Washington and Lee University, University Library Special Collections and Archives
204 W. Washington St.The materials from Washington and Lee University Special Collections are made available for use in research, teaching, and private study, pursuant to U.S. Copyright law. The user assumes full responsibility for any use of the materials, including but not limited to, infringement of copyright and publication rights of reproduced materials. Any materials used should be fully credited with the source. Permission for publication of this material, in part or in full, must be secured with the Head of Special Collections.
Preferred citation: [Identification of item], Papers of the Walker-Wood family, WLU Coll. 0294, Special Collections and Archives, James G. Leyburn Library, Washington and Lee University, Lexington, VA
In some cases the citation format may vary. Please contact Special Collections' staff to verify the appropriate format.
The Walker and Wood families were prominent African-American families during the 20th century in Lexington, Virginia.
These papers include many photographs and items concerning the Walker and Wood families, their homes, their activities; and material about the economic, social, educational, and religious life of the African-American community in Lexington, Virginia. Extensive notes have been provided by Alex Wood, identifying his family members in photos, marking records to indicate relevance or functional purpose, and occasionally providing his perspective on the contents of records. Numerous records concern their properities, particular the Blandome home, and its 2001 acceptance to the National and Virginia State registers of historic places. Some records concern community advocacy for the development and creation of Lylburn Downing School. The collection also includes a typed letter written and signed by Virginia governor James H. Price, dated July 2, 1940, anniversary booklets of the First Baptist Church of Lexington, Virginia, and newspaper clippings.
Manuscripts cataloging information sheet. Includes processing information, such as author of collection, biographical information, collection title, bulk date range for collection, size of collection, scope and contents note, provenance, name of donor, subjects, and correspondents. Includes print outs of related articles and one photograph.
Contains photographs of the Walker family. Includes two photographs of Harry Lee Walker (5x7), two photgraphs of Eliza Walker (4x6), one photograph of Harry Thomas Walker (5x7), one photograph of Eliza Walker and Harry Thomas Walker (3.5x5), one photograph of Hettie AAdamns with James Horace Lewis on her lap - Aunt Nin and Cousin Nellie Scruggs Lewis - pulled from Alex Wood's notebook in control folder (Box 1, Folder 1).
This file consists of a programs from the Benevlolent and Protective Order of Elks Memorial Service, December 13, 1925, and a 'Thanksgiving Souvenir' from Thanksgiving, 1906, at First Baptist Church, Lexington, Va. Also includes assorted photographs of Walker-Wood family members.
Includes personal letter form John G. James, VMI class of 1866,to Eliza Walker. James wrote to Eliza giving a donation with the request that a rose bush be put on the grave of the VMI cook, the 'Judge,' who he never saw again after Hunter's Raid. Included is an article published in 1971 giving more information on Hunter's Raid and the Virginia Military Institue. Eliza is addressed in the letter as the 'Treasurer Walker' of the 'Colored Cemetery.'
This file consists of postcards and pamphlets with views of Old Lexington, Va. Images depict Old Main Street, Lee's Funeral, and Castle Hill Hotel.
This file consists of fliers advertising an appearance of Congressman Oscar De Priest, who was the 'first and only member of colored race to be elected to Congress of the U. S. in 28 years.' The appearance was presented by the Rockbridge Walker Federation of Colored Women's Club. Eliza Walker was the president of the club. Also included is biographical information about Oscar De Priest.
This file consists of newspaper clippings about the campaign for the Lexington Old Folks Home and Orphanage, a pamphlet with information about the home, a charter signed by prominent Lexington citizens, and a photograph of Mrs. H. L. Walker with three orphans. Mrs. Walker was the president of the home.
This file consists of a pamphlet from the McCormick Celebration held by Washington and Lee Unversity on September 25, 1931.
This file consists of a photograph from the Virginia Federation of Colored Women Convention and a newspaper clipping about the event.
This file consists of a flier for a musical and vocal contest judged by Eliza Walker, 1915, and a program for 'Jephthah and His Daughter,' 1925, managed by Mrs. H. L. Walker and Mrs. C. M. Wood. Also included are a ticket to 'Jephthah and His Daughter' and a newspaper clipping about The Charity Nightingales, 'the first musical organization of colored singers.'
This file consists of a letter written by the Committee on Unemployed. Mrs. Eliza Walker was the chairman and Mrs. Virginia Gilliam was the secretary. They wrote to white citizens in Lexington asking them to assist in finding more work opportunities. No date included.
This file consists of a business card, 6 price lists, signatures, a photograph, recipes, lables, and letterheads.Includes document of H.L. Walker and C.M. Wood partnership.
File consists of contract for meat at Virginia Military Institute from January 1st, 1920. Signed by then V.M.I. superintendent E.W. Nichols and H.L. Walker.
This file consists of a newspaper article written about the business sucess of Harry Walker, titled "From Cattle Boy to Business Man." It also includes a copy of a biographical information about Walker.
This file consists of a program from the NCAAP meeting where a memorial for Eliza Walker was held in Roanoke, Va., and program notes about Eliza Walker. From Alex Wood's notebook (Box 1, Folder 0) - Honored in Roanoke, Va. - Pioneer in Civil Rights."
This file includes a handwritten note concerning Executive Committee Meeting of the Home and School League in Lexington, VA. Dated March 9th, 1923. Reverend W.N. Holt and C.M. Wood advocated for the contrsuction of a new school building for Black citizens.
This file consists of two earlier copies of a photograph of the Nightingales and two modern copies of the photograph. Depicted in back row of photograph from left to right are Perry Benjamin, L. Richardson, Clarence Wood, Dr. Hawkins, Al Morrison, and Miller Dock (?). Front row from left to right are Nannie Wood, Kassie Banks, G. Shacker, Leanna Clark, Gladys Washington, and Daisy Evans. No date.
This file contains a letter from the Stonewall Jackson Area Council of Boy Scouts of America to Mr. Bozeman denying the formation of an African American Boy Scout Troop in Lexington at that time.
This file consists of two old publications and a Washington and Lee University broadside. The publication are entitled 'The University Monthly: A Journal of School and Home,' 1871, and 'Southern Literary Messenger,' August 1839.
The Walker family house, 'Blandome,' is mentioned in the article. Blandome is where John Thomas Lewis Preston first lived.
This file consists of two unique advertisements for "Blandome" (5x3 and 3.5x6.5) with directional instructions, potential tourist attractions for visitors, and a description of the Blandome home. There are duplicates of both advertisements.
This file consists of two copies of a photographs of members of the Walker family, as idenitified on the back, and Wright's Orchestra from Ohio who played at Washington and Lee dances. The picture most likely is taken a Blandome.
This file contains the wedding invitation for Nannie Walker's wedding to Clarence M. Wood, held at First Bapstist Church in Lexington, Va. Contains brief reference to Blandome.
This file consists of a photograph of the Buffalo Soldiers, C Troop., 9th Calvary. Alexander Bannister, Eliza's brother, is one of the soldiers in the photograph.
This files includes the obsequies of Mrs. Nellie Virginia Lewis. The pamphlet includes an obituary, information about the location, date, time, and the Reverend conducting the service.
This file consists of two nurses on horseback visiting from Freedmen's Hospital, which is now Howard University in Washington, D. C.
This file includes a hand-painted drawing of Nannie Bannister, married to Nolan Brooks, who was Eliza Walker's sister. Note written in Eliza Walker's hand on back.
This file consists of a note on the origins and history of the Rockbridge County NAACP chapter.
This file contains an article entitled "Old Trough, Foundation To Be Displayed Here," which documents the gift of a 19th century stone watering trough and a Victorian-style cast iron fountain from Mrs. Burton Deaver to the Rockbridge Historical Society.
This file consists of an article about stories of Washington and Lee's boat races.
This file consists of a letter written by W. F. Day of Knoxville, Tn., to the Rockbridge Walker Club inquiring about genealogy.
This file consists of a letter from The Stonewall Jackson House to Mrs. C. M. Wood concerning the Jackson Memorial Window in the Presbyerian Church at Roanoke. An article about the window was attached with the letter. There are also two color photographs of the window.
The paper reads: 'Leather found beneath attic floor believed to have been let during occupancy of Union Army - 1864. Note: the name of Captain Dinwiddie.'
This file consist of six separate vouchers from 1798, signed by William Carruthers and Eliza Paxton.
This file consists of a tax notice to Thorton Bannister from the Treasurer of Rockbridge County.
This file consists of five Tucker and Gaulidett Letters, including invitations to Dinner in 1885.
This file consists of poems written by Eliza Walker. Many of them are satirical and written in dialect.
This file consists of a photograph of Oscar de Priest. No date.
This file consists of a portait of Eliza Walker and a photograph of Harry Thomas Walker and his cousin Vernita Jones both on horseback. From Alex Wood's notebook (Box 1, Folder 0 - Control Folder) "Picture - Eliza A.M. Walker. Harry Thomas and Vernita Jones, Sam Jones' daughter. Harry Lee Walker's brother. At farm near spring."
Clarence Wood and Nannie Wood were members of the Charity Nightingales, and Mrs. H. L. Wood was the manager.
This file consists of a copy of a photograph of Eliza Bannister Walker, Harry Thomas Walker, Harry Lee Walker, and Nannie Walker Wood. Photograph taken by Michael Miley.
This file consists of an unidentified midwife permit. It establishes that the owner of the permit is a certified midwife.
This file includes photographs of the Walker family, their relatives, and their house. One photo of their house on Main St. Lexington is included (5x3.5), two photos of family members in front of Natural Bridge (2x2), two photos of Eliza Walker (1x3), one photo of Eliza Walker and relative (3x5), one photo of Irene B. Beale - Eliza's sister and Mary Toy's Mother (3.5x5.5), one photo of Zack Taylor - reffered to as "Uncle Zack Taylor" on back of photo (3.5x5.5), and one photo of Nannie Walker Wood, Mrs. Watts, Eliza Walker, and Mr Hill (4.5x3).
This file consists of information related to the Family. From Alex Wood's notebook (Box 0, Folder 1 - Control Folder) "Found in umbrella holder and how to locate relatives of Eliza Walker relatives in Black Cemetery in Murat (Alice Moore info)."
This file includes a photograph of Hettie Adams, Harry Lee Walker's mother, and a photo of Eliza at Natural Bridge in veil after H.T.'s death.
Clippings include news of the deaths of Harry Lee Walker, Harry Walker, and Clarence M. Wood. There is also a profile on Mrs. Nannie W. Wood and clippings of Eliza's poems.
This file consists of photographs, newspaper clippings, and programs of The Charity Nightingales. It is mostly copies of items from Box 1 that were used for Alex's lecture at VMI. The folder also includes materials on the McCormick Celebration in 1931, Oscar dePreist Lecture by Alex Wood in 1931, band booking for a Washington and Lee University dance, and a "New Glory Song" by Revered Holt - including music and vocal contest description for the event in 1915.
This file consists of items pertaining to the Walker-Wood family's social life. It includes copies of the Oscar De Priest program (original in Box 1) and copies of photographs. One of the photographic copies is of the Rose Inn.
This file consists of material related to the BPOE. It includes several copies of a photograph and copies of a BPOE program (original in Box 1). Included is an orginial photograph from the Virginia Federation of Colored Women (copy in Box 1 folder 10).
This file consists of copies advertisements for the Lexington Memorial Old Folks Home and Orphanage.
This file consists mostly of xeroxes realted to First Baptist Church, where the Walker-Wood family attended. Inlcuded are an original photograph of a group and a aluminum tin type of the church.
This file consists of photographs oh teachers, the Old Randolph St. school, and Lylburn Downing school.
This file includes four photocopies of photographs depicting the Lylburn Downing football team and school. One photo of the class is paired with Ted Delaney's identification of the subjects of the photo.
This file consists of photographs from the Jacob Ruff House and information about the house.
This file consists of contracts between H. L. Wood and Virginia Military Institute for fresh meats from the Walker-Wood business. Orignials of the contracts are in Box 1.
This file consists of fliers for the Meat Market and business ran by Harry Lee Walker.
This file consists of a copy of an article about H. L. Walker and a photocopy of the photograph from the article. The orginial article is in Box 1 folder 15.
'The Star' was a newspaper published by the African American community in Lexington, Va. C. M. Wood was the editor.
Alex Wood thinks the minister in the photograph is Reverend Lucas.
This broadside was about the establishment of a fire engine company.
This file consists of Alex Wood's notes on the collection.
This file consists of Alex Wood's speech concerning the experience of Black Lexingtonians from 1900 to 1950, given at Virginia Military Institute for the Rockbridge Historical Society. Topics include social dynamics, education, economics, and religion in the Black community.
This file contains the paper entitled "Orson Fowler, The Domestic Octagon, and 'The Little House at Blandome'" written by F. Leonard Darby for a course on American Architecture. The paper traces the history of octagonal deisgn in domestic homes, and explores its use in Blandome.
This file consists of real estate listings, photographs, sketches, and maps depicting the location, features, and physical characteristics of Blandome and other Walker-Wood properties.
This file consists of newspaper clippings, photographs, magazine articles, and a Lexington Historical Society calendar from 1983, which all describe or depict the Blandome home. The folder also contains a copy of the registration form for the National Register of Historic Places for the Blandome home.
Most of the photographs in this file are from 1957-1962 of 'Blandome,' the home of Mr. and Mrs. H. L. Walker. Also included are a few earlier photogaphs of the home, a photograph of Alex's brother, as identified on the back, and a woman, and an unidentified modern portrait.
This file consists of C.M. Wood's biology notebook.
This file consists of C.M. Wood's philosophy notebook.
This file consists of C.M. Wood's Latin notebook
This file consists of C.M. Wood's English literature notebook.
This file consists of miscellaneous correspondence addressed to the Blandome home, usually addressed to Nannie Walker Wood and Clarence M. Wood. The folder includes a copy of a letter addressed to Alex Wood from the Virginia state Department of Historic Resources sharing that Blandome was entered into the national register of historic places.
This file consists of a photograph of the Walker family at their home (7x5). The top row of the photo depicts Edwin T. Sr., Alice T., and Alice, while the bottom row depicts Eloise, Edwin T Jr., and Velma.
This file consists of twenty-nine miscellaneous family photos of members of the Wood family. Includes an annotated list of photographs and family members by Alex Wood.
This file consists of Harry Lee Walker's resume, photocopies of the resume, newspaper clippings regarding Nannie Walker Wood, and a program for the twenty-fifth anniversary dinner of the Rockbridge chapter of the NAACP, where Malvin R. Goode was a guest speaker.
This file consists of a pamphlet detailing the location and offerings of Green Pastures Recreation Area- a segregated park for Black people located near Clifton Forge- and an article from the Roanoke Times detailing the efforts to preserve the park located in the Alleghany Highlands. The pamphlet includes descriptions of the physical features of the park, available activities, hours of operation, and hand-drawn maps of the area.
This file consists of a bound insurance survey by Aetna of Clarence M. Wood's three buildings in 1956.
This file consists of a bound copy of a fire inspection report for the property of Clarence M. Wood and Nannie Walker Wood, submitted by R. Bruce Morrison.
This file consists of a photocopy of a proposed Lexington Old Folks Home and Orphanage, which was one of Eliza Walker's projects.
This file consists of miscellaneous newspaper clippings, photograph copies, materials from the Virginia Department of Historic Resources, and two guides to the manuscript collections of the Rockbridge Historical Society and James Graham Leyburn library.
This file consists of Nannie Walker Wood's notebook on the Bible at Hartshorn College in Richmond Virginia from 1914.
This file consists of Nannie Walker Wood's notebook on the Bible from 1916.
This file consists of Nannie Walker Wood's notebook on the Bible from 1917.
This file consists of Nannie Walker Wood's algebra notebook from 1917.
This file consists of a photo of the Roanoke, Va. Link Chapter from October 1950, of which Nannie Wood is standing in the first standing row second from the right. Other photographed members are listed on the photo.
This file consists of a photograph of Nannie Walker Wood (5x7).
This file consists of C.M. Wood's copy of Ellis Nathaniel Zuckerman's sociology term paper at Washington and Lee University entitled "A Study of the Status of Negroes in the Social Arrangements of Lexington, Virginia." The paper discusses debates over usage of the local hospital, "areas of contention" between Black and white residents, and dated descriptions of Black residents and their professions and education.
