George Dawson's paper, "One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish," explores America's relationship with seafood, highlighting the environmental impact of seafood consumption and the challenges faced by marine ecosystems. Dawson emphasizes the importance of responsible seafood consumption and environmental awareness, focusing on issues like the threat to Sockeye salmon in the Bristol Bay watershed and the rise of aquaculture.
Operation Mulberry: An Episode in Modern History by John W. Landis recounts the strategic and innovative development of artificial harbors, known as Mulberry Harbors, during World War II. Landis offers a firsthand account of the massive military build-up in southern England for the D-Day invasion and the subsequent installation of these harbors to ensure the Allies' logistical support following their landing in Normandy. Despite challenges, including a devastating storm, the harbors were crucial in maintaining the flow of supplies necessary for the invasion's success. The paper emphasizes the ingenuity, determination, and cooperation among the Allies, showcasing a pivotal moment in modern military engineering and logistics.
Robert C. Wood III's reflective talk for the SPHEX Club, "Our Fair Ladies," delivered on November 1, 2012, traverses his life's significant events, embedding personal and historical narratives to underscore the shaping of personal identity and beliefs. Wood highlights key moments ranging from childhood memories of World War II, performing in an opera, to his experiences in law and as a football referee, leading up to a discussion on the transformative presence of women in the legal profession, particularly on the Supreme Court, symbolized by "Our Fair Ladies" - Justices Ginsburg, Sotomayor, and Kagan.
The paper "Our Uncles: An Odd Couple" by Robert C. Wood, III, explores the complex relationship between John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. It highlights their contrasting personalities and political philosophies, their pivotal roles in the American Revolution and early government, and their eventual reconciliation through correspondence after years of political estrangement.
Excerpted page from Manuscript Collection 1177, Biggers Primary School attendance records. The page records attendance for the period May 19 to June 13, 1890 with names of boys and girls with their ages.
Dr. William Quillian, president of Randolph-Macon Woman’s College introduced his presentation by sharing his “pleasure and pride in the treasures found in Randolph-Macon's Collection of Paintings.” He proceeded to discuss the background of the art collection and showed pictures of a number of paintings that can be seen in the collection. President Quillian mentioned by name many Sphex Club members who helped make this collection possible.
This paper discusses the Panama Canal Treaties amidst significant debate, comparing current U.S. foresight to that of 1956, a period of major geopolitical shifts. It criticizes the main arguments for ceding control by 2000, emphasizing the Canal's continuing strategic importance and the need for U.S. military presence and authority. It advocates for revising the treaties to secure U.S. interests, citing historical errors in negotiations and potential threats.
The paper "Patriotism and Prejudice" by Robert C. Wood, III examines the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II following the attack on Pearl Harbor. It details the fear, racial prejudice, and political and military actions that led to the internment, highlighting key players and legal battles. The paper argues that the internment was driven by hysteria and prejudice rather than genuine military necessity.
This academic paper by George Dawson focuses on the merger of Lynchburg General Hospital and Virginia Baptist Hospital into Centra Health. It explores the intricate dynamics of hospital cooperation, competition, and strategic decision-making in Lynchburg's healthcare sector from the 1970s through 1987. The narrative highlights key legislation, community and medical staff involvement, and the shifting landscape of healthcare administration that influenced the merger, framed within broader antitrust concerns and healthcare policy.
Frank H. Buhler's "Personal Reflections and Great Expectations" recounts his visits to ancestral homes in Germany and Sweden, exploring his family history and the broader impact of immigration on the United States. Buhler reflects on the experiences of various immigrant groups, their motivations, and their contributions to American society, emphasizing the individuality within the collective immigration narrative.
Digital reproduction of the Petition for Edmund & Dorothea Winston held as Manuscript 2060 at Jones Memorial Library in Lynchburg, Virginia.
The handwritten document is a portion of a petition filed in 1817 by attorneys Leigh & Anthony on behalf of Edmund & Dorothea Winston against the executors of Patrick Henry's estate.
Dorothea Dandridge married Patrick Henry in 1777 and survived him.
A condition of his 1799 will stipulated that she would forfeit her inheritance upon remarriage.
Dorothea married Judge Edmund Winston in 1802. Edmund Winston was Patrick Henry's first cousin and an executor of his estate. Following the Winstons' marriage, a lawsuit was brought against the couple, which delayed probation of Henry's will.
Joe Stinnett's paper, "Pharaoh Meets the Farmer," explores the evolution and essence of jazz music, focusing particularly on the life and work of Sun Ra. It traces jazz's roots from Congo Square to its transformation into bebop and free jazz. Sun Ra's eclectic interests and innovative contributions to jazz, combining mysticism, afro-futurism, and avant-garde music, are highlighted, illustrating his profound yet unconventional impact on the genre.
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/
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.
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.
A description of fronteir 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.
