The Papers of William Frederick Duckworth
Scope and Contents - Series Descriptions - Access - Contents Listing
Biography
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 reelection in 1962. During his terms in office, he was instrumental in converting the "old seaport city" with its slums, crime, run down buildings, and poorly designed streets into the respectable town that received the "All American City" award in 1960. He was considered stubborn and brusque, but he got things done. For better or worse, he often overstepped the political bureaucracy of the city. Among his accomplishments were 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 killed in a barrage of gunfire while taking his regular nightly walk near his Norfolk apartment. Duckworth was shot as many as twelve times from ground level. He was found by a passing motorist, and there were no witnesses. His cane was broken, which indicated to police that there might have been a fight. Robbery was ruled out, as nothing was stolen. No one was ever charged with the crime. Years later the identity of his killer remains a mystery.
Scope and Contents
The W. Fred Duckworth Papers consists of documents, artifacts, newspaper clippings, photos, and scrapbooks documenting his activities in politics, as a businessman, and as a civic leader. Material dates from the 1940s through the 1970s.
Series Descriptions
The collection is broken down into the following series: I: Papers; II: Memorabilia; III: Oversize Photographs and certificates; and IV: Oversize Albums and Scrapbooks.
Series I: Papers. This series is divided into four sub-series. Sub-series A: W. Fred Duckworth; Sub-series B: General Douglas MacArthur; Sub-series C: Governor Thomas B. Stanley; and Sub-series D: Miscellaneous.
Sub-series A: W. Fred Duckworth. This sub-series contains biographical and historical information on William Fred Duckworth. Included are newspaper clippings, correspondence, programs, and unframed certificates. A bulk of the materials relates to Mr. Duckworth's untimely death in 1972. Of particular note is the transcript of the 1962 WTAR presentation "The Duckworth Years" highlighting Mr. Duckworth's career as Mayor of Norfolk. Materials date from the 1950's, 1960's, and 1970's.
Sub-series B: General Douglas MacArthur. This sub-series is devoted to General Douglas MacArthur's death and funeral in 1964.
Sub-series C: Governor Thomas B. Stanley. This sub-series contains information on Virginia Governor Thomas B. Stanley. Included are a program for a dinner in honor of Governor Stanley and information on Virginia's 350th Anniversary Tour of Europe. This tour was a prelude to the observance of the anniversary of the first permanent English settlement in Jamestown. Material dates from September to November 1956.
Sub-series D: Miscellaneous. This sub-series contains papers that did not fit easily into the other sub-series in this series.
Series II: Memorabilia. This series contains a variety of 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.
Series III: Oversize Photographs and Certificates. This sub-series contains photographs and certificates of importance to Fred Duckworth. Most of these are framed. 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. Certificates from various organizations and councils recognize work and accomplishments. A 1957 framed certificate from President Dwight Eisenhower appoints Mr. Duckworth a member of the Water Pollution Control Advisory Board in the Public Health Service.
Series IV: Oversize Albums, and Scrapbooks. This sub-series contains albums, scrapbooks, and books related to Mr. Duckworth's activities. Many contain material from his time working for Ford. Other material relates to his terms as Mayor of Norfolk.
Provenance
Gift of Betty Duckworth Farrand, May 12, 1980.
Access
Open to researchers without restrictions. Questions on literary property rights should be directed to the Special Collections Librarian.
