Images of pages from the Natural Bridge Hotel Guest Register, Manuscript 1500, held in physical format at Jones Memorial Library. The register includes guest names and signatures for the period 01 May 1894 to 30 April 1899. Digital images are for the front and spine of the book, and pages 39 and 348 which include the signatures of President Grover Cleveland in 1894 during his presidency and Theodore Roosevelt, Jr. in 1897, a few years before his presidency.
This paper, delivered to the SPHEX Club on October 10, 1947, explores the complex issue of naturalization, loyalty oaths, and conscientious objectors in the United States, particularly in light of a Supreme Court decision on April 22, 1946. The author, having served on the Selective Service Appeal Board, critiques the Court's decision, which he sees as unjustified and indicative of judicial activism influenced by the New Deal philosophy. The paper meticulously reviews historical cases, legislative responses, and philosophical debates surrounding the oath of allegiance and the implications for both native and naturalized citizens.
David Frantz's presentation, "Need a Haircut?," delves into the historical evolution of surgery, tracing its roots back to barber-surgeons in the Middle Ages. He discusses the significant advancements in surgical practices, particularly during wartime, and the transition from apprenticeships to academic training. The talk highlights key milestones, including the introduction of anesthesia, antisepsis, and asepsis techniques, as well as advancements in blood transfusion, which collectively overcame major barriers in surgery, transforming it into a crucial aspect of modern medical practice.
Scanned image of pamphlet entitled Negro Progress in Print: A Special List of Good Books on the Shelves of the Paul Laurence Dunbar Branch Indianapolis Public Library.
The physical pamphlet is held at Jones Memorial Library in Manuscript Collection 1396, Folder 6. The undated pamphlet is printed double-sided, and folded.
Some handwritten marks and notes suggest that Jones Memorial Library staff reviewed the list of books for acquisition.
Christina Delzingaro's paper, "New Wave. Same as the Old Wave?" presented to the SPHEX Club on February 21, 2019, discusses the history and evolution of feminism, from the late 18th century to the present. It examines the different waves of feminism, their goals, and their challenges, highlighting ongoing issues such as gender-based discrimination and reproductive rights. The paper also reflects on the current fourth wave of feminism, driven by social media and movements like #MeToo, emphasizing its inclusivity and focus on implicit bias.
A discussion of the rise of radio and news delivered by radio, its competition with newspapers, its financing, and the mechanisms for gathering and disseminating news by radio.
New solutions to the energy crisis that many people and companies will not prefer – “Not in my backyard.” But as the oil supply runs out, positive changes must be made.
Ellen G. Nygaard's presentation "No Worries Mon!" delves into Jamaica's health and socio-economic challenges, highlighting her experiences with the Central Virginia Medical Mission Team. She outlines Jamaica's struggle with poverty, inflation, and drug trafficking, alongside improvements in health indicators like life expectancy and disease management. Nygaard contrasts these issues with health disparities in the United States, emphasizing the universal nature of developing world problems, including inadequate healthcare access.
R. Chambliss Light, Jr.'s presentation, titled "Northwest 235," provides an in-depth examination of the War of 1812, focusing on its causes, key battles, and the significant contributions of Central Virginia soldiers. Light references Stuart Lee Butler's scholarship on the topic, emphasizing the war's complexity, including the American motivations for war, such as British impressment of American sailors and trade restrictions. He also highlights the war's impact on national identity and military strategy in the U.S., the role of African Americans in the conflict, and the Treaty of Ghent's conclusion without territorial changes but with significant political and cultural legacies.
Robert C. Wood III discusses the controversial O.J. Simpson verdict, highlighting the deep racial and societal divisions it exposed. He examines the jury's decision through the lenses of police conduct, the adversarial justice system, and the influence of race and wealth. Wood challenges the audience to consider broader issues of truth, justice, and systemic biases, ultimately questioning the role of jury nullification and the implications of the trial on American society.
Digital reproduction of Jones Memorial Library Manuscript Collection 1839 - the Nowlin Family Notes.
