Ball, Emma R., 1838-1918

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Biographical information; Memorial tribute; Letter from the Governor of Virginia concerning a daguerreotype of Mrs. Ball; Copyright certificate for a Mount Vernon publication; Article about Mount Vernon

Scope and Contents From the Collection:

The Historical Photograph Collection is largely comprised of materials created by or for the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association. Photographers primarily include staff members and contract photographers. The collection spans the 1930s to the 2000s and includes analog material made up of a variety of sizes of film negatives providing a visual history of the Mansion, outbuildings, tombs, grounds, events, visitors, collection objects, personnel, restoration, and changes throughout the estate.

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Cased photograph of Emma Read Ball. Note on the outer box reads in part "Presented by Governor Peery on behalf of Mrs. Harry M. Smith, Jr., on Governor's Day, May 19, 1937." A-134

Scope and Contents At the time of her death, Mrs. Ball was preparing to publish a book on the life and ancestry of Mary Ball Washington. She struggled during her later years, however, and never completed the project. A portion of the research files she used for this project are represented in this collection. Mount Vernon received this material from Alison Burdick, Vice Regent for Delaware, sometime around March 1965 after she sorted through the collection and weeded some of its content. A report written by...

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A.L.S. Leesburg. Four poster bed to be sent along with fire irons, two large brass. Mr. Elder, Richmond artist, to paint a large likeness from our miniature. ER-5, p. 73

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A.L.S. Leesburg. Candlestand bought from John A. Washington presented to MVLA by Major Noland. W-196

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A.L.S. Leesburg. Mr. Green of Alexandria will finish renovating and send to Mount Vernon "a handsome old…bookcase and writing desk." Shall go to Mount Vernon soon "perhaps with my big bookcase, a piece belonging to General Custis Lee, to be deposited" at Mount Vernon. H-151

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A.L.S. Leesburg. Original bookcase, mirror and brackets given by George Washington Custis Lee. Candle stand also original and given by Major B.P. Noland. Two square mahogany tables presented. Instructions as to how these relics should be marked. ER-5, p. 105

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A.L.S. Encloses newspaper clipping regarding bills introduced to legislature. Proposed railroad and their desire to purchase land from Mr. Burke as a protection against it. Falls Church and Potomac Railroad Co. Urges her to apply to Virginia legislature for right to purchase more land. Recommends William Wirt Henry as an able Richmond lawyer if needed in fight to restrict railroads crossing into Mount Vernon land. ER-6, p. 262

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Legislature is back in session earlier than expected. Has heard that the proposed railroad will probably fail due to a lack of capital.

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A.L.S. Virginia legislature is soon to convene. Will let her know when so that she can be there to conduct any Mount Vernon business. ER-6, p. 264

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A.L.S. Gainesville, Florida. Must come to Richmond soon if any hope to stop state legislature from passing railroad bill detrimental to Mount Vernon interests. She ought to get aid of General Lee of Virginia and Mr. Henry in the matter. Both interested in Mount Vernon. She can do no more to stop it. ER-6, p. 264

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A.L.S. Leesburg. Accepts the nomination as Vice Regent for Virginia. ER-14, p. 131

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A.L.S. Leesburg. Visited Mount Vernon, asks for constitution and late reports of Association. Hopes to secure some relics. ER-14, p. 131

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A.L.S. Mourns loss of two Vice Regents. As requested, sought legal advice re status and duties of Virginia Board of Visitors. Sends her names of new Board appointed by Governor Cameron, hopes Board will meet during Council and plan wisely for same. Asks about four shares of Bank Stock, so long unreported. ER-14, p. 135

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A.L.S. Mrs. Sweat successful in furnishing Maine Room. Says she is welcome to bedstead. Repairs needed soon in Louisiana Room. Has heard excellent reports on Mr. Dodge. Happy Mrs. Sweat will furnish Maine Room with old furniture.

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A.L.S. Acknowledges receipt of $20 payment by Mrs. Sweat for bedstead for Maine Room. Had not planned at first to sell, but to give it to Mount Vernon.

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A.L. Incomplete letter. Leesburg. After talking to her husband she has changed her mind and feels that the trip to Yorktown would be in the best interest of the Association.

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A.L.S. Leesburg. Thanks her for the reports. Wishes Council were a few days longer to allow more deliberate action. Has heard nothing about Yorktown.

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A.L.S. Expects to attend Council next week. Approves election of Mrs. Townsend for Regent and gives reasons for same. ER-14, p. 133

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A.L.S. Leesburg. Asks for Christian names of Vice Regents, which Committee wishes to print in Mount Vernon Guide Book according to Council order. Mrs. Johnston hopes to print this soon. Asks for a Mount Vernon assignment. Note: "Advised against Christian names and P.O. addresses" being printed. ER-14, p. 131

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A.L.S. Lexington, Virginia. Washington and Lee University. Has no objection to the Washington bedstead being fixed up as "you and Mr. Green think best." W-194

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A.L.S. with typescript copy. After studying charters of MVLA and Mount Vernon Railroad Co. he concludes therRailroad has no right coming any closer than the edge of Mount Vernon land. If railroad tries it, they can get an injunction or suit against trespassers. ER-6, p. 269