Special Collections Research Center
spcoll@wm.eduFinding Aid Authors: Special Collections Staff.
Before reproducing or quoting from any materials, in whole or in part, permission must be obtained from the Special Collections Research Center, and the holder of the copyright, if not Swem Library.
Collection is open to all researchers. Manuscript collections and archival records may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information that is protected under federal or state right to privacy laws and regulations, such as the Virginia Public Records Act (Code of Virginia. § 42.1-76-91); and the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (Code of Virginia § 2.2-3705.5). Confidential material may include, but is not limited to, educational, medical, and personnel records. If sensitive material is found in this collection, please contact a staff member immediately. The disclosure of personally identifiable information pertaining to a living individual may have legal consequences for which the College of William and Mary assumes no responsibility.
Robb-Bernard Papers, Special Collections Research Center, Swem Library, College of William and Mary.
The materials in this collection were donated to William & Mary Special Collections Research Center by Miss Fannie B. Robb of Caroline County, Virginia, James S. Patton, Frances Robb, and Eugenia Robb in various batches between 1940 and 2007. 1940-28D, 1947.28, 1947.33 - Gift of Fannie B. Robb 1983.28 - Gift of William Y.C. White, Jr. 1983.35 - Gift of Madge G. Baya. 1975.18, 1976.02, 1979.18, 1985.41, 1986.32, 1987.42, 1996.58 - Gift of James Samuel Patton 1999.34, 1999.43, 1999.56, 2000.47, 2000.61, 2002.33 - Gift of Eugenia V. Robb 1993.65, 2005.34, 2005.49, 2007.93 - Gift of Frances Robb 2008.78 - Gift of Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities 1985.40 - Gift of James S. Patton via Williamsburg Historic Records Association. 2010.353 and 2010.385 are gift of Frances Robb. Acquisition information for material received after 7/13/2009 is available by consulting a Special Collections Research Center staff member.
Original Accession and additions physically and intellectually combined in 2009.
Most additions to this accession have not been processed nor an inventory created. Please see the short descriptions under each Series in the Box and Folder listing.
Acc. 2012.112 accessioned and minimally processed by Steven Bookman, University Archives Specialist, in April 2012. Acc. 2013.052 accessioned and minimally processed by Steven Bookman, University Archives Specialist, in March 2013.
Original Accession and additions physically and intellectually combined in 2009.
John Hipkins Bernard was the son of William Bernard and Fannie Hipkins Bernard. His grandfather was John Hipkins. Bernard inherited "Rose Hill,"Caroline County, Va. from his grandfather and renamed it "Gay Mont" in honor of his wife Jane Gay Robertson Bernard, the sister of Governor Wyndham Robertson. Bernard's daughter Helen Struan Bernard Robb bought her siblings' interest in "Gay Mont." Further information about this individual or organization may be available in the Special Collections Research Center Wiki: .
Papers, 1800-1901, of and relating to John Hipkins and John Hipkins Bernard (mostly accounts); of and relating to members of the Hipkins, Bernard and Robb families; and relating to the Hipkins-Bernard-Robb home "Rose Hill," Caroline County, Va. (later renamed "Gay Mont") and to Bernard's lands in Alabama, Texas and Arkansas. Includes diaries, correspondence, poems, accounts and account books of women (Elizabeth Hipkins, Jane Gay Robertson Bernard, and Helen Struan Bernard Robb); and legal documents and letters of John Taylor of Caroline. Of special interest are the diaries of Eugenia D. Robb while serving with the American Red Cross in Germany and Japan during and after World War II (1999.56A).
Additions include other material on the Robb, Bernard, Upton and Hipkins families from the 19th century through the 20th century.
Check the Finding Aid/Inventory and the PDF Inventory for descriptions and/or folder lists of original accession and all additions.
See the Finding Aide/Inventory for a brief description.
Original Accession of 14 boxes grouped by type of material, then chronologically within these groups.
Most of the additions to this collections are not yet processed.
Other Information:
A PDF document of this inventory is available online.
Additional information may be found at http://scrc.swem.wm.edu/findingaids/65_R54_Robb-Bernard.pdf
Original Accession.
D. Wilkie, Kensington [London], to James Wilson Croker. Accepts membership in club and returns list as reqested.
Includes information about the Robb-Bernard Family Papers and information about the Robb-Bernard family. Also includes various items within the Robb-Bernard Family Papers.
The Family of William & Elizabeth Bolling Robertson by James Samuel Patton - printed
"The Family of William Robertson and his wife Elizabeth Bolling" - mimeographed
Copies of Bible Records: 1. William and Elizabeth Bolling Robertson 2. Philip and Mary Warner Lewis Lightfoot 3. James and Lucy Waring Robb
John H. Bernard's Commission as Captain in the Virginia militia, May 20, 1815
Prayer by [John H. Bernard], [circa 1855], copied by [Helen S. Bernard]
"John Hipkins, Merchant, Of Port Royal, Virginia" - typed
Legal papers relating to the settlement of the estate of John Hipkins. Inventories, law suits, and accounts between Elizabeth Hipkins, John H. Bernard, and others and William Bernard, Executor. 1 October 1801 - 20 November 1816. (21 items)
Includes 13 items of Elizabeth Hipkins; 3 items of John Hipkins; and 11 items of John H. Bernard.
Detailed inventories, accounts, and legacies of Elizabeth Hipkins' estate. March 13, 1804 - November 23, 1829. (13 items).
John Hipkins' documents [?]. October 1802 - August 14, 1804. (3 items).
John H. Bernard indenture. July 10, 1804. (1 item).
John H. Bernard documents regarding the tract of land in Richmond County called "Folly." April 3, 1818 - 1827[?]. (4 items).
John H. Bernard indentures regarding [Townfield] land in Caroline County, near Port Royal. July 3, 1818 and January 1, 1819. (2 items).
John H. Bernard and others indentures, lands in Caroline County, November 14, 1816; May2, 1817 "Westerton"; May 26, 1819 Port Royal; and June 15, 1831 Port Royal. (4 items).
Elizabeth Hipkins' mortgage book. 23 July 1808 - June 1830. (1 item).
Ledger - accounts. First half of 1800s. (1 item).
Includes legal papers of William Bernard and John H. Bernard's notes, bills, receipts, etc.
Includes the notes, bills, receipts, accounts, and statements of John H. Bernard. Also, the legal paper, receipts, and bills of William Bernard.
John H. Bernard notes, bills, receipts, accounts, statements. January 9, 1812 - May 2, 1818. (115 items).
William Bernard legal papers - receipts and bills. February 17, 181[3] - November 12, 1853. (18 items). (For more letters of William Bernard see business correspondence of John H. Bernard).
John H. Bernard notes, bills and receipts, etc. 1818. (50 items).
John H. Bernard notes, bills and receipts, etc. 1819. (86 items).
John H. Bernard notes, bills and receipts, etc. 1820 (44 items); 1821 (17 items); 1822 (8 items); 1823 (15 items); 1824 (58 items); 1825 (52 items).
John H. Bernard notes, bills and receipts, etc. 1826 (39 items); 1827 (24 items); 1828 (34 items); 1829 (48 items); 1830 (88 items).
John H. Bernard notes, bills and receipts, etc. 1831 (72 items); 1832 (83 items); 1833 (81 items). Gay Bernard accounts, 1832-1836 (5 items).
John H. Bernard notes, bills and receipts, etc. 1834 (62 items); 1835 (32 items); 1836 (39 items); 1837 (52 items); 1838 (74 items); 1839 (36 items).
John H. Bernard notes, bills and receipts, etc. 1840 (9 items); 1841 (42 items); 1842 (53 items); 1843 (16 items); 1844 (14 items); 1845 (50 items).
John H. Bernard notes, bills and receipts, etc. 1846 (45 items); 1847 (43 items); 1848 (29 items); 1849 (40 items).
John H. Bernard notes, bills and receipts, etc. 1850 (27 items); 1851 (54 items); 1852 including Arkansas land taxes (55 items); 1853 (59 items); 1854 (48 items); 1855 (22 items).
John H. Bernard and William R. Bernard bills, receipts and notes, etc. 1855-1860.
John H. Bernard accounts with William S. Quisenberry. 1831-1835.
John H. Bernard accounts with James Jackson. 1854 and 1857.
John H. Bernard accounts with William Farinholt. 1836-1839.
John H. Bernard accounts with William R. Care. 1834-1840.
John H. Bernard accounts, bills and receipts with William Gray and Company, Port Royal, Virginia. 1811-1839.
John H. Bernard Alabama Plantation Accounts. 1837-1852. Green County, Alabama.
John H. Bernard notes, bills and receipts, etc.. Dates unknown. (121 itmes).
John H. Bernard's receipt of the return of a runaway slave. March 15, 1834. (1 item).
Includes the will and bank books of John H. Bernard; legacies of Jane Gay Bernard; a copy of Robert G. Robb's will; and 1 document of Helen S. Robb.
John H. Bernard bank books. 1839-1845. (2 items).
John H. Bernard's will. 1841.
Jane Gay Bernard legacies. Unsigned, undated. [She died July 1852].
Copy of Robert G. Robb's will, December 13, 1852, and a statement to its validity.
Document of Helen S. Robb, October 5, 1881, directing that her husband, Philip L. Robb, shall manage her property.
Miscellaneous papers, 1800-1830.
John H. Bernard. 624 Checks. April 3, 1816 - November 20, 1854.
John H. Bernard and Family - scraps, visiting cards, envelopes.
13 items of Helen S. Robb and 1 pencil sketch.
Helen S. Robb (Mrs. P.L. Robb) Confederate bonds. (3 items).
Helen S. Robb (Mrs. P.L. Robb) settlements, accounts, bills and envelopes. 1859-1898. (10 items).
Pencil sketch. Dated 18 May [?]. (1 item).
Includes notebook of Helen S. Robb and diary of Helen Struan Bernard.
Helen S. Robb notebook containing accounts, receipts, poetry, etc. Late 19th century.
Unbound diary of Helen Struan Bernard [Mrs. P.L. Robb], 1848-1862.
Includes publications, extracts from publications, a report card, advertisments, and a photograph of the tombstone of John Bolling of Cobbs.
Extracts from papers and magazines.
Volume 1, number 1, Southern Temperance Star, with account of October 1834 meeting of the Virginia State Temperance Society, January 1835.
Waldie's Select Circulating Library, including Part I, number 1, 1 January 1835. 8 different issues, 1835 and 1836.
Godey's Lady's Book and Magazine, Volume XCVIII, Number 586, Philadelphia, April 1879. 1 copy.
A Glance At Current American History by an Ex-Confederate, 1897.
Extracts from daily papers. Advertising matter. Undated and September 15, 1857.
Report card from B.B. Minor's school for young ladies for Helen S. Bernard dated for Quarter ending 31 October 1850. School regulations and costs are on the reverse side dated 23 September 1850.
Broadsides, "Fenton's Patent Flint Enamel Ware," Patent secured November 27, 1849. 2 copies. Also, "Prospect House and Terrace Garden, Table Rock, Canada West." undated.
Pamphlet, "Parcel Post Information." undated.
Advertisements for carriages sent to Helen S. Robb, Port Royal, Virginia, May 25, 1899, from George Gravatt, Carriage Manufacturer, Federicksburg, Virginia.
Illustrative materials. (4 items).
Incomplete publication. Chapter II and III: "Latitude, Longitude, and Time" and "The Moon", also "The Solar System."
Magazine photograph of Gay Mount, about 1920.
Photograph of tombstone of John Bolling of Cobbs, great grandson of John Rolfe and Pocahontas. Among other names on the tombstone is that of Wyndham Robertson, Governor of Virginia. (Photograph is mounted and is torn in half).
Manuscript poems. This group of papers consists of original poems ["poetical, political prophetical effusions"] by Jane Gay Bernard. Some responses from her friends are also included. Predominantly undated.
Unbound manuscript diary. This group of papers consists of sporadic entries in a diary of Jane Gay Robertson [wife of John Hipkins Bernard] through the years 1825-1849.
Indentures, deeds, etc. Caroline County, Virginia. 1665-1814.
Indentures, deeds, etc. Caroline County, Virginia. 1736-1805.
Includes bills of sale, documents, letters, a bond, and an unidentified manuscript.
Bills of sale of slaves. 1816-1849.
Documents and letters regarding land. 1715-1819.
