The gathers at the shoulder of Walker's garment are suggestive of a graduation gown. May be her high school graduation photograph.

Written, mailed, and stamped by Ottie Walker to her sister Garnie Walker, address "Ivydale, Wva" in October 1936. Includes a message about cost of boarding, cases of scarlet fever, and other things. Found hidden in between pages 322 and 323 of Walker's Elements of Geography textbook.

John Coulter is the son of Janie Stephenson Coulter, a teacher who has an entry in The Ringing of the Bells . A related email was printed and included. On the back of the photograph, John Coulter wrote, "Garnie Walker, Glenville. Mom's Room Mate," however, a stamp of the developer indicates that the photo was made in Des Moines, Iowa. In late 1944, Walker did spend 9 weeks in Des Moines in WAC Training, but the location and date of the photo is uncertain.

Two same-day images on hilltop near Glenville, WV, 1930s. One is of Walker standing by herself. The second is her sitting with Janie Stephenson; behind them are Jim Curry (left) and French DeBoard (rt). A related email was printed and included.

Possible locations are Glenville State Teachers College, Marshall College, and even WVU in Morgantown. 1930s or early 1940s.

Estimate for the date and context of this photograph is Walker's 1940 graduation from Marshall College when she received her B.A. degree in Education.

Walker's graduation announcement of the 1940 Marshall College commencement ceremony; her name appears on the last page.

Written, stamped, and mailed from Walker to her sister Josephine ("Mrs. Josephine Hickman") in Charleston, WV. Likely sent while Walker was in Huntington at Marshall College.

A History of Education in Clay County, West Virginia . Garnie Wilma Walker, A.B. 1942 Morgantown, West Virginia. Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Masters of Arts to the Faculty of the Graduate School of West Virginia University. This is Walker's personal copy of her thesis. The Chairman of her examining committee was Dr. H. G. Wheat of the College of Education, WVU. His signature appears at the back.

Marshall College Student Government yearbook, 1940. Walker's name is printed in the front of the book. She completed her Bachelor of Arts degree in the Teachers College of Marshall College in June 1940. Her photograph as a senior student is included on page 48.

Walker's name is printed in ink in front of book.

Walker's hand-printed name appears in ink in front of this Pulitzer-Prize winning novel. Glasgow "portrayed the changing world of the contemporary South in a realistic manner" (including the topic of racism).

"Garnie W. Walker Ivydale, W. Va." appears in penciled cursive writing in front of book. Within text are penciled underlining and notes in Walker's hand and someone else's, perhaps her sister Ottie's. There are 9 folded maps in an attached envelope at the back of the book. Also there are seven folded papers that are tests and/or study questions related to the book. Much of the handwriting on these is Garnie Walker's. There may be a second person's writing; possibly Ottie Walker.

"Miss Garnie Walker" appears in ink in front of book, but the previous owner(s) has written many notes in pencil in front and elsewhere. Notes at back of book are in Walker's hand, and somewhere she wrote "Test" at the beginning of a section.

Walker's name appears in ink, cursive writing in front of book. Her penciled notes and underlining are evident. This book likely influenced her Masters work where she identified, researched and followed through with a "Problem" for a written thesis.

Walker's name appears in ink, cursive writing in front of book. She may have acquired this book around 1936 while at Glenville State College.

Walker's printed, inked name appears in front of book. She may have used this book in part, along with the Methodology one, during the summer of 1942 to guide her thesis work/writing/formatting. Her handwritten notes appear on several pages.

"Garnie W. Testa" is hand-printed in red pencil in front of book. She married Carmelo Testa in 1949 but this is a textbook likely acquired in Morgantown during her WVU Master's Degree work, so it is unclear when she wrote her name.

"Garnie W. Walker" appears, hand-printed in ink, in the front of this textbook. Previously owned. Penciled underlining evident.

Garnie Walker's name is printed in ink in front of book. Below it is another name, presumably a previous owner.

Garnie Walker's name is in inked cursive writing in front of book.

"Garnie W. Walker" appears in ink in front of book. The book relates to secondary-school instruction. Walker received her Secondary Teaching Certificate from Marshall College in 1943.

"Garnie Wilma Walker Ivydale, W. Va." is printed in ink by Walker's hand in front of book. There was at least one previous owner/user, so more than one person has made notations throughout, but Walker's handwritten penciled notes are recognizably distinctive.

