Walker-Wood families papers

Access and use

Location of collection:
Washington and Lee University, Leyburn Library
Special Collections and Archives
James G. Leyburn Library
Washington and Lee University
204 W. Washington Street
Lexington, VA 24450
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Tom Camden
Phone: (540) 458-8649
Phone: (540) 463-8109
Fax: (540) 463-8964
Restrictions:

The collection is open for use.

Terms of access:

The materials from Washington and Lee University Special Collections are made available for use in research, teaching, and private study, pursuant to U.S. Copyright law. The user assumes full responsibility for any use of the materials, including but not limited to, infringement of copyright and publication rights of reproduced materials. Any materials used should be fully credited with the source.

Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Walker-Wood Families Papers (WLU Coll. 0294), Special Collections and Archives, James G. Leyburn Library, Washington and Lee University, Lexington, VA

Summary

Extent:
1.5 Linear Feet 3 document cases
Creator:
Wood, Alexander Barbour
Language:
English .
Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Walker-Wood Families Papers (WLU Coll. 0294), Special Collections and Archives, James G. Leyburn Library, Washington and Lee University, Lexington, VA

Background

Scope and content:

This collection includes photographs, ephemera, clippings, correspondence, and printed material created and/or acquired by members of the Walker and Wood families, specifically Harry L. and Eliza Walker and their daughter Nannie and her husband Clarence. Subjects include the Walker-Wood Brothers meat and grocery business, the family home Blandome, properties owned by the families, First Baptist Church, and social organizations in Lexington and Roanoke such as the NAACP and the Virginia Federation of Colored Women. Several of the photographs date to the late 19th century and feature multiple generations of both families. Of particular note are photographs of Freedman's Hospital nurses and a unit of Buffalo soldiers. The families were very active in advocating for the education of African American children in Lexington, and this collection reflects that. The collection includes documents related to the advocacy for and development of Lylburn Downing School and the organization of the Home and School League.

The collection is arranged into series: Walker Family, Wood Family, Blandome House, Walker-Wood Brothers Business, African American Education in Lexington, Churches, Social Activities and Recreation, and Other Files. Other Files refers to material that did not fit within another series.

Biographical / historical:

The Walker and Wood families were prominent African-American families during the 20th century in Lexington, Virginia.

C. M. (Clarence Mosby) Wood was born on June 27, 1889 in Middlesex County, Va. He married to Nannie Elizabeth Walker on June 18, 1919. They were married for 48 years. C. M. and Nannie lived in Lexington, Va. in their home named Blandome. After marrying Nannie, C. M. joined his father-in-law, Harry L. Walker, as his business partner and eventual successor. C. M. edited the Lexington Star, sold real estate and insurance, and owned a car dealership, gas station, and ice cream parlor. He died on November 9, 1957.

Nannie Walker Wood was born in Rockbridge County, Va. on January 7, 1900 to Harry L. Walker and Eliza Bannister Walker. She was a member of First Baptist Church for 86 years. She attended school in Lexington, Va. and Hartshorn College for Women in Richmond which later became part of Virginia Union University where she met her future husband, C. M. (Clarence Mosby) Wood. She and C. M. were married on June 18, 1919. They were married for 48 years. During her lifetime, Nannie was affiliated with the following organizations: the Helen Gooch Memorial Missionary Society, the Lady's Auxiliary of First Baptist Church, the Garden Club, the Six O'Clock Club, and the NAACP. Nannie and C. M. had six children. After her husband's death, she managed the family businesses. Nannie died June 18, 1993.

Harry Lee Walker (1875-1941) was the father of Nannie Walker Wood. He married Eliza Bannister. Walker was a butcher who established a successful business selling meat to Washington and Lee, the Virginia Military Institute, and fraternities. He expanded his business to include groceries and seafood, and invested in real estate. Eliza Bannister Walker (1874-1939) was a nurse at the Freedman's hospital in Washington, D. C. and was also a professional singer. Both Harry and Eliza were active in the First Baptist Church and supported various educational and social causes. Eliza was a co-founder of the Virginia Federation of Colored Women.

Blandome is the name of the Walker-Wood home. Built circa 1830, the house's original owner is unknown. It was owned and occupied by a number of white families associated with both Washington and Lee University and the Virginia Military Institute. The house was purchased circa 1917 by Harry L. and Eliza Walker. Described as a colonial manse, the house sat on a three acre lot. The property included the main residence as well as cottages and cabins that were available to rent by clubs, organizations, and tourists. Clarence and Nannie Wood next owned Blandome and raised their children there. The house was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2002.

Acquisition information:
Donated by Alex and Freddye Wood in 2005.
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard