George Lincoln Rockwell to Richard O'Roark letter

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 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 #], George Lincoln Rockwell to Richard O'Roark Letter, July 1963, SC 0391, Special Collections, Carrier Library, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA.

Summary

Extent:
0.08 cubic feet 1 folder
Creator:
Rockwell, George Lincoln (George Lincoln), 1918-1967, O'Roark, Richard, 1910-1996, and Jeffrey S. Evans & Associates
Abstract:
Letter written by George Lincoln Rockwell, founder of the American Nazi Party, to Richard O'Roark, mayor of New Market, Virginia regarding an upcoming speaking tour which included a stop in New Market.
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

[identification of item], [box #, folder #], George Lincoln Rockwell to Richard O'Roark Letter, July 1963, SC 0391, Special Collections, Carrier Library, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA.

Background

Scope and content:

Letter written by George Lincoln Rockwell, founder of the American Nazi Party, to Richard O'Roark, mayor of New Market, Virginia regarding an upcoming statewide speaking tour which included a stop in New Market. The letter, dated July 9, 1963, includes a July 8, 1963 press release listing the dates and locations on the speaking tour. Shenandoah Valley locations included Luray, New Market, Harrisonburg, Elkton, Waynesboro, and Staunton.

Both the letter and enclosed press release mention the August 28, 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom and the American Nazi Party's intention to counter-demonstrate. Rockwell uses racist rhetoric and slurs in his letter to O'Roark as well as a statement quoted the press release.

The letter also references an enclosed "copy of our advance literature which explains what [the American Nazi Party] is trying to do." This item is not extant.

Biographical / historical:

George Lincoln Rockwell (1918-1967) founded the American Nazi Party in 1959 and served as its first commander until his death in 1967.

Richard O'Roark, to whom Rockwell addressed his letter, served as a councilman and the mayor of New Market for more than 30 years. O'Roark was a WWII veteran who participated in the Normandy Invasion and was also a member of the contingency that liberated the concentration camps in Germany. O'Roark was a lifelong resident of Shenandoah County and was active in local business and community activities.

Six Shenandoah Valley locations were on the schedule for the American Nazi Party's statewide speaking tour in the summer of 1963: Luray and New Market (along with Warrenton) were scheduled for August 3, 1963 with Harrisonburg, Elkton, Waynesboro, and Staunton scheduled for the following two days. According to the Daily News-Record, Rockwell did not show up for his announced appearances in Luray, New Market, or Harrisonburg. Regarding Rockwell's failure to appear in Harrisonburg, the local paper wrote: "There was no disappointed crowd on the court house lawn. About the only persons who turned out were city police and county deputy sheriffs, who were on hand to keep order."

Acquisition information:
Purchased September 7, 2024 from Jeffrey S. Evans Associates, Inc. Summer Americana auction.
Custodial history:

Per seller's description: "Property of a Shenandoah Co., VA gentleman."

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard