Special Collections Research Center
spcoll@wm.eduAdministrative Information
Conditions Governing Use:
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.
Conditions Governing Access:
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.
Preferred Citation:
Gary Family Papers, Special Collections Research Center, William & Mary Libraries
Acquisition Information:
Acc. 2015.150 was found on college property and was received by Special Collections on 6/5/2015.
Processing Information:
Accessioned and minimally described by Steven Bookman, University Archives Specialist, in June 2015. Fully processed and described by Eve Bourbeau-Allard, graduate assistant in June 2015.
Administrative History:
Born in Norge, VA, in 1907 to Charles Edward Gary Sr. (1871-1929) and Georgia Parker Gary Randall (circa 1886-d.1958), Charles Edward Gary Jr. attended the James City County Training School, followed by the Hampton Institute. He graduated in 1931 with a degree in tailoring and dry-cleaning, having as well played on the baseball team from 1928 through 1931 and joined Phi Alpha Kappa. In 1933, he additionally completed a degree in mortuary science from Frelinghusen University in Washington DC.
A longtime resident of the Williamsburg area, Mr. Gary owned and operated the West End Valet Shop, a tailoring and dry-cleaning service, for decades. Mr. Gary opened his business in 1934 and worked as the Williamsburg Inn's first valet from 1937 to 1949. He was then responsible for pressing clothing and cleaning employee uniforms. The West End Valet Shop, long situated at 607 Prince George Street, remained in full operation until 1973. Mr. Gary also worked as a notary public for several years.
Mr. Gary actively participated in the civic life of the Williamsburg community and of baptist churches in the area. He was a member of the Improved Benevolent Protective Order of Elks of the World (I.B.P.O.E.W.), an African American fraternal order, for more than seventy years, being especially involved in the Old Capitol Lodge no. 629. Mr. Gary once served as the lodge's Exalted Ruler. Among many others, organizations in which Mr. Gary served include the Williamsburg James City County Chamber of Commerce, the Virginia Board of Elections, the Shiloh Baptist Church, the Colonial Youth Center, the boy scouts, and the Frontiers Club.
In May 1944, Mr. Gary married Zelda DeBerry (d. 2010), a native of North Carolina and daughter of Rev. William DeBerry and Fanny Hammond DeBerry. Mrs. Gary studied nursing at Augustine College in Raleigh, NC, and anesthetics at Cook County Graduate School of Medicine, IL. She worked in Williamsburg for the Blayton clinic and the Williamsburg-James City School System.
Scope and Contents
These papers contain correspondence, photographs, business papers, artifacts, certificates, and other materials related to Charles Edward Gary, Jr. Mr. Gary was a prominent African American business owner in Williamsburg, operating for decades the West End Valet Shop off Prince George Street. The collection comprises business ledgers and other West End Valet Shop records over several years, as well as legal documents pertaining to the Valet Shop and Gary family estates such as leases and deeds. Personal materials pertain especially to Mr. Gary's schooling, his miltiary service during World War II, family photographs, and some of Mrs. Zelda Gary's personal papers. An active member of the Williamsburg community, Mr. Gary served in several civic, fraternal, and religious organizations. Centering on his involvement in local baptist churches and in the Improved Benevolent Protective Order of Elks of the World - Old Capitol Lodge, Mr. Gary's papers include speeches he prepared for religious and I.B.P.O.E.W. meeting touching on religion, family, and race issues in America. The collection thus contains materials relevant to the study of twentieth-century Williamsburg history and African American history.
Arrangement of Materials:
Organized thematically, the collection contains three series: Personal and Family Papers, Legal and Business Records; and Civic Life.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
- African Americans--Virginia--Williamsburg
- Artifacts
- Business records
- Certificates
- Correspondence
- Gary, Zelda DeBerry
- Improved Benevolent Protective Order of Elks of the World
- Merchants--Virginia--Williamsburg
- Photographs
- West End Valet Shop (Williamsburg, Va.)