This file consists of six photocopies of photographs depicting historic Lexington buildings along with Alex Wood's notes. The folder also contains an article from the News Gazette documenting the publication of calendar by the Rockbridge Historical Society that used photos of historic local buildings, such as the Blandome home.
This file consists of one photocopy sheet depicting three photographs. One of Dr. Alfred W. Pleasants, a prominent Black doctor in Lexington, one of the building in which his office was located, and one of his office assistant Laura Watts. Also includes Alex Wood's notes identifying the subjects of each photograph.
This file consists of two photocopies of photographs depicting Mary Rose, owner and propreitor, in front of the building and sign for the Rose Inn, which advertised "rooms for colored tourists."
This file consists of two photocopies of a photograph of Hugh A. Williams, the barber at the Robert E. Lee Hotel. Also includes Alex Wood's note identifying Williams. No date.
This file consists of a paper by Anthony M. Murray for Pam Simpson's architecture 107 class in Spring of 1974 entitled "Architecture Project: The Appalachia Pickin' Parlor." The paper details the history and provenance of the "Pickin' Parlor," formerly the Lexington Meat Market and later the Wilson-Walker house, both in ownership and in astylistic exterior and interior architectural features.
This file consists of a paper written by Wayne Kille for the WLU course American Vernacular Architecture 557 for professor Dell Upton in February of 1957, entitled "The Willson-Walker House: A Provincial Neoclassical Revival Building." The paper provides an architectural and stylistic analysis and evaluation of the building, as well as numerous photos depicting the interior and exterior of the building.
This file consists of a photograph of the Wood family in the Blandome home. Alex Wood's note indicate that the following people are depicted in the photo: (Back row from left to right) Edward Thomas Wood, Maries Wood Hayes, Private Clarence M. Wood Jr., Bette Jo Wood Swann, Alexander B. Wood (front row from left to right) Clarence M. Wood Sr., Nannie Elizabeth Walker Wood, Harry Walker Wood.
This file contains the register for Box 5 of the Walker-Wood family collection, accompanying notes written by Alex Wood, the manuscripts cataloging information, and three photographs of the Green Pasture Recreational Area.
This file consists of a photograph of Nannie Walker Scruggs, Nellie V. Lewis, James H. Lewis, and Hattie Adams (5x7). Folder also includes a copy of the certificate of death for Hettie Adams.
This file includes two photographs of the Blandome home (5.5x3.5).
This file includes two photographs of the Blandome home in winter (5x7). No date.
This file includes a photograph postcard, on which Clarence M. Wood is indicated and pictured with football teammates. The postcard on the back is address to Jack M. Wood.
This image shows Clarence Wood as a member of an unidentified summer staff. He was working to make money for college.
This file consists of a photograph of Clarence M. Wood at Virginia Union University and a photograph of Pickford Hall.
This file contains a photo of the Walker-Wood family. Depicted in the front row from left to right are Harry Walker Wood, Marrie, Clarence Jr., Bettie Jo, Alex, and Nannie. Harry Walker is behind Nannie. DePriest is in the back row with white hair. Clarence M. is in the back row on the left. CMamie Jones is behind Harry Walker Wood.
This file contains a photograph of C.M. Wood's family (7x5). From left to right, the photograph depicts Edward, Clarence M., Nannie W., Harry Walker, Clarence Jr., and Alex B.
This file contains a photograph of Clarence Wood's family as Clarence accepts a second place prize in a sweepstakes. The photo depicts Harry Walker Wood, Olivia Johnson Wood, Clarence M. Wood Sr., Clarence Wood Jr., Nannie Walker Wood, and Dr. Edward T. Wood. On the back of the photograph, it is noted that Alex was not present.
This file contains two pages of the Third Quarter, 1954 edition of "The Whetstone," a publication made by the North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Company. Two pages are the cover of the magazine, as well as an article on the Wood family and the Blandome home entitled "A 'Mutual' Family." Clarence M. Wood worked twenty-two years for North Carolina Mutual Insutrance Company.