Bond. 1826.
Unidentified manuscript.
Includes indentures and a note.
Indentures. 1787 and 1801.
Note. 1792.
Includes indentures, certificates, deeds, terms of agreement, and surveys.
Indentures. 1756-1810.
Certificates. 1804.
Deeds. 1743-1805.
Terms of agreement. 1810.
Surveys. 1741-1796.
John Taylor of Caroline County. Documents and correspondence. 1800-1824. (Materals regarding John H. Bernard and John Hipkins).
Philip Lightfoot notes, accounts, receipts, etc. 1810-1837. (19 items).
Includes notes and receipts of Robert G. Robb and repayment of Commander Robb's salary confiscated by the U.S. Navy in 1861.
Robert G. Robb notes and receipts. 1841-1842. (5 items).
Repayment in 1924 of Commander Robb's salary confiscated by the U.S. Navy in 1861.
Includes a boundary line agreement between John Taylor and James Miller; a proclamation by R[obert] E. Lee; and Confederate secret signals.
Boundary line agreement between John Taylor and James Miller, September 2, 1806. (1 item).
Proclamation to People of Maryland by R[obert] E. Lee. 1863. Copy. (1 item).
Confederate secret signals along the Rappahannock River. [1863?]. (2 items).
Miscellaneous accounts and receipts. 1835-1954. (9 items).
Record Book of the Trustees of Rappahannock Academy. 1810-1822.
Correspondence. March 5, 1791 - August 3, 1836. Including: Letter from Wyndam Robertson, February 25, 1817. Senator W.C. Rives' letter on his senate speech regarding nullification, March 7, 1833. Letter from James Barbour, May 12, 1834. Letter on land speculation, June 8, 1834, and opportunities in Alabama. Letter on land speculation in Arkansas and Louisiana, November 4, 1835. Letter on land speculation in Texas, and predicting defeat of the Mexican army by fall, August 3, 1836.
Correspondence, January 17, 1837 - November 10, 1841. Including: John Bradshaw, Middlebury College graduate, letter applying for teaching position in John H. Bernard's academy, May 13, 1841. Letters to and from John H. Bernard, his agents, lawyers, overseers, primarily relating to his Alabama, Arkansas, and Texan lands, 1837-1841.
Correspondence. March 1, 1842 - November 20, 1843. Including: Letters to and from John H. Bernard regarding his Arkansas, Alabama, and Texan lands, 1842-1843. Printed copy of John C. Calhoun's senate speech on the treaty of Washington, August 1842.
Correspondence March 9, 1844 - December 28, 1849. Including: Inventory of slaves, stock, tools, and acres planted on Bernard's Greene County, Alabama plantation, March 18, 1844. Letter commenting on migration from Arkansas to Texas, California, and Mexico, January 17, 1845. Letter from General Leslie Combs of Kentucky, November 12, 1845. J.H. Bernard's letter of advice to his son in college, February 15, 1846. Letter on religion and the way to salvation, September 27, 1846. Letter on social life, theatre, balls, weddings in Richmond, March 1847. Broadside of Fredericksburg Female Seminary, August 6, 1849.
Correspondence. 1850 - October 20, 1861. Including: Letter, January 20, 1851, regarding burning of St. Charles Hotel, New Orleans at time of Jenny Lind's visit. Trip to Vicksburg and up the Yazoo River to new plantation, reception, and life on the plantation from G.F.W., December 13, 1860. Letter from G.F.W. on national crisis, secession, and plantation plans, January 21, 1861.
Correspondence. June 18, 1862 - December 2, 1870. Including: Family letters to and from the Robbs at Gay Mont and their relatives and friends, January 1863.
Correspondence. February 9, 1871 - March 29, 1887.
Correspondence. April 4, 1887 - December 22, 1889. Including: Family letters to and from friends in Washington, Baltimore, Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago, April 1887.
Correspondence. January 4, 1890 - June 30, 1893. Including: Letter from A.H.A. Bernard on family genealogy, dining with Thomas Jefferson, and tutoring James Monrow, January 1891. Letter on exams at [Virginia Polytechnic Institute], February 1, 1891. Letters from "Robin" Robert G. Robb at William and Mary, December 3, 1891; January 8, 1892; April 17, 1892; November 20, 1892; December 11, 1892; March 20, 1893; March 26, 1893; May 10, 1893; May 28, 1893; and June 4, 1893. Letter to Mrs. Flora Adams Darling, January 9, 1892. Letter on commencement at Brown University and travel in New England, June 30, 1893.
Correspondence. July 10, 1893 - February 1897. Including: Robert G. Robb letters from the University of Virginia, September 19, 1893; February 14, 1894; April 15, 1894; April 22, 1894; May 6, 1894; October 3, 1894; October 7, 1894; October 28, 1894; November 4, 1894; November 18, 1894; November 25, 1894; January 13, 1895; February 10, 1895; October 1895; October 20, 1895; October 27, 1895; January 26, 1896; January 24, 1897.
Correspondence. July 1897 - September 11, 1901. Including: Letters regarding Robert G. Robb's appointment to the chair of Mathematics in the Marion Military Institute, Marion, Alabama, July and August 1891. Letter of Robert G. Robb at the University of Virginia, July 22, 1900.
Correspondence, publications, bills, receipts, etc. September 17, 1907 - May 18, 1936 and undated.
Loose envelopes and cards
2 empty portfolios
Diary of William Robb Bernard, 1870-1875. Jane Gay Robertson, 1812 memo book.
Xerox copy of typescript of letters in the form of a journal. John Hipkins Bernard's European Journey, 1818-1819 with Powhatan Robertson's.
Vols. 3 and 4 of Powhatan Robertson's European tour, 1818-1819. Manuscript diaries.
Copies of transcribed letters written by Bernard Robb to his family in "Gay Mont" Virginia while he was a student at the College of William and Mary. Two 1893 letters from his mother, Helen S. Bernard Robb, to her son, Robert G. Robb. WHRA. 1 folder.
