Administrative Information

Access Restrictions

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Use Restrictions

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Preferred Citation

Virginia Room copy fees apply. Julian Stanley Wise Papers, Accession #Wise.VR.1.7, Roanoke Public Libraries, Roanoke, VA

Acquisition Information

No acquisition information available.

Biographical/Historical Information

Julian Stanley Wise, born in Roanoke, VA, on 13 January 1900, was founder of the Roanoke Life Saving and First Aid Crew, the first volunteer rescue squad in the United States. He was the son of Robert Samuel Wise and Marcella Himes. As a nine year old child, Wise was among a group of spectators who had watched helplessly from the banks of the Roanoke River as two men drowned. Inspired by his childhood memory, he and nine of his co-workers at Norfolk & Western Railway formed the volunteer rescue squad. Wise is also credited with helping communities throughout Virginia and other states to organize volunteer rescue squads. He was also involved in the founding of state and international rescue squad organizations. Throughout his life Wise received many awards and tributes, including a citation from President Nixon in 1973 for his dedication to the rescue squad movement. Wise was captain of the Roanoke Squad for 30 years and stayed on as squad president until 1985. He was married to Ruth Light Wise. Wise died on 22 July 1985 at the age of 85.

Scope and Content

The Julian Stanley Wise Papers contains materials associated with Julian Sanely Wise, founder of the first volunteer rescue squad in the nation. Documents include biographical sketches, documents on the history and organization of the Roanoke Life Saving and First Aid Crew and the Virginia Association of Rescue Squads; personal correspondence, media articles; and certificates, tributes and awards.

Arrangement

The papers are arranged into six series. Biographical materials, Virginia Association of Rescue Squad materials, Roanoke Life Saving and First Aid Crew Materials, Personal Correspondence, Media Articles and Certificates and Awards.

Index Terms

• Roanoke Life Saving and First Aid Crew
• Roanoke, VA
• Virginia Association of Rescue Squads
• Wise, Julian Stanley