
Raymond H. Williamson's paper "Inflation Revisited," explores historical inflationary periods to derive lessons for the present. The paper covers early instances of inflation, such as coin devaluation by ancient Romans and Henry VIII, and examines major hyper-inflations, including post-WWI Germany and 1946 Hungary. Williamson assesses the U.S. inflation situation, highlighting the role of the Federal Reserve and Congressional spending, and warns of the potential for hyper-inflation in the U.S., stressing the importance of redeemable currency standards.
This paper by Dennis S. Roberts explores the dynamic history of marriage, highlighting its fluid nature and continuous evolution over centuries. It dissects the varied forms of marriage, from monogamous to same-sex, and how economic, social, and political changes have shaped the institution. The discourse on marriage equality and the legal, theological, and social battles it has engendered are central, illustrating the deeply personal and societal implications. Key themes include the non-traditional nature of marriage, its role in power and wealth preservation, the shift towards love-based unions, and the impact of gender equality and gay rights movements on the institution. The paper concludes optimistically, noting marriage's resilience and the hopeful expansion of marriage rights.
The paper "Is Democracy Sufficient?" by Ex-Senator A.F. Thomas addresses the evolving challenges and opportunities of democracy in a changing world. It emphasizes the need for democracy to adapt to new societal structures and underscores the importance of equality, individual rights, and moral law. Thomas critiques both extreme individualism and class-based governance, advocating for a balanced approach that integrates democratic principles with economic and social reforms.
