Duckworth, W. Fred A Guide to the W. Fred Duckworth Papers MG 45

A Guide to the W. Fred Duckworth Papers MG 45


[logo]

ODU Community Collections

3000 Perry Library
4427 Hampton Blvd.
Norfolk, VA 23529
Business Number: 757-683-5350
libspecialcollections@odu.edu
URL: https://www.odu.edu/library/special-collections

Special Collections and University Archives Staff

Repository
ODU Community Collections
Identification
MG 45
Title
W. Fred Duckworth Papers circa 1908-1979, undated Date acquired: 05/07/1980
URL:
Archon Finding Aid location
Quantity
22.20 Linear Feet
Quantity
2 Hollinger document cases, 15 oversize boxes boxes
Creator
Duckworth, W. Fred (1899-1972)
Language
English .
Abstract
Mayor of Norfolk (1950-1962). Collection consists of memorabilia, photographs, scrapbooks, newspaper clippings, and artifacts relating to his political, business and civic activities.

Administrative Information

Conditions Governing Use

Before publishing quotations or excerpts from any materials, permission must be obtained from Special Collections and University Archives, and the holder of the copyright, if not Old Dominion University Libraries.

Conditions Governing Access

Open to researchers without restrictions.

Preferred Citation

[Identification of item], Box [insert number], Folder [insert number and title], W. Fred Duckworth Papers, Special Collections and University Archives, Old Dominion University Libraries.

Source of Acquisition

Betty Duckworth Farrand

Method of Acquisition

Gift. Accession #A80-23


Biographical or Historical Information

William Fred Duckworth was born June 20, 1899 in Brevard, North Carolina. He graduated from Kernersville High School in Kernersville, North Carolina, and attended Davidson College in Davidson, North Carolina. He served in the Infantry during World War I. Duckworth married Gertrude Summers, a native of Statesville, North Carolina. Together they had one daughter, Betty.

Mr. Duckworth's first employment was with the Ford Motor Company Assembly Plant in Charlotte, North Carolina in 1920. In 1931, he was promoted to manager of the plant. Then in 1933, he transferred to the Memphis Tennessee Plant. In 1936, Duckworth moved to Norfolk, Virginia to manage the Norfolk Plant. He worked for the Ford Motor Company until 1942.

Mr. Duckworth served his country again from 1942 to 1944, as Regional Director of the War Production Board in Cleveland, Ohio. After this he became an independent businessman, founding the Cavalier Motor Company in Norfolk, Virginia. He served as President of the company until 1959. After that, he continued to serve as Chairman of the Board.

In 1950, running on the coalition ticket, Duckworth was elected as mayor of Norfolk. He served in this position for twelve years, as Norfolk's longest running mayor. He finally declined re-election in 1962. Among his accomplishments as mayor of Norfolk include slum clearance, an industrial park, the Norfolk bridges and tunnels, and the General Douglas MacArthur Memorial in Norfolk's old Court House.

On March 4, 1972, William Fred Duckworth was shot and killed while taking his regular nightly walk near his Norfolk apartment. No one was ever charged with the crime.

Note written by Special Collections Staff

Scope and Contents

The collection consists of documents, artifacts, newspaper clippings, photos, and scrapbooks documenting the activities of W. Fred Duckworth in politics, as a businessman, and as a civic leader. Of particular note are the documents related to Duckworth's role in the desegregation of Norfolk Public Schools in the 1950s and 1960s.

Arrangement Note

The collection is organized into four series: Series I: Papers; Series II: Memorabilia; Series III: Oversize Photographs and Certificates; and Series IV: Oversize Albums and Scrapbooks.

Related Material

Paul T. Schweitzer Papers (MG 16); Forrest P. White Papers (MG 5).

Portions of the W. Fred Duckworth Papers have been digitized and are available in the School Desegregation in Norfolk, Virginia collection of the Old Dominion University Libraries Digital Collections.

Subjects and Indexing Terms


Significant Persons Associated With the Collection

Back to Top

Significant Places Associated With the Collection

Back to Top

Container List

Series I
Series I: Papers
circa 1951-1979, undated
Scope and Contents

This series contains newspaper clippings, photographs, and other material related to W. Frederick Duckworth, General Douglas MacArthur, and Virginia Governor Thomas B. Stanley.

Back to Top
Series II
Series II: Memorabilia
circa 1908-1970, undated
Scope and Contents

This series contains various memorabilia from Mr. Duckworth's life. Included are items that relate to his career as Norfolk mayor and items that reflect his various civic involvements.

Back to Top
Series III
Series III: Oversize Photographs and Certificates
1944-1972, undated
Scope and Contents

This series contains photographs and certificates pertaining to Fred Duckworth. Many of the photographs are of Mr. Duckworth. There are also photos of General Douglas MacArthur, as well as other military, political, and civic leaders. There are a few photos related to Mr. Duckworth's career with Ford Motor Company. Certificates from various organizations and councils recognize Duckworth's work and accomplishments.

Back to Top
Series IV
Series IV: Oversize Albums and Scrapbooks
1924-1972, undated
Scope and Contents

This series contains albums, scrapbooks, and books related to Mr. Duckworth's activities. Many contain material from his time working for Ford Motor Company. Other material relates to his terms as mayor of Norfolk.

Back to Top