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 documents, primarily, the fruit nursery business operated by George L. Anthony in Vandalia, NC (3 miles south of Greensboro, on the Southern R.R.), from about 1868 until his death in 1907 and the small florist business run by his daughter, Eula. Eula ran the business (from Anthony home place?) from 1919 to 1931, which is documented in substantial detail in Series 2.

Researchers will also find significant documentation of the growth of a small southern business after the Civil War, and especially the importance of the railroad transportation system. The system permitted Anthony to ship and receive fruit stock from all over the country. Materials include business and personal correspondence, maps, bills and receipts, fruit plate books, nursery catalogs, and family photographs.

Arrangement: This collection is arranged in series by subject and document type, and within each series, in part, by subject or document type. The series are: Account Book, 1866-1869; 1881; Eula Anthony (Florist), 1919-1931; Correspondence, 1875-1903; Financial, ca. 1871-1923; Guilford Nurseries, 1868-1946; Legal, 1811-1912; Literary, ca. 1884, n.d.; Maps, ca. 1904; Miscellaneous, n.d.; Photographic; and Printed, 1889-1927.

Provenance: This collection was donated by R.M. Gladstone Jr., a grandson of George L. Anthony. It was assigned the accession numbers 1981.167.1-72.

Processing: The finding aid for this collection was completed by Christine Dumoulin, Archives Assistant, in August 2001.

BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE

The Obed C. Anthony family of Guilford County, NC, lived in Vandalia, 3 miles south of Greensboro (today within the city limits). There is little information in the collection concerning Obed (1814-1895) or his wife Rebecca Lednum (1815-1872), whom he married on September 24, 1835. [His will can be found in Will Book F, p. 472, GHM film #5]. Their children were: Rachel L. (1836-1909), James C. (1838-1879), Emily J. (1840-1907), and George L. (1843-1907). Although there are some earlier Anthony family land records (6:1), the bulk of this collection relates to George L. Anthony, his wife Rhoda Petty (1847-1936), and daughter Eula V. Anthony (1886-1978).

The children of G.L. Anthony were: Flora (Mrs. R.M. Gladstone), Cora (Mrs. John Lowe), Tince (Mrs. T.G. Wade), Hallie, Arthur, and Blanche (who died in childbirth in 1901). Hallie, who never married, worked for Pilot Life Insurance Co. and at Woman’s College; Tince helped run Keeley Institute in Greensboro; and Arthur, who died in the early 1930s, worked for Southern Railway.

The Anthony family house, located on SR 3505 (Pleasant Garden Road), is noted in the architectural history of Guilford County, published in 1979 (Architectural Resources… ed. by H. McKelden Smith, NC Dept. of Cultural Resources, p. 115). There are original photos in this collection (10:2).

SCOPE & CONTENT NOTE

The scope of this collection is mostly related to George Anthony and his nursery business. The correspondence includes letters from George to and from other nurseries around the country (3:1-11). The collection’s other focus relates to the florist business operated by George’s daughter, Eula, from 1919 until 1931, probably from the Anthony family home in the county (although the phone directories of the period list the address as Asheboro St. extension).

The record of Eula Anthony’s florist business serves as a good example of a single woman as entrepreneur in 1920s North Carolina. Miscellaneous items of interest in the collection include: a 1877 receipt (4:19) for the purchase of a “breast pump” from R.W. Glenn & Son in Greensboro; drug prescriptions and prescription envelopes from C.C. Fordham in Greensboro; a vivid letter describing a person’s death from diphtheria in 1902 Charlotte (2:24); a 1885 receipt for the binding of the plate books, by Greensboro bookbinder Peter L. Roy (4:34); and accounts of the medical expenses that wiped out Mrs. G.L. Anthony’s bank account when she, apparently, got sick in 1928 (5:7, p. 410).

SERIES DESCRIPTIONS

1. Account Book.  1 folder (1 item).  1866-69; 1881.

This account book (published, with blank pages, as: Assistant Assessor’s Pocket Record … Office of Internal Revenue. 1865) kept by Obed C. Anthony (who signs in places as an assistant assessor) appears to be a miscellaneous account of real property, distilled products, record of Anthony’s time, and even journal type entries relating to weather and events. Most of the pages are illegible.

2. Eula Anthony (Florist).  12 folders (12 items).  1919-1931.

This series is composed mainly of bound volumes, either account books relative to Eula V. Anthony’s florist business, or books in which she kept information concerning the care of plants and flowers. The two commonplace books contain, primarily, poetry and verse. Her state business license would make an interesting item for exhibit, as would the interesting front cover of the scrapbook (which contains only a few clippings inside).

3. Correspondence.  24 folders (ca. 50 items).  1875-1903.  

The correspondence is divided into business and family letters. Most of the business correspondence is: communications to or from George Anthony (or Guilford Nurseries) and numerous nurseries throughout the country. Anthony was buying and selling fruit stock from New York to Alabama, and these letters (along with the bills & receipts in series 4) document some of these contacts.

The family letters, although not in great quantities, offer some personal insights into the Anthony family and their friends. Several concern the death of the Anthony’s daughter Blanche, in 1901. One letter from Cousin Bella (3:15) dated 188_ contains an interesting, detailed description of the death of a relative in Delphi, Indiana. Another detailed letter about death and dying from diphtheria, is written by Anna Baxter Yandell of Charlotte, NC, in 1902.

4. Financial.  45 folders (ca. 300 items).  ca. 1871-1923.

This series is divided into a few bank account documents, but mostly bills and receipts relating to G.L. Anthony’s Guilford Nurseries business. These will be most useful in exhibits for the interesting billheads, or business illustrations, contained on the front of the documents.

The bills and receipts show the wide geographic market covered by the nursery, in terms of the fruit stock it bought and sold. The inventory lists if a business is located outside of Greensboro; if no location is given, it is a Greensboro business.

Although most of the documents are business related some include personal accounts or items. Of particular note is an 1877 receipt (4:19) from R.W. Glenn & Son in Greensboro for a “breast pump.” The receipts relating to the binding of the fruit plate books (4:34, 4:43) are of interest, especially when compared to the plate books themselves (5:20-24), although it is not possible to determine if they are the same. The receipt for plastering completed in 1884 (4:25) may document work done at the Anthony family house on SR 3505 (Pleasant Garden Road). See the architectural history of Guilford County, published in 1979 (Architectural Resources… ed. by H. McKelden Smith, N.C. Dept. of Cultural Resources, p. 115).

5. Guilford Nurseries.  24 folders (24 items).  1868-1946.

The documentation of Guilford Nurseries — which produced fruit/plant stock, not fruit itself (although some was probably grown) is extensive, particularly in regards to its accounts — sales, geographic area of its sales/deliveries, agent’s territories, purchase of stock — most of which are found in Series 5, but also correspondence in Series 3 and bills & receipts in Series 4. There is little information concerning the day-to-day operation of the nursery, although the worker’s accounts (5:12-18) give some interesting perspectives on their labor and lives.

The fruit plate books (5:20-24) are particularly noteworthy: they present colored images of various fruit, demonstrate what fruit (and some plants) were being sold then (there are even some local named varieties pictured), and even include images of houses with proper plantings (5:20-21).

Although most of the account books concern the nursery business, several of the volumes were also used for personal accounts of the family. The book for 1901-1933 (5:7) contains the income and disbursements of Mrs. Anthony, from 1910 until 1933 (she died in 1936); the accounts of her estate, for the period 1936-46, take up a portion of a volume (5:19).

6. Legal.  2 folders (8 items).  1811-1912. 

Includes several deeds relating to Thomas and John Gossette of Guilford Co., and Seymour Steele and John Perdew.

7. Literary.  3 folders (8 items).  ca. 1884, n.d.

This series contains a miscellaneous assortment of verse and poetry, many unidentified as to author. The penmanship manuscript of G.L. Anthony is identified as: “a specimen of my Penmanship after taking lessons of C. Gray, Centre N.C…. 1871.”

8. Maps.  1 folder (1 item).  ca. 1904.

This is a printed map, with no publication information. A manuscript note on the front states “Inspection for 1904,” and on the back, “Mr. Gordon M. Bentley, Raleigh, N.C.” There are numerous sites marked in various counties. These sites may represent spots where Guilford Nurseries’ fruit stock was sold, although it is impossible to state for certain.

9. Miscellaneous.  1 folder (4 items).  n.d.

This folder contains three drug prescription envelopes (for the same prescription) from C.C. Fordham’s drugstore at 514 S. Elm St. A note on Guilford Nurseries stationery is for the same prescription. They are all probably early 20th century.

10. Photographic.  2 folders (ca. 11 items).

This series includes one original image of Eugene Morehead Armfield and about 10 photocopied images from original Anthony Family photographs filed with the Photo Collection (under: 1981.167.58-71). Images include the Anthony Family house, family groups, and individual or group portraits of Hallie, Flora, Eula, and Tince.

11. Printed.  8 folders (8 items).  1889-1927.

This series includes advertisements for Lavoris mouthwash (11:1) and a large 1927 newspaper advertisement (11:2) for Pilot Life Insurance Co. (Hallie Anthony worked as an actuary at Pilot Life, before going to Woman’s College). Also included are a circular to NC Manufacturers announcing exhibits at the 1897 NC State Fair in Raleigh and four printed pamphlets, two of which relate to flower and landscape gardening. Of particular note are the two copies (11:6) of the Guilford Nurseries descriptive catalogue, which lists the various fruit stock available. Also of interest is the 1889 pamphlet (11:8) of Temperance Poems, which was published in New Salem.

