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Duvall Family Letters

 Collection
Identifier: MSS 0568

Scope and Content

The collection contains copies of correspondence - postcards, telegrams, letters - news clippings, church and concert programs, and photographs documenting the Duvall’s activities and advice to Glorian their daughter who was attending boarding school during their three month stay in St. Augustine during the 1927 winter season. The letters describe St. Augustine amusements such as minstrel shows, band concerts, cake walks, the Ponce de Leon Festival, Casino Nights at the Alcazar, Chautauqua presentations, and activities sponsored by the Tourist Club. Descriptions of the Duvall’s trips to Howie-in-the-Hills, Daytona Beach, Davis Shore, and the Volusia County State Fair are also included in the letters. Alma Duvall’s letters to her daughter exemplify the values of an affluent and educated woman of the era.

Note: The correspondence is hand-written in cursive form.

Dates

  • Creation: 1927 January 15-April 8

Creator

Access

The collection is open for research.

Biographical/Historical Note

Ralph Griffing Duvall (September 07, 1861 – May 26, 1941) and Alma Deforest Duvall (Curtiss) (circa 1871 - 1958) were prominent in the community of Shelter Island, New York. They married on March 18, 1908. Ralph, a native of Shelter Island, was a prominent businessman in real estate, president (1928) of the Shelter Island Historical Society, and author of The History of Shelter Island (1932). Alma, born in Oakland California, was also active in the Shelter Island Historical Society, serving as Treasurer in 1923. Their daughter, Glorian Duvall Devereux (September 23, 1909 - January 30, 1993), attended Lasell Seminary School a finishing school in Newton, Massachusetts.

Extent

.58 Linear Feet (1 Box)

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

Letters from Alma and Ralph Duvall in St. Augustine, Florida to their daughter Glorian at the Lasell Seminary School in Newton, Massachusetts during the 1927 winter season. The correspondence provides a detailed account of the Duvall's Florida adventures along with ample advice and direction to their boarding school daughter.

Location

University of Florida Smathers Library Building

Acquisition Information

By purchase from Between the Covers Rare Books, 2020.

Related Materials

Title
A Guide to the Duvall Family Letters
Status
Completed
Author
Finding aid created by Catherine J. Stiefel
Date
July 2020
Description rules
Finding Aid Prepared Using Dacs
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
Description is written in English.

Repository Details

Part of the Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida Repository

Contact:
George A. Smathers Libraries
PO Box 117005
Gainesville Florida 32611-7005 United States of America
352-273-2755