Ottie Walker's penciled cursive signature is written in front of book. Garnie Walker used and cited this updated history volume in her 1942 WVU M.A. thesis.

"Garnie W. Walker" is hand-printed in ink in front of book.

Garnie Walker's name is printed in ink in front of book. Others appear in cursive by different hands, as does a penciled price of $2.29. While not directly related to Walker's course of study, she may have used this plant book for reference.

"Garnie Walker Ivydale, Clay Co. W. Va." written in cursive ink in front of book. She likely used this book as a text during the 1939-1940 school year at Marshall College.

Garnie Walker's name is in penciled cursive writing in front of book. Penciled notes and underlining are present through the book.

Garnie Walker's inked, printed name appears in the front of this book.

"Garnie Wilma Walker" and "Garnie Walker" names appear in front of book. As do "Ottie Walker," and "Mary Brannon" (possibly a cousin on maternal side of family). And "Nay S. Hathaway June 14, 1935 Glenville College." Mr. Hathaway was a teacher at Laurel Ridge School. Other names of owners/users appear. Walker was at Glenville State Teachers College in the summers of 1933 -1937.

Walker wrote her name in front of book - "Garnie Walker" and there is a stamp: "….......'s Bookstore - The Pentagon - Washington 25 D. C."

Edited volume featuring a memoir by Walker Testa

Edited volume featuring an essay by Walker

On page III, a statement reads that the book is published "by order of the Secretary of War: Official: Dwight D. Eisenhower, Chief of Staff and Edward F. Witsell, Major General The Adjutant General," and Garnie Walker wrote in pencil next to Witsell's name: "My Boss for 6 months. Left this office to go to Germany June 1946."

Walker's name is printed on the front cover along with her number A513026. These are also stamped in bold black ink on the front cover, inside on front page, and again in the back.

Elmendorf is likely where Carmelo Testa, Walker's husband, was stationed throughout the 1950s.

Two related booklets

Photograph is in a decorative "USA" frame with flag motifs

Includes the following photographs, many of which have handwritten captions: Garnie W. Walker in uniform including cap. "About 1946." (shoulder patch signifies Military District - Washington.); Photographs of Garnie W. Walker in uniform 1947 (2 8x10s (1 b/w, 1 colorized); 1 5x6); Photograph of Carmelo Testa in uniform, sitting in a dog sled with dogs on snow-covered ground in front of a building (likely taken in Alaska, where he was station at this time); Six photographs of scenes that may be in Alaska, presumably taken by Carmelo Testa; Photograph of 7th Historical Unit - Headquarters USAFE, Wiesbaden Germany July 1947 (Eight individuals all named on back of photo in Walker's handwriting. Taken on steps to a building); A photograph showing Garnie Walker with her brother in law Judson Hickman in a Naval uniform.; Photograph of Garnie and her sister Josephine E. Walker; Photograph of Walker's visit to a German farm; Photograph of Walker in a uniform overcoat and cap; Photograph captioned by Walker showing American soldiers at wreckage of Hitler's bombed retreat; Photograph captioned by Walker as "Eagle's Nest - Hitler's Retreat - Berchtesgaden."; 4 photographs of Walker in uniform in Austria, Denmark, and Norway; Photograph of Walker and friends at a dinner party at the Rocker Club, Wiesbaden, Germany, 5 February, 1948; Photograph of Walker and friends in front of an airplane, Wiesbaden Airfield. 1948; Photograph of Walker and friends under wing of same airplane, Wiesbaden Airfield; Photograph of a 3-story building in Frankfurt, Germany, August 1948; Photograph of same 3-story building in Frankfurt; Photograph of a funeral for a WAC 1948; Photograph of Walker sitting in a chair in Copenhagen; Photographs of Walker and friends in uniform taken at Wespertal Lodge, Germany, 1948?; Photograph of Garnie W. Walker in uniform with cap; Wedding photographs of Garnie Walker Testa and new husband Carmelo F. Testa. April 29, 1949; Photograph of the Egyptian Sphinx with pyramid in background (After missions in North Africa and Italy, ca. 1942-1943, Carmelo Testa visited Alexandria and Cairo, Egypt.); Photograph of Carmelo F. Testa in Panama - Canal Zone, circa 1938; Portrait photographs of Carmelo Francisco Testa in uniform, 1948, Air Force First Intelligence Service.; Printed photographs of framed panoramic photograph of Thirty Third Infantry - Panama Canal Zone 1938

