This paper by Thomas C. Tiller explores the societal responsibility in preparing young individuals for life within it. Tiller emphasizes the collective role of family, schools, and society at large in nurturing the youth. He references various psychologists and educators to highlight the evolving concerns and methodologies regarding youth development. The paper discusses shifts in focus from gender disparities to broader educational and societal influences, incorporating insights from historical, psychological, and educational perspectives. Tiller advocates for a holistic approach to youth preparation, considering the influences of family, peer groups, media, schools, religious groups, and the economy. He invites discussion on improving societal mechanisms for equipping the young for future challenges.
Digital image of first page of Methodist Associated Church minute book. This image is taken from the original resource held at Jones Memorial Library in Lynchburg, Virginia as part of the Methodist Associated Church Papers.
The Methodist Associated Church was formed by Methodists expelled from the Methodist Episcopal Church due to differences concerning church leadership. The collection represents the beginning of the Methodist Protestant Church, which existed as a separate entity until reuniting with the Methodist Episcopal Church and the Methodist Episcopal Church, South to form The Methodist Church in 1939.
The first page of the minute book dating to 10 October 1828 is scanned and included here. The physical collection is available at Jones Memorial Library in Lynchburg, Virginia.
George H. Lenz's lecture from March 13, 1997, titled "Millennial Musings-Fire from the Sky," explores the scientific and cultural fascination with meteors and their impact on Earth, alongside societal attitudes towards apocalyptic events. Lenz discusses how recent decades have seen a shift in scientific understanding to accept that catastrophic events, like meteor impacts, have significantly shaped life's evolution on Earth. He references historical mass extinctions and the role of sudden, catastrophic events contrary to the slow, gradual changes posited by Darwinian evolution. The lecture touches on the discovery of the K/T boundary, evidence of a massive meteor impact 65 million years ago, and its global effects, including mass extinctions.
Digital images of three working architectural drawings from a set of nine total drawings of the Montezuma property in Nelson County, Virginia. These drawings are part of Jones Memorial Library manuscript collection 2133, the Travis McDonald Poplar Forest Field School Collection.
This address, delivered by A.F. Thomas, argues for the incorporation of moral education in public schools to develop well-rounded citizens. Thomas emphasizes the need for balanced intellectual, physical, and moral training to prevent societal issues like crime. The paper differentiates between ethics and religion, advocating for state-led ethical instruction while leaving religious education to individuals and religious institutions.
Professor Peter Marcy gives a brief history of modern British historiography, beginning with Sir Walter Raleigh, William Camden and Sir Francis Bacon. He cites a shift away from uncritical acceptance of received knowledge to an emphasis on documentary evidence and scholarly interpretation that sought to establish causation. In the following century, David Hume, William Robertson and Edward Gibbon were influenced by the Enlightenment, particularly Voltaire, and emphasized social history. The theories of Hume, Voltaire and Gibbon are discussed. The later influence of Sir Walter Scott and subsequently Thomas Carlyle and others showed that history could be interesting and involves an imaginative as well as intellectual understanding of the past. The author discusses the contributions of Leopold von Ranke and Thomas Babbington Macauley, and concludes that modern British historiography includes sophisticated analysis of evidence and addresses anthropological, economic, psychological and intellectual dimensions.
Thomas Ledford begins: “I am going to tell a positive story of water and how the need for an abundant supply of clean, healthy water has been acquired through a series of sound public policy decisions made over the course of the last 200 years in Lynchburg.” Ledford describes decisions that Lynchburg made despite opposition. He concludes: “Lynchburg's leaders over the last two centuries have provided our community with safe, clean water today and far into the future.”
Page from Manuscript 1200 held at Jones Memorial Library from the Weather Memorandum Book kept by William Massie. The book details Massie's daily weather observations at the Pharsalia and Level Green plantations in Nelson County, Virginia.
This academic paper, titled "Much Ado About (Almost) Nothing: A Sphex Club Paper" by Julius Sigler explores the feasibility and scientific foundation of constructing a space elevator as initially perceived to be an impossible project. Sigler shares his journey from skepticism to discovery, highlighting significant advancements in materials science, particularly in the realm of nanotechnology. The paper delves into the principles of atom behavior, the importance of surface area to volume ratios, quantum physics, and the potential applications of nanoscience in various fields including medicine, electronics, and environmental technology. It concludes with a revisitation of the space elevator concept, now seen as feasible with the advent of carbon nanotube technologies.
J. Everette Fauber’s Sphex Club lecture explores his deep connections with historically significant buildings he worked on as an architect. He personifies these inanimate structures, describing them as intimate friends. Fauber highlights several notable restorations, including the Captain Horton Plantation Home, the John Carlyle House, and the Octagon House, emphasizing their historical and architectural significance.
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.
