Collections

Journal, compiled by Lucy Elizabeth James in 1959, titled "Four Score Years, 1880-1960," in which the author shares memories of the different stations of her life in a "series of random letters and narrations." Includes reminiscences of her childhood in New Kent County, student years in Farmville, years spent in Williamsburg and Newport News, all Virginia. Also included are photographs of the author, from 1880 to the 1950s, and two 1973 obituaries for Robert Welmore James (1901-1973). Includes some narration on student life at the College of William and Mary, where her husband, George B. Wright was a student in the late 1890s.

An artificial collection of papers created from material acquired during the 1930's and 1940's. Mostly letters, financial records, published material and official records of individuals in Virginia and elsewhere. Includes documents and signatures of well known people, such as Benjamin Harrison, John Randolph and Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Letter, 1859 October 30, from someone named Maria to Elizabeth S. Ewell, daughter of College of William and Mary president Benjamin S. Ewell. In the letter, the author writes about life in Williamsburg, Virginia, the engagements of local men including professor Edwin Taliaferro to Bland Tucker, the Williamsburg Female Academy, and the loss of George T. Wilmer as rector of Bruton Parish Church.

Letter from Martha Rochelle Tyler, granddaughter of President John Tyler to her father, John Tyler, son of President Tyler. Martha writes about keeping house, the recent visit of a Bishop to the town an accompanying church service, and upcoming plans to see her father. The letter is dated June 14th, 1881, at Jerusalem, Virginia.

Scrapbook, 1866-1878, of Mary L. Willis [Richmond, Virginiaa. ?] which contains newspaper clippings; cards; and colored cut-outs of flowers, birds, fruit, animals, angels, and cupids.

A diary kept by Mary Plummer Mcllwaine during the year of 1932. Mcllwaine was born in 1889 in Petersburg, VA, and died there in 1973 at the age of 84. Her father worked as a medical doctor in Petersburg, and she continued to live there with her mother and sister "Becca" after his passing. This diary covers Mcllwaine's day-to-day activities over the course of a year; recounting her work with rental properties she managed or owned, church activities she attended, and various family events that occupied her time.

Chiefly invitations received by Sally McDowell. Includes printed invitations, 1839, to [George] Washington "Birthnight Ball" held by students at the College of William and Mary; invitation, 1839, to attend a party given at the Bell Tavern; silhouettes, n. d., of Sally McDowell and Dr. [?] McDowell; program, 1851, of entertainment given in London for [Abbott Lawrence]; and account, 1861-1865, of Lilly McDowell.

Diary, 1840-1842 of Mildred Stone Brown of Fredericksburg, Virginia. Mildred Stone Browne was born in October of 1820 to William Browne and Margaret Emily Stone. In 1846, Mildred Stone Brown married John Lawrence Mayre, who later became the Lieutenant Governor of Virginia. In her diary, Mildred writes about the weather, events, and illnesses. She spends many of her days visiting and hosting family and friends. She attends weddings, engagement parties, social events, and goes on numerous outings. The Brownes were most likely an upper middle class family, as Mildred does not write about homework or labor. The family goes to church every Sunday and Mildred is a very devoted woman. Besides her daily activities, her diary includes 45 pages of private devotions. These devotions includes prays for herself, prayers for her mother, father, brother, and sister, and prays for people in positions of authority, including the president. There is also a section on a series of psalms regarding divine trust. In the back of the journal there is a series of poems and excerpts from famous writers, including William Shakespeare.

Photostatic copies (likely made circa 1965-1970) of letters written to Mollie M. Graves in Charles City Courthouse, who recently left Williamsburg, Virginia, from friends and relatives who reside in Williamsburg. The letters are addressed in care of Robert W. Graves.

The papers of American writer Molly Elliot Seawell include personal diaries, correspondence, memoirs, photographs, news clippings, and other materials. Also included are photocopies of Seawell's business papers housed at the New York Public Library and at the Columbia University Library. The collection also contains other records from the Seawell family, mostly relating to Molly's aunt Maria Seawell Edwards, John T. Seawell and wife Isabella Josephine Brady, and Philip Hairston Seawell. The collection comprises four series: Diaries, 1900-1914; Personal Records, 1901-1916; Professional Records, 1889-1915; and Seawell Family Records, 1859-2001.