Calvin Robinson's Memories
Two weeks ago someone dropped off several memory books in the Jamerson Memorial Library’s outdoor book depository, belonging to Calvin Robinson during his youth at the University of Richmond from 1922 to 1926. These memory books are in need of archiving and preserving, something that this small County Library doesn’t have the recourses for. It was agreed up by the staff and the director of the library system, Dr. Morris, to forward these treasured items to the University of Richmond.
An employee from the Jamerson Library spoke to Jim Gwin from the University’s Boatwright Memorial Library, and he showed great interest in receiving these materials. He says they will be archived, and the photographs scanned and preserved for future generations to view. These memory books will be shipped off in the next few weeks to the University.
These memory books contain photos from Mr. Robinson’s life and times while he was going to the University, including sport teams, the University, cities parks and downtown Richmond. These books also contain newspaper articles, napkins and invitations, dance cards, leaflets, business cards, and other memorabilia from university parties, plays and other events.
Mr. Robinson was born in Norfolk, Virginia on December 21, 1905. Calvin passed away at the age of 81 in 1987. He was best know for his weekly column for the Times Virginian newspaper under “Father Darkleaf.” He purchased the newspaper in 1931. At the University of Richmond he was vice-president of the student government and president of the Debating and Forensic Council. He married Eerle Patterson in 1932, and she wrote for the Times Virginian under “Mother Brightleaf” for many years. He sold the paper in 1962 but continued to write under “Father Darkleaf” until the 1980s.
These memory books have come full circle, starting their life at the University of Richmond and being filled with memories of great importance to Mr. Robinson. They will now find a new home back at the University. The Appomattox County Library system would like to thank whoever dropped off these memory books, and to assure them that they will be well taken care by the Boatwright Memorial Library.
The importance of saving such materials for genealogy and historical purpose are important, and we would encourage everyone to either hang on such treasured family archives or to pass them on the local libraries and historical societies so that future family, friends and interested parties can enjoy a piece of the past.