FOLDER LISTING

Index to the Anthony Family Papers (ca. 1811-1936)

 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.

Achelis, George (PA): corresp. (1884-85), 3:1
Alamance Mills: bills/receipts (1884), 4:5
Alcohol: temperance poems (1888), 11:8
Anthony, Eula V. (Florist): 1:1, 10:2; florist license, 2:7
Anthony, Flora: 10:2
Anthony, George L.: 10:2; corresp.(1875, 1880), 3:12; penmanship copybook, 7:1
Anthony, Hallie: 10:2
Anthony, Mrs. G.L.: 10:2; bank accounts (1922-23), 4:1; estate accounts (1936-46), 5:19
Anthony, O.C.: 1:1; 7:2
Anthony, Tince: 10:2
Armfield, Eugene Morehead: photo, 10:1k

Banks: checks (1898-1906), 4:3
Bass, B.A. (Thomasville, GA): bills/receipts (1883), 4:6
Bell, N.A.: corresp.(1901), 3:13
Benbow House (1885): bills/receipts, 4:7
Bentley, Gordon M.: 8:1
Boney, G. & Sons (Wallace, NC): bills/receipts (1883), 4:8
Bookbinders: 4:43; Peter L. Roy, 4:34
Breast Pumps: bills/receipts for (1877), 4:19
Brooks, R.W. (Manchester, NC): bills/receipts (1885), 4:9
Brown, Sample S.: bills/receipts, 1882-86, 4:10
Burnett, J.S.: corresp.(1901), 3:14

Carpenter & Logan: bills/receipts (1871), 4:11
Cartland, F.G. & Bro.: bills/receipts (1878), 4:12
Centre, NC: 7:1 (1871)
Charlotte, NC: diphtheria in (1902), 3:24
Coe Brothers (Grocers): checks (1898-1906), 4:3
Crutchfield, A.L. (Spartanburg, SC): corresp. (1907), 3:16

Daniel, M.A.: corresp.(1902), 3:17
Diphtheria: death from (1902), 2:24
Duffy & Albright: bills/receipts (1875-76), 4:13
Duling, Mrs. W.: corresp.(1901), 3:18

Eliason, William & Jacob Best: farm fencing (1876), 4:14

Farmer, NC: fruit salesman’s plate book, 5:20
Farmers’ Mutual Fire Insurance Co. of NC: policies, 6:2
Fayetteville, NC: bills/receipts (1885), 4:37
Fencing: farm (1876), 4:14
Fincastle Herald (VA): bills/receipts (1884-86), 4:15
Fishblate, F.: bills/receipts (1884), 4:16
Flowers: care of, 2:8-2:11, 11:7
Florist: Eula Anthony (1919-31), 1:1
Fordham, C.C.: drug prescription envelopes, 9:1
Franklin Davis & Co. (Richmond, Va.): corresp. (1884-85), 3:2
Fruit culture: 3, 4, 5, 11
Fuller, L.K. (Farmer, NC): fruit plate book, 5:20

Gardner, J.D. (Jamestown, NC): bills/receipts (1887), 4:17
Gardening: landscape publication (1923), 11:5
Glascock, G. T.: bills/receipts (1880), 4:18
Glenn, R.W. & Son: bills/receipts (1875-77), 4:19
Gossette, John: deeds, 6:1
Gossette, Thomas: deeds, 6:1
Gray, C.: penmanship teacher (1871), 7:1
Great Northern & Southern Garden & Nursery (Wilmington, Del.): corresp. (1885), 3:3
Greensboro National Bank: checks (1898-1906), 4:3
Greensboro Patriot: bills/receipts (1882-84), 4:20
Guilford College: bills/receipts (1891), 4:21
Guilford County: Accessor (1866-69, 1881), 1:1
Guilford Nurseries (Vandalia, NC): 3:4, 5;
account books (1868-1906), 5;
agents & workers accounts, 4:4;
catalog (n.d.), 11:6;
labels & cards, 11:4;
nursery stock, 5:15;
orchard records, 5:19;
plate books, 5:20-24
Gullett, Robert: bills/receipts (1883), 4:22

Hammond Nurseries (NY): corresp. (1888), 3:5
Harris & Flippen: bills/receipts (1887), 4:23
Health Care: accounts (1928), 5:7 (p. 410)
Hodgin, J.F.: bills/receipts (1887), 4:24
Hodgin, T.C.: corresp.(1891), 3:19
Hotels: Benbow House, 4:7; McAdoo House, 4:27
Houses: Guilford Co., 10:2
Houston & Causey: bills/receipts (1876-78), 4:26
Hubbard, T.S. (NY, 1881-83): 3:6
Huntsville Wholesale Nurseries (AL): corresp. (1884-88), 3:7

Infants: breast pumps (1877), 4:19

Jamestown, NC: bills/receipts (1887), 4:17; J.D. Gardner (1887), 4:17

Kernersville, NC: 3:8; salesman’s plate books, 5:22-23
Kirkman, Julia A.: corresp.(1881), 3:20

Labor and laboring classes: personal accounts, 5:17-18; time books (1882-91), 5:12-14
Lavoris (mouthwash): advertisement, 11:1
Leak, D.S.(Vandalia, NC): fruit plate book, 5:21
Lewis & Huff (Kernersville): corresp. (1897), 3:8
Liquor: distilled products, 1:1

Manalapan Fruit Farm & Nursery (NJ): corresp. (1885), 3:9
Manchester, N.C.: bills/receipts (1885), 4:9
Maps: NC (1904), 8:1
Masy, W.L.: corresp.(1901), 3:22
McAdoo House: bills/receipts (1887), 4:27
Medicine: C.C. Fordham’s prescription envelopes, 9:1
Mendenhall, W.D. & Co.: bills/receipts (1883), 4:28
Mutual Life Insurance Co. of NY: policies, 6:2

National Bank of Greensboro: checks (1898-1906), 4:3
New Salem, NC: W.C. Phillips printer (1888), 11:8
North Carolina: State Fair circular (1897), 11:3
Nurseries (Horticultural): 4; 5

Odell & Co.: bills/receipts (1882), 4:29

Pegg, A.A. (Kernersville, NC): fruit plate book, 5:22
Penmanship: copybook (1871), 7:1
Perdew, John: deeds, 6:1
Phillips, W.C.: printer (1888), 11:6, 11:8
Pilot Life Insurance Co.: advertisement (1927), 11:2
Plants: care of, 2:8-2:11
Porter, A.S.: bills/receipts (1878), 4:30
Pretzfelder, C & M: bills/receipts (1877), 4:31

Rakestraw & Pyle (PA): corresp. (1881), 3:10
Reece, Joseph M.: bills/receipts (1878), 4:32
Reeves, J.J. (Kernersville, NC); plate book, 5:23
Rieves, J.T.: fruit plate book, 5:24
Ross & Causey: bills/receipts (1883), 4:33
Roy, Peter L.: bills/receipts (1885)

Scrapbooks: illustrated cover, 2:12
Sergeant & McCauley: bills/receipts (1877), 4:35
Shelton, T.S.: bills/receipts (1888), 4:36
Southern Life and Trust Co.: checks (1898-1906), 4:3
Spartanburg, SC (1907): businesses, 3:16
Steele, Seymour: deeds, 6:1
Sunnyside Nursery (Fayetteville, NC): bills/receipts (1885), 4:37

Tax records: accessor’s account book (1866-69), 1:1
Temperance: poems (1888), 11:8
Thomas, C.F.: bills/receipts (1881-82), 4:38
Thomas, Reece & Co.: 3:11; bills/receipts (1884), 4:39
Thomasville, GA: bills/receipts (1883), 4:6

Vandalia, NC: fruit salesman’s plate book, 5:21

Wakefield Hardware Co.: bills/receipts (1885-90), 4:40
Wallace, NC: bills/receipts (1883), 4:8
Westbrook, C.W.: bills/receipts (1885), 4:41
Wharton & Wharton: bills/receipts (1880), 4:42
Williams, M.B.: bills/receipts (1885), 4:43
Women in business: 20th century, 2

Yandell, Anna Baxter (Charlotte, NC): corresp.(1902), 3:24
Yates, Charles D.: bills/receipts (1882), 4:44
Yates, Charles G.: bills/receipts (1880), 4:45

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 bulk of this collection relates to either the Overseas Replacement Depot (ORD) located in Greensboro, North Carolina, during World War II or to Younts himself while he served in the armed forces of the United States. The collection will be useful to researchers interested in how the ORD functioned as a military installation as well as how it interacted with its host community. It also contains the military records of Younts and material he collected relating to his tenure as commander of the ORD. These materials reveal much about military culture and how the larger sphere of the armed forces operated in terms of protocol, performance recognition and promotion.

Arrangement: This collection is arranged into eight series, and within each series materials are arranged alphabetically (except series five, eight, and the letters of appreciation to Younts from Greensboro citizens in series seven, which are compiled in a notebook in a separate box). The series are: Correspondence, 1944-1953; Legal, 1944-1945; Overseas Replacement Depot, 1946; Photographs, 1942-1946; Printed, 1944-1946; Prints & Drawings, undated; Scrapbook, 1944-1945; Speeches, 1944-1946; and Younts, Paul, 1940-1951.

Provenance:  This collection was purchased by the Greensboro Historical Museum in June 1990 and assigned the accession number 1990.63.4.

