Virginia Woman’s Napkin Collection Gains Permanent Preservation

A unique paper napkin collection belonging to Virginia resident Charlotte LaRoy has found a permanent home at the Library of Virginia. LaRoy, who began collecting napkins in the 1940s while in elementary school, has amassed over 1,100 pieces that reflect a significant aspect of American social history.

LaRoy, inspired by her early fascination with the variety of napkins, began slipping her finds into a blanket box under her bed. This passion led her to donate her extensive collection to the Library of Virginia in 2017, where curators were surprised and delighted by its breadth. The collection is now preserved alongside historic documents, including those from the Founding Fathers and manuscripts dating back to the 15th century.

A Window into American Life

LaRoy’s collection offers a glimpse into decades of American culture, featuring an array of designs that range from the elegant to the everyday. Among the notable pieces are napkins with political commentary, such as those from the 1950s Red Scare, including a cowboy-themed warning that reads, “Keep classified information to yourself, pardner!” Other items capture significant political moments, like a napkin from A. Linwood Holton Jr.’s inauguration as Virginia’s governor in 1970 and another celebrating L. Douglas Wilder’s historic election as the first African American governor in the U.S. two decades later.

In a humorous take on political rivalry, two dueling napkins from 1984 present the contrasting philosophies of the Republican and Democratic parties. One states, “Republicans study the financial pages of the newspaper. Democrats put them on the bottom of the bird cage.”

LaRoy’s collection also highlights the social changes over the years, featuring items from bars that reflect the humor and attitudes of their times. One napkin showcases a bare-backed woman and the phrase, “The Ideal Wife,” illustrating the casual sexism prevalent in past decades.

The Journey of a Collector

When LaRoy approached Dale Neighbours, the visual studies collection coordinator at the Library of Virginia, she expressed uncertainty about what to do with her extensive collection. Neighbours, who has a background in curating ephemera, understood the significance of everyday items and their value to researchers and historians.

LaRoy’s collection not only serves as a historical archive but also as a personal diary of her life experiences. Many of the napkins were collected during family milestones, such as birthdays and weddings, providing a patchwork of memories tied to each piece. “Some of them I could look at and remember where it was and re-enjoy the things that we did in those places,” LaRoy reflected.

The collection has also gained attention for its artistic merit. LaRoy, who has a background in art, created colorful sculptures from old computer cords and phone parts, showcasing her creative spirit. Despite her artistic inclinations, she approached her napkin collection with a practical yet whimsical mindset, adhering to a personal rule of only collecting unused napkins.

At 83 years old, LaRoy expressed joy upon learning that her quirky collection would be appreciated and preserved for future generations. During a recent visit to her home outside Richmond, she reminisced about her collection while reviewing photographs taken of the napkins. “Girls with curves are usually surrounded by men with angles,” read one particularly striking napkin.

LaRoy’s husband, Bernard, noted that the collection reflects her personality, as she initially built it for herself rather than for recognition. As they sifted through the napkins, she encountered one with shiny blue hearts, prompting a wave of emotion as she recalled its connection to their family: “That’s our son,” she said, her voice trembling.

The preservation of LaRoy’s napkin collection at the Library of Virginia not only honors her personal journey but also offers valuable insights into American history, culture, and social evolution.