Roger F. Powell Letter 1952

Access and use

Location of collection:
Thomas Balch Library
Thomas Balch Library
208 West Market Street
Leesburg, Virginia 20176
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Alexandra S. Gressitt
Phone: (703) 737-7195
Fax: (703) 737-7195

Summary

Creator:
Roger F. Powell
Abstract:
The collection consists of a 2 page carbon copy of a typewritten letter from Sheriff Roger Powell to Irvey Willard Baker (1881-1955), Chairman of the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors, dated 22 November 1952.
Language:
English

Background

Scope and content:

The collection consists of a 2 page carbon copy of a typewritten letter from Sheriff Roger Powell to Irvey Willard Baker (1881-1955), Chairman of the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors, dated 22 November 1952. In the letter, Powell explains that Arthur Godfrey was the donor of the $2000 to install the county police radio communication system.

Biographical / historical:

On 5 July 1948 S. Paul Alexander(1897-1983), sheriff of Loudoun County, Virginia, presented the County Board of Supervisors with an estimate for General Electric radio equipment for both headquarters and squad cars. A 60 watt deluxe unit with additional receiver for tie-in with Arlington County was to be installed into headquarters for $1800. Three squad cars for the department were to be equipped with mobile units at $572 each; the total cost for the entire department would total $3516. However, it was not until 6 March 1950 that the Board of Supervisors approved $1500 for radio equipment for the sheriff's office.

On 1 January 1952 Roger F. Powell (1906-2001) became sheriff of Loudoun County. He had served as deputy sheriff from 1949-1951. On the morning of 4 August 1952 Powell appeared before the Board of Supervisors and presented information on a radio communication system for the sheriff's office. He stated he had $2000 available from private funds to pay for the system. Although not disclosed initially, the funds were provided by Arthur Godfrey (1903-1983). This new communication system would tie all emergency units--sheriff, fire department, rescue squad ambulance and game warden--together. During the afternoon session, the Board of Supervisors unanimously voted to allow the sheriff to have a steel radio tower constructed in the jail yard, subject to approval of the town of Leesburg.

Acquisition information:
Unknown