Processing:  This collection was organized by J. Stephen Catlett in 1990; the introduction, notes and series descriptions were written by Francis D. Pitts III in April 1997.

BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE

A native of Charlotte, North Carolina, Paul Reid Younts (1899-1971) enlisted in the Army at the outbreak of World War I; after the war, he served as the state commander of the American Legion of North Carolina. He is best remembered in Greensboro, though, for his stint as commander of the Overseas Replacement Depot located there during World War II, which he oversaw from 27 September 1944 to 27 March 1946. During Younts’ tenure the ORD processed over 100,000 men, separated from service 32,200 soldiers, and reassigned 32,108 others. By all accounts, the operation under his command was considered an enormous success from both a military and a public relations standpoint.

In the years leading up to World War II, Younts was a real estate broker, then, from 1933 until 1940, the U.S. postmaster at Charlotte, North Carolina. At war’s end, he again became a businessman in Charlotte. In between these two periods of civilian life, Younts built a solid record of achievement as a soldier in the Army Air Forces, first in the United States, next in the Pacific Theater, then at the ORD in Greensboro. His service records show that he received a number of letters of commendation from the military and many letters of appreciation from citizens of Greensboro.

At the outbreak of the conflict in Korea, Younts’ name was circulated in military circles for possible command of a National Guard artillery base in North Carolina. To take command of this post, it was typical for the person to hold the rank of brigadier general. It was believed that Younts, according to some of his superiors and based on his past record of achievement, would receive the promotion as a matter of course. After a review of his file, however, it was decided by the General Officer’s Board that he would have to attend advanced courses at the Artillery School in Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Believing that a second appraisal of his record later would result in a more favorable outcome, Colonel Younts declined to act on the Board’s recommendation. Nevertheless, he decided to serve as commanding officer of the IV Corps Artillery in North Carolina on an interim basis. When it became apparent that the Board would hold fast to its original decision, Younts requested that he be relieved of his command. His resignation was accepted, and he was honorably discharged from the North Carolina National Guard on 31 July 1951.

According to subsequent articles published in the Charlotte News (see the first folder in the first box), reporters claimed Younts attained the rank of brigadier general; however, this information conflicts with the content of the correspondence found in association with his military service records.

On returning to civilian life, Younts became quite active in the affairs of his native city, Charlotte. Between 1951 and his death in 1971, he helped develop that city’s first shopping center, assemble the land for the Eastern Airlines complex, and headed the 1961 NC Trade Fair that drew approximately 200,000 visitors to Charlotte. In addition, he served as highway commissioner in the early 1960s, acted as president of the Chamber of Commerce, and headed the United Appeal. In 1961, Younts was named the Charlotte News’ Man of the Year. After his death, a section of the expressway that runs through the city was named in his honor.

SCOPE & CONTENT NOTE

Types of items in this collection include broadsides, correspondence, certificates, legal documents, manuals, newspaper clippings, pamphlets, photographs, military service records and various other documents relating to the armed forces of the United States.

The bulk of the material pertains to either the Overseas Replacement Depot located in Greensboro, NC, during World War II or its commander, Colonel Paul Younts. These materials shed considerable light on operations at the ORD with regard to its role as a processing station for recruits being sent overseas and soldiers being separated from service or reassigned. For information on the years before the base was an ORD (i.e. when it served as Basic Training Center #10), see the folder in Series 3 entitled “ORD — History — ‘Greensboro ORD: Its Past and Present’ (1946).”

The collection is important in that it reveals what certain aspects of life were like in Greensboro during World War II, specifically life on the base and how a military installation interacted with the community at large. For material on these subjects, researchers should see the correspondence in series 1 and items detailing operational procedures and other documents about the ORD in series 3.

An additional important aspect of the collection is the fact that it reveals the essential details of Younts’ military career. Researchers can trace his personal history during this time through service records found in series 7 and the scrapbook in series 5. The folders in the former series contain telling information on how the military operated with regard to protocol, performance recognition, and promotion. In particular, the folder that relates to his proposed promotion to brigadier general is particularly revealing.

Note: The collection does not contain any material relating to Younts’ life after 1953; however, there is an editorial and other biographical material on Younts located in a folder in the first box of the collection.

SERIES DESCRIPTIONS

1. Correspondence.  76 folders.  1944-1953.

Most of the material in the correspondence series relates to Younts’ public relations efforts as commander of the ORD. Some exceptions to this rule are items regarding problems of separation from the service through the ORD and requests for information and assistance with personal problems, e.g. getting transferred or processed. Researchers interested in relations with the African-American community and the Woman’s College of the University of North Carolina should refer to the folders containing correspondence from F.D. Bluford (president of A&T College) and Walter Clinton Jackson (chancellor of Woman’s College).

Note: Notable individuals (local, regional, and national) are filed in separate folders under their names. Other letters are filed in general alphabetical folders, A-Z.

2. Legal.  1 folder (10 items).  1944-1945.

The items in this series pertain to information on Younts’ purchase of an automobile, registration of the vehicle, and his auto insurance.

3. Overseas Replacement Depot.  6 folders (ca. 20 items).  1946.

This series includes nine flow charts showing statistics with regard to men moving through the base. In addition, there are manuals for processing, separating from service (“a pictorial study”) and standard operating procedures at the ORD. Researchers also will find a pamphlet entitled “Roster of Officers” and a short history of the base.

4. Photographs.  20 folders (ca. 225 items).  1942-1946.

The photographs appear to be primarily of Younts, the ORD and other Greensboro scenes. They add an important visual component to the history of the community during this period. The bulk of the photos are from activities at the ORD, such as the presentation of medals to families who lost loved ones in the war, training, and entertainment. Of particular interest are a photo and newspaper article from the formal opening of the Negro USO in 1944 (4:1) and the dedication of the NCO club (4:5). There are also photos of Eleanor Roosevelt’s historic visit to Greensboro (4:9) and a photo of Ronald Reagan outside a theater (location unknown) in October 1961 (4:18). The photos of the Pacific Theater show native inhabitants as well as the men stationed there (4:18).

5. Printed.  7 folders.  1945-1946.

In addition to certificates awarded to Younts and miscellaneous newspaper clippings, this series includes an interesting flyer listing the “house rules” of the Post Officers’ Club and Younts’ membership card to the club. There is also a pamphlet from a general committee formed to combat venereal disease; Younts was chairman of the military committee.

6. Prints and Drawings.  1 folder (1 item).  Undated.

This item is a cartoonish ink and wash drawing of Paul Younts signed Ritzell.

7. Scrapbook.  4 folders.  1944-1945.

This series contains what appears to be Younts’ personal collection of newspaper clippings in which he is either pictured or mentioned. They showcase those events that Younts found to be of import in his career.

8. Speeches.  4 folders.  1944-1946.

The documents in this series reveal Younts’ thoughts on certain subjects. In one speech, when he relinquished command, Younts expounds on his belief that World War II could achieve what World War I had not been able to do — lay the foundation for an enduring peace among nations. In a farewell column, he displays the magnanimity for which he was noted by giving thanks to all who helped the ORD accomplish its mission.

9. Younts, Paul.  13 folders.  1940-1953.

Researchers will find that this series is the most revealing one on Younts himself. It contains a letter in which Younts relates autobiographical material (covering the years between 1917 and 1946) to his brother, who had inquired whether public-relations work would be to his liking. Another important folder in this series is the one containing correspondence regarding Younts’ proposed promotion to brigadier general. The event did not come to pass, prompting Younts to resign his commission in order to focus his attention on other opportunities as a civilian. Also in this series are letters of commendation, special orders, Pacific Theater records, letters of appreciation from Greensboro citizens, and service records.

FOLDER LISTING

Index to the Col. Paul R. Younts Papers (1940-1953)

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.

American Airlines, Inc. (1944): 1:3
American Legion (1945): 1:4
Anderson, Maj. Gen. Samuel E.: 1:5
Arnold, Albert S.: 1:2
Atkisson, L. Carroll: 1:6, 9:2 (Letters of Appreciation, American Red Cross)

Biddle, Francis: 1:11
Blue Bell, Inc.: 1:33 (J.C. Fox)
Bluford, Dr. Ferdinand D.: 1:12
Boone, Hoyt W.: 9:2 (Letters of Appreciation, Rotary)
Boren, W.C.: 1:13
Boyce, William M.: 1:14
Brooks, Aubrey L.: 1:15
Bryan, Joseph M.: 1:16
Byrd, Robert D.: 9:2 (Letters of Appreciation, American Legion)

Carolina Steel and Iron Co.: 1:21
Cherry, Gov. R. Gregg: 1:22, 9:2 (Letters of Appreciation)
Choate, Herman C.: 1:23
Civitan Club of Greensboro: 9:2 (Letters of Appreciation)
Cone, Ceasar II: 1:24
Cone, Mrs. Julius W.: 1:25
Co-Operative Club: 9:2 (Letters of Appreciation)
Cub Scouts, Greensboro (1945): 1:32 (First Moravian)

Exchange Club of Greensboro: 1:30, 9:2 (Letters of Appreciation)

First Moravian Church: 1:32
First Presbyterian Church, Greensboro: 1:14 (Boyce, William M.)
Fox, J. C.: 1:33
Fraser, Peter, Prime Minister, New Zealand: 1:34
Fry, Fielding L.: 1:35

