J. E. R. Lightfoot Grocery daybook

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 for 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 #], J. E. R. Lightfoot Grocery Daybook, 1913-1926, SC 0375, Special Collections, Carrier Library, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA.

Summary

Extent:
0.15 cubic feet 2 folders
Creator:
Derrer, Larry, 1944-2022, Jeffrey S. Evans & Associates, and Lightfoot, J. E. R. (James Edward Russell), 1878-1946
Abstract:
The daybook includes daily entries for payments made by Lightfoot's store primarily to other vendors and distributors.
Language:
English .
Preferred citation:

[identification of item], [box #, folder #], J. E. R. Lightfoot Grocery Daybook, 1913-1926, SC 0375, Special Collections, Carrier Library, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA.

Background

Scope and content:

The daybook includes daily entries for payments made by Lightfoot's store primarily to other vendors and distributors including Culpeper Grocery Company, Orange Grocery Company, Chesapeake Baking Company, Culpeper Pharmacy, Standard Oil Company, Peoples Grocery Company, Merchant Grocery Company, Pepsi-Cola Bottling Works, The Leib Packing Company, Alexandria Coffee Company, National Biscuit Company, and others.

Loose papers were removed from the front of the daybook and include receipts for taxes and levies paid and receipts from Lightfoot's store as well as other local businesses. A 1924 deed between J.E.R. and Martha P. Lightfoot and James L. Garfield documents the sale of two parcels of land adjacent to the town of Culpeper and known as "Lightfoot's Addition" to Garfield.

Biographical / historical:

James Edward Russell Lightfoot (1878-1946), son of Henry and Mary Lightfoot, was an African American merchant and civic leader in Culpeper, Virginia. Lightfoot took over as owner/proprietor his father's store, Lightfoot Grocery, upon his retirement. The grocery was located on Davis St. in Culpeper and according to the store's billheads specialized in "staple and fancy groceries" including mill feed, canned goods, meats, butter, eggs, vegetables, assorted tobacco products, and soft drinks. Lightfoot was active in the Mt. Olive Baptist Church, the Orange Horse Show and Racing Association, the local Masonic lodge, and the local lodge of the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks.

Acquisition information:
Purchased at Jeffrey S. Evans Associates' Americana Auction on March 22, 2024.
Custodial history:

From the estate of Larry Derrer, Harrisonburg, Virginia.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard