NOTE: The numbers cited in parentheses, e.g. 1:5, refer the researcher to the Series#:Folder# in which that name or topic will be found.

INTRODUCTION

This collection consists of items removed from the office of Joseph M. Bryan Sr. (1896-1995) after his death. Bryan was a key figure in the Jefferson-Pilot Corporation and a prominent local philanthropist. Included are pamphlets, books, awards, and photos of Bryan and his acquaintances.

Arrangement: This collection is arranged in four series by document type. The series are: Awards, 1970-1980; Miscellaneous, 1995; Photographs, ca. 1920-1995; and Printed Materials, 1934-1992.

Provenance: The materials in this collection were removed from Bryan’s office in the Jefferson Standard Building. They were donated by the Joseph M. Bryan Estate after his death and assigned the accession numbers 1995.142.1 and 1995.162.1-13.

Processing: This collection was organized and the finding aid was prepared by intern Kate Hayworth in June 2013.

BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE

Joseph McKinley Bryan was born in Elyria, Ohio, in 1896. His parents’ divorce separated him and his four siblings, and he eventually went to live with two aunts. He briefly attended Mount Hermon School in Massachusetts at age 18 before dropping out due to lack of funds and  entering the care of his uncle, Dr. William Bryan (1860-1932), a physician and Chief of Staff at Staten Island Hospital. Later, he joined the Army and became a sergeant during World War I, treating sick and wounded soldiers in France. At age 27, he became the youngest member of the New York Cotton Exchange and spent time in Haiti managing the holdings of a cotton broker.

Bryan married Kathleen Price after meeting her in New York in 1927, and the couple had three children: Kay, Nancy, and Joseph Jr. In 1931, the family moved to Greensboro, where Bryan took a job with Jefferson Standard Life Insurance Company at the urging of Kathleen’s father, company president Julian Price. He eventually served as a director of the Jefferson-Pilot Corporation and as a member of the board until 1993. Bryan worked to establish the company’s communications arm of newspapers and radio stations, and he brought the first television station to the Carolinas.

Known for his philanthropy, Bryan gave over $10 million to Duke University Medical School for Alzheimer’s disease research after Kathleen died of the disease in 1984. He continued to go to his office in the Jefferson Standard Building every morning until the week before his death at age 99 in April 1995.

Biographical Sources: The biographical information was obtained from “Joseph M. Bryan, Sr.,” Bryan Park, http://www.bryanpark.com/josephbryan.html, accessed June 18, 2013; and Jefferson Pilot Financial, 1903-2003: A Century of Excellence, by Jeffrey L. Rodengen and Richard F. Hubbard (Fort Lauderdale, FL: Write Stuff Enterprises, Inc., 2003).

SCOPE AND CONTENT NOTE

The types of materials in this collection include photographs, a plaque, and a desk calendar, as well as printed materials such as books, a certificate, a magazine, magazine covers, pamphlets, and programs. The awards Bryan received serve as reminders of his philanthropic contributions on the local and national level (1:1). Photographs document some of his acquaintances, from former Greensboro Mayor Jim Melvin (1:1) to his uncle Dr. William Bryan (1:3). A number of pamphlets include a packet of information on SALT II, a State of the Union address made by Lyndon B. Johnson in 1964, and a brochure on the Jefferson Standard Building (4:4). Bryan’s book collection contains volumes signed by presidential authors John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson, and Jimmy Carter (4:1). Also included are framed magazine covers displayed in Bryan’s office (4:3) and an issue of Sports Illustrated featuring an image of his green jacket (4:2).

SERIES DESCRIPTIONS

1. Awards. 1 folder (2 items). 1970-1980.

The awards include a Certificate of Appreciation to Mr. and Mrs. Bryan from Duke University dated May 11, 1980. In addition, a laminated plaque recognizes the “generous contribution” by Mr. and Mrs. Bryan to the Diplomatic Reception Rooms of the Department of State. The plaque is dated May 12, 1970, and signed by Secretary of State William Rogers.

2. Miscellaneous. 1 folder (1 item). 1995.

The sole item in this series is a desk calendar in a leather case. Printed on the inside are the words “R. S. Dickson & Co., Investment Securities, New York, Charlotte…,” and the first calendar page is Wednesday, April 26, 1995, the day Bryan died.

3. Photographs. 5 folders (8 items). ca. 1920-1995.

The photographs feature Bryan and his acquaintances. One shows him walking across a UNCG soccer field with former Greensboro Mayor Jim Melvin (3:2). A framed clipping from the News & Record shows him with former Senator Lauch Faircloth (3:3). Additionally, a framed portrait features Joseph Bryan’s uncle, Dr. William Bryan, M.D. (1860-1932), who helped raise him and gave him the loan that allowed him to become the youngest member of the New York Cotton Exchange (3:4). The collection also contains a photo of Hugh Shearman, Bryan’s best friend, oil partner, and shooting buddy, in hunting attire with an unidentified woman (3:5). The folder of unframed photos includes an image of Richardson Preyer and Jimmy Carter on a tennis court with a faded message on the verso, a 1993 photo of Bryan, Jim Melvin, and David Stonecipher in Bryan’s office, and two photos of Bryan’s office, presumably taken just after his death (3:1).

4. Printed Materials. 4 folders (18 items). 1934-1992.

This series consists of a variety of printed materials from Bryan’s office. Nine books are filed with the Rare Books. Of special interest are those that contain autographs by the authors, who include Sam Snead and Clement Conger as well as presidents John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson, and Jimmy Carter (4:1). Also of note is a mock Time “Man of the Year” cover featuring Bryan, which was probably presented to him by Time (no date, 4:3); the Time logo is printed on glass and the image of Bryan rests behind it in a frame. A reproduced cover of the August 1992 issue of Business Life shows Bryan in his office, with the Time cover visible in the background (4:3), while a 1986 issue of Sports Illustrated includes an article about the Masters with a photo of Joseph Bryan’s green jacket, noting that he was the oldest member of Augusta National (4:2).

The pamphlets include the North Caroliniana Society imprint “William Clyde Friday and Ida Howell Friday” (1984) signed by authors Georgia Kyser and William B. Aycock, with a personal note from Friday to Bryan (4:3). Friday also signed “Frank Porter Graham and Human Rights” (1983), which he authored. Other pamphlets include “State of the Union Message…Jan. 8, 1964” from the presidency of Lyndon B. Johnson and a pack of information relating to “SALT II” (Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty) in a White House folder (4:4). The series also holds a floor plan pamphlet of the “Jefferson Standard Building,” where Bryan’s office was located, and a program from a St. Andrews, Scotland, presentation with remarks from golfer Bobby Jones (4:4).

FOLDER LISTING

INTRODUCTION

The Earley W. Bridges Collection of O. Henryana consists primarily of newspaper clippings and secondary sources about William Sidney Porter. Although many items are available in other collections, several are unique to this collection. Of particular interest is the Literary Productions series, which contains Shirley Worth Porter’s recollections about his brother, William Sidney Porter. The correspondence documents Shirley Porter’s efforts to publish his reminiscences as well as efforts by Earley Bridges to trace William Sidney Porter’s family tree. This collection contains no William Sidney Porter originals and no original items contemporary to him. Its main value is research, with some of the photographs being of exhibit quality.

Arrangement: This collection is arranged into seven series by material type. The series are: Correspondence, 1933-1953; Printed Materials, ca. 1945, 1947; Legal Documents, 1941; Literary Productions, ca. 1930s; Newspaper Clippings, 1919-1961; Photographs; and Miscellaneous, ca. 1880-1957, undated.

Provenance: This collection was donated to the Greensboro Historical Museum by Earley W. Bridges and assigned accession number 1961.26.3.

The collection was purchased in large part by Bridges from and from the estate of Shirley Worth Porter, brother of William Sidney Porter (O. Henry). In 1946, he bought “from a lady that waited on [Shirley Worth Porter] during the last years of his life” a collection of documents, photographs and artifacts (writing desk of Mary Jane Virginia Swaim Porter, etc.) of Shirley Porter and his family.

Over the years, these items were scattered throughout the museum and used for various purposes. All items were not marked as belonging to the collection and therefore several are included in the finding aid for the William Sidney Porter Papers (although they are not specifically identified there as Bridges items).

Processing: This collection was processed by Karen C. Carroll., and the finding aid was completed in October 1983. The item listing at the end was compiled around 1980 by an unknown museum staff member.

BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE

For a biographical sketch of O. Henry, see the finding aid for the William Sidney Porter Papers at https://archives.greensborohistory.org/manuscripts/porter-ws.

Earley Bridges (1894-1974) was instrumental in the early years of the Greensboro Masonic Museum and made several donations of O. Henry artifacts to the Greensboro Historical Museum.

SCOPE & CONTENT NOTE

This collection consists primarily of newspaper clippings and secondary sources about William Sidney Porter. Although many items duplicate other collections, several are unique.

A folder of correspondence with Shirley Worth Porter contains several recollections of William Sidney Porter and also documents Shirley Porter’s efforts to publish his remembrances. The Bridges correspondence relates to genealogical research on William Sidney Porter conducted by Mrs. Euphemia Dow, a Massachusetts genealogist, in the early 1950s. It is accompanied by some notes.

Manuscript and typescript personal remembrances of Shirley Worth Porter provide interesting anecdotes from the early life with William Sidney Porter. Most of the printed materials are duplication, except for a circa 1960 postcard of the general land office in Austin, Texas. The most unusual newspaper clippings relate to William Sidney Porter’s Texas years, while the majority of the photographs are black and white enlargements of images in other collections.

SERIES DESCRIPTIONS

1. Correspondence. 53 items. 1933-1953 [bulk 1947-1949].

This series includes an ALS (1947) from Sarah Porter to A.E. Weatherly of Greensboro. A series of correspondence to and from Shirley Porter contains letters to family members about general events and to other persons (editors, publishers, etc.) about publishing in some way his recollections of his brother. Other correspondence deals with questions and facts about William Sidney Porter (for example, did his parents ever live on E. Washington Street, the Porter farm – “Houston” house, an explanation of the Porter plat map, etc.). The incoming and outgoing Bridges letters deal in large part with efforts to trace the lineage of William Sidney Porter. The miscellaneous letter is a presumably unrelated item about Edgeworth Seminary.

2. Printed Materials. 12 items. ca. 1945, 1947.

This series contains seven postcards: two of Greensboro and five from Austin, Texas, including one of the Texas Land Office. Four booklets include two copies of “Glance at Greensboro” (September 1947; the official publication of the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce); and two copies of “The Mystery of O. Henry,” a reprint by the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce of an article published in the August 1947 issue of Reader’s Digest. In addition, the series holds a brochure issued on the 15th anniversary of the Greensboro Historical Museum Society in 1939. It contains a brief history of the organization, a list of its officers and directors, and a membership application.

3. Legal Documents. 1 item. 1941.

This item is an acceptance notice with cover to Shirley Porter for an old age assistance award (social security) from the Pitt County Board of Welfare.

4. Literary Productions. 35 items. ca. 1930s.

These manuscript and typescript anecdotes by Shirley Worth Porter contain his recollections of William Sidney Porter. Many items are written in Shirley Porter’s hand and a duplicate follows. Shirley Porter was gathering the stories, averaging 5 to 7 pages in length, in an effort to publish his recollections. Included in the back are several pages of comments by Earley Bridges (also see the William Sidney Porter Papers 4:3).

5. Newspaper Clippings. ca. 150 items. 1919-1961.

This series contains clippings about William Sidney Porter and his work. It includes a photograph of the general land office in Austin, Texas; an obituary of Mrs. P.G. Roach, William Sidney Porter’s mother-in-law; an article about the discovery of the manuscript version of “The Miracle of Lava Canyon” (1948); a description of the wedding of William Sidney Porter and Athol Estes; articles about various Greensboro Historical Museum acquisitions; reminiscences by acquaintances of William Sidney Porter; O. Henry translations; the obituary of E.M. Oettinger; and sketches of the Ruth Worth Porter house and the Hezekiah Saunders house. Several articles are duplicated.

6. Photographs. 76 items.

7. Miscellaneous. 8 items. ca. 1880-1957, undated.

This series contains a listing of the members of William Sidney Porter’s family with the dates of their admittance to First Presbyterian and West Market Street churches in Greensboro; and a copy of the plat of the Ruth Worth Porter property on West Market Street. It also includes a program for the installation of officers for the Guilford Chapter No. 141 Order of the Eastern Star on March 31, 1952; a letter from the O. Henry Speakers Club about the American Cancer Society Cancer Crusade (1957); and two copies of a print of Greensboro College (ca. 1880).

FOLDER LISTING

Item Index (1961.26.3)

NOTE: This item list was compiled around 1980 by an unknown staff member. Items can be found in the series that correspond to their material type.

2.a. “Film Director Expected To Arrive Here Today,” Greensboro Daily News, August 16, 1952.
b. “O. Henry Trial Held Travesty On Justice,” Greensboro Daily News, August 16, 1952.

3. “Elderly Man Recalls Boyhood of O. Henry,” by Dorothy Benjamin, Greensboro Record, August 20, 1952.

4. “O. Henry Memories,” Editorial, Greensboro Daily News, August 24, 1952. (2 copies).

5.a. “Mrs. Porter Disappointed” by James Sloan Coleman, Greensboro Daily News, August 17, 1952.
Concerns O. Henry’s widow, Sara Lindsey Coleman Porter, who was unable to attend the premiere. The article gives an account of her early life and their marriage in 1907, three years before his death.
b. “World Film Premiere To Open: O. Henry Movie Begins Today,” Greensboro Daily News, August 17, 1952.
c. “O. Henry Played At Movie Site,” Greensboro Daily News, August 17, 1952.
He played on the lot where the Carolina Theater was later built.

6. “O. Henry’s Stories Come Home,” Editorial, Greensboro Daily News, August 17, 1952.
The editor defends O. Henry’s works against critics and praises him for his understanding of humanity.

7. Advertisement “O. Henry’s Full House,” Greensboro Record, August 15, 1952.
First ad for the movie in this paper.

8. “The Ransom of Red Chief,” by O. Henry, Greensboro Daily News, August 14, 1952. (2 copies).
Reprint of O. Henry short story.

9. “August 17 – 23 Is Dedicated to O. Henry,” Greensboro Record, August 13, 1952.
Mayor Pro Tem R. Boyd Morris proclaimed this week as “O. Henry Week” in Greensboro. Mentions the movie and the O. Henry exhibit at the Museum.

10. “O. Henry’s Kin Hopes to See Film Premiere,” Greensboro Record, August 13, 1952.
O. Henry’s first cousin Samuel Sydney Porter of Reidsville is described.

11. “The Last Leaf,” by O. Henry, Greensboro Daily News, August 13, 1952.
Reprint of O. Henry short story.

12. “O. Henry Left Greensboro to Gain Fame But His Memory Is Still Cherished Here,” by Robert H. Fowler, Greensboro Daily News, August 10, 1952 (with pictures). (2 copies).
Description of O. Henry’s first 20 years in Greensboro.

13.a. “Movie Stars Don’t Attend Premiere,” Greensboro Daily News, August 11, 1952.
The stars sent their regrets at not being able to attend.
b. “First O. Henry Story Published in Today’s News,” Greensboro Daily News, August 11, 1952.
Five leading stories to be printed in the paper, with the first being “The Clarion Call” (1905).

14. “The Cop and the Anthem,” by O. Henry, Greensboro Daily News, August 12, 1952. (2 copies).
Reprint of O. Henry short story.

15. “Full O. Henry Celebration Scheduled,” Greensboro Daily News, August 12, 1952. (3 copies).
Greensboro Historical Museum to hold an open house and program to celebrate “O. Henry Week.”

16. “The Clarion Call,” by O. Henry, Greensboro Daily News, August 11, 1952.
Reprint of O. Henry short story.

17. “The Gift of the Magi,” by O. Henry, Greensboro Daily News, August 15, 1952.
Reprint of O. Henry short story.

18. “O. Henry Wins Heart of India, Native Says,” by Edward N. Post, Greensboro Daily News, August 15, 1952.
Dr. Amyia Chakravarty, native of India and English literature authority, praises O. Henry’s style and universal qualities.

19.a. “City Pays Tribute To A Native Son,” Greensboro Daily News, August 18, 1952.
b. “Cousin Recalls O. Henry Stay In New York,” Greensboro Daily News, August 18, 1952.

20. “Will Porter Wrote Many Stories of Old South, Next To New York Tales Considered His Best,” by Cathleen Pike, Greensboro Daily News, October 3, 1954.

21. “New Slant on O. Henry Turned Up By Writer,” Greensboro Daily News, July 19, 1953.
Dale Kramer, a New York writer, did extensive research in Greensboro for his biography of O. Henry. He turned up the fact that William Sidney Porter had spent time in prison. This gave a new slant to O. Henry, a more human slant.

22. “O. Henry’s Full House,” Editorial, Greensboro Daily News, August 20, 1952.
An article on the showing of a moving picture version of five of O. Henry’s stories. These included “The Clarion Call,” “The Ransom of Red Chief,” and “The Gift of the Magi.” The director of the “Gift of the Magi,” Henry King, flew from Hollywood for the showing.

23. Carolina Theater advertisement for the World Premiere of “O. Henry’s Full House,” Greensboro Daily News, August 18, 1952.

24. “World Premiere of O. Henry Stories in Film Slated for Carolina Today,” Greensboro Daily News, August 17, 1952. (2 copies).
An article announcing the opening of O. Henry’s “Full House” of five stories. John Steinbeck, noted author, narrated the movies, which included: “The Clarion Call” with actors Dale Robertson and Richard Widmark; “The Cop and the Anthem” with Charles Laughton, Marilyn Monroe, and David Wayne; “The Last Leaf” with Anne Baxter; “The Ransom of Red Chief” with Fred Allen and Oscar Levant; and “The Gift of the Magi” with Jeanne Crain and Farley Granger.

25. “A Red Letter Event,” Editorial, Greensboro Record, August 16, 1952.
The premiere of O. Henry’s “Full House” was selected to be held in Greensboro, the birthplace of William Sidney Porter (pen name – O. Henry). The idea came from a Lindley Junior High School English Class. O. Henry wrote about ordinary people with understanding and sympathy.

26. “Reidsville Resident Tells of Youth, ‘Cousin Will,’” by Billie Jacobs Wright, Greensboro Daily News, August 16, 1952.
Samuel Sidney Porter, born in 1871 in Asheboro, was the cousin of William Sidney Porter. He had his memories, and also a complete set, his cousin’s works.

27. Professor Burton’s Class – “O. Henry Short Stories Continue to Hold Freshness, Appeal,” by W. C. Burton, Greensboro Daily News, August 17, 1952.
Professor Burton praised the use of O. Henry’s stories as movies. He also praised O. Henry’s “Full House,” especially the choice of stories used. O. Henry wrote about characters that people could love and enjoy. Professor Burton quoted a tribute to him by Christopher Morley. He said people would always enjoy O. Henry’s style and stories.

28. An advertisement in the Greensboro Daily News about the World Premiere of “O. Henry’s Full House,” including pictures of twelve of the top named stars. August 17, 1952. (2 copies).

29. An advertisement in the Greensboro Daily News about the World Premiere of “O. Henry’s Full House,” August 14, 1952.

30. An advertisement in the Greensboro Record about the World Premiere of “O. Henry’s Full House,” August 13, 1952 (same as copy number 29).

31. “Incident in O. Henry’s Life Was Like Stories.”
Eli M. Oettinger, retired Greensboro Lumberman, told of an incident related to him by Dr. C. Alphonso Smith, O. Henry’s biographer. Dr. Smith, after much effort, secured an interview with the “promising” writer, O. Henry. Upon entering O. Henry’s room, he was surprised to find his old friend from Greensboro, William Sydney Porter. This is typical of the type of incident on which to base an O. Henry story.

32. “’O. Henry’s Full House’ To Have Premiere Here,” Greensboro Daily News, July 11, 1952. A big celebration with dignitaries speaking, bands playing, and general entertainment was planned for the World Premiere of “O. Henry’s Full House.” Students from Lindley Junior High started the campaign to have the premiere in William Sidney Porter’s hometown, Greensboro.

33. “Film Premiere Will Honor O. Henry,” Greensboro Daily News, July 14, 1952.
The premiere will to be held on August 11. The article lists the stories included in addition to several of the stars of each.

34. “O. Henry Film Premiere Slated Here August 17,” Greensboro Daily News, July 24, 1952.
A list of the stories and actors.

35. “’The O. Henry Story’ – Movie Premiere Here Considered,” Greensboro Daily News, April 24, 1952.
Mayor Robert Frazier attempts to get premiere in Greensboro. Requests come from Lindley Junior High School English class.

36. “Greensboro Bids Again For First Showing of Film,” Greensboro Record, July 2, 1952.
Mayor Robert Frazier wrote to Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation asking them to seriously consider Greensboro as the site of the premiere of “O. Henry’s Full House.”

37. First “O. Henry’s Full House” World Premiere advertisement, Greensboro Daily News, August 8, 1952.

38. “World Premiere of O. Henry Film Scheduled Here,” Greensboro Record, July 9, 1952.
Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation accepted the invitation to bring the World Premiere of “O. Henry’s Full House.” Plans were being made for the big opening at the Carolina Theater.

39. 41 pictures from “O. Henry’s Full House,” Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation, August 25, 1952.

40. 12 pictures from “O. Henry’s Full House,” August 18, 1952.

41. 8 Still Pictures from “Full House.” Stan Easty, Commercial and Aerial Photographer, August 25, 1952.

42. Photograph of O. Henry’s home in Austin, Texas. (2 copies).

43. Picture of Land Office at Austin, where O. Henry worked.

44. Postcard of the “Old State Land Office Building, Used as a Museum by the Daughters of the Republic and the Daughters of the Confederacy, Austin, Texas”

45. “Pastor Friend of O. Henry Aids in Woman’s Funeral.”
Account of funeral of Mrs. Margaret Jane Roach, O. Henry’s mother-in-law (her picture).

46. “O. Henry Story Returns: O’Quinn Find Original Manuscript,” by Lorraine Barnes, April 11, 1948.
First short story sold by O. Henry, “The Miracle of Lava Canyon,” was returned to Austin, Texas, where it was written. An account of the story.

47. “Wedding of O. Henry and Athol Estes described by witness to ceremony,” by Floy Robinson, The Austin Statesman, June 4, 1940.

Nos. 42 – 47 in Folder A.

48. “O. Henry, Seeking Health, Went to Texas with Doctor,” by Mary Elinor Lazenby, Greensboro Daily News, September 14, 1947. (2 copies).
Tuberculosis drove him to Texas in 1882 with Dr. James King Hall. Account of their acquaintance.

49. “Greensboro Observes O. Henry Anniversary,” Greensboro Record, September 11, 1947.
His 87th anniversary (birth). Historical markers replaced, drug store reproduced.

50. “Mother of O. Henry: Mary Swaim was a Cultured, Refined and Gifted Girl,” by Nellie Rowe Jones, Greensboro Daily News, September 7, 1941.
Account of her life and her influence on O. Henry.

51. O. Henry’s Tenet – written by his brother Shirley W. Porter. (2 copies).

52. “Reidsville Man Remembers Friendly Act of Will Porter,” by W. C. Burton, Greensboro Daily News, June 30, 1946. (2 copies).
T. E. Idof of Reidsville was greatly influenced by his older friend Willie Porter. They played and explored together. Their friendship continued through letters after Willie Porter left Greensboro. Idol received a letter from Willie Porter while he was in prison proclaiming his innocence. Both men remained friends until death separated them.

53. “O. Henry Curios Added to Historical Museum,” Greensboro Record, September 3, 1947.
A drawing by Porter and other odds and ends given by Edward P. Benbow, grandson of a boyhood friend of O. Henry.

54. “Tribute to ‘Miss Lina’ Who Taught O. Henry – Short Story Writer’s Aunt Built School in Side Yard,” by A. W. McAlister, Greensboro Daily News, September 6, 1942.
A tribute to Miss Lina Porter – Will Porter was her favorite. She taught O. Henry all he knew except what he learned from life.

55. “O. Henry Sleeps Well,” by James Larkin Pearson, Greensboro Daily News, March 21, 1937.
A simple gravestone on a sunny hillside marks final resting place.

56. Photograph of O. Henry Home in Austin, Texas.

57. Photograph of Miss Lina Porter.

58. Picture of O. Henry’s grave in Asheville, N.C.

59. Picture of Lina Porter’s School in Greensboro, N.C. Will Porter attended school here.

60. Map of the birthplace of O. Henry.

61. “Old Porter Drug Fixtures Put in O. Henry Museum,” Greensboro Daily News, June 17, 1951.
The original fixtures placed in the O. Henry-Richardson Memorial Room in the Greensboro Historical Museum. After much searching, the fixtures were located in various places and gathered together to form the collection at the museum.