Gate City Savings & Loan Association: 9:2 (Letters of Appreciation)
Gobbel, Luther. L.: 1:40
Greater Greensboro Open Golf Tournament: 1:13 (Boren, W.C.)
Greensboro Chamber of Commerce: 9:2 (Letters of Appreciation)
Greensboro College: 1:40 (Gobbel)
Greensboro Fair (1945): 1:41
Greensboro Junior Chamber of Commerce: 9:2 (Letters of Appreciation)
Greensboro Merchant’s Association: 9:2 (Letters of Appreciation)
Greensboro News Co.: 1:42, 9:2 (Letters of Appreciation)
Greensboro Tuberculosis Association: 1:45

Hadaway, Norris: 9:2 (Letters of Appreciation)
Haley, Alvin T.: 9:2 (Letters of Appreciation, Civitan Club)
Halsey, Admiral William F., Jr: 1:51
Harmon, Maj. Gen. Hubert R.: 1:52
Hayes, N.P.: 9:2 (Letters of Appreciation, Kiwanis)
Hendley, Floyd F.: 9:2 (Letters of Appreciation, Greensboro News Co.)
Hill, Montgomery S.:9:2 (Letters of Appreciation, N.C. Theatres)
Hines, P.T.: 1:42 (Greensboro News Co.)
Hoey, Sen. Clyde R.: 1:53
Holderness, W. Howard: 1:54

Jackson, Walter Clinton: 1:56
James, Allison: 9:2 (Letters of Appreciation, Treasury Dept.)
Jessup, J.I., Jr.: 9:2 (Letters of Appreciation, Greensboro Jr. Chamber)
Joyner, Andrew, Jr.: 1:57

Kendall, H.W.: 9:2 (Letters of Appreciation, USO)
Kerchner, Charles E.: 9:2 (Letters of Appreciation, Lions Club)
Kiser, Mose: 9:2 (Letters of Appreciation, Greensboro Chamber)
Kiwanis Club: 9:2 (Letters of Appreciation)

Lindley, J. Van: 1:63
Lions Club: 9:2 (Letters of Appreciation)

Martin, Joseph T.: 1:69, 9:2 (Letters of Appreciation, Greensboro Community Plan)
McIver, C.T.: 9:2 (Letters of Appreciation, Co-Op)
Merrimon Insurance Agency: 2:1
Michaels, E.G.: 1:76 (Vick Chemical)
Moore, J. Tracy: 9:2 (Letters of Appreciation, U.S. Post Office)
Morton, Joseph R.: 9:2 (Letters of Appreciation, Morton Chemical Co.)
Mosher, H.F.: 9:2 (Letters of Appreciation, Exchange Club)

Overseas Replacement Depot (O.R.D.), Greensboro, N.C.:
Broadsides (flowcharts): 3:2
History/photos: 3:2
History (Choate, H.C.): 1:23
Post Officer’s Club 4:1
Overstreet, L.: 9:2 (Letters of Appreciation)

Petty, G. Sterling: 9:2 (Letters of Appreciation)
Prause, John J.: 1:73

Ridge, Edney: 9:2 (Letters of Appreciation, Dept. of Justice)
Roosevelt, Eleanor: 4:9

Sedgefield Inn: 1:74
Stapleton, Erle: 9:2 (Letters of Appreciation, USO)
Stevens, J.T.: 9:2 (Letters of Appreciation)
Sullivan, William H.: 1:75, 5:7 (Pamphlet-V.D.)

Textile Specialty Co., Inc.: 1:6 (Atkisson)

United Service Organizations, Inc.: 9:2 (Letters of Appreciation)

Vanstory, C.M., Jr.:
Vick Chemical Co.: 1:76

Woman’s College: 1:56 (Jackson, W.C.)

Younts, Paul R.: 9:1-12
Correspondence: 1:1-76
Legal: 2:1
Photos: 4:20
Printed: 5:1-4, 5:6
Prints & Drawings: 6:1
Scrapbooks: 7:1-4
Speeches: 8:1-4

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

INTRODUCTION

The Wilson Family Papers consist of correspondence, financial and legal documents, photographs, and printed materials relating to multiple generations of the Wilson family of Greensboro and Guilford County. Nineteenth century family members are portrayed through items documenting their personal property, land ownership on South Buffalo Creek, and Civil War experiences. Materials collected by family members in the twentieth century relate primarily to First Presbyterian Church, Greensboro Senior High School, and William Maxwell Wilson’s service in World War II. Researchers interested in the economy and land ownership in Guilford County during the nineteenth century and local schools during the first half of the twentieth century will find items of use in this collection.

Arrangement: This collection is organized into eight series by document type and/or subject. The series are: Correspondence, 1861-1969; Currency, 1852-1864; Financial & Legal, 1795-1941 [bulk mid-1800s]; Military, 1917-1982 [bulk 1940s]; Miscellaneous, 1869-1938; Photographs, ca. 1890s-1970; Printed Materials, 1844-1981 [bulk 1914-1945]; and Scrapbook, ca. 1750-1950.

Provenance:  This collection was donated in several parts by Peggy O’Connell Wilson, who acquired some items while attending Greensboro Senior High School. Other materials were apparently passed down through the family of her husband, William Maxwell Wilson. The collection includes accession numbers 1986.20.125, 1995.26.1, 1995.155.2, 1997.39.1, and 2001.56.1.

Processing: This collection was organized by volunteers Cynthia Good and Alice Bailey, and the finding aid was completed by Alice Bailey in March 2014. Parts of the collection were reorganized and the finding aid was revised and expanded by Archivist Elise Allison in May 2018.

BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE 

Peggy O’Connell (1925-2012) was born in Greensboro to Ozama Murr (1891-1979) and Fred Moore O’Connell (1892-1942). She attended St. Benedict’s Catholic School for eight years and graduated from Greensboro Senior High in 1941. After earning a B.S. in Secretarial Administration from the Woman’s College of the University of North Carolina in 1945, she embarked on a long career with Wysong & Miles. She married William Maxwell Wilson (1922-1985) on December 4, 1965.

William Maxwell Wilson was the only child of Rosa Brooks (1884-1984) and Maxwell Morehead Wilson (1888-1961). He graduated from Greensboro Senior High in 1941 and served in the Army Air Forces during World War II. After earning a B.S. in Commerce from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1948, he became a real estate broker and developer, eventually opening his own business, Wilson Realty. He and his wife Peggy were active members of the community and First Presbyterian Church.

Only minimal information could be found about other family members represented in this collection. Maxwell Morehead Wilson worked for the wholesale grocery firm of Thomas & Howard Co. for 44 years, serving as a senior partner for 40 of those years. His father, Rufus Webster Wilson (1858-1923), was a farmer who married Cora Gamble (1866-1923) on April 14, 1887. Cora Gamble was the daughter of Amanda Denny (1832-1912) and Andrew Gamble (1801-1871). After her father died, her mother married William A. Donnell (1823-1912).

Rufus Webster Wilson was the third child and second son of Robert Wilson (1828-1890), who married Nellie Hoffman (1831-1910) in 1853. During the Civil War, Robert Wilson served in Company A of the 53rd North Carolina Infantry Regiment. The 1880 census lists him as a farmer and miller with nine children ranging in age from 5 to 25. He and his wife are buried in Bethel Presbyterian Church Cemetery in McLeansville along with his parents, Barbara Cobb (1810-1878) and Andrew William Wilson (ca. 1804-1866).

Andrew William Wilson was the son of Robert Wilson, and grandson of Agnes Chambers (1752-1782) and Captain Andrew Wilson Jr. (1752-1834). Captain Wilson fought at the Battle of Guilford Courthouse and had at least eight sons, including Robert, Andrew, John, and David, to whom he bequeathed his plantation on South Buffalo Creek. As part of the Nottingham Colony, his father, Andrew Wilson Sr. (1713-1774), was granted 640 acres of land by Lord Carteret, the Earl of Granville, in 1753.

Biographical Sources: The sources used to compile this biographical note include materials in the collection, Ancestry.com, the Guilford County Register of Deeds database, the Greensboro city directories, and the obituaries of various family members in the News & Record and preceding titles (see the folder at the beginning of the collection for copies).

SCOPE & CONTENT NOTE

The Wilson Family Papers span a period of over 200 years, focusing on the mid-nineteenth century and the World War II-era. The variety of materials offers an interesting juxtaposition between family members’ personal accounts of everyday life and official documents relating to their lives (series 1, 3, 4 and 8). Although military documents, photographs, and printed materials predominate, the collection is eclectic with a wide variety of subjects.

Researchers interested in the nineteenth century should focus on the correspondence and financial and legal documents, particularly the estate records, which may shed light on the economy and land ownership in Guilford County during that period. Civil War-era items found in series 1, 2 and 8 span from the beginning of the war to the end of the Reconstruction, and include the letters of Robert Wilson (8:1), Confederate currency (2:1-4), and an Oath to the Union (8:4).

Many items in the collection may be of interest to researchers studying twentieth century topics. Of local relevance are printed materials relating to First Presbyterian Church (7:4) and Greensboro Senior High, including yearbooks from the World War I-era, as well as student handbooks and school newspapers that may shed light on student life at the outbreak of World War II (7:7-8, 7:23-24). Aspects of the war itself are represented with documents relating to William Maxwell Wilson’s service in the Army Air Forces (4:16). Comparing his military records, which include confidential orders, extracts, and other documents, with the letters sent to his parents during the war may yield an interesting perspective on his experiences.

SERIES DESCRIPTIONS

1. Correspondence.  11 folders (ca. 140 items).  1861-1969.

The correspondence is arranged primarily by recipient, with the majority sent by William Maxwell to his parents Rosa Brooks and Maxwell Morehead Wilson during his service in World War II (1:10). Also included are nineteenth and early twentieth century letters exchanged by family members. Postcards from the early 1900s mark occasions such as Valentine’s Day and Easter, or show scenes of Greensboro. Others feature military-themed images, travel destinations in the Eastern United States, and railroads (1:6). Also included are commemorative stamps issued by the NASA space program during the 1960s (1:4).

2. Currency.  6 folders (ca. 70 items).  1852-1864.

The majority of the currency dates from the Civil War and is in fair to poor condition. See the appendix for the specific denominations and years of bills. Of local interest are several bills produced by the Greensboro Mutual Life Insurance and Trust Company (2:4). Another notable item is an 1862 State of North Carolina 50 cent bill (signed) with several forty dollar bonds redeemable in 1877, 1878 & 1880 (unsigned, 2:5) printed on the reverse. A leather duo-fold wallet is also included in this series (2:6).

3. Financial & Legal.  7 folders (35 items).  1795-1941 [bulk mid-1800s].

This series consists primarily of documents relating to land sales and estate settlements. The land survey and deeds concern properties, mainly on South Buffalo Creek, bought and sold by various members of the Wilson family (3:2, 3:4). The estate records consist of inventories of personal property, lists of debts and expenditures, and receipts relating to the estates of Robert Wilson (Andrew William Wilson’s father), Valentine Cobb (probably Barbara Wilson’s father), Andrew Gamble, and Barbara Wilson (3:3). Also included in the series are receipts from McDuffie-Eubanks Drug Co. and St. Leo’s Hospital (3:7).

4. Military.  16 folders (ca. 60 items).  1917-1982 [bulk 1940s].

Although some Civil War commemorative items and imprints from the World War I are contained in this series, the majority of the materials relate to the World War II. Military records, imprints and ephemera predominate, and items include decorations, orders, albums, and programs from the Army Air Forces service of William Maxwell Wilson. Among these items are William Maxwell Wilson’s identification tags (4:13-14). His letters from the war can be found in 1:10.

5. Miscellaneous.  6 folders (21 items).  1869-1938, n.d.

The miscellaneous items include the autograph of Doug Corrigan (5:1), a coloring book owned by Peggy O’Connell (5:2), and a resolution made by Union Lodge No. 173 upon the death of A.L. Gamble (5:6). The genealogical materials consist of handwritten notes, photocopies from Ozama Murr O’Connell’s Bible, and the family trees of Amanda Denny (who was descended from Nellie McAdoo Ryan) and Robert Wilson (5:4). In 1938, when local students were dismissed from school to attend the first Greater Greensboro Open golf tournament, Peggy O’Connell obtained the autographs of several players, including Sam Snead and Ben Hogan (5:5).

6. Photographs.  9 folders (ca. 80 items).  ca. 1890s-1970.

This series contains a panorama of the First Presbyterian Church Smith Bible Class of 1922 accompanied by a list of those enrolled in the class (6:9). The portraits of Native Americans and photographs of a Wichita Indian village belonged to Virginia Moore O’Connell (1862-1951), who taught at a school for Native Americans (6:2-3). Also found in this series are a substantial number of black and white photos and negatives of railway engines and turntables, as well as some train cars and depots, throughout North Carolina and the South (6:4-8).

7. Printed Materials.  28 folders (ca. 80 items).  1844-1981 [bulk 1914-1945].

The printed materials include books, certificates, pamphlets, programs, newspapers, and yearbooks. The children’s book entitled Grandfather Daniel and his Bible belonged to Rufus W. Wilson (7:5), and William A. Donnell, Esq. owned The North Carolina Form Book (7:15). A Practical System for the Sale of Patent Rights belonged to Robert Wilson, who patented an “Inclined Plane Water Wheel” on September 28, 1875, according to a handwritten note inside the front cover (7:20).

Many items relate to the educations of Peggy O’Connell and William Maxwell Wilson in Greensboro. Included are his report cards from junior and senior high school (7:6), and her diplomas from St. Benedict’s School (7:26), Greensboro Senior High (7:7), and the Woman’s College (7:28). Of particular note for researchers interested in Greensboro Senior High are yearbooks (1915, 1918; 7:23-24), student handbooks (1937-1941; 7:7), and student newspapers (1937-1941; 7:8).

Materials relating to First Presbyterian Church include an April 1914 membership directory with a brief history of the church, certificates of promotion, lists of men from the church who served in World War II, and the order of services for the mortgage burning on May 6, 1945 (7:4). A pamphlet published by the Chamber of Commerce in 1915 contains facts about Greensboro and statistics showing its growth since 1900 (7:2). Also included in the series are a Southern Railway mileage book in a case from “Clegg’s European Hotel” (7:25), and the constitution and by-laws of the Touchdown Club (7:27).

8. Scrapbook.  7 folders (ca. 50 items).  ca. 1750-1950.

This dissembled scrapbook contains miscellaneous materials such as Nellie McAdoo Ryan’s wedding ring (ca. 1750; 8:3), Andrew William Wilson’s Oath to the Union (8:4), and financial documents, some of which relate to the estate records in series 3 (see 3:3; 8:2, 8:7). Of particular note are three letters from Robert Wilson, a private in Company A of the 53rd North Carolina Infantry Regiment, which surrendered with Lee at Appomattox Court House. Two of these letters were composed at a Richmond hospital in September 1863 (8:1). A poem entitled “The Soldiers’ Sufferings,” dated March 10, 1863, is said to have been composed by the Guilford Guards regiment stationed on Marye’s Heights in Fredericksburg, Virginia (8:6). Two photographs of the offices of Thomas & Howard Co. on South Davie Street include Maxwell Morehead Wilson (1921-1922), while another photograph shows attorneys A.L. Brooks, O.L. Sapp, Leroy Shuping, and S. Clay Williams (1913; 8:5).

FOLDER LISTING

APPENDIX

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 materials relating to the military career of dietician Leah Willis. Most materials focus on her time at various army bases in the United States during World War II. Multiple items are official military documents, such as a letter of promotion or basic training certification, while others are more personal, such as photographs of her on leave. Of particular note is a typescript of her diaries that provides an in-depth look into her daily life as a hospital dietician in the army. Researchers interested in women or non-combat roles in the military during World War II may find this collection useful.

Arrangement: This collection is organized in five series and arranged within series by document type and/or subject. The series are: Biography, 1923-1979, undated; Correspondence, 1943-1944; Literary, 1941-1948, undated; Military, 1943-1948; and Photographs, ca. 1900-1947.

Provenance: This collection was donated by Jane Van Hoven in December 1985 and assigned the accession number 1985.167.10. Leah Willis was the donor’s maternal aunt.

Processing: This collection was organized and the finding aid was prepared by volunteer Leah Nykamp in August 2022.

BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE

Leah Twyne Willis (1900-1979) was born in Pilot Mountain, North Carolina, and grew up in Winston-Salem. After graduating from the North Carolina College for Women in Greensboro (later The University of North Carolina at Greensboro), she obtained a teaching certificate in home economics in 1923 and taught at public high schools throughout North Carolina. She began training in hospital dietetics in Chicago in 1930, and in 1941 she became a dietician at the station hospital at Camp Davis, North Carolina, planning meals, ordering food, and supervising food preparation. She was later promoted to 2nd lieutenant and then 1st lieutenant, and she received assignments to hospitals in Georgia, Alabama, Texas, Ohio, and Arkansas. After retiring from the military in 1948, she continued to work as a hospital dietician and eventually returned to North Carolina.

Biographical Sources: The sources for this biographical note include materials in the collection, particularly the employment histories and obituary, as well as Ancestry.com.

SCOPE & CONTENT NOTE

The types of materials in this collection include correspondence, employment histories, diaries and reminiscences, photographs, certificates, and other printed materials. The highlights are a typescript of Leah Willis’ diary, which provides insight into the day-to-day life of a dietician in the military, and typed reminiscences of her experiences during 1941. Also of note are military documents relating to her appointment, promotion, and retirement, as well as detailed records of her employment history that provide an overview of her responsibilities as a hospital dietitian. Researchers interested in the role of women serving domestically in the military during and after World War II may find this collection useful.

SERIES DESCRIPTIONS

1. Biography.  3 folders (6 items).  1923-1979, undated.

These biographical materials provide information primarily about the working life of Leah Willis. Multiple items relate to her employment history, including a typed list of her military and civilian work experiences, as well as a tax return from 1943 (1:1). Also of interest are her obituary (1:2) and a 1923 teaching certificate authorizing her to teach home economics in the state of North Carolina (1:3).

2. Correspondence.  2 folders (2 items).  1943-1944.

The correspondence includes a letter of recommendation written by the Director of Dietetics at Camp Davis, North Carolina (2:2), as well as a V-mail letter from a female friend who served with the 129th General Hospital overseas (2:1).

3. Literary.  2 folders (2 items).  1941-1948, undated.

These writings describe Willis’ time in the military. “Sir Ma’am” is a typescript of her diaries during her service from 1941-1948 (3:2), while typed reminiscences entitled “That Summer’s Trance” focus on her experiences specifically during 1941, particularly after the bombing of Pearl Harbor (3:1).

4. Military.  3 folders (12 items).  1943-1948.

This series consists of documents relating to Willis’ military service. Of particular note are a letter of promotion and a qualification record (4:1). Also included are a certificate that she received after completing basic training for army nurses and a copy of the certificate of service issued upon her retirement from the military (4:2). The miscellaneous folder contains a certificate for the purchase of shoes and a menu from the 1947 Christmas party at the station hospital at Camp Hood in Texas (4:3).