The collection is mainly comprised of correspondence from the various Robbs and Bernards, as well as their relations the Uptons, who were originally from southern Maine. As well as the correspondence, there are also a few other items, such as Frances Upton's journal from a family trip to Maine and New Brunswick, Canada, between July 4 and August 9, 1928. Other items of interest are letters from a Netherlands woman named Mary to Frances Upton immediately following World War II (1945-1955,) along with letters home from Robert Upton during World War II
Twentieth-century Robb and Upton (maiden name of Mrs. Patton) family papers. List of dates of correspondence and names of correspondants filed at beginning of box.
Two letters of Sally Tompkins to Helen Robb, ca. 1878, and Dr. Martin Pickett Scott to his wife, 12 April 1879. 1878-1879.
Notebook of reminscences by Frances Robb's father, former professor of Chemistry, concerning Williamsburg and the College of William and Mary. 1 folder.
Three letters to Frances Robb (Mrs. Robert G. Robb) in 1943 and 1951; one letter to Gay Robertson from Powhatan Robertson dated April 27, 1876 and one letter from Frances Robb to Mrs. Geratt, about 1920. 1 folder.
Diary and letters of Eugenia Robb from occupied Japan while Eugenia Robb was serving with the American Red Cross. Typescripts. Also a few letters from Italy. Detailed informative letters and diary. Original to come by bequest. 1945-47.
Diary of Eugenia van Dyke Robb describing her work with the American Red Cross during her stay in the Philippines and Japan while under the occupation of the Allied Occupation Forces, 1945-1947. Typescript of Manuscript.
Diary of Eugenia van Dyke Robb describing her work with the American Red Cross during her stay in the Philippines and Japan while under the occupation of the Allied Occupation Forces, 1945-1947. Typescript of Manuscript.
Diary of Eugenia van Dyke Robb describing her work with the American Red Cross during her stay in the Philippines and Japan while under the occupation of the Allied Occupation Forces, 1945-1947. Typescript of Manuscript.
Letters written home by Eugenia van Dyke Robb defining her work with the American Red Cross during her stay in the Philippines and Japan with the Allied Occupation Forces, 1945-1947. Typescripts of autograph letters signed. (Originals of 36 letters from *2000.47 added to Folder 4.)
Three letters written by Eugenia van Dyke Robb when she was working for the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization in Rome, 1951-1953. Typescripts of autograph letters signed.
21 photographs taken by and of Eugenia van Dyke Robb in the Philippines, Japan, and Egypt. Photographs.
Typescript of selected poems of Helen Struan Robb of "Gay Mont" aunt of the donor. Poem by donor's father Philip Lightfoot Robb, Jr.
Five poems by Helen Struan Robb, aunt of Eugenia Robb. The poems are entitled "Beyond", "Absence", "To the Wood Robin", "Night Song", and "Love's Dawn".
Two poems by Philip Lightfoot Robb, one entitled "Sunbeam" written to his daughter Eugenia Robb and the other entitled "A Memory, the Homeward Path" written about his beloved home "Gaymont."
"Moonlight," a poem by Eugenia Robb was written in Sendai, Japan in July 1946.
Typescript of diary and 5 letters of Eugenia Robb, 1947, during her assignment with the American Red Cross in Stuttgart, Germany. Also, 8 photographs of scenes in Germany. (Originals of six letters from *2000.47 added to Folder 2.) 3 folders.
Diaries, one scrapbook and letters of Eugenia Robb while serving with the American Red Cross in Japan, Philippines, and Germany. Letters from Rome, Italy, 1951-1953. Includes items labeled MsV 1, 2, 3 and 4. 4 folders. 36 original letters from this accession were added to folder 4 of Acc. 1999.34. 6 original letters from this accession were added to folder 2 of Acc. 1999.56A.
5 items relating to Eugenia Robb's stay in Japan including a map tracing her sea voyage from Washington, D.C. to the Philippine Islands in December, 1945; her article about a well known Japanese flower arranger, the first Japanese brochure published after the war, two poems written by her father, Philip Lightfoot Robb, Jr.; and one poem written by herself.
Letters of principally Philip Lightfoot Robb, 1892-1896, while attending Cleveland High School in Fauquier County, Virginia.
Memorandum, 26 October 1932, between R. G. Robb and others to receive heat from the College of William and Mary (includes letter, 1937, and resolutions, 1937, of the Board of Visitors); letter, 14 March 1944, of G. E. Meanley to members of the Fort Magruder Fishing Club; pages from the Bulletin of the Virginia Section of the American Chemical Society which contains an article (March 1932, Vol. IX, No. 6) of R. G. Robb "Development of the Department of Chemistry at the College of William and Mary" and appointment, 1930, of Robert Gilchrist Robb as Major in the Chemical Warfare Service (reserves). 1 folder. Fort Magruder Fishing Club letter transferred to Acc. 2002.46 Fort Magruder Fishing Club Papers.
Eugenia Robb's travel journal to Spain during the summer of 1952 and Philip L. Robb's song "Tis Cupid wires my Heart to You."
Class of June 1948, Baltimore City College, Banquet Program honoring Phillip L. Robb, Teacher and Department Head of Chemistry, 1901-1948, with newspaper clipping concerning his retirement; certificate of distinction awarded to Philip L. Robb, June 7,1893, from Cleveland High School; May 1980 issue of Good Reading, including an article by Eugenia Van Dyke Robb entitled "Picasso of the Flowers." 1 folder.
Large collection of papers, books and more given by James S. Patton.
Scrapbook about "Welcum Hinges" a book written by Bernard Robb. Contains printed articles and reviews. Photograph of portrait of John Hipkins Bernard. Photographs of Sutton Hall and St. Bartholomew's Church. Photograph of John Bernard Robb. Copy of 1857 pages from diary of Helen S. Bernard of "Gay Mont," Caroline County, Virginia. Copies of correspondence of the Robb and Bernard Families from William and Mary Collection, 1857-1874. Copy of newspaper announcement of the marriage of Frederick Smith-Shenstone on February 6, 1873. Correspondence between John Sclater of London with James S. Patton and between East Sussex County Records Office and James S. Patton about Sutton Hall visit and genealogy. 1995. Portion of book written by John Sclater on the Sclater Family. Maps showing Sutton Hall area.
Gaymont Collection, a gift from APVA. Not yet processed. June 2013 Architectural Digest, p. 150, "American Revival" by Julia Reed about the history and restoration of Gay Mont added by staff in 2013. Includes several nineteenth-century cased photographs and early twentieth-century photographs.
