Oxford Iron Company Journal (1837-1840)
The Journal Includes Minutes Of The Oxford Iron Company With Offices In Richmond, Virginia, And At The Oxford Iron Works In Campbell County, Virginia. Also Included Are Copies Of Letters Written To And From The Principals Of The Company.
Oxford Iron Company
The Oxford Iron Company Was Incorporated By An Act Of The General Assembly Of Virginia In February 1837, “For The Purposes Of Manufacturing Iron, Steel And Other Metals,” With Offices In Richmond, Virginia, And At The Oxford Iron Works In Campbell County. According To The Minutes, The Business Was Failing And Several Meetings Were Held In 1839-1840 Regarding The Disposal Of The Business. The Last Recorded Meeting Was August 27, 1840.
Judge Norman K. Moon began his presentation by saying "James C. McReynolds is commonly judged one of the worst Justices ever to have sat on the United States Supreme Court." Moon then explains why McReynolds possibly “turned out to be the most conservative justice ever to serve on the court.” Moon describes the intriguing personality and prejudices of McReynolds.
Text of a lecture delivered to the Sphex Club in Lynchburg. This academic paper outlines the historical partnership between Julius Rosenwald and Booker T. Washington, focusing on their work to improve African American education in the early 20th century. It details how Rosenwald, influenced by his philanthropic ethos and Washington's educational vision, funded the construction of thousands of schools for black children in the South. The paper discusses the architecture and community impact of these "Rosenwald Schools," highlighting their significance in the context of segregation and the fight for equality. It also touches on the eventual decline of these schools with desegregation but notes their legacy and efforts to preserve them as important cultural and historical sites. Schewel reported on efforts to restore and repurpose the Campbell County Training School Assembly Building in Rustburg, a former Rosenwald School.
James D. Paxton's "The Philosophy of Allowance" humorously proposes a life philosophy focused on moderation rather than strict avoidance, as traditionally dictated by societal and religious norms. Paxton critiques the prohibitive nature of historical codes like the Ten Commandments and the Code of Hammurabi, suggesting a daily "allowance" for minor transgressions such as a cuss word, a kick, and even a lie, arguing this method may lead to greater overall adherence to good behavior. By allowing ourselves a controlled indulgence in these small vices, Paxton theorizes we may actually find it easier to live virtuously, injecting a fresh zest into daily life while maintaining a balance between restriction and freedom.
Dr. Thomas Moody Campbell's paper "The Poetry of Shelley" presents a detailed analysis of Percy Bysshe Shelley's lyric poetry through motif analysis. Focusing on the integration of experience and expression, Campbell explores Shelley's themes of liberty, life, and the intertwining of nature and spirituality. He highlights the uniqueness of Shelley's poetic motifs, emphasizing the poet's passionate disdain for tyranny and his identification with nature, using examples like "Ode to the West Wind" and "Mont Blanc" to illustrate Shelley's method of embodying philosophical and emotional depth within his work.
The Points of Osler's Compass by Carroll H. Lippard is a reflective and instructive exploration of William Osler's profound impact on medicine, focusing on his ethical, educational, and personal principles. Lippard discusses Osler's dedication to the physician-patient relationship, continuous medical education, and the balance of professional and personal life, advocating for these values in modern medical practice. The paper underscores Osler's humanistic approach to medicine, emphasizing the importance of compassion, lifelong learning, and ethical practice for contemporary physicians.
Poplar Forest Chapter Daughters Of The American Revolution Papers Held At Jones Memorial Library In Lynchburg, Virginia. The Papers Include Minutes, Yearbooks, Lists, Scrapbooks, And Bible Records.
Dr. John T. T. Hundley's paper, titled "The Poverty Problem," explores the global and national issues of poverty, emphasizing the insensitivity of the wealthy to the needs of the underprivileged. It critiques the federal Poverty Program's execution, citing mismanagement and insufficient planning, particularly in Laredo, Texas. The paper also addresses broader causes of poverty, such as the economic challenges facing small farmers and migration to urban slums, proposing a comprehensive national program to combat these issues. It concludes with the author's philosophical perspective on addressing poverty, highlighting the importance of motivation over mere financial aid.
Dr. Edwards' presentation "The Power of Three Little Letters," examined her lifelong journey with the acronym CRT, from its simple beginnings in childhood letter tracing to its complex roles in education, technology, and social justice. The talk delved into the various interpretations and impacts of CRT, including its use in STEM, culturally responsive teaching, critical race theory debates, and the adaptation to COVID-19 challenges in schools.
Text of a lecture delivered to the Sphex Club in Lynchburg. The paper discusses the complex and often politically charged process of nominating justices to the Supreme Court, highlighting the significant influence such nominations have on the judicial and political landscape of the United States. It delves into the historical development of the Supreme Court, the evolving role of justices, and the contentious nature of recent nominations. The paper emphasizes the balance between judicial independence and the ideological leanings of nominees, reflecting on how past justices have sometimes defied the expectations of the presidents who appointed them. It also explores the concepts of judicial activism and conservatism, examining how these philosophies impact the Court's decisions and its interaction with broader societal and constitutional issues.
Joan F. Foster's paper "The Promise" discusses the transformative impact of "Promise Communities" in America over the past decade. These communities, including cities like Kalamazoo, El Dorado, Denver, Pittsburgh, and Lynchburg, have implemented place-based scholarship programs to enhance educational attainment and economic development. The paper examines the historical context, implementation, and positive outcomes of these initiatives, emphasizing improvements in graduation rates, college enrollment, and local economic growth.
This paper, delivered by Joe B. Linker, Jr., explores the ancient game of GO, highlighting its historical origins, strategic depth, and significance beyond mere entertainment. Linker draws parallels between GO's principles and the strategic maneuvers in the Communist Revolution in China, emphasizing how the game serves as a model for understanding military and political strategies in the Far East. The paper underscores GO's status as the greatest strategic game, its influence on military tactics, and its role in intellectual culture, particularly in China and Japan. By analyzing the Communist Revolution through the lens of GO, Linker suggests that Western misunderstandings of Eastern strategies could be mitigated by studying this game.
Text of a lecture to the Sphex Club in Lynchburg. A discussion of the relative merits of the fair value procedure and the prudent investment theory of rate regulation of public utilities.
Julie Doyle's paper, "The Pursuit of Champagne, Faïence and a Renoir Madame," explores her family history and connections to Henriot Champagne, Quimper pottery, and Renoir's portrait of Madame Henriot. Doyle undertakes a trip to France with family members to investigate these ties, discovering historical details about her ancestors and the Henriot namesakes. Despite finding no direct familial connection, she uncovers enriching stories and deepens her appreciation for her heritage.
The paper delves into the ethical, legal, and personal aspects of medically assisted suicide, leveraging the philosophical and cultural backdrop of Hamlet's soliloquy to explore the complexity of choosing death over life in the face of unbearable suffering. It provides a comprehensive overview of the topic, including terminological clarifications, historical and current legal statuses, and various perspectives on euthanasia and assisted suicide. The author critically examines arguments for and against the legalization of physician-assisted suicide, reflecting on the implications for society, the medical profession, and individual autonomy. The paper concludes by contemplating the profound moral and existential questions surrounding the right to die, suggesting that these issues transcend institutional answers and resonate deeply with personal conscience and humanity's quest for dignity in death.
Text of a lecture delivered to the Sphex Club in Lynchburg. Marc Schewel's "The Quiet Way," critically examines the cultural bias towards extroversion in American society, juxtaposing it with the value of introversion. Schewel argues against the pervasive belief in the superiority of teamwork and extroversion for creativity and success, using historical and contemporary examples, including Roger Bannister's sub-four-minute mile and Steve Wozniak's creation of the Apple computer. The paper highlights the contributions of introverts to innovation and leadership, supported by research suggesting that solitude and deep work foster greater creativity and problem-solving than group work.
This follows up the 2001 Sphex presentation called “The Second California Gold Rush.” After reviewing the story of a ship filled with gold and people fatally sinking in 1857, a follow up tells the unusual if not bizarre ending of the adventure or “the rest of the story.”
