Image of Harry H Jolly, Jr. in U.S. Air Force uniform during World War 2 from Manuscript collection 1156 held at Jones Memorial Library. Jolly's experience of World War 2 service and capture at Nuremberg, Germany in 1945 was documented by the Library of Congress Veterans History Project. The memoir and documents are available at https://www.loc.gov/item/afc2001001.00619/
Piedmont Mills Business Papers Held At Jones Memorial Library In Lynchburg, Virginia. The Papers Include Minutes And Business Records From The Period 1860 To 1969.
Text of a lecture delivered to the Sphex Club in Lynchburg. This academic paper explores the evolution of college football in the United States, focusing on its impact on higher education institutions from the late 19th to the early 20th centuries. It discusses the relationship between football and college reputations, enrollment, alumni loyalty, and financial contributions, highlighting the sport's role in fostering school spirit and community identity. The paper also addresses the controversy surrounding football's violence and the ethical dilemmas posed by the professionalization of college athletes. It concludes by questioning the contemporary role of sports in education and whether it aligns with the values of character building and amateurism.
Text of a lecture delivered to the Sphex Club in Lynchburg. This paper by Julius Sigler explores the realm of college and university teaching, challenging common stereotypes and delving into the rich folklore surrounding professors. Sigler uses anecdotes, comparisons to legendary figures, and personal observations to illustrate the eccentricities, pedagogical methods, and impactful memories associated with academic teaching. He draws from diverse sources, including his experiences and those of others, to offer a nuanced view of educators who shape minds in settings ranging from formal lectures to intimate mentorships. The paper emphasizes the art of teaching and the enduring influence of educators who navigate the balance between imparting knowledge and inspiring inquiry.
Ron Dolan's lecture "Pink, Gold, and Gray Plaid" delves into the Homestead Strike of 1892, focusing on labor relations and significant figures like Andrew Carnegie and Henry Frick. Dolan, with personal ties to the Pittsburgh steel industry, examines the event's historical context, key players, and its impact on labor unions, emphasizing the conflict between workers' rights and industrial management.
Text of a lecture to the Sphex Club in Lynchburg. A description of frontier medicine in the late eighteenth and nineteenth century, with attention to medical schools, treatment modalities, "irregular" medical practitioners, and quach cures.
John Turner discusses the origin of the names of cities and states and even bodies of water in the United States. Turner also explains how the pronunciations vary for many cities with the same name. Hundreds of names are discussed such as “Roanoak” coming from an Indian name, Salem being a religious name, Danville being a French name, and “burg” meaning a fortified place.
David W. Frantz's SPHEX paper, "Polar Opposites," explores the life and work of Nikola Tesla, emphasizing his contributions to electrical engineering, particularly the development of alternating current (AC) systems. The paper contrasts Tesla's imaginative genius with Thomas Edison's pragmatic approach, detailing their rivalry during the "War of Currents." Frantz also highlights Tesla's personal struggles and eccentricities, his visionary ideas, and his ultimate legacy in the field of electricity.
James R. Caskie's paper critiques the interpretations made in a series of editorials by The Lynchburg News regarding voter eligibility in the Democratic Primary. Caskie, disputing the editorials' claims that certain voters were ineligible due to previous voting behaviors, argues that these interpretations misapply legal standards and potentially influenced election outcomes. He examines the Virginia Primary Law's history, provisions, and legal principles to clarify misconceptions and defend voters' rights to participate in primaries regardless of past affiliations.
The paper "Poor Folks Lawyer" by Robert Dabney Morrison provides an insightful account of Morrison's experiences and observations working with the Legal Aid Society of Greater Lynchburg. Starting his tenure on July 21, 1975, after a long hiatus from practicing law, Morrison describes his initial apprehensions, the warm welcome he received, and his gradual acclimation to the role. He outlines the purpose of Legal Aid—to offer legal services to those unable to afford them—and details the types of cases handled, emphasizing family law. Morrison shares intriguing anecdotes that highlight the unique challenges and rewards of serving low-income clients, including a significant case involving the custody of triplets. He praises the local support for Legal Aid and expresses a firm stance against federal funding, advocating for local control and the maintenance of state power. The narrative showcases the impact of Legal Aid on the community and the personal fulfillment derived from providing legal assistance to those in need.
Text of a lecture to the Sphex Club in Lynchburg. Robert C. Wood III's "Pop Quiz" session, held on February 18, 2010, is a detailed exploration of U.S. constitutional law, focusing on the judiciary and Supreme Court's roles. Wood uses a classroom quiz format to engage the audience in a comprehensive review of landmark Supreme Court cases, constitutional amendments, and judicial philosophies. The session emphasizes the evolution of legal interpretations, the balance between federal and state powers, and the impact of judiciary decisions on American society and civil liberties.
Potter Estate Papers Held At Jones Memorial Library In Lynchburg, Virginia Including Deeds For Colerain Plantation And Tweedside Plantation Enumerating Enslaved Persons By Age And Occupation
Select items from this collection have been digitized. See the "Potter Estate Papers" ITEM SET to access those materials.
A dataset of enslaved persons mentioned in this collection was published with Enslaved.org and the Journal of Slavery and Data Preservation in 2025.
Pratt Hospital Muster Roll Kept At Jones Memorial Library In Lynchburg, Virginia. The Roll Dates To 31 August 1864 And Was Kept By Rebecca Smith, Assistant Matron Of The Hospital.
The paper by Everette Fauber, Jr., titled "Predestination," explores the historical development and influence of the Scotch-Irish people from their origins in Scotland to their settlement in America. The narrative covers invasions, religious transformations, and the establishment of educational institutions like Augusta Academy, which evolved into Washington and Lee University. The paper highlights key historical events, influential figures, and architectural developments related to the university's growth.
Kenneth R. Garren's presentation "Presume Guilt; Prove Innocence" discusses the evolution of safety practices in the U.S. space program, emphasizing fatal accidents like Apollo 1, Challenger, and Columbia. Garren reflects on his experiences at NASA Langley and advocates for a fundamental shift in NASA's approach to safety. The talk is organized into sections covering historical missions, major accidents, their causes, and recommendations for future safety protocols.