5. Photographs.  2 folders (14 items).  ca. 1900-1947.

Most of the photographs date from Willis’ time in the military, showing a Mess Department party and her on leave (5:2). Those relating to her civilian life show her as a baby and with her mother, sister, niece, and nephew (5:1).

FOLDER LISTING

INTRODUCTION

This collection consists of transport orders relating to the World War I service of Ezra Weis. The orders supplement other World War I objects (e.g. his uniform) in Museum collections.

Provenance: This collection was presented through the estate of Mrs. E. H. F. Weis and assigned accession number 1982.1014.14.

Processing: This collection was processed by Karen C. Carroll with the finding aid completed in August 1983.

BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE

Dr. Weis was a professor of music at Guilford College in Greensboro. During World War I, he served as a sergeant major in France with the central records office of the 77th division.

SCOPE & CONTENT NOTE

The items are very limited in content and appear to be merely a collection of transport orders. Several items are in French and inclusion dates are October 7, 1918 to August 14, 1919. All 5 items originate from various areas in France.

SERIES DESCRIPTION

1. Military papers. 5 items. Arranged chronologically.

Transport papers and orders for Sergeant Major Ezra H. F. Weis.

FOLDER LISTING

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

The WBIG Radio Collection consists primarily of photographs, printed materials, and scrapbook contents relating to the operations of a local radio station that played a significant role in the daily lives of Greensboro citizens for many years. The bulk of the collection, dating from the 1940s through 1960s, highlights radio programs and their personalities. Researchers interested in local history, as well as radio and television, will find items of interest in this collection.

Arrangement: This collection is arranged into six series by subject and document type. The series are: Business, 1926-1969; Miscellaneous, 1946-1953; Photographs, 1944-1971; Printed Materials, ca. 1946-2004; Recordings, 1949-1986; and Scrapbook, 1944-1948.

Provenance: The bulk of this collection, including the photographs and most of the printed materials, was donated by WBIG Radio when it closed and assigned the accession number 1986.153.7. The one page history of WBIG and items pertaining to WGBG were donated by Eric Clark and assigned accession numbers 1991.129.1-3. The three 45 RPM records were donated by WBIG in 1986 (1986.153.3), Stephen Payne in July 2011, and Jim Schlosser in 2015 (2015.1.1).

Processing: This collection was organized by volunteer Alice Bailey in the spring of 2014, and the finding aid was completed by volunteer Kim Lanham in July 2015.

HISTORICAL NOTE

Greensboro’s first radio station, WBIG went on air under the call letters WNRC on May 2, 1926. Owned by Wayne Nelson and leased to the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce, the station operated from the Jefferson Standard Building. In 1930, the call letters were changed to WBIG for “We Believe in Greensboro.”

Despite its popularity with the small local population, WBIG was unable to generate enough revenue from advertising. After a 1934 lightning strike destroyed the transmission tower atop the building, Jefferson Standard Life Insurance Company, at the urging of Joseph Bryan, purchased the now-bankrupt radio station for $10,000. The station became a CBS affiliate, moved its studios to the basement of the O.Henry Hotel, and soon began to thrive under the leadership of Edney Ridge.

In the 1940s, WBIG played a significant role in the war effort in Greensboro and led a statewide fundraising campaign to build a polio hospital during the polio epidemic. During the 1950s and 1960s, announcer Bob Poole was a prominent local media personality. Allen Wannamaker took over as general manager in 1952, and the station moved to a larger and more up-to-date facility on Battleground Avenue in 1956. An AM station and unable to compete in the FM market in the 1980s, Jefferson-Pilot Communications made the decision to sign-off the air on Thursday, November 20, 1986.

Historical Sources: The historical information was obtained from materials in the collection, Greensboro: A Chosen Center, by Gayle Hicks Fripp (Sun Valley, CA: American Historical Press, 2001), 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 & CONTENT NOTE

The types of materials in this collection include business records, correspondence, photographs, newspaper clippings, newsletters, recordings, and a scrapbook relating to WBIG Radio. The majority of the collection consists of photographs and printed materials pertaining to radio broadcasts, on-air personalities, and the promotion of the station in the 1940s through 1960s. Of particular note are a copy of the station’s 1926 license (1:4), photographs of the studio locations (3:16), program schedules (4:27), and recordings relating to Bob Poole’s program and the 60th anniversary of the station (5:1, 5:3-4). A few items pertain to other radio and television stations, including WGBG (2:1-2), and to various Greensboro businesses and civic organizations (4:12, 4:19).

SERIES DESCRIPTIONS

1. Business. 8 folders (50 items). 1926-1969.

This series contains materials relating to the business operations of WBIG. Correspondence consists of letters from the station to various advertisers and sponsors (1:1-2), over two dozen of which are addressed to regional furniture stores about the show “Moon River” and its sponsor, Southern Spring Bed Company. Other business materials include population and advertising numbers (1:3), memoranda concerning programming (1:5), background on the program “Poole’s Paradise” (1:7), and a biography of general manager Allen Wannamaker (1:8). Also of note are a copy of the station’s 1926 license (1:4) and an organizational chart (1:6).

2. Miscellaneous. 2 folders (8 items). 1946-1953.

The miscellaneous series consists of a WGBG Station Audience Report from March 1946 (2:2) and program logs and schedules for WGBG Radio between December 1952 and September 1953 (2:1).

3.  Photographs. 17 folders (ca. 140 items). 1944-1971.

The photographs feature radio broadcasts (3:4-10), advertising and endorsements (3:1-3), and the WBIG offices (3:16). Shown are both radio broadcasts made from the studios and on location, with the latter including broadcasts at Ralph’s Food Palace (3:7, 3:10), the Carolina Juniors Golf Championship (3:7), and the grand opening of the Golden Gate Shopping Center in 1951 (3:10). Many local companies advertised with WBIG, and in particular Bob Poole, but national and international sponsorships such as Coca-Cola, Tide, and Renault can also be found in the photographs of advertising and endorsements (3:3). Multiple images show the WBIG buildings, both at the earlier downtown location and the later Battleground Avenue site (3:16). Also included are a few photographs of the offices of WBBQ (3:12) and WBTV (3:17), which was also owned by Jefferson Standard Life.

4.  Printed Materials. 27 folders (ca. 320 items). ca. 1946-2004.

Newsletters and newspaper clippings comprise the majority of materials in this series. Most newspaper clippings highlight select WBIG employees. Those featured include musician and singer John Ademy and his work with the Greensboro Oratorio Society (4:2); newscaster Lloyd Gordon through his awards, accolades and obituary in 2004 (4:3); and radio personality Bob Poole in an interview (4:5). Clippings about president and general manager Allen Wannamaker cover his election as president of the Chamber of Commerce in 1967 and also include his 1987 obituary (4:8).

The WBIG newsletters entitled Everything WBIG (1950-1952) contain articles on programming, station announcements, and the upcoming show schedule (4:14-18). WBIG News (1955-1959) and WBIG Radio News (1968-1969) appear to have replaced the earlier title (4:20-24). The miscellaneous newsletters (4:19) include a bulletin of the Greensboro Lions Club (November 7, 1966) and issues of Greensboro Business (November 1964), The Jaycee Projector (August 11, 1968), and The Home Office Journal of Jefferson Standard Life Insurance Co. (March 12, 1971).

Also in this series are a few CBS program schedules from 1946 and 1947 (4:1) and maps showing the region served by WBIG (4:13). A pamphlet entitled “WBIG: One of radio’s great stations!” contains a profile of the station and biographical sketches of its staff. The event programs include those for a Carolina vs. Princeton basketball game at the Greensboro Coliseum on December 27, 1965, the 90th Annual Meeting of the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce (December 7, 1967), and a naturalization ceremony on June 6, 1969 (4:12).

5. Recordings. 4 folders (6 items). 1949-1986.

This series consists of recordings from WBIG. A 16” LP record contains a rebroadcast of “Bob Poole Spots” recorded on October 13, 1949 (5:1). Three copies of a 45 RPM record hold two popular musical themes heard on WBIG: the sign-in/sign-off theme called “White Azaleas” and the theme for Bob Poole’s show entitled “Poole’s Paradise” (5:4). A cassette contains the 1986 WBIG 60th Anniversary show (5:3). This recording of the Ken Karnes afternoon call-in show on August 19, 1986, recalled the 60-year history of WBIG with special guests Lloyd Gordon and Jim Light. The show featured reminiscences about WBIG history, particularly focusing on the “Night Lights” with Jim Light and “Poole’s Paradise” with Bob Poole. Also included in this series is a 78 RPM record with musical advertisements for candidates in the upcoming Greensboro Jaycees election (1955; 5:2).

6. Scrapbook. 2 folders (ca. 60 items).  1944-1948.

The bound scrapbook contains newspaper clippings featuring WBIG (6:1). The clippings range from program mentions, to announcements about personal achievements of the employees, news covered by WBIG, events hosted by WBIG, and the appointment and changes brought on by new music director Margaret Banks in 1944. A considerable number of clippings highlight war bond drives and local involvement in the war effort. In 1946, a well-covered story was the birth of African American quadruplets in Reidsville, with WBIG following the progress of the quadruplets on its radio programs. A big story in 1947 was the college radio station farm. Clippings featuring the station’s efforts in fundraising to fight polio take prominence in 1948. The folder of loose scrapbook materials consists of printed materials pertaining to promotional and advertising matters at WBIG primarily in 1945-1946 (6:2). These items include calendars, postcards, event programs, and letters regarding sponsors. Also of interest are two issues of Everything WBIG (June 13 and September 5, 1946) and a Bulletin of A&T College (April 1945) with images of the campus and student organizations.

