Earl and Jewell Ratliff Collection

Access and use

Location of collection:
University of Richmond
Rare Books and Special Collections
Boatwright Library
University of Richmond
28 Westhampton Way
Richmond, VA 23173
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Lynda Kachurek
Phone: (804) 289-8458
Fax: (804) 287-1840
Restrictions:

There are no restrictions on accessing material in this collection.

Terms of access:

Copyright restrictions may apply. Unpublished manuscripts are protected by copyright. Permission to publish, quote, or reproduce must be secured from the repository and the copyright holder.

Summary

Extent:
4.5 Linear Feet
Creator:
Ratliff, Earl Gordon, 1926-2013 and Ratliff, Jewell, 1929-2016
Abstract:
This collection contains ephemera, University of Richmond memorabilia, service awards, photographs, and postcards representing the life of Earl and Jewell Ratliff and their service to the University of Richmond, volunteer organizations, and their love of travel.
Language:
English

Background

Scope and content:

This collection documents the lives of Earl Gordon Ratliff and Jewell Diane Grobb Ratliff, including Earl's time spent at the University of Richmond and their various travels around the United States, Canada, and Mexico. From Jewell's family photos from 1918 to her untimely death in December of 2016, the collection contains personal materials including scrapbooks, family portraits, jewelry, various textiles, and University of Richmond ephemera. This collection captures the Earl Ratliff's volunteer activities at the Food Back, civic and community involvement in the Order of the Eastern Star, ELKS, Cheswick Walking Club, Spiders Club, Rectors Club, and ACCA Temple Shrine. Furthermore, the content of this collection documents Jewell Ratliff's committment to the Chesapeake and Potomac Telephone Company for 36 years and her civic and community involvement in the Telephone Pioneers of America, Commonwealth Women's Club, Cheswick Walking Club, ELKS, and Order of the Eastern Star. Both Ratliffs shared a love of athletics at the University of Richmond and often attended various events in support. The textual materials are comprised of dimplomas, certificates, office emphemera, correspondence, newspaper clippings, obituaries, awards, posters, and related printed matter. Among other formats throughout the collection are photographs, plaques, pins, coins, and WWII paraphernailia.

Biographical / historical:

Earl Gordon Ratliff, 1926-2013, was an alumnus and avid supporter of the University of Richmond, an enthusiastic traveler, a committed member of multiple Fraternal Organizations, and a WWII Veteran. Earl was born in McComb, Mississippi and in 1944, he received his high school diploma from Woodrow Wilson High School in Portsmouth, Virginia. Following his military service, Earl graduated from the University of Richmond in 1951 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. On March 24, 1951 Earl and Jewell were married in Newport News, Virginia. Earl held membership in several organizations including: the Spiders Club, the Portsmouth Naval Lodge No. 100, the ACCA Legion of Honor, and the 70th Army Infantry Division Association.

Jewel Diane Ratliff, 1929-2016, (maiden name Grobb), was a longtime employee of the Chesapeake and Potomac Telephone Company (Verizon), a supporter of the University of Richmond, and a committed member of several volunteer organizations. She was born in Jacksonville, Florida and graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1946 before beginning work at the C&P Telephone Company. She served as president of the Telephone Pioneers of America Richmond Chapter and for the State of Virginia region. Earl and Jewell traveled extensively across the United States, Mexico, and Canada and took many photos of their vacations.

Acquisition information:
Donation from estate.
Processing information:

Processed by Jeremy Alan White with later accruals incorporated by Hillery Wynn.

Arrangement:
  • Series I: Personal
  • Series II: University of Richmond
Accruals:

No additional material is expected.