62. “O. Henry Service at Store Replica Set September 11,” Greensboro Daily News, August 23, 1947.
Formal opening of the “W. C. Porter and Company” drug store at the Greensboro Historical Museum.

63.a. “Letters Reveal O. Henry’s Hunger, Need of Cash,” Greensboro Daily News, October 17, 1954. (2 copies).
Pictures of letters by O. Henry.
b. “Exhibits in Museum Shed New Light on Author,” by Burke Davis, Greensboro Daily News, October 17, 1954.
Description of O. Henry Collection at museum.
c. “Biography of O. Henry,” by Evangeline Davis, Greensboro Daily News, October 17, 1954.
Review of book The Heart of O. Henry by Dale Kramer.

64. 4 pictures of O. Henry hotpad (1 large, 3 small, 2 negatives).

65. 3 picture postcards of Austin, Texas.
a. “Churches of Austin, Texas,” including First Southern Presbyterian Church where O. Henry and his wife Athol used to sing.
b. “Greetings from Austin, Texas”
c. “Surrender of Santa Anna, April 22nd, 1836”

66. 2 pictures of O. Henry home in Austin, Texas.

67. “O. Henry, Publicist,” Greensboro Daily News, July 2, 1943.
Concerns O. Henry’s idea of New York City.

68. “Portraits of Texas’ Former Land Commissioners Will Be Presented to State by Bascom Giles,” Sunday American-Statesman, Austin, Texas, May 9, 1945.
O. Henry worked as a land office draftsman during the commissionership of R. M. Hall (1887-91).

69. “Court Reporter Helped Build Circulation.”
Charles E. Pickle recalls O. Henry when he worked for the Austin Statesmen. Mr. Pickle was court reporter during trial.

70. “O. Henry Home Gets New Gifts.”
Account of items of O. Henry period given to the O. Henry home in Austin.

71. “Was Not Bank Examiner in O. Henry’s Case,” January 26, 1938.
A correction to the paper from J. M. Logan who states that he was not the bank examiner who handled the case.

72. 10 pamphlets – “The Mystery of O. Henry,” by Henry James Forman – story of O. Henry especially during the years of his writings.

73. 8 pamphlets – “Glance at Greensboro,” September 1947 – contains articles on O. Henry’s name, the O. Henry room at the Museum and the O. Henry Collection.

74. Application of Mrs. Shirley Worth Porter for old age assistance, June 1941, Pitt County Board of Welfare.

75. Letter from Caroline Coffee Thornton to Shirley Porter, December 17, 1936. She sent him a clipping of his sketch of O. Henry.

76. 9 pictures of O. Henry’s mother’s portable writing desk. Includes: 1 large picture of open desk; 3 small pictures of open desk; 2 large and 3 small pictures of closed desk; and 5 pictures of O. Henry.

77. 2 pictures of O. Henry Memorial Tablet.

78. 2 pictures of Miss Lina Porter’s school.

79. Map of O. Henry’s birthplace. (19 copies).

80. Folder of material about O. Henry’s ancestors – letters to and from Mr. Earley W. Bridges included.

81. Items of O. Henry and Shirley Porter:
a. Letter to S. W. Porter from Caroline Coffee Thornton with newspaper clipping about the death of Mrs. S. W. Porter, wife of Shirley Porter, O. Henry’s brother.
b. Newspaper article: “Friend of O. Henry Dies at Towson,” about the death of William Wash Williams, who wrote a biography of O. Henry entitled The Quiet Lodger of Irving Place. (Not located in 2015.)
c. Picture of Grover Parker and Susie P.
d. Letter to S. W. Porter from I. O. Wadford, June 30, 1941.
e. 2 postcards – one of Mrs. James Worth and one of a baby.
f. Letter from Mrs. Conklin to Mr. Bridges giving K. R. Porter’s address.
g. “A Short-Short Visit to O. Henry’s Home Town,” by Fulton Oursler – on tour of Greensboro, he saw the O. Henry Hotel.
h. Letter from S. W. Porter to Miss Moore acknowledging her letter and promising to send a picture of his mother.
i. Letter from Mary Frances Moore asking S. W. Porter to send information about his mother, Mary Swaim Porter.
j. Picture of Mary Swaim Porter.

82. O. Henry Speakers Club sponsored “The American Cancer Society Residential Drive.”

83. “I Can Tell You One Thing: My Husband Was Not A Thief,” by Walter Carroll, Durham Morning Herald, March 16, 1952.
Mrs. W. S. Porter stated that her husband was not guilty of embezzlement. Mrs. Porter (Sara L. Coleman) knew O. Henry when they were children. They were married in a Presbyterian Church in Asheville. Her favorite of O. Henry’s stories was “The Gift of the Magi.” Her last words in the interview were “Will was a wonderful man!” Article includes pictures of both Mrs. Porter and O. Henry.

84. “Museum Will Observe O. Henry Anniversary,” Greensboro Daily News, September 9, 1951. (2 copies).
89th Anniversary of O. Henry’s birth on September 11. Special display at Greensboro Historical Museum.

85. “Foundation of Vast Business Laid in Porter’s Drug Store,” by Ted Thompson, Greensboro Daily News, August 15, 1943.
O. Henry and Lunsford Richardson both rose to riches. Richardson developed formula for Vicks VapoRub.

86. Articles in Greensboro Daily News, September 7, 1947. (3 copies).
a. “O. Henry Exhibit Placed in Museum,” by Lucille Cathey.
Opening of O. Henry Room at the Greensboro Historical Museum – Marks 85th anniversary of O. Henry’s birth.
b. “Visits O. Henry’s Grave,” by E. P. Holmes
Riverside Cemetery in Asheville
c. “O. Henry Great Believer in Religion, Says Brother,” by Earley W. Bridges
Shirley W. Porter says that O. Henry attended Sunday School. He liked Rev. Jacob Henry Smith and Rev. Jesse Cunningham, of Greensboro.

87. “Greensboro Historical Museum Society: 1924-1939.”
Flier containing a history of the organization, lists of its officer and directors, and a membership application.

88. “Portrait Will Be Presented: O. Henry Painting to Be Presented Tonight,” Greensboro Record, September 27, 1939.

89. “Council Seeks O. Henry Honor: Removal Of Remains To City Sought,” Greensboro Record, March 7, 1945.

90. Picture of O. Henry marker on West Market Street.

91. 9 pictures of the O. Henry House in San Antonio, Texas.

92. Picture of W. S. Porter’s grave, Asheville, N.C.

93. 14 postcards of Greensboro – picture of O. Henry in one corner.

94. 6 pictures of Greensboro College.

95. 18 pictures of O. Henry Home, Austin, Texas.

96.a. 9 pictures of O. Henry’s grave, Asheville, N.C.
b. 12 pictures of O. Henry marker, Asheville, N.C.

97.  4 pictures of Lina Porter, O. Henry’s aunt and teacher.

98. “Eisenhower Without Power to Grant Pardon to O. Henry, Aide Declares,” Greensboro Record, December 12, 1958.
O. Henry served term for embezzlement 60 years before; President can’t grant posthumous pardon.

99. “No Happy Ending,” Greensboro Daily News, December 13, 1958. Same as above.

100. “’Fair Lady’ Stars in O. Henry Tale,” by Margaret McManus, Greensboro Daily News, December 7, 1958.
Sally Ann Howes to star in “The Gift of the Magi” on television.

101. “Writings of O. Henry collected by Lawyer,” by Roy Kemp, Greensboro Daily News, December 9, 1957.
Concerns large collection of Paul S. Clarkson of Baltimore, Maryland. He wrote A Bibliography of William Sydney Porter (O. Henry).

102. Picture of Lina Porter and her schoolhouse.

103. “Alderman Schedules School Unit Exhibit of New O. Henryana,” Greensboro Record, October 26, 1954.

104. “A New and Excellent Biography of O. Henry by Langford,” by Ruth Laughlin, Greensboro Daily News, June 30, 1957.
Review of Alias O. Henry, by Gerald Langford.

105. “The Real O. Henry,” Greensboro Daily News, June 26, 1957.
Editorial concerning the biography Alias O. Henry, by Gerald Langford, Professor of English at the University of Texas.

106. “Birthplace of O. Henry Is Reconstructed by the Artist,” by J. S. Fulton, Greensboro Daily News, December 12, 1937. Includes a pencil sketch of the home.