- Williamsburg (Va.)--History--20th century
- Williamsburg (Va.)--Photographs
- World War, 1939-1945
Significant Persons Associated With the Collection
- Gary, Charles Edward Jr. , 1907-2001
- Gary, Zelda DeBerry
Significant Places Associated With the Collection
- Williamsburg (Va.)--History--20th century
- Williamsburg (Va.)--Photographs
Container List
Organized thematically, this series comprises documents relating to Mr. and Mrs. Gary's schooling, letters sent to Mr. Gary by relatives and friends during World War II, other wartime documents, numerous family photographs and negatives, as well as other miscellaneous materials. Again following a thematic organization, the vast majority of photographs feature unidentified individuals and are undated. When found inside an annotated or dated photo developing envelope, photographs and negatives have been kept together. A nitrate negative, an informal portrait of two men, has been placed in special storage for preservation reasons; consult SCRC staff member.
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 id286489
Box 1
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 folder: 1 id286499
Photograph "Class Pic of 1924 Freshman Class"Scope and Contents
Includes a photocopy of label on original frame, which was removed for preservation purposes.
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 folder: 2 id286504
Hampton Institute Varsity and Athletic Association Certificates1928-1931
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 folder: 3 id286509
Bruton Heights Homecoming Football Game ProgramNovember 1948
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 folder: 4 id286514
The "Brutonian" Yearbook1959Scope and Contents
Two photographs of Mr. and Mrs. Gary's nieces inserted.
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 folder: 5 id286519
Letter Regarding a School Reunion1981 February 14Scope and Contents
Copy of letter sent by Mr. Gary to Mrs. Elizabeth W. Crichlow in Boston
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 folder: 6 id286524
Photographs of College Sport Eventsundated
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 folder: 7 id286550
Letters from "Cordelia" and E. C. Broadus1943 Jan.-1944 Mar.Scope and Contents
Two letters written by Cordelia to Charles found in the same envelope. In one, dated 1943, Cordelia says she is glad Charles adapts well to army life, compared to her brothers' negative experiences. In the second letter, Cordelia reflects on happiness and their past. Also includes a birthday card from Cordelia. An additional letter from 1944, signed by E. C. Broadus, was found in an envelope bearing the same Washington D.C. adress as Cordelia's envelopes. Broadus discusses office work as an inventory clerk suplying furniture for a division at the Pentagon building, and her/his experience as an African American clerk supervising a white employee. Touches on race, education, and the meaning of the war.
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 folder: 8 id286529
Letters from Zelda (DeBerry) Gary1943 Dec.-1944 Feb.Scope and Contents
Writing to Charles from Chicago, Zelda talks about her feelings for him and her thoughts about him joining the army. 3 letters and a valentine card.
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 folder: 9 id286538
Letters from Zelda (DeBerry) Gary1944 Feb.-Mar.Scope and Contents
Writing to Charles from Williamsburg, Zelda gives news of her errands and friends, and of Charles' family members and shop. 3 letters.
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 folder: 10 id286552
Letters from, and Documents Related to Wallace Randall Parker1944 Feb.Scope and Contents
Letters and forms related to Wallace Randall Parker's application for soldier dependents' benefits. Charles's uncle, Parker also gives family news.
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 folder: 11 id286554
Letters from Various Family Members1944 Feb.-MayScope and Contents
Two letters to Charles from his mother Georgia Randall giving news of her health and of their relatives. One letter from his niece Audrey Piggott and one from his sister Edith, who conveys news from home and says their mother is worried about him being in the army.
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 folder: 12 id286556
Letters from Gilbert J. Kinnamon1944 Feb.-MayScope and Contents
3 Letters and a postcard from a fellow soldier. Kinnamon sends news of Charles' family and shop, which he has visited while on furlough; gives advice on being in the army; promises to keep sending Charles the Virginia Gazette; plans on meeting in Lousiana; and details an itinerary from New Orleans to Williamsburg for Charles' furlough.
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 folder: 13 id286558
Letters from Various Correspondents, Last Names C-K1944-1945Scope and Contents
Private Carol Carter from the air force, talking about his experience since drafted; Postcard from private Robert Gibson; Richard F. Hammond, writing from the U.S. Naval Mine Depot in Yorktown about his health and advising Charles to seek fellow Elks in New Orleans; Thank you note from Lieut. Byron C. Herbert Jr; Private George M. Jackson, giving news of health and problems with mail; Mary B. King, sending news of Williamsburg's friends and her husband's army address.