This file includes a photograph of Delta Sigman Sorority members from 1955 (10x8). From left to right the standing members are as follows: Marguerite Johnson, Mary Colbert Lewis, Laura Etta, Price Rucker, Freddye H. Wood, Christine Clayton, Elvia D. Brooks. The sitting members are, from left to right, Amanda Pleasants-Winters, Martha Price Lias, and Fracnes P. Ragsdale. Writing on the back of the photograph indicates Martha taught at Lylburn Downing.
This file consists of a photograph and an article about Edward T. Wood's graudation from the University of Virginia Medical School. Edward was one of the two first African American people admitted to the University of Virginia Medical School.
This file includes a photograph of Nannie Walker Wood on her wedding day in 1919.
This file contains one photograph. Susie is identified on the back as Marie Baker's mother who died when Marie was 2 years old. Marie Baker was 82 in 2001.
This file contains Eliza Walker Wood's leather bound address book.
This file contains two account books belonging to Harry Lee Walker, one of which refers to his account with the Peoples National Bank, in Lexington, Va.
This file consists of Nannie Wood's account book of boarding school expenses of her children. The family paid a lot in real estate taxes but had to pay out a lot for private schools since Lexington had no complete high school until 1947. Lylburn Downing was built in 1927, but had no complete high school until 1947. Bette Jo went to Ingleside Free Memorial Institute.
This file consists of a notebook of income from rental property. The first few were from parts of the Willson-Walker building. The cabins were relocated from Buffalo Creek to 'The farm.'
Harry Walker's photograph is used on the invitation on the left towards the bottom. Winifred Hadsel wrote a note to Nannie Wood thanking her for letting her use the photograph.
This file consists of a program for Nannie Elizabeth Walker Wood's funeral service, held at Vine Memorial Baptist Church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1993.
This file consists of a flag hung in the window during WWII. The flag has two stars for Clarence Jr. and Harry Walker.
This file consists of letter from Governor Price to Clarence Wood. Wood had found a ring belonging to Price's son. Returning the favor, Price interceded for Wood to get the administration's position at the New Green Pastures National Park. Included in the file is a note by Alexander Wood explaining the incident.
This file consists of a photograph of the 7th Grade First Aid Class at Lylburn Downing School, April 1944, a photograph of Mrs. Jesse M. Woodley, Alex's 1st and 2nd grade teacher at Lylburn Downing School, and a program from Marie Wood Hayes's funeral
This file contains a photograph of C.M. Wood on the football team at Virginia Union University in 1916.
This file consists of three diplomas from the Virginia Normal and Industrial Institute and a certificate of honorary membership to the Kappa Gamma Chi Literary Society.
Nannie Walker art book at Hartshorn Memorial College on campus of Campus of Virginia Union University.
This file consists of: Eighty-seventh Church Anniversary Booklet, 1954 Centennial Commemoration Book, 1967 125th Anniversary First Baptist Church, 1992 First Baptist Church 147th Anniversary, 2014
This file consists of clipping and xeroxed materials on segregation in Lexington.
Edward Wood's photograph was in the Saturday Evening Post in an article about integration in southern schools.
This file consists of an issue of Life Magazine with Coretta King on the cover.
This file consists of an issue of Life Magazine featuring Vernon Merritt, an African American photographer.
This file includes a copy of the Virginia Magazine of History and Biography Vol. 97 No. 3, published in July 1989 by the Virginia Historical Society. This copy is included in the collection because the cover photograph depicts members of a black lodge in Lexington, Virginia, at the turn of the 20th century from the Virginia Historical Society's Michael Miley Collection.
This file contains a copy of Charles Wilson Turner's 1983 memoir entitled "A Straw in the Wind: Some Days of My Years" with a signature and note from the author addressed to Mrs. C. Wood. The enscription reads as follows "To Mrs. C. Wood, who was so kind to me. Sincerely, Charles W. Turner. The man I gave 'old memories' to for history."
This file consists of two childrens books owned and marked in by Alex Wood. One is "The Child's World Primer" by Sarah Withers, Hetty S. Browne, and W.K. Tate, published by the Johnson Publishing Company in Richmond, Virginia in 1917, and includes writing by Alex Wood, as well as his age - five. The other is Play Fellows, which also includes marginalia by Wood, but is missing a publishing page with relevant information on author, publisher, and release date.