107. “O. Henry In the News,” Editorial, Greensboro Daily News, November 24, 1956.
Dispute concerning O. Henry’s honeymoon house in Austin, Texas. Also about popularity of O. Henry’s works.

108. “Saunders Inn Had Decisive Part In Giving O. Henry To This Area,” Greensboro Record, August 25, 1956.
Sidney Porter, grandfather of O. Henry, stayed here in 1822 and was persuaded to remain and teach school in Greensboro.

109.a. “Portrayer of O. Henry Tells of Favorite Role,” by Julius Morrison, Greensboro Daily News, January 14, 1957.
O. Henry on Television – “O’Henry Playhouse”
b. “Ceremony Set to Dedicate Boulevard”
Dedication of O. Henry Boulevard. Thomas Mitchell, actor, there for program.

110. “Museum Obtains Letter by Friend of O. Henry,” Greensboro Daily News, January 9, 1955.
Letter from Al Jennings, friend of O. Henry, to Dr. Archibald Henderson, who requested a contribution to an O. Henry Memorial.

111. “Museum Gets New O. Henry Letter,” Greensboro Record, October 25, 1954.
Reprint of first letter from William Sydney Porter to his future wife, Sara.

112. O. Henry Edition of Greensboro Daily News, July 2, 1919.
Articles by people who knew him, picture of original manuscript of “A Cactus Thorn.”

113. “Celebrating O. Henry,” Greensboro Daily News, January 23, 1944.
“Letter to the Editor” from Mrs. R. L. Justice. She praised suggestion of more advertisement about O. Henry.

114. “Widow Denies Council Offer: Body of O. Henry Not To Be Removed Here,” Greensboro Record, March 9, 1945.
Mrs. Porter refused to let O. Henry’s remains be transferred to Greensboro.

115. “O. Henry Honeymoon House Subject of Dispute,” Greensboro Daily News, November 22, 1956 (Picture).

116. “Sidney Porter, O. Henry Kin, Dies at 86,” Greensboro Daily News, March 12, 1957.
Samuel Sidney Porter, cousin of O. Henry, dies in Asheville.

117. “Memories of O. Henry,” Greensboro Daily News, September 20, 1936.
Letter to the Editor from W. A. Stratford. Pleased about article on the house in which the Porter’s lived.

118. “An O. Henry Museum At Austin, Texas,” (Edmund Travis, in the Texas Weekly), Greensboro Record, May 26, 1936.

119. “O. Henry: This Is Wrong, By Gosh, New Society States Emphatically,” Greensboro Record, March 24, 1947.
O. Henry not O’Henry.

120. “O. Henry’s Widow Celebrated 84th Birthday at Home,” Greensboro Daily News, February 19, 1952. (2 copies).
Mrs. W.S. Porter in Asheville. “Cisco Kid” (character of O. Henry’s) on TV.

121. “The Mystery of O. Henry,” by Henry James Forman, The Reader’s Digest, March 26, 1961.
Article about O. Henry during his years of writing.

122. “Reidsville Man Remembers Friendly Act of Will Porter,” by W. C. Burton, Greensboro Daily News, June 30, 1946.
T. E. Idol of Reidsville recalls friendship with O. Henry. (2 copies).

123. “Case of Missing O. Henry Marker Proves Big Mystery to Chamber,” Greensboro Record, August 28, 1947.
Plaque in front of Masonic Temple showing where O. Henry was born is missing. (3 copies).

124. “Missing Marker Mystery Solved; O. Henry Sign Located in Raleigh,” Greensboro Record, August 29, 1947. (2 copies).
Marker was broken and sent to Raleigh for repairs. Would be returned.

125. “Greensboro and O. Henry.”
Concerns opening of O. Henry Room at Museum; also the popularity of his works.

126. “Greensboro Observes O. Henry Anniversary,” Greensboro Record, September 11, 1947. (4 copies).
Replacement of marker of his birthplace and opening of memorial room at the Museum.

127. “O. Henry’s Grave,” Greensboro Daily News, September 13, 1947.
Concerns location of grave.

128. “O. Henry, Seeking Health, Went to Texas with Doctor,” by Mary Elinor Lazenby, Greensboro Daily News, September 14, 1947. (4 copies).
Dr. James King Hall recommended that O. Henry go to Texas to aid his tubercular condition.

129. “O. Henry in North Carolina,” by Cathleen Pike, The State, August 17, 1946.
Sketch of his life and writings.

130. “From O. Henry by Proxy,” by Ida Briggs Henderson, The State, December 28, 1935.
His friends tried to gain recognition for his works.

131. “Stone Bench Now on G. C. Campus Once in Garden of O. Henry’s Great Uncle,” by Doris Dale Reynolds, Greensboro Daily News, September 23, 1951. (3 copies).
Uncle of author was Robert Moderwell Sloan, four times Mayor of Greensboro. Bench was gift of Mrs. Waldo Porter.

132. “Five O. Henry Tales To Be Filmed,” by Carol Leh, Greensboro Daily News, March 16, 1952. (3 copies).
Movie “Full House” to be made of 5 O. Henry stories, including “The Clarion Call,” “The Cop and the Anthem,” and “The Last Magi.” Top stars in the cast. John Steinbeck to narrate stories.

133. “Wrong – Brand Writers,” Greensboro Daily News, March 19, 1952.
Wish that modern writers could write like O. Henry.

134. “Negro Who Knew O. Henry Sends Polio Contribution,” Greensboro Daily News, January 20, 1949.

135. “Artist to Present O. Henry Portrait to Museum Here,” Greensboro Daily News, October 16, 1955.
Robert C. Barritt of Pennsylvania gave the portrait.

136. “Ohio Proud of O. Henry Prison Cell,” by Martha Jester, Greensboro Record, October 3, 1955.
Actor Henry Hull said Ohio proud of showing where Porter served time in the State Penitentiary.

137. “Atmosphere of Uncle’s Elm Street Drug Store Favored Many of Will Porter’s Short Stories,” by Cathleen Pike, Greensboro Daily News, June 13, 1954.
Experiences at Drug Store good background material for later short stories.

138. “Museum Gets O. Henry Portrait,” Greensboro Daily News, October 19, 1955.
Portrait given by Robert Carlyle Barritt.

139. “How O. Henry Began His Writing Career,” by Ida Briggs Henderson, The State, February 2, 1935.
Recalled by widow, Sara Porter – his education and writing.

140. “O. Henry, 1862-1910,” Editorial, Greensboro Daily News, September 12, 1951. (2 copies).
Editorial praising him and his work.

141. “Local Resident Recalls Day She Attended O. Henry Rites,” by Sarah P. Britt, Greensboro Record, September 12, 1951. (3 copies).
Mrs. Z. V. Conyers recalls his death and funeral.

142. “Old City Landmark Passes Making Way for Erection of Masonic Temple on Site,” Greensboro Record, August 23, 1927.
Concerns tearing down of O. Henry birthplace and Miss Lina Porter’s school.

143. “Circus Preacher, Visitor to City, Knew O. Henry,” Greensboro Daily News, October 22, 1953.
Rev. “Doc.” Waddell of Mills Brothers circus knew O. Henry.

144. “Citizens Honor Famous Writer: Civic Center Opens Room For O. Henry,” Greensboro Daily News, September 12, 1947.
Concerns opening of O. Henry room at the Museum.

145. “O. Henry Study Club Observes Birthday With Guest Meeting,” Greensboro Daily News, May 12, 1949. (2 copies).
Concerns 25th Anniversary Celebration of O. Henry Study Club.

146. “Famous People of Greensboro,” Greensboro Daily News, November 4, 1951.
Picture of William Sydney Porter.

147. “Heart Attack Is Fatal To Eli M. Oettinger,” Greensboro Daily News, June 10, 1953.
Authority on O. Henry, pioneer collector of O. Henry and named the O. Henry Hotel.

148. “Oriental Seeks Means for Translating O. Henry Works Into Chinese Language,” Greensboro Record, November 26, 1953.

149. “Two Famous Authors Rest in Cemetery at Asheville,” by E. P. Holmes, Greensboro Daily News, October 30, 1949.
Both Thomas Wolfe and William Sidney Porter are buried in Riverside Cemetery.

150. “Space Occupied,” by Shirley Porter.
He wrote about his and William Sydney Porter’s youth and the Little Black Doctor, a riding whip used by Miss Lina Porter when she wanted to discipline the two young boys.

151. “The First Rebellion of O. Henry and Shirley Porter,” by Shirley Porter. (3 copies). He tells of Aunt Lina and her disciplinary measures.