Size
2 Hollinger Document Cases, 1 Hollinger Box, and 13 Oversize Boxes.
Contents Listing
Series I: Papers
Sub-series A: W. Fred Duckworth
Box 1
1. Biographical Information
2. Certificate of Honorary Membership in People-to-People
3. Honorary Alumni - Chesapeake College
4. Honorary Diploma - Douglas MacArthur Academy, June 3, 1965
5. Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree, Howard Payne College, October 18, 1969
6. WTAR Presentation on "The Duckworth Years", August 23, 1962
7. Account of 1959 European Tour, Iula Convention, Berlin, Germany
8. Prayer and Hymn for W. Fred Duckworth Funeral Service, First Presbyterian
Church, Ohoskie, North Carolina
9. Sympathy Cards and Letters regarding Fred Duckworth's death, March 1972
10. Duckworth Memorial Contributions - Letters
11. Memorial Resolutions - MacArthur Memorial Foundation, Board of Directors,
March 16, 1972
12. Memorial Resolution - Tidewater Virginia Development Council, April 13,
1972
13. Memorial Resolution - Virginia Bankers Association, June 1972
14. Memorial Resolution - Virginia National Bank, July 14, 1972
15. Duckworth Plaque - Unveiling, April 12, 1973
16. Duckworth Plaque - Inscription, April 13, 1973
17. Clippings - Political 1960's I
18. Clippings - Political 1960's II
19. Clippings - W. Fred Duckworth
20. Clippings - "MacArthur Memorial's W. Fred Duckworth Slain", Nashville
Banner, March 4, 1972
21. Clippings - Duckworth Slaying, March 1972
22. Clippings - "Duckworth Slaying Still a Mystery", Virginian Pilot,
January 2, 1979
Sub-series B: General Douglas MacArthur
Box 2
1. General Douglas MacArthur: Last Journey for an Old Soldier
2. Clippings - Douglas MacArthur Death, April 5, 1964 I
3. Clippings - Douglas MacArthur Death, April 5, 1964 II
4. Clippings - Douglas MacArthur Death, April 5, 1964 III
5. General Douglas MacArthur Funeral Service, April 11, 1964
6. General Douglas MacArthur Memorial
Sub-series C: Governor Thomas B. Stanley
7. Inscribed Program in Honor of Governor Thomas B. Stanley, October 27, 1956
8. Booklet on the Virginia 350th Anniversary Tour of Europe, Sept. 29 - Nov.
5, 1956
9. Itineraries of the Virginia Commemorative Visit to Europe, Sept. 29 - Nov.
5, 1956
10. Lists of Members of the Party, Virginia Commemorative Visit to Europe, Sept.
29 - Nov. 5, 1956
Sub-series D: Miscellaneous
11. U.S.S. Norfolk Commissioning, March 4, 1953
12. Photo - Fred Duckworth and W.E. Norman, Opening, March 7, 1951
13. Legal Documents and Memorandum of Association, Standard Marine Insurance
Company, Limited
14. Life Magazine, April 3, 1964
Series II: Memorabilia
15. Three Webster School Notebooks
16. The Elementary Spelling Book, 1908
Box 3
1. Shriner's hat and case (possibly Mason's hat)
2. Academic Hood
3. Oasis fez with case
4. Plaque from U.S. Naval Academy Midshipmen, Class of 1961
5. Memorial piece of wood: President of Norfolk City Council, 1950-1952
6. "W.F. Duckworth" name stand
7. "Mr. Duckworth, President of "Council," name stand
8. One wooden gavel base
9. Key to City of Bogalusa
10. Brassware ship with chain
11. Three wooden gavels
12. Rotary International Pin
13. Program of October 1971 session of the Masonic Supreme Council
Box 4
1. Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel tile
2. Mace Clasp
3. Dare County and Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Centennial Medallion
4. Key from Bethlehem
5. Pen knife and box
6. Square containing barbed wire from the Iron Curtain, presented by the Radio
Free Europe Fund
7. Mason Medallion, Frederick the Great (two copies)
8. R.O.J. pendant
9. Semca clock and case
10. Asssorted campaign buttons (Goldwater & Byrd pins [2], Goldwater 1964
pins [2], Broyhill for Congress, IKE gold pin, gold elephant with glasses pin,
Robertson for Senate pin, Byrd for Senator pin, white & red elephant clossione
pin)
11. Eastern Gas and Fuel Associates file clip
12. Virginia Dare medallion
13. Wilmington N.C. Key-"Azalea Capital of the World" c. 1959
14. Pedometer
15. Cosmopolitan Club Distinguished Service Medal
16. Deputy Sheriff's Badge, Mecklenburg County, N.C.
17. One hammer with spherical head
18. National Seal
Series III: Oversize Photographs and Certificates
Box 5
1. Color print of jungle warfare and signature of Douglas Mac Arthur.
2. Manila-folder containing inscribed black and white photograph of Douglas
Mac Arthur landing in the Philippines in 1944.
3. Envelope containing 24 color photographs, of dedication of Mac Arthur Memorial.
4. "Photographs" album of photographs and news clippings, 1946 District
Dealer Meetings, Southeastern Region
5. "National ford Dealers Council," Dearborn, Michigan, October 7,8,
and 9, 1946, album of W.F Duckworth: photographs
6. Manila envelope containing 28 black and white photographs on the first visit
of the USS Norfolk to Norfolk, Virginia, March 1954.
7. Red photograph album containing black and white photographs taken during
trip to Europe in 1961.
8. Blue photograph album with note from Bob Havins of Howard Payne college,
October 18th , 1969.
9. Doctor of Laws certificate presented to W. Fred Duckworth by Howard Payne
College, October 18th , 1969.
10. Scrapbook containing photographs of W.F. Duckworth visiting the Schultheiss
Brewery, Berlin-Spandau, on June 22, 1959, with letter of invitation, June 17
1959, also enclosed is an invitation to a reception on June 20, 1959, from the
American Municipal Association.
Box 6
1. Framed color photograph of CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS OF Norfolk, All America
city.
2. Framed color photograph of the U.S.S Norfolk with inscription by the captain.
3. Framed black and white photograph of Mayor Duckworth and others at International
Fleet Review, with inscription, June 12, 1957.
4. Framed certificate-granting status of "Honorary Alumnus of the Armed
Forces Staff College" to Hon. W. Fred Duckworth.
5. Framed citation presented to Hon. W. Fred Duckworth by the military order
of the world wars in recognition of his part in establishing the Mac Arthur
Memorial, October 9th, 1964.
Box 7
1. Framed color photograph of Queen Elizabeth II, with blue ribbon enclosed.
2. Framed color photograph of Admiral Thomas Moorer with inscription to Fred
Duckworth.
3. Two copies of Framed black and white photographs of the launching of the
USS Norfolk
4. Framed black and white photograph of Councilman Lawrence Page, with inscription.
5. Framed citation presented to Hon. William Frederick Duckworth with the 1956
Distinguished Service Medal awarded by the Cosmopolitan Club of Norfolk
6. Framed resolution of Norfolk Rotary Club in memory of W. Fred Duckworth,
March 7, 1972.
7. Framed color photograph of Admiral Page Smith, with inscription
8. Framed color photograph of Admiral Robert Dennison, with inscription
Box 8
1. Box containing color photograph of Fred Duckworth and color photograph of
Mrs. Duckworth.
2. Cardboard binder containing 22 assorted black and white photographs of W.
Fred Duckworth.
3. Folder from James T. White & Company containing black and white photographs
of Fred Duckworth, plus seven printed copies, for the National Cyclopedia of
American Biography.
4. Five McIntosh Portrait folders containing five black and white photographs
of Fred Duckworth.
5. Manila envelope containing two copies of black and white photograph of naval
officer and six women re: Scholarship Award with accompanying note from John
Funk.
6. Envelope containing black and white photograph of 130 Ford Salesmen who won
the trip to World's Fair in Chicago.
7. Photograph holder with photograph of Norfolk City Council, 1950: E.V. Griffin,
George L. Abbott, F. Duckworth, Lawrence Page, and N.B. Etheridge.
Box 9
1. Framed Certificate of appreciation to William Frederick Duckworth from eight
civic organizations, September 6, 1962
2. Framed certificate from President Eisenhower to William F. Duckworth, appointing
him a member of the Water Pollution Control Advisory Board in the Public Health
Service, September 26, 1957
Box 10
1. House Joint Resolution No. 162 of the Virginia General Assembly honoring
Fred Duckworth after his death, March 7, 1972
2. Posthumous Special Service Award from the Virginia State Chamber of Commerce,
May 10, 1972
3. Mason certificate as Knight Commander
4. Mason certificate as Master of the Royal Secret
5. Mason certificate as Honorary Inspector General
Oversize (not in box)
1. Framed City Council resolution in honor of Mayor Duckworth when he was leaving the City Council, August 1962
Series IV: Oversize Albums and Scrapbooks
Box 11
1. "Ford-O-Graphs" album of W. F. Duckworth, 1951 activities: photographs
and news clippings
2. "Ford Close-ups" album of W.F. Duckworth: photographs of Henry
Ford
3. "Strictly Personal" album of W.F. Duckworth, 1950 activities: flier,
program, and news clippings.
4. Book: A New Era Opens: Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, April 15, 1964, with
news clippings, programs, and inserts.
Box 12
1. White album containing resolutions passed in honor of W. Fred Duckworth
following his death in 1972.
2. White scrapbook of W. Fred Duckworth, March 3, 1972: news clippings
3. Brown scrapbook containing entries from 1956 and 1957
Box 13
1. Binder of materials from the Douglas MacArthur Academy of Freedom of Howard
Payne College, including papers and 13 black and white photographs.
2. Book: Historia y Arte, with inscription, August 1961, to Fred Duckworth from
Roberto Mendez.
3. Book: Venezia, with inscription of June 1959, to Mr. And Mrs. Duckworth from
the Mayor and City Council of Venice, Italy.
Box 14
1. College of William and Mary Scrapbook to W. Fred Duckworth 1964
2. W. Fred Duckworth: Ford Motor Company Scrapbook [1924-1963]
Box 15
1. Wooden Scrapbook [1958-1963]
Box 16
1. Green Scrapbook [1951-57]