Mary Elsie Fox photograph collection

Access and use

Location of collection:
George Mason University
2400 Fenwick Library
Special Collections Research Center
Fenwick Library MS2FL
George Mason University
Fairfax, VA 22030
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Mieko Palazzo
Phone: (703) 993-2220
Fax: (703) 993-2669

Summary

Extent:
1 linear feet (3 boxes)
Creator:
Mary Elsie Fox
Abstract:
This collection contains approximately 100 black and white photographs from the discarded scrapbook of Mary Elsie Fox found after her death. The photographs are mostly 3x4" snapshots of Fox, her husband, and their close friends and document domestic life in the postwar Washington, D.C. area. The photographs range in size from 1x2" to 8x10".
Language:
English

Background

Scope and content:

This collection contains about 100 black and white photographs from the discarded scrapbook of Mary Elsie Fox found after her death. The photographs are mostly 3x4" snapshots of Fox, her brother, and their close friends and document domestic life in the postwar Washington, D.C. area. The photographs range in size from 1x2" to 8x10".

The collection includes photographs of parties, dinners, outdoor recreation, children, American military, a friend's time abroad in Norway, and general portrait photographs. The collection also includes photographs of DC monuments and important buildings, ranging from the Pentagon to the Carnegie Library. Many of these photographs have writing on the back, especially those taken in Norway.

The first series includes small photographs from 1935-1959. Spanning two boxes and about 100 pages, this series contains photographs from parties, domestic life, outdoor recreation, American military personnel, Washington, D.C., Norway, and children. The second series contains medium photographs taken during the 1940s. This series contains photographs of Turkey, American military personnel, parties, and leisure. The third series contains large photographs taken during the 1940s. This series consists mainly of photographs of the Pentagon but also includes images of weddings, leisure activities, and American military personnel.

Biographical / historical:

Mary Elsie Fox, a resident of Hinton, West Virginia, served as executive secretary for a number of generals of the U.S. Air Force and later in the office of Vice President Spiro T. Agnew. Born in 1923, Mary Elsie Fox spent most of her adult life in Washington, D.C. before her death in 1994.

Acquisition information:
Collection donated by Tish Como in 2006.
Arrangement:

Organized into three series.

  • Series 1: Small Photographs, 1935-1959 (Boxes 1-2)
  • Series 2: Medium Photographs, 1940s (Box 2)
  • Series 3: Large Photographs, 1940s (Boxes 2-3)