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 folder: 14 id286560
Letters from Various Correspondents, Last Names R-W1944-1945Scope and Contents
Postcard from soldier Randolph; V-Mail from Sgt Allen Vaughn, serving in the Pacific; two V-Mail messages from soldier Edward Ward, asking Charles to visit his girlfriend to bring her news; letters from private Richard "Dick" West about his Texas unit, which is to be broken up soon.
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 folder: 15 id286562
Cards and Wedding Invitations1943-1945
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 folder: 16 id286566
Small Notebook1944 May 3Scope and Contents
Notebook kept by Mr. Gary, likely while training for becoming an officer. Contains notes on teaching techniques, building morale, crafting lesson plans, analysis skills, map reading, and a diagram of the Allied high command.
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 folder: 17 id286568
Miscellaneous Wartime DocumentsScope and Contents
Includes a document "Instructions to Port Checkers for Tallying Oversea Shipments Received at N.O.P.E." and an application form for national service life insurance.
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 folder: 18 id286944
Wartime Portraits1944Scope and Contents
Two photographs, one of a couple and one of Mr. Gary and a friend in soldiers' uniforms.
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 folder: 19 id286570
Early Family PhotographsScope and Contents
5 items circa 1880s-1910s
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 folder: 20 id286572
Formal Portraits of Mr. and Mrs. GaryScope and Contents
Circa 1940s-1950s
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 folder: 21 id286576
Framed School Portraits1957 and undatedScope and Contents
4 items in cardboard frames. Signed by Ann Bruce, Betty [niece], Skipper, and Edythe [niece] to Mr. and Mrs. Gary.
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 folder: 22 id286580
Framed School Portrait1961-1967Scope and Contents
One portrait in cardboard frame, to "Nurse Gary" from her nephew Clifton. Frame included other loose school portraits, one identified as Jerome Randolph Jr.
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 folder: 23 id286586
Framed [Wedding] Portrait of Unidentified CoupleScope and Contents
Likely a wedding photograph from circa 1950s. Cardboard frame included 5 loose portraits of children.
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 folder: 24 id286592
Formal Portraits of Friends and RelativesScope and Contents
Includes one from class of 1980, signed Annette Richard, and one from class of 2005. Most unidentified and undated.
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 folder: 25 id286630
Photocopy of a Group Portrait1940Scope and Contents
Labeled "Service S[?], Williamsburg VA." Possibly a valet and service team at a Williamsburg hotel.
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 folder: 26 id286594
Miscellaneous Group Portraits
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 folder: 27 id286596
Informal Portraits of Friends and RelativesScope and Contents
Most unidentified and undated.
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 folder: 1 id286499
- Mixed Materials Box: 2 id286494
Box 2
- Mixed Materials Box: 2 folder: 1 id286598
Photographs of Friend and Family Gatherings1956 December
- Mixed Materials Box: 2 folder: 2 id286610
Photographs of Friend and Family Gatherings1956 December
- Mixed Materials Box: 2 folder: 3 id286612
Photographs of Friend and Family Gatherings1956 December
- Mixed Materials Box: 2 folder: 4 id286614
Photographs of Friend and Family Gatherings1956 December
- Mixed Materials Box: 2 folder: 5 id286616
Photographs of Friend and Family Gatherings1956 DecemberScope and Contents
Includes a few matching negatives.
- Mixed Materials Box: 2 folder: 6 id286618
Negatives of "Mrs. Williams Xmas Party"Scope and Contents
Includes a photocopy of the original envelope labeled "Mrs. Williams Xmas Party Gary." One negative identified as "Little Eddie A. Sasl[is]".
- Mixed Materials Box: 2 folder: 7 id286620
Photographs of Family Pets1972-2003
- Mixed Materials Box: 2 folder: 8 id286622
Photographs of House Interiors and Exteriors1961 and undated
- Mixed Materials Box: 2 folder: 9 id286624
Photographs and Negatives of a Parade in WilliamsburgScope and Contents
On Duke of Gloucester Street, circa 1970s-1980s.
