In "It Pays to Increase Your Word Power," William T. Johnson explores the life and work of Isaac Willis Russell, a key figure in the study of neologisms and the evolution of the English language. Johnson highlights Russell's academic background, his role at the University of Alabama, and his contributions to understanding how language adapts to societal and technological changes. Interesting entries from Dr. Russell's publication, "Among New Words" from the mid-1940s to the mid-1980s are featured. The paper also reflects on Johnson's personal connection to Russell, who was Johnson's grandfather, showcasing the profound influence Russell had on his understanding and appreciation of language, especially Shakespearean literature.
Katie Webb Cyphert's presentation "It's A Little Stuffy In Here" discusses American consumerism's impact, emphasizing the excessive accumulation of possessions. The paper explores the growth of minimalism and decluttering trends as counter-movements, featuring methods like Marie Kondo's and various online support groups. It also details the severity of hoarding disorder, now recognized in the DSM-5, and stresses the necessity for community-based support systems, using local data and national statistics to underline its prevalence and social impact.
Julius Sigler's presentation explores the concept of "the American Way" through personal anecdotes and historical analysis. Growing up in rural Florida, Sigler's early life was marked by modest beginnings and a keen awareness of societal values and injustices, deeply influenced by his family, education, and significant national events. His talk reflects on America's identity, questioning national exceptionalism and morality against the backdrop of historical actions and current realities. Sigler examines the foundational beliefs of freedom, equality, and justice in America, juxtaposing them with the nation's sometimes contradictory actions and policies. His narrative spans early personal experiences, through critical reflections on national ideals, to an examination of America's role in global affairs, ultimately inviting a broader conversation on what constitutes the American essence.
Herbert R. Moore Jr.'s paper, "It's Better to Be Wrong Than Asleep," explores the life and legacy of Beverly Roy Cosby, a Lynchburg, Virginia, minister known for his humble and transformative community work. Moore highlights Cosby's foundational role in the Church of the Covenant and Lynchburg Covenant Fellowship, emphasizing his commitment to inclusivity, justice, and serving the underprivileged. Drawing on personal anecdotes and contributions from those close to Cosby, the paper paints a portrait of a visionary leader whose impact on Lynchburg's social and religious landscape was profound, despite preferring to remain out of the spotlight. Cosby's philosophy—that making an effort is preferable to inaction—even if it leads to mistakes, underpins his lifelong dedication to service and community betterment.
Robert C. Wood III's presentation to the Sphex Club, titled "It's Great to Be Alive and Living in Lynchburg - Today," humorously explores a fictional scenario where John Lynch, the founder of Lynchburg, returns after 200 years. Through a series of conversations with the city's manager and other officials, Lynch discusses the historical and contemporary economic and civic dynamics of Lynchburg, emphasizing the city's adaptation to change and ongoing efforts towards business and community development.
Peter Marcy's paper, "Jasper," initially sets out to explore leadership and management theories but shifts focus to highlight the entrepreneurial and inventive genius of Josiah Wedgwood, an 18th-century industrial leader. Marcy traces Wedgwood's contributions to the development of modern ceramics, his innovative marketing strategies, and his impact on industrial manufacturing processes. The paper details Wedgwood's development of new pottery forms like Jasper ware, his establishment of effective marketing through showrooms and royal endorsements, and his influence on factory organization and worker welfare. Marcy concludes by reflecting on Wedgwood's lasting legacy in commerce and art, positioning him as a pivotal figure in the transition to modern industrial society.
A. F. Thomas's address to the SPHEX Club, titled "Jesus or Chaos?", explores the essence and role of religion in human life. He argues that religion is a personal connection between individuals and God, influencing both intellectual and emotional development. Thomas discusses various religious systems, emphasizing the need for genuine spiritual growth and ethical conduct, while critiquing dogmatic and superficial religious practices.
Selected images from Jones Memorial Library Manuscript Collection 1762, the John C. Noell Papers. These images included miscellaneous receipts and tax receipts from the collection, mostly related to enslaved persons.
Scanned images of a document entitled John D. Langhorne to James Potter Tweedside Plantation. This document is part of Jones Memorial Library Manuscript Collection 1141, the Potter Estate Papers, Box 1-5.
The Tweedside Plantation near Savannah, Georgia was owned by the Potter family. This document enumerates and names more than 200 enslaved persons on the Tweedside Plantation in 1856.
Photograph of a woman and boy with print at bottom "T Plimmer" and "Belfast". Handwritten on reverse "John McBratney + his Mother about 1870". Printed on reverse "Miniature and Portrait Painter T. Plimmer Portrait and Landscape Photographer 10 High Street Belfast".
The paper "John Wilkes: A Prophet Who Never Intended To Be One" by Dr. Philip Thayer, presented to the SPHEX Club in 1979, examines the life and impact of John Wilkes, a controversial 18th-century British political figure. Thayer explores Wilkes' role in challenging the British establishment, highlighting his use of sensationalism and popular support to advocate for liberty and free speech. Despite his flaws, Wilkes' legacy is seen as a testament to personal courage and the struggle for civil rights.
Scanned image of a document dated Savannah 15 May 1844 signed John William. This document may represent the purchase of sale of an enslaved person named George. The document is partially torn and incomplete.
The document is part of Jones Memorial Library Manuscript Collection 1141, the Potter Estate Papers, Box 1-3. The Potter Estate Papers includes wills and inventories that document named enslaved persons on Potter family plantations in the Savannah, Georgia area, including Colerain Plantation and Tweedside Plantation.
Selected images of pages from two journals kept by James T. Jones for agricultural land in Fluvanna County, Virginia for the period 1831-1851. The images show pages from manuscript collection 1247, Box 4, folders 4-1 and 4-2.
Depicted on these pages are handwritten entries with the names of individuals, plus dates and details, under the title of "Loss Time of Hands" for the years 1832, 1833, 1834, 1841, 1842, and 1843.
The U.S. Censuses for 1850 and 1860 show that James T. Jones of Fluvanna County, Virginia enslaved 22 persons and 10 persons, respectively. The individuals named on these images are likely to be persons enslaved by Jones between 1832-1843.
Individuals named on these pages include [Fountaine] Humphrey, Ellis, William, Buff (or Biff), Judy, Matilda, Fanny, Jack, and Sam.
The Jones property was known as "the old Jones place" and later as the "Marvin Payne Property". It was located near the Monticello Dam and Rivanna River in Fluvanna County.
Digitized images of a booklet titled "Library List" issued by the Julius Rosenwald Fund in December 1929, Nashville, Tennessee.
This item is part of the Jones Memorial Library Manuscript Collection 1396, Folder 6, added to the collection in December 2023. Material is held in physical format at the Jones Memorial Library.
The Julius Rosenwald Fund provided funding for libraries serving African-Americans in the 1920s. This list contains recommended book titles for inclusion in a high school library serving African American students.
Using eyewitness accounts and commentaties of historians, supplemented by historic and contemporaty photographs, the paper explores the impact and the aftermath of the Battle of Gettysburg on the village and surrounding Adams County. A subsidiary theme is the experience of Private James Maurice Moore, a member of the Lynchburg Home Guard who was wounded and captured in the battle.
An exploration of the relationship between quantum mechanics and free will. The arguments examined explore aspects of being that transcend time. The author posits the existence of an immortal soul.
Walter R. Wineman’s paper, "Just Tolerable" - Witchcraft or Medicine?, explores the historical attitudes toward health and medicine in early America, highlighting the contrasts between past and present medical practices. The paper discusses the impact of diseases, the primitive understanding of health, and the transition from superstitious treatments to more scientific approaches. Wineman also touches on the societal implications of medical practices and the roles of various figures in the medical field during the 17th and 18th centuries.
Jo Ellen Parker's essay explores the concept of "moral panic" related to new technologies, using historical and contemporary examples to illustrate how innovations such as electric lighting, the telegraph, and internet have triggered societal fears, particularly regarding their impacts on time, space, and human relationships. Parker discusses anthropologist Genevieve Bell's hypothesis on technology-induced moral panic and extends the discussion to artificial intelligence, using the Turing test and cultural representations of AI to ponder the evolving relationship between humans and technology, and how these advancements challenge our understanding of humanity.