William and Mary Senior Honor Thesis, April 2001, "A Palace Called Beautiful, Virginia Women, The Confederacy and the Transmission of Southern Culture" by Amanda Elizabeth Creekman.
Correspondence with A. Randolph Howard and the Navy Department about securing a memento of the Battleship Richmond for Mrs. William Augustine Smith who christened the Richmond when she was launched in 1860. Mrs. Smith was Harriett Field Robb, the daughter of Captain Robert Gilchrist Robb, U.S.N. and at that tiime, Commander of the Norfolk, Virginia Navy Yard. Allen Randolph Howard was married to Frances Lightfoot Smith, the daughter of Mrs. William Augustine Smith.
Consist of war ration books for member of the Robb family, as well as Robert J. (Bobby) Robb's Matthew Whaley High School yearbooks, 1948-1950. Yearbooks contain many personalized dedications.
For members of the Robb family of Williamsburg, Va.
Belonging to Robert J. Robb.
Belonging to Robert J. Robb.
Belonging to Robert J. Robb.
Photograph, ca. 1904, of a painting of Frances Randolph (Howard) Robb (b. 1894) at the age of 10. 1 folder.
Included are war ration books for the Robb family, an information sheet concerning registration for war ration books, as well as a tag for a shipment from Scotland imprinted with a Williamsburg business name: "Cogar, Lewis and Geiger, Inc., Williamsburg, Virginia, USA." 1 folder.
Primarily letters, 1944-1964, written by Earl Gregg Swem to Robert Robb and Frances Robb. Also contains clippings related to Earl Gregg Swem, a card from John Stewart Bryan, and an invitation to dinner from John Stewart Bryan.
Contains letters, 1892, from Robert Gilchrist Robb to his mother and to Bernard Robb. There are also programs, 1944, from Bruton Parish Church. 1 folder.
Letters, 1939-1945, from Robert Hunt Land, College of William and Mary librarian, to Frances Randolph Howard Robb, wife of William and Mary Professor of Chemistry Robert Gilchrist Robb. Land primarily wrote these letters while on the USS Brooklyn during World War II. 3 folders.
Contains letters, 1949-1952, written by Frances Randolph Howard Robb to her son, Robert Gilchrist Robb, Jr., while he was serving in the Army. 3 folders.
Letters addressed to members of the Robb family. Includes one letter, 1944 from a religious organization in Alaska, addressed to Robert Gilchrist Robb, to which the Robb family seemed to donate. There is also a Christmas card, 1992, addressed to Frances Robb.
Includes the baptismal record and accompanying letter from W.A.R. Goodwin of Frances Robb, a map of Cheatham Annex, a note written by Frances Randolph Howard Robb, and a booklet published by John Garland Pollard entitled "A Connotary: Definitions not Found in Dictionaries."
Contains photographs, scrapbooks, diaries, and other material relating to the Robb and Bernard Families. The bulk of the accession consists of photographs and scrapbooks of family members, reunions, and family visits. Also included in the collection are Bruton Parish Church newsletters, material related to the Nicolas Mortiau Descendants Association; and travel diaries of Frances Robb during the 1920s.
Includs letters written to Robert Gilchrist Robb by residents of Williamsburg, including Janet Kimbrough, and material relating to the portrait of Robert Gilchrist Robb which hangs in the Special Collections Research Center.
Letters from Robert Hunt Land to Frances Randolph Howard Robb, wife of William and Mary Professor of Chemistry Robert Gilchrist Robb, while Land was serving in the Pacific Theater of World War II.
Fragments of three letters written in the same hand, perhaps by someone with the first or last name "Randolph."
Includes a diary of Frances Randolph Howard, letters of Robert Gilchrist Robb, and letters of J. Patton.
Contains letters to Frances Randolph Howard from various family members including William Key Howard, Carrie Stuart Davis, Frances Upton, and Nina Stuart Smith; photographs of William Taylor Smith and Clara Haxall Randolph; and the roll book of Robert Gilchrist Robb while a chemistry professor at William and Mary from 1944 to 1945.
Letters written by William Key Howard to his sister Frances R. Howard. In the earliest letters William mentions school and alludes to his outdoor hobbies: buying fishing tackle and shotgun shells. The later letters were written from old family estate known as Gay Mont, in Rappahannock Academy, Virginia, which belonged to the Robb-Bernard branch of the family. Letters concering hunting, swimming, and horseback riding summers of 1921 and 1922. Mentions numerous cousins who visted Gay Mont. The final letters were written from Fredericksburg, Virginia where William attended Fredericksburg High School. Contains two postcards to William from his sister Frances.
Letters from January 1923- May 1924 from William to his sister Frances while he attended Fredericksburg High School. Also writes of getting a job with a liner, participation in military training exercises, as well as of target practice and drill. References to the building of the new armory. Mentions a trip to Ft. Bragg, North Carolina- one letter written from Ft. Bragg tells sister he is now "Pvt. W.K. Howard"-it appears he was in the Army Reserve or the National Guard. Mentions his birthday and being promoted to sergeant. Writes of football games, his Indian artifact collection, plans to visit Gay Mont and Canning, as well as his travelling by train to Kansas. Folder contains copy of letter from Fredericksburg High School to William's father concerning tuition and course schedule issues. William also mentions his plans to attend V.P.I. Photograph to sister of hazing tradition 'Rat Parade'.
Letters from William Key Howard to his sister Frances, from V.I.P. which express his dissatisfaction with the school. Feels he is wasting his time at the school, though he enjoys the athletics. His company won inter-company basketball and football championships, he took first place in shot put and second in javelin throwing. Mentions inspection of the school, which is labeled as 8th best in country, as well as a large fire near the school. Mentions letters of his gaurdian and financial advisor Mr. Young. Money from Mr. Young to buy Liberty Bond. He writes of going to see "The Birth of a Nation." He mentions the blacks in the theater all clapping when the character Lynch (a mulatto elected Lieutenant Governor of South Carolina in the film) was carried through the street on the black celebrants' shoulders. He writes that "they had K.Ks. up in the gallery to keep the colored people quite [sic]." William works on a ship as deck boy. Mentions going to see "The Birth of a Nation". Contains a letter from the Davey Tree Expert Company dated October 16, 1925 accepting William's acceptance into their tree surgeon program.