152. “O. Henry’s Drug Store Days and Days in Texas,” by Shirley Porter. (4 copies).
An article about O. Henry’s days in the drug store in Greensboro and his later work and marriage in Texas.

153. “Early Recollections of O. Henry,” by Shirley Porter. (3 copies).
An article about the early days of O. Henry in Greensboro, during the War Between the States.

154. “Generosity of O. Henry,” by Shirley Porter. (3 copies).
As shown in an article by Shirley Porter. O. Henry gave freely and was embarrassed when thanked.

155. Letter to Shirley Porter from Mrs. Annette Sloan Tinsley concerning the printing of some O. Henry postcards, January 7, 1937.

156. “Politicians.”  Copy of a poem by Shirley Porter.

157. Letter to Shirley Porter from Mrs. Annette Sloan Tinsley concerning proof of the date of birth of Shirley Worth Porter, 1941.

158. Series of letters from Frank Smethhurst to Mr. S. W. Porter asking for material about O. Henry, 1929.

159. Letters and information to and from Shirley W. Porter concerning O. Henry collections and possible publications, 1941, 1933, 1932, 1928, 1937.

160. Letter to Cousin Caroline from Shirley Worth Porter telling her of the Ayden Lumber Plant, February 1, 1937.

161. Notes by Shirley Porter concerning O. Henry’s departure for Texas with Dr. and Mrs. Hall.

162. Letter to Dr. S. B. Turrentine from C. L. Miller concerning Edgeworth Seminary, January 24, 1949.

163. Letter from “Ken to Dad”; probably written to Shirley Porter about publication of O. Henry’s history, September 20, 1935.

165. Article by Shirley Porter about William Sydney Porter.

166. Accounts of church memberships of Porter family.

167. “O. Henry Club to Give Award for Best Student Short Story,” by Anne Cantrell White, Greensboro Daily News, May 10, 1949. (2 copies).
One subject of club is to keep O. Henry’s name alive. Plan to give award to student at Senior High School.

168. “He Came From Sturdy Ancestry – William Sidney Porter (O. Henry),” by Clifford Frazier, Greensboro Daily News, September 11, 1938.
Concerns his ancestors in Nantucket Island and his work and style.

169. “Historic Site Will be Used by Shoe Firm,” Greensboro Record, June 16, 1954.
Mann’s O. Henry Drug Store Sold.

170. “O. Henry Honored by Scottish Rite; Officers Elected,” Greensboro Daily News, April 29, 1954.
Scottish Rite Spring Reunion voted to name class in honor of O. Henry.

171. “New O. Henry Biography,” Greensboro Record, July 22, 1953.
Review of book by Dale Kramer that is “less flattering” than others.

172. “Rockingham Kinsman of O. Henry Proud of Writer’s Rise to Fame,” by Billie Jacobs Wright, Greensboro Record, May 22, 1952. (2 copies).
Samuel Sidney Porter, cousin of O. Henry, recalls his childhood.

173. “Will Porter Observed Isolation and Loneliness of Carolina Mountain People in Short Stories,” by Cathleen Pike, Greensboro Daily News, December 26, 1954.
Concerns southern settings of his short stories.

174. “Many of O. Henry’s Stories Once Popular Among Russian Readers,” by Earl Dean, Greensboro Daily News, October 15, 1950.
Concerns reasons for his popularity in Russia.

175.a. “O. Henry in Local Setting,” by E. P. Holmes of Sanford, N.C.
O. Henry short story, “A Municipal Report,” supposedly set in Nashville, Tenn. Mr. Holmes contends that it was really about Greensboro.
b. “Prison Days,” by E. P. Holmes of Sanford, N.C.
Concerns the effect of O. Henry’s prison days on his writing.

176. “Of Cornbread Thus Decorated,” by Shirley Porter. (2 copies).
O. Henry as a boy loved cornbread and would go to the house for it to get out of work (humorous).

177. Correspondence between Earley W. Bridges and Mrs. Ernest F. Dow concerning a paper on O. Henry’s ancestry.

178. “Federal Hospital,” by Shirley Porter and “O. Henry’s Chuckles,” by Earley W. Bridges. (3 copies).
The latter is a condensed version of the former. Concerns Ellen and Islam, cook and gardener of O. Henry’s grandmother, and the humorous events that occurred.

179. “Pen Name” by Shirley W. Porter. (5 copies).
Explanation of his choice of the name O. Henry.

180. Article by Shirley W. Porter concerning marriage of O. Henry to Athol Estes and their later life together.

181. Letter from Mrs. Linnie Oates Kuch to Mr. S. W. Porter, May 23, 1929, asking if he is Will Porter’s brother. On the back is Shell Porter’s reply that he is Will’s brother.

182. Letter to Mrs. Thornton, April 20, 1935. (Part missing)

183. Miscellaneous

BRIEF INVENTORY

Title: Boyd Family Papers

Dates: 1852 – 1997

Quantity: ½ box

Types of Material: correspondence, pamphlets, photographs, account sheets, printed material

Accession Number: 1990.101.1

Brief Description: This collection consists of materials relating to the Boyd family, one of the pioneer families of Rockingham County, during their residency in Rockingham County (1797-1893). Items include: pamphlets detailing the genealogical history of the Boyd family with reprints of letters compiled by the Rockingham County Historical Society, pamphlets and photocopies of publications with background information about the Boyd family, copies of the obituaries of George D. Boyd, Eliza C. Boyd, Andrew J. Boyd, and Sallie A. Boyd, photographs of John Hill Boyd, Samuel Hill Boyd, and George Fulton Boyd in civilian clothing, photograph of Col. A.J. Boyd in military uniform, photograph of Mary Ann Glen Settle with negatives, negatives of two unidentified male teenagers, business and personal account sheets of George D. Boyd, a newspaper clipping (“Crawford Boyd, An Ex-Slave, Tells Of Thrilling Ride During The Civil War,” Greensboro Daily News, 1925), and general and Civil War era correspondence written by and to the Boyd family.

Major Names/Subjects: Boyd, Andrew Jackson
Boyd, George Dillard, 1797-1886
Boyd, George Fulton
Boyd, John Hill
Boyd, Samuel Hill
Rockingham County, NC
United States–History–Civil War, 1861-1865

Date Surveyed: 11/2/2011

BRIEF INVENTORY

Title: Bowman Family Papers

Dates: 1890s – ca. 1950

Quantity: 1 box (ca. 45 items)

Types of Material: photographs, manuals, pamphlets, songbooks, attendance and grade books, handbooks, holiday cards, school programs, and other printed material

Accession Number: 1989.116.19

Brief Description: This collection consists primarily of printed materials relating to various Guilford County Schools from approximately 1890 to 1930. These materials include the school attendance and grade books of T.J. Roach (a teacher at Guilford and Randolph County Schools, 1894-95, 1898-1900), programs and bulletins from area schools and school performances, songbooks (The One Hundred and One Best Songs, 1919; Sociability Songs, 1928), and handbooks for holiday and art programs. Photographs of Guilford County Schools show students and teachers posing outside their school buildings. They include one of Pleasant Garden, another of music classes held at Pleasant Garden, one of Oak Hill (Climax, NC, 1907 photograph shows full school building), and one of Monnett’s School (Climax, NC, 1895).
Other materials include: a World War II newsletter (Tezaaon Times, no date), a World War II base newspaper (HUMP Express, 1945, Air Transport Command-India China Division), copies of the front cover of World War II V-mail holiday cards, commercial pamphlets, receipts and balance slips, farm manuals and bulletins, one piece of sheet music (Last Night on the Back Porch) and a photograph of I.L. Trogdon and family.

Major Names/Subjects: Education–1890-1930
Education–North Carolina–Guilford County
Monnett’s School (Climax, N.C.)
Oak Hill School (Climax, N.C.)
Pleasant Garden School (Pleasant Garden, N.C.)
World War, 1939-1945

Date Surveyed: 9/28/2011

NOTE: The numbers cited in parentheses throughout the inventory, e.g. 1:5, refer the researcher to the Series#:Folder# in which that name/topic will be found.

INTRODUCTION

The focus of this relatively small collection mainly pertains to the Civil War, reflecting the collecting interests of the man for whom the collection is named. It is particularly strong in materials relating to various activities of the Confederate States of America and the U.S. Army.

Researchers interested in coins and currency from that period will find a number of examples that may be useful. In addition, the collection contains a letter written by Robert E. Lee in 1869 to the Patrick Henry Literary Society of Goochland Co., Virginia.