Includes the following items: Postcard of Hotel Maison Rouge where Walker stayed in Strasbourg, France November 19-21, 1948 (In Walker's handwriting. It is not addressed to anyone. It may have been included in an envelope perhaps with a letter.); Postcard of the Eiffel Tower from "Carmelo and Garnie." 1949 (In Walker's handwriting, stamped addressed to her mother home on the farm. "Mrs. Albert S. Walker, Ivydale, West Virginia U. S. A." GW and Carmelo Testa were on their honeymoon in Paris, May 1949.); Postcard showing the Hotel de Ville, a bridge over the Seine with a boat. 1949 (From Walker, stamped and addressed to "Mrs. Gene Hamrick" Clay WV. This was Wallker's sister, Justena Walker Hamrick.); 2 postcards from Pvt. Garnie W. Walker in Iowa where she was in training at Fort Des Moines (one sent to sister Josephine and one sent to brother Leonard); 2 postcards from Pfc. Garnie W. Walker at Fort Myer, VA (both sent to Josephine)

Includes a series of letters, but one seems to be missing, per a note from the donor.

Includes an assortment of 110 guidebooks, pamphlets, language learning books, history and culture books, and more for regions across continental Europe, the British Isles, Scandinavia, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.

Likely belonged to Carmelo Testa

Two copies

Walker visited Nurnberg to view the trials, this may the record of the one she attended.

Carmelo Testa is likely in this photograph.

Walker taught at Laurel Ridge School in the 1936-1937 school year. Her handwriting appears on the backside: "Laurel Ridge School Garnie Walker Teacher." A dated stamp from Glenville WV also is exhibited. Notes have been added to this copy in pencil by Karen Walker.

These are sitting portrait-style photographs that were taken of Walker Testa as a member of the faculty at Clay County High School where she taught 1943-1944 and 1958-1975. Only one is dated - 1967 - but all the others also could be dated if the school yearbooks were consulted.

Walker Testa served as the faculty advisor for the yearbook (known as the "Tiskelwah") in 1967

Included are a letter signed by 16 members of the 1975 Tiskelwah Staff; a letter from Gov. Arch Moore (1975); a letter from A. J. Manchin, Sec. of State (1983), and more

References Walker Testa's work as a teacher

"Tiskelwah" is the name of the Clay County High School yearbook

English composition for 7th and 8th grades. "Garnie Walker" appears in ink in front of book and lightly penciled, relevant marks, etc. in Walker's handwriting on multiple pages. She likely used this book, 1934-1939 while teaching in several one-room rural schools and/or at Swandale, 1941-1943.

Second book has "Testa" in blue pencil in front of book and only a few pencil markings within the text. "Garnie Walker" appears in the other 3 books; all 3 exhibit much handwriting by Walker throughout. The seventh-year book exhibits a stamp in the front recording the place of purchase: Murphy & Company Department Store Since 1902, Clay, W. Va. Walker taught grades 6, 7, and 8 at Swandale School, where she also served as Principal. (The eighth-year book exhibits, in the back, the name Leonard Walker, Garnie Walker's youngest brother who attended Laurel Ridge School, 1-8 grades.)

Several pages have been torn from the front of the book, including the title page. Penciled underlining and notes, the latter in Walker's handwriting appear here and there, especially on page 17 and back of book.

There was at least one previous owner of book whose name appears in front. Also includes the purchase price of $0.73. In the back, many names are written by someone other than Walker. Many penciled markings appear throughout - some are recognizably Walker's (small, tight cursive script.) She likely used this book, 1934-1939 in one-rooms and/or at Swandale, 1941-1943. See timeline.

"This is a music book for one-room schools…" Garnie Walker's name is printed in ink in the front of this book. On the back of the first page is a list of music terms written by her hand. On title page, upper right, appears the initials LOW. Walker taught her younger brothers. Leon and Leonard, the latter having the initials LOW. She likely used this book, 1934-1939. Relevant notations in pencil are by her hand.

Garnie Walker's name is penciled in front of book, cursive writing. There are also penciled notes through the text in her hand. Based on a few of these (indicating what will be tested), Walker possibly also used this book as a student.