Letters from William Key Howard to his sister Frances Howard. Writes of his training with Davey Tree Expert Company in Kent, Ohio. Mentions learning knots and how to work with the ropes. Sent to Pennsylvania for paid field work, as well as Maryland. Worries about keeping this job for the long term. Considers selling his Virginia Excelsior Company stock- thinks he and sister will get $6,000 each. Mentions Mr. Young his guardian (perhaps the same person as Mr. Edgar M. Young president of the Virginia Excelsior Company) William's father is connected with this company. Sister is getting married to Robert Gilchrist Robb in June.
Letters from William Key Howard to his sister Frances Robb (nee Howard). William is working temporarily as crew member on a ship-sails to Antwerp and Rotterdam. Returns and resumes job with Davey Tree Expert Company. Works near Baltimore Maryland. Mentions lay offs by "Ford". Leaves job at Davey Tree Expert Company in September and works for the Merchants and Miners Transportation Corporation. Longs for the sea.
Letters from William Key Howard to sister Frances Robb. William writes of having "sent that lock of Boothe's [sic] hair that Grandma had to the Confederate Museum in Richmond." Mentions marital problems between his father and his second wife (Amy Margaret), she might move back to Texas. Mentions Frances and husband Robert Gilchrist Robb moving into the Paradise (Ludwell-Paradise) House on Duke of Gloucester Street in Williamsburg. Longs for the sea, Frances worries about him when he sails. Desires to work on a ship through the Shipping Board. Some letters written while at sea on the SS Eastern Dawn which sailed to Europe including Antwerp. Contains photographs.
Letters from William Key Howard to sister Frances Robb. William spends winter months working on steamships sailing for Europe, ports including Copenhagan and Finland. Inquires if there is work for tree surgeons in the restoration of Williamsburg- later says doesn't think Williamsburg,and contracting company Underwood, can afford him. Mentions time spent at Fall Hill, and friend Fred Robinson. Many Letters written from Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania where he is doing tree work. Mentions joining the Virginia National Guard-training at Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania. Writes of opprotunity to partly own a gold mine with his friend Lynn-mine is located in Honduras. William and friend Robbie contemplate going there. Novmeber 3, he mentions stock market and the crash.
Letters from William Key Howard to sister Frances Robb. Mentions getting a job as a watchman at Kenmore (the one time home of George Washington's sister) which is being renovated. Estate once belonged to William's grandfather William Key Howard Sr. as well as his Uncle Willam Key Howard Jr. He must keep watch at night- so he sleeps there. Mentions cousin John Randolph died.
Letters from William Key Howard to sister Frances Robb. Writes of moving to Belle Hill, near Fredericksburg, Virginia. Works for the National Park Service, specifically as park superintendant of the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park. Includes Newspaper clippings and announcement of his marriage to Elizabeth Burke Crismond on March 18, 1937. Father dies, mentions funeral-he is executor of father's estate-details. Mentions housewarming for new home at the park for Branch Spalding (coordinating superintendent for Virginia Civil War parks).
Letters from William Key Howard to sister Frances Robb. Mentions a war and a trip to the Baltic including stops at "Danzig, Helsingford [sic] and Murmansk". Mentions attending a fire training school and refers to a serious problem with Bob's (Robert Gilchrist Robb) eye. Writes about his being discharged from the Virginia National Guard (?). Mentions plans for new job.
Letters from William Key Howard to sister Frances Robb. Writes he has volunteered for the Army, mentions that wife, Liz and their two daughters, will live in Spotsylvania Court House while he is away. Mentions renting his Belle Hill home to a soldier, and wants to rent the large house too. Mentions Army induction at Bowling Green and then moves to Camp Lee. He is stationed at Salem Airbase in Oregon for training. Mentions training experiences and his "expert" marksmanship. Believes he will be stationed behind the lines in war. Reassigned to "Ono siding" near San Bernardino, California. Describes location and his job there. Mentions plans to visit Los Angeles and Mexico, as well as visiting Hollywood where they made "The Birth of a Nation".
Letters from William Key Howard to sister Frances Robb. Writes the he is applying for "agriculturalist discharge", his Belle Hill farm is no longer being cared for due to labor shortages, his request is denied. Mentions concern for Robert Gilchrist Robb who recently fainted and requires bed rest. Mentions the weather of San Bernardino. Mentions his furlough being cancelled many times, wants to visit family in Virginia for Christmas.
Letters from William Key Howard to sister Frances Robb. Writes of 700 Italian prisoners coming to a camp near San Bernardino, California, and their housing. Writes of camp life, mentions government-produced films being shown to the men. Mentions the weather of San Bernardino. References family in Virginia and responds to news from Frances, mentions his neice and her accomplishments. Included is a letter to William from Frances which mentions that her daughter will be attending Sweet Briar College. William mentions doings of other men like working at "Kaisers steel mills". Mentions his working extra hours for extra money for his upcoming furlough, received the good conduct metal which he finds ironic because he often breaks the rules. Includes pictures.
Letters from William Key Howard to Frances Robb. Writes of his quartermaster in San Bernardino, California being disbanded and of his transfer to Ft. Lewis near Seatle, Washington, expects to be assigned to medical duty. At Ft. Lewis he must go through basic training again and eight weeks of technical training. Describes his training experiences including a film entitled "The Colored Soldier", discusses race and the military. Anticipates his furlough at the end of training. Mentions many AWOLs and unit break ups- so the Army increased furloughs to raise moral. Mentions camp life at Ft. Lewis and his plans to visit Tokoma and Seattle, he prefers Seattle. Responds to news about his family and friends back home, mentions Robert Robb's illness many times, Robb had a blood clot and was bedridden.
Letters from William Key Howard to sister Frances Robb. Mentions Robert Robb's upcoming retirement from William and Mary at the end of the 1945-1946 school year. William began working at Quantico in 1945, received his terminal leave pay in December 1947. Alludes to nephew (Robert Robb Jr.) joining the Army. Mentions attending the dedication of a Stuart tablet at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in King George County, Virginia. Writes of visits to Gay Mont and of planting rye at Belle Hill.