Arrangement: The Alan Boles Collection is arranged into five series, and within each series folders are arranged alphabetically. The following headings represent the five series: Correspondence, ca. 1861-69; Documents, nd; Financial, 1857-1925; Maps, 1943-67; and Printed, ca. 1861-1965.

Provenance: This collection was donated by Alan Boles to the Greensboro Historical Museum in 1987. The archival material, donated simultaneously with an object collection consisting of 178 items, was assigned accession number 1987.143.179.

Processing: This collection was organized and the finding aid prepared by Francis D. Pitts III in December 1997.

BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE

In 1987 Alan Boles requested that the Greensboro Historical Museum assist him in getting an appraisal for the collection of historical artifacts he had amassed during his lifetime. After receiving the appraisal, Boles donated the bulk of his collection, mainly items related to the Civil War, to the Museum.

SCOPE & CONTENT NOTE

Types of materials in this collection include coins and currency, circulars correspondence, financial and military documents, maps, and stamps.

The bulk of the collection pertains to the Civil War. Researchers will find an interesting assortment of items that shed light on various aspects of activity during the period. Of particular note are the documents relating to the Confederate States of America, such as the bond for five hundred dollars (3:2), the receipt and voucher from the Quartermaster’s Department (3:3), and the Form of Oath (5:3). Also of interest are the documents pertaining to the U.S. Army. Included in this group are discharge papers (5:4), military passes (5:6), and General Orders, Numbers 27 and 78 (5:6-7).

The covers (1:1) graphically depicting Civil War-era sentiments are unused. They are interesting in what they reveal about those who produced them.

Though not related to the Civil War but also of interest, is a letter written by Robert E. Lee in 1869 to the Patrick Henry Literary Society of Goochland Co., VA (1:2). In the correspondence, Lee acknowledges the “sense of honor” he feels having been elected an honorary member of the Society, but expresses doubt about whether he will be able to attend, due to the distance he would have to travel, any of its meetings.

Of the coins, currency, and stamps in folders 3:1,4 and 5:5, the most interesting items are the Confederate, North Carolina, Greensboro Mutual Life Insurance and Trust Co., and USA banknotes and CSA stamps. In this group there are also commemorative stamps and tokens that may be of some interest.

The collection also contains a number of maps that researchers may find useful. In folder 4:1 are four reproductions of earlier renderings – two colonial, one Early National, and one Civil War — and three originals. The most interesting of the latter group are two WWII aeronautical charts that identify “active air defense zones” and “danger areas” on the Atlantic coast of the United States. In folder 5:1 researchers will find the “New Historical War Map” (1864), which is a military map of the border and southern states. On the opposite side of the map is stamped the following information: “Price 50, cts. For the benefit of a ONE ARMED SOLDIER.”

SERIES DESCRIPTIONS

1.  Correspondence.  2 folders (5 items).  Ca. 1861-69.

The most significant item in this series is a letter written in 1869 by Robert E. Lee to the Patrick Henry Literary Society of Goochland Co., VA. The series also contains four covers with Civil War-era sentiments graphically depicted on the front of each one.

2.  Documents.  1 folder (1 item).  Nd.

The one item in this series consists of a small strip of paper bearing the signature of George H. Thomas, a southern-born Union general.

3.  Financial.  4 folders (30 items).  1857-1925.

This series contains a collection of coins, tokens, currency and a CSA bond. The most unique items, however, are a receipt for “Tax in kind” and a “Soldier’s Ticket” issued by the Richmond & Danville R.R. Co., both authorized by the Quartermaster’s Department of the Confederate States.

4.  Maps.  1 folder (7 items).  1943-67.

Four of the maps in this series are reproductions of ones made originally in the colonial, Early National and Civil War periods. There are also two interesting regional aeronautical charts that identify “active air defense zones” and “danger areas” on the Atlantic coast of the United States during WWII. In addition, this series contains a 1967 National Geographic map of Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand.

5.  Printed.  7 folders (57 items).  Ca. 1861-1965.

This series contains the most interesting assortment of items in the collection. Noteworthy materials are from the Civil War period and include the “New Historical War Map” (5:1); circulars (5:2); a CSA Form of Oath (5:3); a Union soldier’s discharge papers (5:4); and US Army passes, General Orders, and a “signals” communication (5:6-7). Folder 5:5 contains a collection of stamps, the majority of which are commemorative.

FOLDER LISTING

Index to the Alan Boles Collection (1857-1967)

NOTE: The numbers following the name/subject entry — e.g. 1:1 — indicate in which Series#:Folder# (or, if no “:”, Series only) that name/topic can be found. Dates of the items are given in parentheses for an individual Series/Folder or, if at the end, for the entire subject/name entry.  The abbreviation GSO indicates a Greensboro association.

Civil War: 1-5 (ca. 1861-65)
Coins: 3:1 (1857-1925)
Confederate States of America: bond, 3:2 (1863); covers, 1:1 (ca. 1861-65); currency, 3:4 (1862-64);
Form of Oath, 5:3 (1862); map, 5:1 (1864); quartermaster’s dept., 3:3 (ca. 1861-65); stamps, 5:5 (ca. 1861-65)
Connecticut Fifth, The: circular, 5:2 (1862)
Covers: 1:1 (ca. 1861-65)
Currency: 3:4 (1862-64)

Foster, Maj. Gen. John Gray (USA): 5:7 (1863)

Greensboro Mutual Life Insurance & Trust Co.: 3:4 (1862)

Hilton Head Island (SC): USA military docs., 5:6 (1865)

Lee, Robert E.: letter (ALS), 1:2 (1869)

Maps: 4:1 (1943-67); 5:1 (1864)

New Bern (NC): USA military docs., 5:7 (1863)
North Carolina: currency, 3:4 (1862-64); maps, 4:1 (reproductions, 1966)

Partridge, J. A.: USA discharge papers, 5:4 (1862)
Patrick Henry Literary Society (VA): 1:2 (1869)

Railroads: 3:3 (ca. 1861-65)
Richmond and Danville R.R. Co. (VA): CSA soldier’s ticket, 3:3 (ca. 1861-65)

Soldier’s News-letter (MS): 5:2 (1862)
Stamps: 5:5 (ca. 1861-1965)

Thomas, George H.: autograph, 2:1 (nd)

United States of America: Civil War documents, 5:4,6-7 (1862-65)

Washington, DC: military passes, 5:6 (1862-64)

NOTE: The numbers cited in parentheses throughout the inventory, e.g. 1:5, refer the researcher to the Series#:Folder# in which that name/topic will be found.

INTRODUCTION

The Mabel Hayes Boettger Papers primarily consist of material related to the subject’s career as a nurse. In addition, there are items that document other highlights in the late teenage and early adult years of Ms. Boettger’s life.

Researchers interested in the nursing profession during the 1920s should consult the books on nursing and the certificates she received that licensed her to be a registered nurse.

Arrangement:  The Mabel H. Boettger Papers are arranged into four series, and within each series materials are filed alphabetically. The following are the four series: Financial, ca. 1931; Miscellaneous, ca. 1922; Photographs, ca. 1906-25; and Printed, ca. 1906-23.

Provenance:  The items in this collection descended to Ms. Boettger’s daughter, Mrs. Jasper Seabolt of Greensboro; she donated them, along with numerous three-dimensional objects, to the Greensboro Historical Museum in 1984.  (Archival Accession Numbers: 1984.95.1-16)

Processing:  This collection was organized and the finding aid prepared by F. D. Pitts III in April 1997.

BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE

Mabel Hayes Boettger, born about 1890, was a resident of Oberlin, Kansas, when she graduated from high school in 1906. She attended the Ford Hospital Training School for Nurses in Omaha, Nebraska, receiving a diploma from that institution in 1922. She became a registered nurse in Nebraska in the same year, and subsequently, in 1923, received certificates licensing her in Kansas and Wyoming. She married Dr. James P. Boettger in Oberlin, Kansas, in 1923. She had at least one child, a daughter (Mrs. Jasper Seabolt) who moved to Greensboro, North Carolina, some time prior to 1984.

Biographical Sources: The chief source of information on Ms. Boettger comes from the material in the collection.

SCOPE & CONTENT NOTE

The types of materials in this collection include books, certificates, a commencement program, a diploma, invitations, photographs, and visiting cards, most of which pertain to Ms. Boettger’s career as a nurse.