Garnie Walker's name is printed in ink in front of book. Likely used during 1934-1939 and/or 1941-1943.

This is a science reader for intermediate grades. Ottie Walker's signature appears in ink in front of this book. Ottie was one of Garnie Walker's sisters. Ottie also taught in Clay County's one-room schools during the 1930s and later in Kanawha County as Ottie Walker Callison.

Garnie Walker's name in cursive writing is inked in front of book. Also, a "Murphy & Company Department Store Clay W. Va." stamp. Given the age of this book, Walker may well have used it well before she taught Health during her first year (1943-1944) teaching at Clay County High School.

Clay County supporters/businesses listed in back.

Camp songs, etc.

Walker Testa was an active 4-H faculty advisor/organizer during her years teaching at Clay County High School.

Walker Testa was an active member of this international, honorary educational society. Alpha Phi is the West Virginia state organization within the Society. She was first a member of the Nu Chapter (she is mentioned on page 105) and then with the Alpha Alpha Chapter (pages 134-135). On page 134 she is mentioned twice and said to be the chapter's recording secretary; on page 135 she appears in the photograph with other Clay County teachers who have auto/biographical entries in the The Ringing of the Bells book.

Multiple listings of Garnie W. Testa. She was President of the Chapter (see page 19).

Page 44 - Alpha Alpha Chapter listing includes Garnie W. Testa.

Some of these exhibit Garnie Walker's handwriting and some have handwritten dates noted on them, perhaps indicating a year when the plays were performed. One is as recent as 1975, the year of Walker's retirement. According to Walker's daughter Rosalia, she loved incorporating plays into her teaching through the years.

Includes a copy of a 1889 document that was researched for The Ringing of the Bells but ultimately not used, titled "Specifications for S House in Pleasant District Clay County West Va." The date the photocopy was created is unknown.

This copy was manually typewritten by Garnie Walker Testa. It is stored across 5 manila folders in box 6.

These envelopes feature handwritten notes from Garnie Walker Testa, Karen Walker, and/or others involved in the book

This image was used in the book.

Includes the following maps and related correspondence: Outline Map With County Seats State of West Virginia by WV Dept of Highways, undated; map of Clay County Primary and Secondary Highways created by the State Road Commission of West Virginia, 1971 reprint of 1933 edition map; General Highway Map - Clay County - West Virginia by WV Department of Highways, 1976; ordering information for Department of Highways maps and two 8 1/2 x 11 in. maps of the Outline Map with County Seats

Researchers may access digital materials by requesting to view the materials in person by appointment or remotely by contacting the West Virginia & Regional History Center reference department at https://westvirginia.libanswers.com/wvrhc.

Includes digital copies of information used by Karen Walker to facilitate the production and distribution of the book, which took place around 2014-2020. Digital folder titles are as follows: "1989 Letters & Permission Form," "Book Printing - Sheridan," "Chapter 11 map images," "Chapter 11 School Photos," "Chapter 17 Clay County Teachers," "Editor," "Flyers and Order Form," "Hist of Clay Co Education FINAL book image 5-14-2020," "Hist of Clay Co Education FINAL Testa book 4-21-2020," "Maps 1, 2, 3," and "Misc. Correspondence"

Provided by Neva Pearl Shiflett Adams. Adams achieved the breakthrough finding of Walker connections to colonial New Hampshire and Massachusetts and then back to England. After the death of Solomon Walker in NH, his wife Leah Boyden Walker and their son, Solon Walker moved south into West Virginia.

Provided by Neva Pearl Shiflett Adams. A. J. Walker was Garnie Walker's paternal grandfather. A. J. Walker and his family are the source of the Walker Road community name, located off of Laurel Ridge Road. As of 2022, Walker Road is known as Dark Hollow Road.

Walker and others did not have the advantage of the internet or DNA analyses when completing this work. For a long time, it was thought that the WV Walker family was connected to the 1775 Joel Walker (m. Jane Cavendish) line. This has been corrected in recent years.

During the 1980s, Garnie Walker Testa researched her family tree as best she could, with the occasional help of others, including her youngest brother, Leonard O. Walker. The connection made between Joel Walker/Jane Cavendish is an error.