Letters from William Key Howard to sister Frances Robb, mostly news about activities, health, and location of family members both immediate and distant. Mentions wife Liz being in Jamestown for Queen Elizabeth's visit. Gay Mont sold in 1958. Writes that he moved furniture and personal property: paintings (one by Sully sent to Frances). Appears upset about sale of Gay Mont. A 1958 map of Gay Mont included and hints that Pattons might buy Gay Mont soon. A few letters to Frances Robb from both William and his wife which mention France's daughter Fran having surgery twice. William works for the fire department at Quantico as well as at his farm Belle Hill.
Letters from William Key Howard to sister Frances Robb. Mentions helping clean up debris left by the fire at Gay Mont, alludes to the Pattons' intention to restore the house. Mentions his daughters, Ellen and Cary, attending Mary Washington College, Ellen also spent some time at William and Mary. Mentions having portraits restored one of Ellen and one of Alice. Comments on the inauguration of John F. Kennedy which he viewed on television. References situation in Berlin and advises sister to buy extra food each week to build a supply. William has been copying Uncle William's Civil War diary which mentions the battles of Seven Pines, Sharpsburg, and Fredericksburg which he was able to avoid. Includes a copy of an article "The Valleys of Virginia- The Rappahannock" published in 1859- mentions Port Royal, Gay Mont, and slave working conditions in the region. Folder also includes a captioned photograph from a newsletter (?) commemorating William K. Howard's thirty years of services as a firefighter.
Letters from William Key Howard to sister Frances Robb. Mentions daughters Ellen and Cary were home for Christmas, going to Washington D.C. to visit Amy. Mamie had Christmas dinner with the Howards, Mamie injured herself after Christmas. Letter from Liz Howard to Frances about Christams, mentions John Glenn's flight on television and Bill's truck problems. Mentions snow storm of 15 inches and loss of power for 32 hours. Bill and Liz celebrated 25th wedding aniversary April 1962. Discusses school plans as well as work and summer plans for Cary and Ellen. Eugenia may have had a stroke 1962. Mentions a midnight Christmas service at St. George. Amy fell down stairs and broke her pelvis. Saw the Mona Lisa in Washington D.C. Mentions the marriage of Mr. Brigham to a Spencer from Williamsburg. Mentions that Jim will be out of the service in 1963. Writes of farm and animal life. Liz receives Mama's diamond. Mentions Belle Hill's estate price. Discusses Amy's will.
Letters, cards, and newspaper clippings to Frances Robb (Mrs. R.G. Robb). Bill retired his daughter Cary moved to Fairfax. Mentions Ellen and Cary's affairs. Cary and Ellen drive to Lake Tahoe. Ford Motor Company is interested in Freedom Hill. Bill and Liz celebrate their 29th anniversary. Mentions some purchases from Miller and Rhoads. Cary goes to Athens, Georgia mentions KKK trials. Mentions Bill and Lem Houston's march on Pennsylvania Avenue. Bill in court as witness about over assesment. William dies February 10, 1898. Manzie dies October 20, 1913- letters from Hollywood grave stones. Thank-you note from Liz. Mentions a trip to Montross. Thank-you letter for tulips. Mentions a 50 cent pieces Bobby is saving and plans of Ellen and Patti's trip to Europe.
Letters and cards from Bill and Liz to sister Frances Robb. Mentions affairs of Mamie, her moving, the sale of her house to Bill, her health, and estate. Writes of Clara and her health, operation, and later her death. Affairs of Cary and Ellen, schooling, travels, and their weddings. Writes on politics and the meeting of the Eight District of Legion. Mentions some dental problems, and that Olive Swanson from LaVere died. Also mentions Olive's sisters Blanche and Lousie Cassell and also mentions a geneology booklet about the Tuckahoe Randolphs being recently acquired. Writes of visiting Tuckahoe and Richmond with Buff and Sally. Nora is in hospital. Mincie Polock died and Bill died. Liz and Dorothy Harris visit Prince William, Manassas. Mentions a painting by Sully in Governor's Mansion. Bill elected to be Key Man for coming year. Bill buys a new car, went to Gay Mont and mentions book named Golden Age of Piracy. Discusses Christmas plans and gifts. (A more detailed description included in folder).
Letters from Bill Howard to sister Frances Robb. Discusses Belle Hill afairs such as hunting, dogs, and fuel oil as well as of Liz's new teaching job. Includes a typed copy of the History and Life of Thomas Mann Randolph and documentation of Gilchrist from the Clan Macfarlane. Columbia in hospital. Mentions Tides Inn visit to Shirley and Berkely Plantations. Bill still member of American Legion. Visits with family at Gay Mont. Mentions chromolithographs. Mentions Chestertown and Cambridge on the Eastern Shore where he worked. Liz injured herself. Writes of politics. Flower delivery for Frances. Bill giving up farming plans to rent Camden farm to Piedmont Fertilizer. Piedmont affairs. Mentions the weather, flooding and Paul Karsten's health. Writes of people in Florida. Writes of Bill and Buff's relationship and outings. Mentions "We Began At Jamestown" and party at Prospect Hill. Talks of high school reunion and John Billingsley's face lift. Mentions visit of Newt Hill and Clara Louise and daughter. Writes of hunting dogs and hunting. Mentions mulitple visits and socials with different persons. Bill is a grandpa and in 69 years old. (A more detailed description included in folder).
Letters from Bill Howard to sister Frances Robb. Bear sighting at Gay Mont. Mentions Cary, Fritz, and Ashley's travels. Mentions weather. Writes of dinner parties and guests. Plans for 50th high school reunion. Mentions photographs of John Eager's medal. Bill member of 32nd degree in Scottish RIte of Masonry in Richmond, initiated into Shriners. Includes copy of parole document from National Archives from Headquarters Department of Virginia 1865 William Howard as prisoner of war 4th Virginia Calvary, permission to go home to Maryland. Bill to be grandpa in May. Mentions multiple wedding anniversaries, weddings, and events of friends. Discusses possible oil shortages soon.
Letters from Bill Howard to sister Frances Robb. Information on Cary, Fritz, and family. Writes about social visits from various family members. Bear sightings at Gay Mont. Writes of Washington D.C. and traffic issues as well as archival work. Includes copies: Philip L. Robb, William R. Bernard of Co.B 9th Virginia Calvary, (Johnson's Regiment). Mentions Ellen and Jim as well as Columbia's health improving. Writes of Tom's auto accident at Gay Mont and mentions Brown's Motel in Port Royal. Writes of Joe Holloway's funeral and events. Contains get well cards to Frances. Mentions hunting on his property and deer season. Contains 3 photographs of Ashley and Key. Mentions a brass Randolph paper clip and a New Year party at Propect Hill. Mentions the Hoyt's party and health. (A more detailed description included in folder).
