Edmund Parker

Item — Box: 31

Identifier: RP-1056 (retro) ; Misc-5508

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

From the Collection:

The Historical Photograph Collection is largely comprised of materials created by or for the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association. Some of the earliest photographs of the estate were created and sold to visitors by the Association as a means of income. Those efforts helped to establish an important collection of 19th century views. The collection spans the 1850s to 2000s and includes over 140 linear feet of analog material providing a visual history of the Mansion, outbuildings, tombs, grounds, events, visitors, collection objects, personnel, and changes throughout the estate.

Dates

Creation: Majority of material found in 1850-2010

Creator

Dodge, Harrison Howell, 1852-1937 (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open for research during scheduled appointments. Researchers must complete the Washington Library’s Special Collections and Archives Registration Form before access is provided. The library reserves the right to restrict access to certain items for preservation purposes.

Extent

From the Collection: 89 Linear Feet (Variety of container sizes based on photograph sizes and material types. Over-sized items are housed in drawers.)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Physical Description

Sketch of 'Uncle Edmund' Parker wearing his uniform as guard at Washington's tomb. Parker joined a long line of African American men who stood sentry over Washington’s resting place. Enslaved at Mount Vernon under John Augustine Washington III (1841–1861). Free employee of the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association (1874–1879, 1882–1898). Drawing was used as an illustration in Harrison Howell Dodge's book 'Mount Vernon Its Owners and Its Story,' 1932.