Includes the following photos: Image of Albert Seth Walker and Ollie Dove Brannon Walker with their first three children: Garnie Wilma (first born), Ottie Irene, and Josephine Etta (third born); 1919 [Studio] Image of the oldest three Walker sisters: Garnie Wilma, Ottie Irene, and Josephine Etta; 1920s image of Garnie, Ottie, and Josephine standing in front of a fence; 1920s image of Garnie, Ottie, and Josephine sitting on back of saddled farm horse; 1924 image of Garnie (and likely also Ottie) Walker in a school group taken against an exterior wall of Laurel Ridge School near Ivydale, WV; Image from Clay County Free Press of Garnie Walker and 2 high school friends, taken in 1933; A photograph of a group of people at a table; and a photograph of a group of people outdoors

Photographs feature Garnie Walker Testa's farm, taken by Karen J. Walker. 1: Open gate, Barn on right. Camera is facing north/NE. On the hilltop in center of photo, under the trees, is the old Lyons cemetery, identified on maps as the Cherrytree Cemetery. The visible farm road leads up and on around to the right toward the other trees. In this area is the "new" Walker Cemetery where Albert and Ollie Walker and are buried. And in 1999, where Garnie Walker Testa was also buried, alongside Carmelo. 2: Lower portion of the same barn seen in previous photo. 3: Mountaintop farm view with a fence, pasture, and one of Garnie's cows. (Cherrytree Cemetery is named for Cherrytree Run/Fork which is beyond view and runs into Rush Fork). 4: Another view of the barn with outbuildings on the left and the house to the right near the evergreen trees. Color images were taken in 1982 by Bruce C. Walker, which feature the old farm, located below Garnie Walker Testa's ridgetop home (still within the 221 acres). It is down at the head of Laurel Run which flows into the Big Otter and on to the Elk River. There were other outbuildings not shown in these photos. K. J. Walker, her brothers and cousins, including Garnie's daughter Rosalia, are currently working to document this older farm.

Originally owned by Albert Seth Walker.

Originally owned by Albert Seth Walker.

Originally owned by Albert Seth Walker.

Originally owned by Albert Seth Walker.

Originally owned by Albert Seth Walker.

Originally owned by Albert Seth Walker.

Originally owned by Albert Seth Walker.

Originally owned by Albert Seth Walker.

Originally owned by Albert Seth Walker.

Originally owned by Albert Seth Walker.

Originally owned by Albert Seth Walker.

Originally owned by Albert Seth Walker.

Originally owned by Albert Seth Walker.

Originally owned by Albert Seth Walker.

"Garnie Walker" in cursive pencil appears in front of book along with the cursive penciled names of 3 of Garnie's 6 siblings (all younger than her): Ottie, Josephine, and Leon. On page viii another sister's name, Justena, appears. Frye states (Preface) that the book is meant for 4th through 6th grades.

"Garnie Walker" in cursive ink appears in front of book. She graduated (8th grade) in May of 1930, so likely her siblings used this book. Genevieve Walker's name appears here and there along with a first cousin, Maxine Walker.

A book in "The Story Series in Health." In the front, Garnie Walker's name appears in a penciled, child's cursive handwriting, as does her sister's and a date "Miss Genevieve Pearl Walker September 1936." Also, four blue-ink stamps of "Murphy & Company Department Store Since 1902 - Clay, W.Va." Walker was in 4th grade at Laurel Ridge School in 1924 (see photo image) and used this book when it was new. When Genevieve used it in her 4th grade, in 1936-1937, Garnie was her teacher. This book was published just a few years after the 1918-1920 flu pandemic. From the Preface: "This book is offered as a contribution to the newer health teaching now being inaugurated in our schools." Directed at fourth and fifth grades. Garnie's (and her siblings') paternal grandmother, Almira Jane (Hanshaw) Walker, died of the flu on March 8, 1920.

Garnie Walker's name in cursive writing is inked in front of book. Given the age of this book and that it was meant for high-school students, GW likely used it as a student at Clay County High School. It is also likely that when she herself taught Health during her first year (1943-1944) teaching at CCHS that she used this textbook again.

"Garnie Walker Ivydale, W. Va." appears in ink, hand-printed in her hand, in front of book. Walker attended Clay County High School 1930-1933 graduating as Valedictorian of her Class of 1933.

On page 14 is a recipe submitted by Garnie W. Testa - "Biscuits Supreme."