- Mixed Materials Box: 2 folder: 10 id286626
Photographs of Williamsburg Parades
- Mixed Materials Box: 2 folder: 11 id286628
Photographs of Duke of Gloucester Street, Williamsburg
- Mixed Materials Box: 2 folder: 12 id286632
Photographs and Negatives of Miscellaneous Events
- Mixed Materials Box: 2 folder: 13 id286634
Travel Photographs and Negatives
- Mixed Materials Box: 2 folder: 14 id286636
Travel Photographs and NegativesScope and Contents
Features nautical scenes and a show.
- Mixed Materials Box: 2 folder: 15 id286638
Miscellaneous Photographs and Negatives in Dated Envelopes1973-1984Scope and Contents
Various photographs and negatives found together in photo developing envelopes. Photocopies of original envelope included.
- Mixed Materials Box: 2 folder: 16 id286640
Miscellaneous Photographs
- Mixed Materials Box: 2 folder: 17 id286642
Miscellaneous Negatives
- Mixed Materials Box: 2 folder: 18 id286644
Miscellaneous Negatives
- Mixed Materials Box: 2 folder: 19 id286646
Christmas Card with Inserted Photograph of Niece Felicia1977
- Mixed Materials Box: 2 folder: 20 id286648
Blank Postcards
- Mixed Materials Box: 2 folder: 21 id286650
Miscellaneous Ephemera
- Mixed Materials Box: 2 folder: 22 id286652
Newspaper Clippings of Local News and Obituariesbulk 1990s
- Mixed Materials Box: 2 folder: 23 id286654
Newspaper Clippings regarding African American History and Race in Americabulk 1990s
- Mixed Materials Box: 2 folder: 24 id286845
New Testament
- Mixed Materials Box: 2 folder: 25 id286850
United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Small Boat Seamanship Certificate1963
- Mixed Materials Box: 2 folder: 26 id286855
Miscellaneous Personal Identification Cards
- Mixed Materials Box: 2 folder: 1 id286598
- Mixed Materials Box: 6 id286656
Box 6Scope and Contents
Larger materials
- Mixed Materials Box: 6 folder: 1 id286658
Phi Alpha Kappa of Hampton Institute Certificate1931Scope and Contents
Recognizing two years of membership for Mr. Gary
- Mixed Materials Box: 6 folder: 2 id286660
Diplomas and Certifications for Zelda (DeBerry) Gary1936-1944Scope and Contents
Hamlet Public School District, NC, 1936; Saint Agnes Hospital Training School for Nurses, NC, 1939; North Carolina Board of Nurse Examiners, 1939; Cook County Graduate School of Medicine, IL, 1944. Folder also includes 3 flower prints kept behind the diplomas in original frames.
- Mixed Materials Box: 6 folder: 3 id286662
Content of a Photograph AlbumScope and Contents
Photograph album pages with informal portraits, circa 1940s. Some photographs are identified. The folder also houses several documents relating to Mrs. Zelda Gary that were found loose in the album, including report cards from Hamlet Public Schools for the years 1932-1936, an employment offer, North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Company documents, a 1976 certificate of service from the Union Batptist Church, as well as loose photographs. Damaged album binding removed for preservation purposes.
- Mixed Materials Box: 6 folder: 4 id286664
Wedding Photograph of Unidentified Couple
- Mixed Materials Box: 6 folder: 5 id286666
Exterior and Aerial Views of a House, Photographs and Painting
- Mixed Materials Box: 6 folder: 1 id286658
- Mixed Materials Manuscripts Oversize Box 2 id286942
Oversize Folder 1
- Mixed Materials Manuscripts Oversize Box 2 Oversize_Folder: 1 id286946
Charcoal Portrait of an Unidentified African American Womancirca 1870s-1910s
- Mixed Materials Manuscripts Oversize Box 2 Oversize_Folder: 1 id286946
- Mixed Materials Box: 7 id286940
Box 7Scope and Contents
Personal artifacts comprise Mr. Gary's World War II dog tag, an Eastern Connecticut State University watch, two address rubber stamps, and a 1933 Maryland Public Schools medal for the Playground Athletic League.
This series contains legal and business records documenting the operations of Mr. Gary's tailoring and dry-cleaning business, the West End Valet Shop, as well as family estates. Detailed business ledgers survive for the years 1944 to 1953. Legal documents comprise leases and deeds signed by Mr. and Mrs. Gary, as well as deeds, plats, and other materials about estate settlements concerning the related Gary, Randall, Parker, Peagley, Baker, and Outten families.
