The paper, "Socialism: A Necessity," by ex-Senator A. F. Thomas, discusses the urgency of adopting socialism to address societal and governmental inefficiencies. Thomas critiques the laissez-faire approach, advocates for government intervention in monopolies, and emphasizes the importance of cooperative principles for social progress. He also addresses the limitations of individualism and the necessity of socialism for equitable wealth distribution.
The paper "Softly, with Feelings" by Sterling Wilder explores the life of Joe Wilder, a pioneering African American jazz musician who overcame racial barriers in the music industry, military, and Broadway. It details his early life, musical influences, and career achievements, highlighting his resilience, dedication, and ability to rise above racial prejudices with grace and integrity.
Digitized copy of a pamphlet published in 1921 entitled "Some Books and Pamphlets, Music, Magazines and Newspapers by Negro Writers, Composers and Editors in the Colored Department of the Louisville Free Public Library".
This document is part of Jones Memorial Library Manuscript Collection 1396, the Dunbar High School Library Papers. The item is held in printed format at Jones Memorial Library.
This paper, presented posthumously by Dr. George B. Craddock at a Sphex Club meeting, provides an in-depth examination of the medical and social aspects of the Gypsy community in the United States, focusing particularly on their health practices, cultural norms, and interactions with the medical system. Dr. Craddock's paper, relying heavily on the work of Dr. James D. Thomas and other anecdotal evidence, offers a unique insight into the often nomadic and insular Gypsy community, highlighting their strong cultural coherence, traditional practices, and the challenges they face in integrating with mainstream medical services.
The narrative traverses various themes, historical contexts, and interpretations related to Christian theology, iconography, and the cultural traditions surrounding Christmas and the new year, specifically in medieval and early modern Europe. It references academic interpretations, personal anecdotes, and detailed analyses of art and literature to explore these themes.
The paper, titled "Some Historical Aspects of the Thermal and Mineral Springs of the United States," provides an exhaustive historical account of mineral springs in the U.S., emphasizing their importance in American history, health, and society from the colonial period through the 19th century. It details the various medicinal uses and social aspects of these springs, the people who frequented them, and their cultural significance, especially in Virginia. The study also highlights the evolution of public and medical perception of these springs over time.
This academic paper provides an in-depth exploration of James Clerk Maxwell's life, his groundbreaking contributions to the field of electromagnetism, and the profound impact his work has had on both the scientific community and the world at large. The paper delves into Maxwell's early life, his education, and the evolution of his scientific thought, leading to his development of the four partial differential equations known as Maxwell's equations. These equations fundamentally changed our understanding of electricity, magnetism, and light, predicting the existence of electromagnetic waves beyond those visible to the human eye, thereby laying the groundwork for modern physics and technologies like radio communication. The author emphasizes Maxwell's role as a pivotal figure in science, whose theories have significantly influenced subsequent developments, including Einstein's theory of relativity.
Caskie's 1946 paper focuses on traced forgeries, a common type of forgery characterized by close imitation of original signatures. It discusses the role of experts in forgery detection, changes in legal practices regarding expert testimony, and specific features of traced forgeries, illustrated through a case study.
James R. Caskie's lecture to the SPHEX Club on "Moses and the Law" elucidates the Mosaic Code's depth and relevance. Caskie argues that the laws, often viewed as arbitrary religious commands, were strategically designed to govern a theistic state through democratic principles, ensuring social, moral, and governmental integrity. He emphasizes that the laws, including the iconic Ten Commandments, provided a foundation for individual responsibility and national identity, profoundly influencing subsequent legal systems worldwide.
This paper by Col. William McIntosh titled "Songs from the Wood," focused on the Cherry Tree Carol's origins, symbolism, and cultural journey through music and illustration. McIntosh's speech, enriched by historical slides and audio clips, explores the carol's roots in European folklore, its portrayal in medieval woodcuts, and its depiction in Jeanyee Wong's illustrated book from 1951. He discusses the song's evolution from William Byrd to Jethro Tull and its symbolic representations, emphasizing the transition of the cherry tree's imagery and its speculated significance. The actual paper was not submitted. This summary was written for the minutes.
Arelia Langhorne's SPHEX paper titled "Soul Food" intertwines the themes of nourishment, music, and social justice. Langhorne draws parallels between the physical sustenance provided by soul food and the spiritual and cultural nourishment offered by music and shared experiences. The paper highlights a visit by President Obama to Mrs. Wilkes' dining establishment, emphasizing communal dining and its role in fostering connections. It transitions into a comprehensive examination of the civil rights anthem "We Shall Overcome," tracing its evolution from a slave song to a hymn by Charles Albert Tindley, and its pivotal role in the labor movement, civil rights activism, and global struggles for justice. Langhorne underscores the song's transformative power, illustrating its adaptability and enduring relevance across various contexts and movements for change.
Letter from Southern Railway Company to Lucile McWane of the Lynchburg Red Cross dated 07 September 1918. The letter notes an increase in the meal allowance per soldier from 60 cents to 75 cents.
Program for the 30 August 1940 unveiling of the Memorial to Soldiers, Sailors, and Marines of the Spanish-American War erected by the Robert E. Craighhill Camp, No. 11. The program is held part of Jones Memorial Library manuscript collection 1370.