Researchers interested in the nursing profession during the 1920’s should consult the books, certificates, diploma, and a photograph of Mabel H. Boettger in a nurse’s uniform.

For researchers interested in the history of education, the high school program for the commencement ceremony could be of interest because it indicates the course of study available in some places during the first decade of the twentieth century. The visiting cards are noteworthy in that they represent a custom that is no longer practiced.

It should be noted here that the collection does not contain any material directly associated with Greensboro or the state of North Carolina.

SERIES DESCRIPTIONS

1.  Financial.  1 folder (1 item).  ca. 1931.

The one item in this series is an account book that records various financial transactions. The recorder of the information is unidentified.

2.  Miscellaneous.  1 folder (2 items).  ca. 1922.

The material in this series pertains to an unidentified person’s, presumably Ms. Boettger’s, course of study in a program related to the medical field.  Included is a list of courses and corresponding numerical grades.

3.  Photographs.  1 folder (2 items).  ca. 1906-1925.

The two photographs in this series are of Mabel H. Boettger. One is of her as she looked when either visiting or living in Oberlin, Kansas, as a young woman; the other shows her, looking older, in a nurse’s uniform in Norton, Kansas.

4.  Printed.  3 folders (19 items).  ca. 1906-1923.

The printed series contains the most revealing information on the subject.  A small bible, inside which are pasted a photograph of “Mother” Hayes and various newspaper clippings with religious themes, may be found in 4:1. Descriptions of the certificates and the diploma are in 4:2. The invitations from Mabel Hayes’s senior high school class and for her wedding, high school commencement program, and visiting cards are in 4:3.

Note: Three books associated with this collection have been placed in the general collection: The American Pocket Medical Dictionary; Reference Hand-Book for Nurses; A Nurse’s Handbook of Obstetrics (1984.95.9-11). Inside two of the books are identical postcards depicting a scene in which Ford Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska, is the most prominent feature.

FOLDER LISTING

Index to the Mabel Hayes Boettger Collection (ca. 1906-1931)

NOTE: The numbers cited in parentheses, e.g. 1:5, refer the researcher to the Series#:Folder# in which that name/topic will be found.

Boettger, James P.: 4:3 (1923)
Boettger, Mabel H.: 2; 3; 4 (ca. 1906-25)

Education: 2; 4:2-3 (1906-23)

Ford Hospital Training School for Nurses, Omaha, Neb.: 4:2 (ca. 1922)

Hayes, James D.: 4:3 (1923)
Hayes, Mother: 4:1 (nd)

Kansas: 3; 4:2-3 (1906-23)

Nebraska: 4:2 (1922-23)
Nursing: 2; 3; 4:2 (ca. 1906-25)

NOTE:  The numbers cited in parentheses, e.g. 1:5, refer the researcher to the Series#:Folder# in which that name/topic will be found.

INTRODUCTION

This collection consists primarily of military records, photographs, postcards, and printed materials relating to Joseph Henry Barrier’s service in World War I as captain of Truck Company No. 3 in the First Corps Artillery Park. Originally from Yazoo City, Mississippi, he moved to Greensboro around 1925 to work for Jefferson Standard Life Insurance Company and eventually served as its vice president. Researchers interested in Greensboro servicemen or the First Corps Artillery Park during World War I may find this collection useful.

Arrangement: This collection is organized in four series and arranged within series by document type and/or subject. The series are: Military Records, 1918-1970; Miscellaneous, ca. 1918-1950s; Photographs & Souvenirs, ca. 1919; and Printed Materials, 1912-1946.

Provenance: This collection was donated by Mrs. Joseph Henry Barrier and assigned the accession numbers 1972.100.29-37, 1977.11, and 1977.80.2-9.

Processing: This collection was organized and the finding aid was prepared by intern Justin Evangelisto in August 2022.

BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE

Joseph Henry Barrier (1890-1970) was born in Yazoo County, Mississippi, to Cady Wood and Forester Barrier. He graduated from Mississippi A&M (later Mississippi State University) in 1911 with a bachelor’s in civil and mining engineering, and then he worked as an engineer on canal and bridge construction in Mississippi. After the army drafted him on October 8, 1917, he spent three months in officers’ training at Camp Leon Springs, Texas, and was commissioned captain. He served for two months as an instructor in firing data and panoramic sketching until the First Corps Artillery Park was organized at Camp Jackson in Columbia, South Carolina.

Barrier was called into active service on November 27, 1917, and became captain of Truck Company No. 3 in the First Corps Artillery Park. He boarded the SS Great Northern and served overseas from May 22, 1918, to August 3, 1919. While in France, he trained at a motor school. He fought with the First Corps Artillery Park in the Champagne-Marne Defensive, Aisne-Marne Offensive, Oise-Aisne Offensive, and the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. Following the armistice, he remained in Europe for eight months as part of the occupying forces before receiving an honorable discharge on August 22, 1919, at Camp Shelby, Mississippi.

After the war, Barrier was hired by the Transcontinental Oil Company as a field engineer and worked in Tampico, Mexico, for eight months in 1921. He then became a mortgage loan inspector for Jefferson Standard Life Insurance Company and was gradually promoted to greater responsibilities within the company, eventually becoming vice president around 1945 and retiring in 1955. By 1925 he had moved to Greensboro, where he married Annie Milton Norman in 1954. He was a member of West Market Street United Methodist Church, the Shrine Club, the Elk Club, Greensboro Country Club, Camp Bryan Hunting Club, the Sons of the American Revolution, and the Freemasons (32nd degree).

Biographical Sources: The sources used to compile this biographical note include materials in this collection, Ancestry.com, the Greensboro city directories, the obituary of Joseph Henry Barrier (Greensboro Daily News, July 22, 1970), and the article entitled “Estate of Greensboro Executive gets a value of almost $1 million” (Greensboro Daily News, August 5, 1970).

SCOPE & CONTENT NOTE

The types of materials in this collection include military records, maps, photographs, postcards, and assorted printed materials. Nearly all items date from Barrier’s military service. The military records contain both personal information about him and information relating to his unit. While some photographs portray his company, the collection includes many postcard and photo books that he acquired while in France and Germany. The printed materials primarily address military topics and were either issued to him by the military or obtained by him while in Europe. Researchers interested in Greensboro servicemen or the First Corps Artillery Park, particularly the truck companies, may find this collection useful.

SERIES DESCRIPTIONS

1. Military Records.  2 folders (14 items).  1918-1970.

This series contains items relating to Barrier’s personal military record and the First Corps Artillery Park as a whole. The former include a detailed notebook with drawings he made while at motor school, a certificate from motor school, special orders that mention him, his discharge papers, and a military record from Camp Shelby (1:2). Also included are a certificate from President Wilson confirming his promotion to captain and a letter from President Nixon commending him for his service (1:2). Records relating to the First Corps Artillery Park consist of a roster and a schedule of instruction for field artillery officers (1:1).

2. Miscellaneous.  2 folders (4 items).  ca. 1918-1950s.

Of particular note in this series is a blank piece of letterhead from Barrier’s time as vice president of Jefferson Standard Life Insurance Company (2:1). The other folder holds an envelope containing maps of the Meuse-Argonne Offensive and the offensive on St. Mihiel salient with an associated report by General Pershing (2:2).

3. Photographs & Souvenirs.  5 folders (ca. 33 items).  1910s.

The most noteworthy items in this series are a portrait of Barrier in his military uniform, a photograph of Barrier and other soldiers marching in Newport News, Virginia, and photographic postcards of the soldiers of Company C (including Barrier; 3:1). The rest of the series consists of souvenir postcard and photo books from France, Belgium, Luxembourg, and Germany (3:2-5). Some present tourist views, particularly of locations in the Rhine River Valley, while others show the damage from German bombardments.

4. Printed Materials.  4 folders (ca. 33 items).  1912-1946.

The majority of this series consists of military manuals covering subjects such as fortifications, gas defense, topography, sketching methods, and the construction of trenches (4:3). The booklets include a German guide to Pfaffendorf on the Rhine, where Barrier was stationed during the occupation; General Pershing’s Story (1919); and Description of the American Bridge Head (4:1). The pamphlets include Brief History of the First Corps Artillery Park, 1918-1919; Inter-Allied Games; a guide to the village La Turbie; and a brochure for the American Officers’ Club at Château de Valençay (4:4). The only item dating after World War I is a booklet on mensuration (measuring for maps; 4:4).

FOLDER LISTING