- Mixed Materials Box: 3 id286668
Box 3
- Mixed Materials Box: 3 folder: 1 id286670
Summaries of Collections and Disbursements1944 Jan.-Jun.Scope and Contents
Monthly reports of spendings and earnings at the West End Valet Shop sent to Mr. Gary during his military service by the shop's secretary, H.J. Sasser. Also includes a letter with news of the shop.
- Mixed Materials Box: 3 folder: 2 id286672
Summaries of Collections and Disbursements1944 Jul.-Sept.Scope and Contents
Monthly reports from H.J. Sasser kept with two letters about the business and news of Williamsburg connections.
- Mixed Materials Box: 3 Folder: 3 id286674
Summaries of Collections and Disbursements1945 Jan.-Mar.Scope and Contents
Monthly reports from H. J. Sasser and one letter.
- Mixed Materials Box: 3 folder: 4 id286676
Business Ledger1947 Oct.-1948 Jun.Scope and Contents
Folder also includes a "Home Plan Service Building Contract," inserted in the binder with the ledger pages. Original binder containing ledger pages from 1947 Oct.-1948 Dec. and the 1948 payroll separated for preservation reasons.
- Mixed Materials Box: 3 folder: 5 id286678
Business Ledger1948 Jun.-Dec.
- Mixed Materials Box: 3 folder: 6 id286680
Payroll Ledger1948
- Mixed Materials Box: 3 folder: 7 id286682
Business Ledger1949 Jan.-Jul.Scope and Contents
Original binder containing ledger pages for the year 1949 separated for preservation reasons.
- Mixed Materials Box: 3 folder: 8 id286684
Business Ledger1949 Jul.-1950 Jan.
- Mixed Materials Box: 3 folder: 9 id286686
Notebook with Client Names and Sales1949-1950Scope and Contents
Some pages are missing.
- Mixed Materials Box: 3 folder: 10 id286688
Business Ledger1950-1951Scope and Contents
Also includes personal spendings and loose computation sheets.
- Mixed Materials Box: 3 folder: 11 id286690
Business Ledger1951 Dec.-1952 Jul.Scope and Contents
Original binder containing ledger pages from 1951 Dec.-1952 Dec. and the 1952 payroll separated for preservation reasons.
- Mixed Materials Box: 3 folder: 12 id286692
Business Ledger1952 Jul.-Dec.
- Mixed Materials Box: 3 folder: 13 id286694
Payroll Ledger1952
- Mixed Materials Box: 3 folder: 14 id286696
Checkbook1952 May-1953 Aug.Scope and Contents
Also includes a loose 1948 check on the West End Valet Shop.
- Mixed Materials Box: 3 folder: 15 id286698
Business Ledger1953 Jan.-Jul.Scope and Contents
Original binder containing ledger pages from 1953 Jan.-1954 Jan. and the 1953 payroll separated for preservation reasons.
- Mixed Materials Box: 3 folder: 16 id286700
Business Ledger1953 Jul.-1954 Jan.
- Mixed Materials Box: 3 folder: 17 id286702
Payroll Ledger1953
- Mixed Materials Box: 3 folder: 18 id286704
Certificate of Appreciation for the Bruton Heights Band Uniform Drive1965
- Mixed Materials Box: 3 folder: 19 id286706
Letter to Client and Bill1964 and 1975
- Mixed Materials Box: 3 folder: 20 id286708
Correspondence with Companies and Suppliers1973-1982Scope and Contents
Copies of letters sent by Mr. Gary with information about orders and supplies.
- Mixed Materials Box: 3 folder: 1 id286670
- Mixed Materials Box: 4 id286710
Box 4
- Mixed Materials Box: 4 folder: 1 id286712
Letters to Newspapers1973-1981Scope and Contents
Copies of 3 letters sent by Mr. Gary transmitting information about the shop and proposals for advertisements.
- Mixed Materials Box: 4 folder: 2 id286714
Letters to Governmental Agencies, 1973-1981Scope and Contents
Copies of 3 letters sent by Mr. Gary
- Mixed Materials Box: 4 folder: 3 id286716
Photographs and Negatives of West End Valet Shop1977 and undatedScope and Contents
Includes a series of photographs of Mr. Gary in his shop and of his equipment taken by a Colonial Williamsburg photographer in 1977, one of which was selected for the newspaper article "A Tailor-made Gift for CW."
- Mixed Materials Box: 4 Folder: 4 id286718
Newspaper Clippings about the West End Valet Shopcirca 1977Scope and Contents
Articles "Dry Cleaning Equipment Given to CW" and "A Tailor-Made Gift for CW" regarding Mr. Gary's donation of his 1948 Hoffman dry cleaner to Colonial Williamsburg
- Mixed Materials Box: 4 folder: 5 id286720
Advertisements and Business Card
- Mixed Materials Box: 4 folder: 6 id286725
Blank Forms and Letterhead
- Mixed Materials Box: 4 folder: 7 id286730
Photocopies of Materials re. Tailoring, Sewing, and Crocheting
- Mixed Materials Box: 4 folder: 8 id286735
"Notary Public"1956-1976Scope and Contents
Includes, among others, a 1956 guidebook "Laws Relating to Notaries Public" by the Commonwealth of Virginia, and a certificate and membership card from the Notaries Public Association.
- Mixed Materials Box: 4 folder: 9 id286740
Leases1950 and 1967
- Mixed Materials Box: 4 folder: 10 id286745
Lease1967Scope and Contents
Rolled-up and brittle item
- Mixed Materials Box: 4 folder: 11 id286750
Leases1972-1975
- Mixed Materials Box: 4 folder: 12 id286755
Deeds1952 and 1954
- Mixed Materials Box: 4 folder: 13 id286760
Deeds and Power of Attorney1961-1964
- Mixed Materials Box: 4 folder: 14 id286765
"Buck Henry Randall Estate"1953-1967Scope and Contents
Documents found in a folder labeled "Buck Henry Randall Estate," of which Charles Gary was a beneficiary. Randall married Charles' mother Georgia Parker after her divorce with Charlie Gary Sr.
- Mixed Materials Box: 4 Folder: 15 id286948
Documents regarding Celestine and Clarence Outten1959-1962Scope and Contents
Legal documents concerning Mr. Gary's sister Celestine and her husband.
- Mixed Materials Box: 4 folder: 16 id286770
Deeds regarding Charlie E. Gary Estate1960Scope and Contents
Documentation about the partition of Mr. Gary's father's property between the related Gary, Peagler, Parker, Outten, and Baker families.
- Mixed Materials Box: 4 folder: 17 id286775
Wallace R. Parker Estate Documents1960 and undatedScope and Contents
Charles Gary's uncle on his mother's side. Comprises a bill of estate settlement costs and a plat of Parker's estate near Ironbound Rd.
- Mixed Materials Box: 4 folder: 18 id286780
Gary vs. Wade Case Documents1969-1970Scope and Contents
Letter and deeds pertaining to a court case about Randall family property.
- Mixed Materials Box: 4 folder: 19 id286785
Purchase Money Deed of Trust with Mr. and Mrs. Givens1972
- Mixed Materials Box: 4 folder: 20 id286790
Sales Contract and Deed of Trust with William T. Stone1973-1975
- Mixed Materials Box: 4 folder: 21 id286795
"Peagler File"1981-1982 and undatedScope and Contents
Documents found in a folder labeled "Peagler File" pertaining to Mr. Gary's nephew Owen Peagley, including a curriculum vitae (see Civic Life, series 3, box 5, folder 11), notes about a deed and family property transaction, and a survey map of the Charles E. Gary Sr. estate to be partitioned.
- Mixed Materials Box: 4 folder: 22 id286800
Property Sale to Endowment Association of the College of William and Mary1996-1997Scope and Contents
Includes inspection reports of the Ironbound Road property and copy of the deed.
- Mixed Materials Box: 4 folder: 23 id286805
"Charles Gary Life Estate"2007Scope and Contents
Documents found in a folder labeled "Charles Gary Life Estate Parcel 041" from the Virginia Department of Transportation about rights of way for the Ironbound Road property.
- Mixed Materials Box: 4 folder: 24 id286810
Armistead Avenue Development Program1976-1983Scope and Contents
Short testimony about the history of businesses at 204 Armistead Avenue, letters, and maps regarding a Williamsburg development project.