Letters from Bill Howard and Frances Patton to Frances Robb. Mentions Belle Hill and farm affairs. Writes of various persons being in the hospital. Mentions two historians from Park Services and a PhD visiting him to talk about Chatham, inquired of pictures, maps, and events. Writes of the geneology of the Virginian Howards and the Maryland Howards as well as an article Cary wrote. Writes of Liz's biopsy. Mentions Ellen's visit and travels. Discusses A.P.V.A. deal and people. Mentions Gay Mont, Mount Zion, a wedding at Vanters, Tappahannock, Mulberry Place, the Eupatorium Incarnatu, Kenmore, Woodlawn, and Bowling Green. Mentions Howard McHenry, Paul Karsten and his family, Frances Patton, the Boddies, Eleanor Iglehart, granddaughter Ashley, Mrs. Briggs, Charles and Madge Marshell, the Holmes, Katherine Yerby, and states that Mary Stevenson and John Billingsly died. Writes often of dogs and some of politics. (A more detailed description included in folder).
Letters from Bill Howard to Frances Robb. Writes of fuel oil and prices. Mentions the weather and writes often of the dogs. Visits of family, Ellen, Liz, Cary, and grandchildren. Writes about historians inquiring about Chatham. Discussess geneological matters. Bill plants 7,00 pines on property-cost sharing-writes of trees. Mentions John and Peg Russell, Mary Coleman, Jim, David Holmes, Thomas and Lawson Waring, Dr. McFarland, Dorothy and Joe Harris, Bob Krick, the Caroline Historical Society, Taylor Turner, Dorothy Peters, Sally Scott Norris, Wallace Yerby, Forrest Dickinson, and Marge Arnold. Plans of going to Europe. Also mentions Napels Florida, St. Asaphs, Bowling Green, Tuckahoe, Belle Hill, Stratford, Camden, Spotsylvania, St. Peters, New Salem Church, Gay Mont, Vanters, and Fredericksburg. (A more detailed description included in folder).
Letters from Bill Howard and Frances Patton to Frances Robb. Frances Robb is in the hospital. Writes of weather-mentions hang up dead water snake so rain would come. Writes of dogs and new dog. Mentions gardening and the Rappahannock Valley Garden Club. Writes of many social visits and church services. Mentions Lucille Reilly, John Ballentine, Virginius Dabney's history book, the Yerby's and the Wallace's, Rosalie, Ellen and Columbia, the Quarles, Raplph Robertsons, Alice Turner. Writes of Bowling Green, Wynnewood Pennsylvania, Gay Mont, Port Royal, Goldenvale Creek, Gouldman Dam. (A more detailed description included in folder).
Letters from Bill Howard and Frances Patton to Frances Robb. Includes photograph of Lucy Anne Patterson "Mamseys" Mother. Mentions the weather. Writes of Ellen and Cary and their plans and travels. Mentions the dogs. Purchase of brick lined stove. Mentions Thanksgiving plans with family. Writes of various social visits and parties. Mentions Bob Hicks, Dorothy Harris, Ralph Fall, the Howards, the Russells and the Carters, Sally Norris Scott, and Rosalie Taylor, as well as Spring Grove, Bowling Green, Gay Mont and Snow Creek, the Crowningshield Building at Kenmore, and the Happy Clam. Writes of Columbus day being celebrated on the 10th not the 12th. (A more detailed description included in folder).
Letters from Bill Howard to sister Frances Robb. Writes of Frances' dinner party and of the stone from James H. Byran Memorials of Harrisonburg. John A. Weaver is their Fredericksburg representative. Stone brought to Gay Mont-writes of mud and trouble with delivery. Bill's cousin Key died. Frances is in the hospital, plans to return home on her birthday. Liz thanks Fran for sending checks. Mentions settling France's estate. Description of Frances. Liz works at the hospital. (A more detailed description included in folder).
Letters from Bill Howard to Frances Robb, Letters of Jim, Meem and Patty. Bill thanks Fran and Bob for presents. Mentions New Year party at the Hoyt's and travels through Castles. Fran treated Jim to lunch, Fran to stay with either Cary or Jim. Letter to Meem and Patty talks about power lines and the APVA. Mentions Joanna Catron the curator at "Belmont", Anita Pratt, Madell family and Beverley, Taylor Turner's death, Louis Rollins, Jayne Harding, the Cheesmans, Beverley Pratt, Julian Hudson, the Bowens and Marjorie Strother, Jeff Gilbert, the Erhards. Also mentions the DMA picnic at Berry Plain. Mentions placing flags at grave sites. Writes of wedding plans. Mentions the Bowens making "Oaken Brow" into a spinach farm. Mentions Gay Mont, Bridgeville, Ghelarduccis and surrounding street names. Includes a page from a diary, and writes of viewing many photographs. Mentions various names of streets and locations. (A more detailed description included in folder).
Includes"'calling card, brownley's, Washington, DC, message from Bill". Index card with names of William Key Howard to sister Frances R.H. Robb, Frances Lightfoot Robb and wife, Elizabeth Crismond Howard. Index card from Elizabeth Crismond Howard to sister in law Frances Robb. Very small postcard from Smith Memorial, Philadelphia to Miss F.R. Howard in Washington DC. Postcard from Bill with photograph of Tsukuba. Postcards from Bill to F.R. Howard, postcard to Mrs. R.G. Robb, all with various images. As well as undated items in Howards-cards and letters folder. (A more detailed description located in folder.)
One 8" x 10" black and white photograph of Eugenia van Dyke Robb that was used for a story published by the Baltimore Sun in 1943.
This series contains letters, postcards, photographs, and other material related to the Robb-Bernard family. Most of the material relates to the family of Frances Robb. Some of the correspondents in the letters include Robert Gilchrist Robb, Jr., Frances Randolph Howard, and other members of the Howard family. Material related to Frances Robb's time at William and Mary is also included.