Collections : [Alexandria Library]

The collection consists of research materials, clippings and correspondence relating to the Ruebush, Funk, Moon, and Andrews families. The materials were gathered by Bertha A. (Betsy) Curtin as she researched her ancestors.

This collection consists of correspondence, research materials, including computer discs and card files, and printed local history publications written and collected by Mrs. Sprouse. Of particular interest are the card files, containing extensive information on Alexandria, Fairfax, and the surrounding areas extracted from newspapers and public records as well as collected through interviews and fieldwork.

The collection consists of primarily of photographs, with some artwork, correspondence, and contracts included. The photos are primarily centered around the 1920's Washington D.C. vaudeville scene. Included are letters from Allen Dulles, former head of the CIA, one concerning Elanora's death and service, and another commending Raymond upon his retirement. Another letter concerns a friend of Elanora's, which describes her experience with the Mange Bros. Circus in Venezuela. There are also a small number of photos and negatives of the couple's travels in the 1940's and 50's to Niagara Falls, and Great Falls, VA.

The collection consists of articles, notes correspondence, clippings, and printed matter written and collected by Mrs. Templeman. A full set (1921- 1994), mostly bound, of the annual reports of the Society of the Lees of Virginia is included. Duplicate copies found in the collection were retained for their value as Mrs. Templeman's working copies and feature marginalia and corrections. Thirty-five positive prints, four negatives and one transparency have been transferred to the Photographic Collection. Most correspondence was retained in the subject areas it was found in rather than being organized separately.

This collection documents the professional photography business of Elrich W. Murphy. Over 2,500 professional photographs taken by Murphy capture members of Alexandria's African American community and local events. Images of Murphy's family and friends were taken primarily by Murphy, but there are also family photographs taken by other people. Of interest is an oversized, hand-colored photographic print of the Tidal Basin and the Washington Monument. Included formats in this collection are film negatives, photographic prints, ephemera, and digital surrogates of receipt books and an accounting ledger.