- Mixed Materials Box: 4 folder: 25 id286815
Newspaper Clippings regarding Property Transfers and Local Developmentbulk 1970s
- Mixed Materials Box: 4 folder: 26 id286820
Miscellaneous Legal and Financial Documents1951-1975Scope and Contents
Mostly regarding loans and deeds of trust
- Mixed Materials Box: 4 folder: 27 id286825
Miscellaneous Notes about Financial Mattersundated
- Mixed Materials Box: 4 Folder: 28
Charles Gary Suit TagGary, Charles Edward Jr. , 1907-20010.1 Linear Feet One legal sized folder with an envelope inside.circa 1965Immediate Source of Acquisition
Donated by Jerry Van Voorhis
Scope and ContentsSuit label from the West End Valet Shop in Williamsburg, Virginia, circa 1965. The shop was owned and operated by Charles Gary. Mr. Gary made two suits for Mr. Jerry Van Voorhis between 1964 and 1965. This label is from one of those suits which Mr. Van Voorhis' used as his wedding suit in 1966. At the time of the label donation, the suit was still in the possession of Mr. Van Voorhis and was reported to be in excellent condition, a testament to the talent of Mr. Gary and his workmanship.
Processing InformationAdded as an addition to the collection in 2022 by Veronica Parker.
- Mixed Materials Box: 4 folder: 1 id286712
- Mixed Materials Box: 7 id286938
Box 7Scope and Contents
Artifacts relating to Mr. Gary's business and professional life comprise four West End Valet Shop rubber stamps, a table bell, a clothing label customized to Mr. Gary, a measuring tape, two signature rubber stamps, a notary public rubber stamp, and a notary public metal stamp.
This series encompasses materials and artifacts documenting Mr. Gary's active civic life in the Williamsburg area community. In addition to serving on a citizen advisory committee, the Williamsburg James City County Chamber of Commerce, and the Virginia State Board of Elections, Mr. Gary participated in the services of several local baptist churches and was a member of the Improved Benevolent Protective Order of Elks of the World (Old Capitol Lodge No. 629) for over 70 years. The bulk of this series relates to church and Order of Elks service. Of note are several typescripts and handwritten drafts of speeches delivered by Mr. Gary in those contexts. Most are unsigned but accompanied of the official service programs listing speakers.
- Mixed Materials Box: 5 id286830
Box 5
- Mixed Materials Box: 5 folder: 1 id286835
Certificates of Appreciation and Membership1953-1984Scope and Contents
Certificates highlighting Mr. Gary's involvement and support of various institutions such as the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis, the National Council of Negro Women, the Williamsburg James City County Chamber of Commerce, the Frontiers of America, and the New Zion Baptist Church.
- Mixed Materials Box: 5 folder: 2 id286860
Photocopies of Award Plaques1976-1996Scope and Contents
Mostly from the Order of Elks
- Mixed Materials Box: 5 folder: 3 id286865
Thank You Note for Bruton Heights Consultancy1953
- Mixed Materials Box: 5 folder: 4 id286870
Report of the Citizens Advisory Committee on the Plan for the Central Area1967
- Mixed Materials Box: 5 folder: 5 id286875
Virginia State Board of Elections1975-1983Scope and Contents
1975 voter registration record, and documents pertaining to Mr. Gary's appointment as an officer on the Board, including a 1983 manual "Instructions for Officers of Elections."
- Mixed Materials Box: 5 folder: 6 id286880
Program for Annual Dinner Meeting of the Williamsburg-James City County Chamber of Commerce1977
- Mixed Materials Box: 5 folder: 7 id286885
Men's Day Programs and Typescripts of Speeches1965-1975Scope and Contents
Ceremony programs, as well as annotated typescripts and handwritten drafts of speeches given by Mr. Gary during Men's Day services at the First Baptist Church of Williamsburg and Shiloh Baptist Church. Includes welcome addresses and a 1967 speech entitled "The Negro Man and his Family" in which Mr. Gary reflects on the history of African American families in the United States, current social and racial issues, and biblical views on the importance of the family.