FOLDER LISTING

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

The principal names associated with this collection are Bumpass and Troy. The bulk is composed of items produced by or for members of these two family groups. Researchers will find it strong in materials related to the Bumpass-Troy House, a Greensboro residence that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and the family history of the two families for whom the home is named. Also of interest may be a circa 1912 hand drawn map of Greensboro showing areas occupied by the “colored population” and the “Private Journal” of Trinity College professor and Confederate officer O.W. Carr, which he kept sporadically between the years 1855 and 1878.

Arrangement: The materials that compose the Troy-Bumpass Papers are arranged alphabetically into the following nine series: Correspondence, undated; Drawings, ca. 1900-1958; Literary, 1955-1961; Maps, ca. 1912-1961; Miscellaneous, undated; Photographs, ca. 1898; Printed, 1851-1954; Scrapbook, ca. 1928-1930; and Sketchbook, ca. 1900-1902.

Provenance: The two accession numbers associated with this collection are 1973.174.48 and 1995.167.1-3. The Museum also possesses the 26 October 1860 edition of the Weekly Message (1998.70.1) and a printed version of the diary of Daniel Dantzler (GHM Vertical File), a Confederate soldier who mentions dining in the Bumpass home just prior to the Army of Tennessee’s surrender in April 1865. In addition to these materials, researchers may want to consult the inventory for the Bumpass Family Papers (Collection #1031) held by the Southern Historical Collection at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. A copy of that inventory can also be found in the first folder of this collection.

Processing: This collection was organized and the finding aid was prepared by Francis D. Pitts III in January 2000.

BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE

In 1847 the Reverend Sidney D. Bumpass moved his family into a new home in Greensboro that he had built on a hill adjacent to the Methodist Female College (now known as Greensboro College). After he suddenly died four years later, his wife, Frances M. Bumpass, continued to live in the house on South Mendenhall Street until her death in 1898. During her life there she published for twenty years a religious newspaper called the Weekly Message, which her husband had begun shortly before his death.

The home remained in the possession of Frances Bumpass’s sister and brother-in-law, Robert Troy, and their descendants until 1975. When the last family member to occupy the home died, the property was left to either the West Market Street Methodist Church or Greensboro College, whichever wanted it, “to be maintained as it was.” Both declined the responsibility. Eventually, the executor of the estate sold the property. Because of its historical significance in the community, the Bumpass-Troy House was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1977. It served visitors to Greensboro as the Troy-Bumpass Inn Bed and Breakfast from about 1992 to 2016.

Other members of the Bumpass and Troy families and at least one person whose relationship to them is unclear are represented in the collection. For example, a sketchbook contains the drawings of Lota Troy – a granddaughter of Frances M. Bumpass – who produced them while studying art at Columbia University around the turn of the twentieth century. In addition, the collection contains a copy of the “Private Journal” of O.W. Carr, which he kept sporadically between the years 1855 and 1878. Carr, a professor at Trinity College at the outbreak of the Civil War, was elected Captain of Company G, 46th Regiment, NC Troops, in March 1862. In November 1863 he resigned his commission due to a chronic debilitating illness. After the war, in 1871, he established an insurance company in Greensboro. An advertisement for the company in Maloney’s 1901 Greensboro City Directory stated that “[w]e insure against fire in this world only. Beyond this we claim no protection for you.”

For those researchers interested in additional family history, the collection contains ample genealogical material.

Biographical Sources: In addition to the material in the collection, a number of secondary sources provided useful information. The following titles proved to be the most helpful: Greensboro: An Architectural Record, by Marvin A. Brown (Greensboro: Preservation Greensboro, Inc., 1995); Founders and Builders of Greensboro, 1808-1908, compiled by Bettie D. Caldwell (Greensboro: Jos. J. Stone and Company, 1925); and North Carolina Troops, 1861-65: A Roster, Vol. XI, compiled by Weymouth T. Jordan Jr. (Raleigh, NC: Division of Archives and History, 1987).

SCOPE & CONTENT NOTE

Types of materials in this collection include blueprints, a certificate, correspondence, drawings, literary documents, maps, photographs, printed material, a scrapbook and a sketchbook.

The bulk of materials were created by or produced for members of the Bumpass or Troy families. Much of this material pertains to the family home on South Mendenhall Street or the family history of various branches of the two families. In the former group, noteworthy materials include fourteen architectural drawings of the house at different points in time (2:1). In particular, researchers may want to see the seven blueprints produced by James J. Hopkins, an architect who practiced in Greensboro around the turn of the twentieth century, in which he proposed alterations for the house. A brief written history, entitled “With a Century of Accumulated Good Wishes from the Bumpass-Troy Home,” can be found in folder 3:1. Researchers interested in family history should see the literary series (3). A highlight of the collection is a typed version of O.W. Carr’s “Private Journal,” which he kept between the years 1855 and 1878 (3:4).

Other noteworthy materials include a map of Greensboro drawn around 1912 that shows railroad lines and areas occupied by the “colored population” (4:1). The photograph series contains an image of a group of soldiers in camp at Panama Park, FL, in 1898 (6:1) and two images of Greensboro attorney and Congressman Charles M. Stedman (6:2). The printed series contains a number of items that researchers may find useful. Of these materials, perhaps the most interesting item is the certificate that was given to Mrs. F.M. Bumpass by the American Bible Society in 1854 (7:1).

The collection also contains an 1851 obituary notice for the Reverend Sidney D. Bumpass (7:3); a scrapbook that has articles by the Reverend Robah F. Bumpas and a printed excerpt from a letter written by Mrs. F.M. Bumpass in 1897 (8:1); and a sketchbook produced by Lota Troy while she was a student at Columbia University around the turn of the twentieth century.

The collection does not include any original material created by either the Reverend Sidney D. Bumpass or Mrs. Frances M. Bumpass.

SERIES DESCRIPTIONS

1. Correspondence.  1 folder (1 item).  Undated.

The one item in this series is a fragment of a letter that contains information on people whose relationship to the subjects of this collection is not easily discerned.

2. Drawings.  2 folders (15 items).  ca. 1911-1958.

The bulk of this series consists of architectural drawings of the Bumpass-Troy house (2:1). Of these drawings, seven were executed by James H. Hopkins (ca. 1911) and six by John McRae (1958). Another drawing, a blueprint of a section of Greensboro with the heading “Property of Mr. Melville Troy,” was made by W.H. Sullivan in 1920 (2:1). Folder 2:2 contains an undated ink drawing of Judah P. Benjamin.

3. Literary.  5 folders (ca. 11 items).  ca. 1900-1960.

A highlight of this series is a copy of O.W. Carr’s “Private Journal,” which he kept sporadically between the years 1855 and 1878 (3:4). In particular, researchers should see the entries between 1855 and 1865, which provide Carr’s observations on Trinity College and the Civil War. The remaining items of this series consist of family history materials pertaining to the principal subjects of the collection. Folder 3:1 contains historical information relative to the Bumpass-Troy home and the surrounding area. The Civil War activities of Confederate officer Robert Preston Troy are recounted in a portion of a typed manuscript and a chapter, titled “Forty-sixth Regiment,” from an unidentified publication (3:2). Folder 3:3 contains what appear to be chapters of a larger work on Webb family life in the nineteenth century. Genealogical material on the Troy family can be found in folder 3:5.

4. Maps.  2 folders (2 items).  ca. 1912-1961.

This series consists of two hand drawn maps. Folder 4:1 contains a map of Greensboro that shows railroad lines (highlighted in red) and areas occupied by the “colored population” (shaded portions of map) around 1912. The second map (4:2) contains information on a variety of things in sections of Virginia and North Carolina.

5. Miscellaneous.  1 folder (2 items).  Undated.

This small series contains a cover, with R.F. Bumpass’s address inscribed on the front, and a cutout in the form of a caterpillar affixed to a piece of stationery from The Inn at Buck Hill Falls (PA).

6. Photographs.  2 folders (3 items).  ca. 1898.

This series consists of three photographs taken around the turn of the twentieth century. One image is of a group of soldiers in camp at Panama Park, FL, in 1898 (6:1); the other two are of Greensboro attorney and Congressman Charles M. Stedman (6:2).

7. Printed.  6 folders (ca. 14 items).  1851-1954.

The printed series contains an interesting assortment of items. Items worthy of note are a lifelong membership certificate given to Mrs. F.M. Bumpass by the American Bible Society in 1854 (7:1); an 1851 obituary notice for the Reverend Sidney D. Bumpass (7:3); a 1943 newspaper article on Nina Troy’s ordeal in a Japanese concentration camp (7:2); a pamphlet that includes excerpts from reviews of Helen Keller’s “My Religion” (7:5); and a U.S. Senate chamber pass bearing Clyde Hoey’s signature (7:6).

8. Scrapbook.  1 folder (1 item).  ca. 1928-1930.

The scrapbook contains newspaper clippings on a wide range of subjects. The most noteworthy items are a number of articles by the Reverend Robah F. Bumpas and a printed version of extracts of a letter written by Mrs. F.M. Bumpass in 1897.