This collection is held in physical format at Jones Memorial Library in Lynchburg, Virginia.
The collection includes genealogy notes regarding the Nowlin family; a handwritten speech delivered by David Samuel Nowlin at the 1875 Alabama State Constitutional Convention with typed transcript; an 1858 receipt for the purchase of Mary Johnson and Ann Johnson, enslaved mother and daughter, in Richmond, Virginia; and, an 1858 receipt for purchase of enslaved person Louisa.
There are 21 total images of 20 documents included in the digital reproduction. Images were scanned and saved in the order they are filed in the physical collection.
This paper, presented by Jeffrey W. Wilson to the SPHEX Club, recounts the author's experiences as a Navy medical officer and the use of placebos, particularly "Obecalp," which is "placebo" spelled backward. It highlights the placebo effect's significance in medical practice, demonstrating its impact through anecdotes and broader discussions on mind-body connections, biofeedback, and patient-physician relationships. The paper emphasizes that a patient's belief and the doctor-patient relationship can significantly affect treatment outcomes.
Observations on the status and character of the Japanese educational system. As a member of the Japan-US Fulbright Commisson the author analyzes strengths, weaknesses and the prospects for further reforms.
Travis McDonald's paper, "Obsolete and Broken Art," discusses the history and artistic significance of U.S. paper currency, particularly focusing on the evolution and design of notes from the 18th to the 19th centuries. The paper highlights the Panic of 1837, the National Banking Act, and the issuance of the 1896 "education notes." McDonald emphasizes the artistic and historical value of these notes, their production process, and their impact on American art.
Raymond H. Williamson's paper "Offbeat Virginiana," explores lesser-known historical events in Virginia, particularly Lynchburg, using contemporary newspaper excerpts from 1862-1974. Key topics include early metrication efforts by the Confederacy, a post-Civil War robbery in Lynchburg, and the construction of prominent statues. The paper connects these diverse events to illustrate the rich, albeit minor, history of the region.
Travis McDonald's presentation "Oh Rats!" explored the discovery of rat nests at Thomas Jefferson's Poplar Forest, revealing various materials collected by rats over time. This unique find led to questions about rat behavior and nesting habits in buildings, pushing the boundaries of ethology and contributing to historical and architectural understanding.
The paper discusses proposals for amending the U.S. Constitution, focusing on the need for structural reforms and addressing flaws in representation and governance. It highlights various suggestions from scholars like Rexford Guy Tugwell, Larry Sabato, and Sanford Levinson on changes related to war powers, Congress, gerrymandering, the Electoral College, campaign finance, balanced budgets, and the death penalty. The author advocates for amendments proposed in Congress to improve government functionality and addresses the complexity and range of potential amendments.
This paper by Thomas C. Tiller addresses the pervasive issue of lying in political and public life, highlighting the historical context and the moral dilemmas associated with it. Tiller discusses various aspects of lying, from campaign falsehoods to strategic government deceptions, emphasizing the moral and ethical implications. He references the work of Sissela Bok on lying, exploring the complexity of defining and justifying lies in a democracy. The paper concludes with a call for higher standards of truthfulness in politics, underscoring the importance of integrity and trust in sustaining democratic principles.
This paper delves into the multifaceted issues Israel faces at its 50th anniversary, covering political, economic, and religious challenges, including the ongoing conflict with Palestinians and internal societal divisions. The author references a variety of sources to provide a comprehensive overview of Israel's history, current events, and the peace process, including the implications of Zionism and the potential for a post-Zionist state. The analysis highlights the complexities of Israeli politics, the impact of immigration, and the deep-rooted tensions between secular and religious communities, as well as between different ethnic groups within the country. It concludes with a reflection on Israel's future and its capacity for peace with the Palestinians, invoking optimism for reconciliation and coexistence. Mr. Petty appended to his talk a brief discussion of the current status of the Sphex Club archives at the Jones Memorial Library as the club approached its 90th year, and the need for an updating of the archives.