- Mixed Materials Box: 5 folder: 8 id286890
Typescripts and Drafts of a Joint Memorial Services Speech1973Scope and Contents
Speech delivered by Mr. Gary during a service with the Order of Elks held at Mount Ararat Baptist Church, discussing death, community service, the principles of the order, and the limits of wealth and materialism. Also includes a program of the ceremony.
- Mixed Materials Box: 5 folder: 9 id286895
Typescripts of Speech "Can a Negro Business Survive in an Integrated Society"undatedScope and Contents
Delivered at a Brotherhood [Order of Elks?] breakfast. Discusses employer and employee behavior, black and white patronage, racial pride; compares the fate of African American and Jewish businesses in America; and suggests avenues for the future.
- Mixed Materials Box: 5 folder: 10 id286900
Introductions to Speakers by Mr. Gary, Last Names B-M1967-1977Scope and Contents
Includes service programs, typescripts of introduction speeches, and biographical notes relating to various speakers at baptist churches: Rev. Ed. Bailey, Dr. Ollie Bowman, Dr. George W. Grayson, Rev. J. H. Moody.
- Mixed Materials Box: 5 folder: 11 id286905
Introductions to Speakers by Mr. Gary, Last Names P1968-1981Scope and Contents
Speakers Shade Joseph Palmer, R. G. Parker, and Owen F. Peagler.
- Mixed Materials Box: 5 folder: 12 id286910
Introductions to Speakers by Mr. Gary, Last Names S-W1963-1985Scope and Contents
Speakers Att. William T. Stone, Rev. James B. Tabb, Alfred K. Talbot Jr., Wilbert Wallace.
- Mixed Materials Box: 5 folder: 13 id286916
Various Speeches Delivered at Baptist Churches1954-1984Scope and Contents
Typescripts and handwritten drafts of speeches given during anniversary, appreciation, and dedication services at various baptist churches in the Williamsburg area. Also includes some corresponding service programs.
- Mixed Materials Box: 5 folder: 14 id286918
Photocopy of Speech on Family and ReligionundatedScope and Contents
Photocopy of a typescript of a speech discussing family in the Bible, religion and church in African American communities, family as a social formation in the United States, and the role of men and women in church and family. Undated and unsigned. Clipped to a 1970 note from Ollie M. Bowman, a professor at Hampton Institute and deacon in the Presbyterian church, who was perhaps the author or the sender of the speech.
- Mixed Materials Box: 5 folder: 15 id286920
Miscellaneous Church Service Programs1976-1981Scope and Contents
Five items from different baptist churches in the Williamsburg area.
- Mixed Materials Box: 5 folder: 16 id286922
Miscellaneous Notes "Church Paperwork"undatedScope and Contents
Found in a folder labeled "Church Paperwork"
- Mixed Materials Box: 5 folder: 17 id286924
Photographs and Negatives of Religious Servicesundated
- Mixed Materials Box: 5 folder: 18 id286926
Miscellaneous Order of Elks Documents1975, 1997, and undatedScope and Contents
Certificate of award, membership card, and undated bank form for deposit by authority of lodge.
- Mixed Materials Box: 5 folder: 19 id286928
Photographs and Negatives "Elks"undatedScope and Contents
36 photographs and several negative slides found in a photo developing enveloped labeled "Elks."
- Mixed Materials Box: 5 folder: 20 id286930
Additional Photographs and Negatives of the Order of Elks1961-1963 and undatedScope and Contents
Among other photographs are four formal group portraits.
- Mixed Materials Box: 5 folder: 21 id286932
Photographs and Negatives of a CeremonyundatedScope and Contents
Found in a photo developing envelope without any annotation, possibly of an Order of Elks ceremony.
- Mixed Materials Box: 5 folder: 1 id286835
- Mixed Materials Box: 7 id286934
Box 7Scope and Contents
Artifacts related to Mr. Gary's civic involvement comprise a 1936 Order of Elks delegate medal, a small Frontiers of America metal pin, another small metal pin with unreadable association, and an Order of Elks Old Capital Lodge rubber stamp.
- Mixed Materials Box: 8 id286936
Box 8Scope and Contents
Textile artifacts relating to Mr. Gary's civic involvement comprise an "I.B.P.O.E. of W." stiched hat, an American Legion of Williamsburg, VA, hat, as well as an Order of Elks ceremonial collar.