9. Sketchbook.  1 folder (1 item).  ca. 1900-1902.

The sketchbook contains roughly twenty drawings by Lota Troy – a granddaughter of Frances M. Bumpass – who produced them while she was a student at Columbia University around the turn of the twentieth century. Included are many sketches of New York scenes as well as a few of Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

FOLDER LISTING

Index to the Troy-Bumpass Family Papers (1851-1961)

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 parenthesis for an individual Series/Folder or, if at the end, for the entire subject/name entry. The abbreviation GSO indicates a Greensboro association.

African Americans: Greensboro map, 4:1 (1912)
American Bible Society: certificate, 7:1 (1854)
Architecture: drawings, 2:1 (ca. 1911-1958); history, 3:1 (ca. 1961)
Art: 2:2 (undated); 5:1 (undated); sketches, 9:1 (ca. 1900-1902)

Benjamin, Judah P.: 2:2 (undated)
Bumpass, Frances M.: 7:1 (1854); 8:1 (1897)
Bumpass, Robah F.: cover, 5:1 (ca. 1866); newspaper clippings, 8:1 (ca. 1930)
Bumpass, Sidney D.: 3:5 (1955); obituary, 7:3 (1851)
Bumpass Family: house, 2:1 (ca. 1911-1958); 3:1 (ca. 1961); history, 3:5 (1955)

Carr, O. W.: journal, 3:4 (1855-1878)
Chapel Hill (NC): drawings, 9:1 (ca. 1900-1902)
China: 7:2 (ca. 1936)
Civil War: 3:2,4 (1861-1865)
Confederate Army: 46th Regiment NC Troops history, 3:2 (undated)

Greensboro (NC): blueprint, 2:1 (1920); map, 4:1 (1912)
Guilford County Bible Society: 7:1 (1854)

Hoey, Clyde R.: autograph, 7:6 (1954)
Hopkins, James H.: 2:1 (ca. 1911)

Keller, Helen: pamphlet, 7:5 (ca. 1927)
Korea: postcards, 7:2 (undated)

McRae, John: 2:1 (1958)
Maps: GSO, 4:1 (1912); NC/VA, 4:2 (ca. 1961)
Montague, James J.: poetry, 7:4 (1931)

New York (NY): 3:3 (undated); sketches, 9:1 (ca. 1900-1902)

Panama Park (FL): photo of U.S. army camp, 6:1 (1898)

Railroads: map, 4:1 (1912)
Religion: 7:1,5 (1854-1927); 8:1 (ca. 1897-1930)

Stedman, Charles M.: photos, 6:2 (undated)
Sullivan, W.H.: 2:1 (1920)

Trinity College (NC): 3:4 (1855-1874)
Troy, Arthur Lane: 3:5 (1955)
Troy, Lota: sketchbook, 9:1 (ca. 1900-1902)
Troy, Melville: 2:1 (1920)
Troy, Nina: 7:2,6 (1943-1954)
Troy, Robert Preston: 3:2 (1861-1865)
Troy Family: history, 3:5 (1955)

U.S. Army: photo, 6:1 (1898)
U.S. Senate: chamber pass, 7:6 (1954)

Virginia: map, 4:2 (ca. 1961)

Webb Family: history, 3:3 (undated)
World War II: Japanese concentration camps, 7:2 (1943)

INTRODUCTION

This item is a listing of internal rules and regulations to be observed upon the USS Roanoke, a steam frigate in the United States Navy. What was probably the original cover of sailcloth is still intact and the item is in good to excellent condition.

Provenance: This item was purchased by the museum in 1983 and assigned accession number 1983.112.1.

Processing: This item was processed by Karen C. Carroll with the finding aid completed in August 1983.

HISTORICAL NOTE

The USS Roanoke was a steam frigate launched by the United States in 1855. At the outbreak of the Civil War, it was one of the country’s five frigates and was considered the “pride of the fleet.” However, at that time, it was in a northern naval yard and did not go into immediate action. By August 1861, it was serving as a blockader off Charleston, South Carolina. On October 15, with the USS Flag, Monticello, and Vandalia, it captured and burned the Confederate States’ blockade runner Thomas Watson.

The Roanoke was in Hampton Roads, Virginia on March 1862. Although her shaft had been broken in November of the preceding year, she was in the area with several other ships. She saw her sister ship, the Merrimack, now an ironclad rechristened Virginia, sail into the Roads and engaged the Federal ships in the area. Although the Roanoke‘s guns were operational, without steering capacity she was useless against the Virginia. With the help of several tug boats and after running aground, she removed herself to the protection of the guns of Fort Monroe. She suffered no damage in the fight, although when the Virginia appeared, Captain John Marston, of the Roanoke, was the senior U.S. officer present in Hampton Roads. The Roanoke was herself refitted in 1862-1863 as a three-turreted ironclad. She was re-commissioned June 29, 1863, and returned to the Newport News area. On November 23, Secretary of the Navy, Gideon Welles, wrote her captain that “since the discovery of the torpedo on James River… the Department has felt some uneasiness with regard to the position of your vessel, as it is evidently the design of the Rebels to drift such machines of destruction upon her…. Vigilance is demanded.” Captain Gansevoort, of the Roanoke, replied that he had been stationing a picket boat up river as well as a gun boat to keep watch.

The Roanoke went out of commission at the New York Naval Yards, June 20, 1865.

Ship specifications:

Acquisition – Hull built by government at Norfolk Navy Yard; machinery at Richmond, Virginia, by Anderson Delaney and Company. Launched December 13, 1855 at the former.
Cost – $820,316.65
Description – Class: Screw steamer; frigate; wood.
Rate, rig, etc.: first; ship.
Tonnage – 3,435
Draft – When completed, forward, twenty-two feet six inches; aft, twenty-three feet six inches.
Engines – Two; horizontal direct action, trunk.
Boilers – Five; four main; one auxiliary, with tubes.
Battery – May 6, 1861, two X-inch Dahlgren S.B., 28 IX-inch Dahlgren S.B., 14 VIII-inch 63 CWT.; June 1861, add 2 heavy 12-pounders to the preceding; March 21, 1862, similar to that of May 6, 1861; August 31, 1863, forward turret, one XV-inch Dahlgren S.B., one 150-pounder Parrott rifle; middle turret, one XV-inch Dahlgren S.B., one XI-inch Dahlgren S.B.; after turret, one XI-inch Dahlgren S.B., one 50-pounder Parrott rifle.
Disposition – Sold at Chester, Pennsylvania, September 27, 1883, to E. Stannard and Company, West Brook, Connecticut, for $45,070.60.
Remarks – Altered 1862-1863 to 3 turreted ironclad by Novelty Ironworks, New York. Commissioned June 20, 1861, at New York Navy Yard; June 29, 1863, at New York Navy Yard. Went out of commission at New York Navy Yard March 25, 1862, and June 20, 1965.

SCOPE & CONTENT NOTE

This book is dated from the USS frigate Roanoke, August 1858. It begins with a signed letter from the captain, William H. Gardner, to the executive officer stating that these “revised orders” should be put into effect. It then lists sixteen specific internal orders: the bimonthly routine (4 items); the monthly routine (3 items); the “Bimensal routine” (every two months); quarterly routine; and the routines between decks in the ward room, magazine steerages, forward officers apartments and berth deck. Also listed are routines for the dispensary, galley, store room, shell room, “spirit” room and hold. The book also includes fourteen specific fire precautions to be taken. There are specifications for handling the boats, including salutes. A list of official honors and ceremonies to be rendered is included as well. A full account of the duties of the officer of the deck is given as well as those of the Master surgeon, assistant surgeons, purser, marine officer, midshipman and forward officers. The last fifteen pages of the book are blank.

SERIES DESCRIPTION

1. Regulation book (manuscript). 1 item.

1858 regulation book of the USS Roanoke, a Union blockader during the Civil War. Heavy sailcloth cover. Excellent condition.

FOLDER LISTING

BRIEF INVENTORY

Title: Guy and Joseph Thomas Papers

Dates (Inclusive & [bulk]): ca. 1924 – 1946 [1942 – 1943]

Quantity: ½ box

Types of Material: correspondence, printed material

Accession Numbers: 1970. 117; 1977.104.12

Related Material: Photo Coll. 1970.117.7A-F, 1970.117.15-17, 1977.104.12

Brief Description: This is chiefly a collection of printed material, much of which relates to the Army Air Forces School of Applied Tactics in Orlando, Florida. These items include introductory material, instructional manuals, a log book, a program, and schedules.
Other materials in the collection include: page three and four of a letter addressed to an unknown Sarah; an attendance certificate from the Public Schools of Greensboro (1926); a health certificate from the Greensboro Health Department for membership in the Cypress School health club (1925); three newspaper clippings about Senior High’s football team (1939); diplomas from St. Benedict’s School and Guilford College; five unused v-mail envelopes; an issue of the Sacred Heart Alumnae News about the memorial fund set up for Guy Thomas, Jr. and his brother Joseph (1946); and a copy of an article in the North Carolina Catholic about the memorial fund (1946).

Major Names/Subjects: Greensboro High School
Greensboro Record, The
Guilford College
North Carolina Catholic
Sacred Heart Alumnae News
St. Benedict’s School
Thomas, Guy Julian Sr. (d. 1967)
Thomas, Guy Julian Jr. (d. 1944)
Thomas, Joseph Sigmond, 1922-1944
Thomas, Martha
United States. Army Air Forces. School of Applied Tactics (Orlando, FL)
World War, 1939-1945

Date Surveyed: 8/19/2010