Kenneth L. Jones Papers

Access and use

Location of collection:
James Madison University
Second Floor Room 203, MSC 1704
Carrier Library
James Madison University
880 Madison Drive
Harrisonburg, VA 22807
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Tiffany Cole
Phone: (540) 568-3444
Phone: (540) 568-3612
Fax: (540) 568-3405
Restrictions:

Collection is open to research. Researchers must register and agree to copyright and privacy laws before using this collection. Please contact Research Services staff before visiting the James Madison University Special Collections Library to use this collection.

Terms of access:

The copyright interests in this collection have not been transferred to the James Madison University Special Collections Library. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library Reference Desk (library-special@jmu.edu).

Preferred citation:

[identification of item], [box #, folder #], Kenneth L. Jones Papers, 1966-1972, SC 0310, Special Collections, Carrier Library, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA.

Summary

Extent:
0.16 cubic feet 2 folders
Creator:
Jones, Kenneth L. (Kenneth Lee), 1905-2004 and Rolling Hills Antique Mall
Abstract:
The Kenneth L. Jones Papers, 1966-1972, comprising photographs and printed ephemera, document Jones's time as a member of Alpha Phi Alpha, the first intercollegiate historically African American fraternity, and as a civic leader in Staunton, Virginia.
Language:
English .
Preferred citation:

[identification of item], [box #, folder #], Kenneth L. Jones Papers, 1966-1972, SC 0310, Special Collections, Carrier Library, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA.

Background

Scope and content:

The Kenneth L. Jones Papers, 1966-1972, comprising photographs and printed ephemera, document Jones's time as a member of Alpha Phi Alpha, the first intercollegiate historically African American fraternity, and as a civic leader in Staunton, Virginia.

The seven photographs document Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity annual conventions and regional meetings including the 1966 southwestern regional meeting in Muskogee, Oklahoma; the 1969 annual convention in Houston, Texas; the 1971 annual convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and an undated meeting in Norfolk, Virginia.

The printed ephemera includes a 1966 bulletin from West Virginia State University (Jones's alma mater) and an April 19, 1969 program for a testimonial dinner hosted by the Staunton-Augusta County Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). The program honored Dr. Charles J. Waller, and Jones, who was serving as vice mayor of Staunton at the time, gave one of several testimonies. A certificate of service recognizes Jones's 46 years of membership as a mason in the Mt. Zion Lodge #18.

Biographical / historical:

Kenneth L. Jones (1905-2004) was an African American business owner and civic leader from Staunton, Virginia. Jones graduated in 1923 from Staunton's Booker T. Washington Junior High School. He received his bachelor of science degree from West Virginia State College. After graduating, Jones worked as an educator in Oklahoma as well as at the Rosenwald School in Waynesboro. He was married to Emma Taylor Jones (1908-1958).

After receiving his funeral director's license in 1945, Jones established Kenneth L. Jones Funeral Home and served as its owner/operator until 1994.

Jones was particularly active in his local community and was a member of numerous civic organizations including the Staunton Interracial Commission, Board of Directors of the United Negro College Fund of Virginia, NAACP, Board of Directors for United Way of Staunton and Augusta County, Staunton School Board (1975-1979), Staunton Mental Health Board, and Staunton Democratic Committee. He was a lifetime member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity as well as the Mt. Zion Lodge #18. Jones served as the treasurer of the Effie Ann Johnson Day Nursery for thirty years and was a member of the Augusta Street United Methodist Church. Jones was the first African-American person to be elected to Staunton's city council and also served as vice mayor (1968-1972). His awards include NAACP Lifetime Achievement Award, Shenandoah Valley Hit's 1992 Black History Month Male Business Person of the Year, and the Rosenwald Alumni Award for Service.

Jones died December 1, 2004 at the age of 99.

Acquisition information:
Purchased from Rolling Hills Antique Mall in February 2020.
Custodial history:

Acquired by Rolling Hills proprietor Jeff Bradfield at Green Valley Auctions on February 21, 2020.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard