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.
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.
A color postcard depicting Quaker Memorial Presbyterian Church in Lynchburg, Virginia, circa 1900. The meeting house, originally was constructed by Quakers, was restored in the early 1900s by the adjacent Quaker Memorial Presbyterian Church, which owns the property. This postcard is part of Manuscript 1280 held at Jones Memorial Library in Lynchburg.
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.
The paper, titled "Presumptions, Prophecies, and Predictions," explores the myriad ways in which expert predictions and decisions have historically faltered, often with significant consequences. Drawing from a broad spectrum of examples across technology, military strategy, economics, and more, the author illustrates the frequent disparity between confident forecasts and actual outcomes. Key instances include the underestimation of the telephone, the automobile, and digital technology's impact, highlighting the complex interplay between innovation, societal acceptance, and the limitations of foresight. The paper concludes by reflecting on the implications of these prediction failures for understanding future trends and decision-making processes.
The paper "Prevaricators, Pundits and Politics" by Robert Wimer discusses the degradation of political discourse in America, attributing it to partisan media and polarizing figures. The paper highlights the impact of various conservative and liberal pundits and their best-selling books, emphasizing the loss of civility and the rise of hateful rhetoric in political debates. It explores the historical context of political discourse and calls for a return to thoughtful, balanced discussion.
Carey Brewer reflects on his diverse career trajectory leading to his college presidency, discussing pivotal influences and experiences, including early aspirations, federal service, and encounters with prominent figures like John F. Kennedy. He emphasizes the unpredictable and incidental nature of career development and contrasts his roles before and after his presidency, underscoring the profound impact of personal interactions and accidental opportunities on his professional path.
Peter Marcy's presentation "Quiz Show Answers" intriguingly focused on the rich history of ballet, tracing its origins back to 15th-century Northern Italy, rather than ancient Greece or Rome. Marcy highlighted the evolution of ballet from aristocratic amateur performances to a professional art form, emphasizing key developments like the establishment of the Paris Opera Ballet School under Louis XIV and the invention of the pointe shoe by Marie Taglioni. He further explored the transformative contributions of Marius Petipa and the Ballet Russes, led by Sergei Diaghilev, which collaborated with notable composers and artists of the 20th century. Marcy concluded by discussing the influence of George Balanchine and the American Ballet Theater, suggesting future ballet centers might emerge in Asia, reflecting shifts in political and cultural power.
John Cardwell's paper, presented at the SPHEX Club, explores the intricate relationships between mathematics, science, and technological progress, emphasizing how mathematics has historically aided societal development through innovations in fields like arithmetic, geometry, and calculus. He advocates using mathematical models, specifically chaos theory, to better understand and address contemporary global challenges like terrorism and social conflicts, suggesting that mathematical insights could provide new perspectives on complex, dynamic systems in a globalized world
John T. Cook's academic paper "Repairing Her Faults," presented to the Sphex Club, discusses the significance of rhetorical brevity and effectiveness through historical examples, notably Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address. Cook explores the Virginia Constitution's evolution, highlighting various iterations and their societal impacts, including disenfranchisement and discrimination practices. He draws parallels between past legal frameworks and modern constitutional needs, emphasizing the importance of revising legal structures to reflect contemporary values and rectify historical injustices.
The paper, "Report from Formosa" by Dr. Richard C. Rowland, provides a detailed account of his observations in Taiwan, facilitated by a Fulbright award and a State Department grant. Rowland discusses the geographical beauty, demographic density, and societal aspects of Taiwan, focusing on the daily lives of its people, land reform measures, the challenge of birth control, and the political climate. His narrative blends personal experiences with an analysis of Taiwan's economy, agricultural practices, and its unique democratic doctrine amidst a backdrop of press censorship and martial law. The paper is structured around Rowland's travels and encounters, offering insights into Taiwan's culture, governance, and the looming uncertainties facing its progress.
Scanned image of the Jones Memorial Library's Report of Dunbar Branch for January 1924 submitted by Anne Spencer and R.D. Harris.
The Dunbar Branch was opened in 1924 in the Dunbar High School in Lynchburg and was the first branch of the Jones Memorial Library. The branch provided service to "colored" residents of the city during a time when library services were racially segregated.
This report records the circulation of library books and materials at the branch during its first month of operation. The report was submitted by Anne Spencer, who was appointed as the branch's permanent librarian, and Rachel Davis Harris, who had traveled to Lynchburg from the Louisville Free Public Library's Western Colored Division in 1923-1924 to advise and assist with establishment of the Dunbar Branch. The report appears to have been entered by hand by Anne Spencer.
Restraining Ophelia by Elisabeth Muhlenfeld explores the evolution of social norms and restrictions placed on female students at institutions like Sweet Briar College, drawing from historical student handbooks and personal anecdotes. Muhlenfeld reflects on the absurdity of these outdated rules, contrasting them with contemporary understandings of gender equality and personal freedom. The paper delves into the broader implications of these restrictions, examining how they reflect societal attitudes towards women and contribute to our understanding of changing mores over time.
Dr. Philip Thayer's "Revolting Youth" explores the cultural divide between the youth of the 1970s and the older generation. Thayer discusses the serious cultural crisis, highlighting youth's rejection of traditional values and the significant communication gap. He contrasts the active revolutionary youth with the more passive, disengaged segment, ultimately predicting profound societal changes driven by this generation's challenges and critiques.
Typewritten note by Vice President Richard M. Nixon to Frances Page Loftis. PDF image of a typewritten original on 7 x 9 inch stationary imprinted "Office of the Vice President."
On the eve of leaving office as Vice-President, Nixon wrote a note to Loftis thanksing her for the letter she wrote after the election of 1960. The letter is signed Dick Nixon.
Frances Page Loftis (1942-2006) was born in South Boston, Virginia and was a graduate of Mary Washington College in Fredericksburg, Va. and Union Theological Seminary in Richmond, Va.
This academic paper by Lamar Cecil explores historical shifts in global power dynamics, focusing particularly on the rise of Japan as a significant world power beginning with the Russo-Japanese War in 1904. Cecil draws parallels between past and present geopolitical challenges, examining American perceptions of certainty in victory, which have evolved over time due to various military and political confrontations. The paper discusses the historical context of enemies unfamiliar to Western culture and strategy, emphasizing the need for a nuanced understanding of such adversaries in contemporary conflicts.
Digital reproductions of contents of Folder 1.1 of Manuscript Collection 1231 held at Jones Memorial Library in Lynchburg, Virginia. Included a genealogy of the Smith family descendants of immigrant William Smith.
Jones Memorial Library does not verify the accuracy or completeness of this material.
