Irvin
Nov 21, 2022

Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers

Irvin "Mac" Henry McDuffie and his wife Elizabeth "Lizzie" Hall McDuffie were domestics in their hometown of Atlanta and later in the employ of Franklin Delano Roosevelt during his presidency. Born in Elberton, Georgia, Irvin moved to Atlanta to be a barber and eventually manage the McDuffie-Herndon Barbershop financed by Alonzo Herndon of the Atlanta Life Insurance Company. Upon the recommendation of a customer, Roosevelt interviewed McDuffie to be his valet at his retreat at Warm Springs, Georgia. McDuffie continued on with Roosevelt through his governorship in New York and his presidency, until McDuffie suffered a nervous breakdown in 1939. Elizabeth worked for 23 years as a maid with the prominent Atlanta family of Edward H. Inman. In 1933 she moved to Washington, D.C. to join her husband and became a maid in the White House where she remained until Roosevelt's death in 1945.

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A thank you note sent to Elizabeth McDuffie. Written on the verso is a brief account of the life and death of Edgar G. Brown.
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Correspondence from the Young Women's Christian Association, March 18, 1955
Date Created
3/18/1955
Description
A thank you note sent to Elizabeth McDuffie. Written on the verso is a brief account of the life and death of Edgar G. Brown.
Subject
African Americans--Politics and government, African Americans--Employment, Household employees, African American women
Collection
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Flowers sit on and around a coffin. Written on recto: For Joseph, taken in the home.
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Coffin of Elizabeth McDuffie, November 1966
Date Created
1966-11
Description
Flowers sit on and around a coffin. Written on recto: For Joseph, taken in the home.
Subject
African American women, Funeral rites and ceremonies, Household employees
Collection
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
A booklet for the Arena Art Club including club officers, history, projects, calendar, and a membership list. 10 pages.
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Arena Art Club Yearbook, 1963-1965
Date Created
1963/1965
Description
A booklet for the Arena Art Club including club officers, history, projects, calendar, and a membership list. 10 pages.
Subject
Associations, institutions, etc., Art
Collection
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Photocopy of a newspaper clipping announcing the funeral service for Hugh Inman.
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
"Funeral Set Today For Hugh T. Inman", December 10, 1963
Date Created
1963-12-10
Description
Photocopy of a newspaper clipping announcing the funeral service for Hugh Inman.
Subject
Funeral rites and ceremonies
Collection
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
A brochure announcing the Christmas Program at the Phyllis Wheatley Branch of the YWCA.
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Phyllis Wheatley Branch YWCA Christmas Program, December 8, 1963
Date Created
1963-12-08
Description
A brochure announcing the Christmas Program at the Phyllis Wheatley Branch of the YWCA.
Subject
Special events, Associations, institutions, etc.
Collection
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
A letter from W. L. Calloway wishing all members of the YMCA a merry Christmas.
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Correspondence from the Butler Street YMCA to Elizabeth McDuffie, December 20, 1962
Date Created
1962-12-20
Description
A letter from W. L. Calloway wishing all members of the YMCA a merry Christmas.
Subject
Associations, institutions, etc., African American women, Household employees
Collection
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
A telegram from Warren Cochran wishing Elizabeth McDuffie a happy birthday.
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Correspondence from the Butler Street YMCA to Elizabeth McDuffie, September 13, 1962
Date Created
1962-09-13
Description
A telegram from Warren Cochran wishing Elizabeth McDuffie a happy birthday.
Subject
Associations, institutions, etc., African American women, Household employees
Collection
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
A letter to Elizabeth McDuffie regarding the death of a woman named Mamie.
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Correspondence from Lois and Joe to Elizabeth McDuffie, August 26, 1962
Date Created
1962-08-26
Description
A letter to Elizabeth McDuffie regarding the death of a woman named Mamie.
Subject
Funeral rites and ceremonies, Household employees, African American women
Collection
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Photocopy of a newspaper clipping about the life of Elizabeth McDuffie.
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
"Mrs. McDuffie Recalls Her White House Days", July 7, 1962
Date Created
1962-07-07
Description
Photocopy of a newspaper clipping about the life of Elizabeth McDuffie.
Subject
Household employees, African American women, African Americans--Politics and government
Collection
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
A booklet for the Arena Art Club including club officers, history, projects, calendar, and a membership list. 10 pages.
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Arena Art Club Yearbook, 1961-1963
Date Created
1961/1963
Description
A booklet for the Arena Art Club including club officers, history, projects, calendar, and a membership list. 10 pages.
Subject
Associations, institutions, etc., Art
Collection
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Postcard announcing the Annual Woman's Day at Liberty Baptist Church.
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Annual Woman's Day, Liberty Baptist Church, November 19, 1961
Date Created
1961-11-19
Description
Postcard announcing the Annual Woman's Day at Liberty Baptist Church.
Subject
African American women, African American churches
Collection
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
A letter to Elizabeth McDuffie from Mabel Staupers describing her trip to Atlanta.
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Correspondence from Mabel Staupers to Elizabeth McDuffie, October 24, 1961
Date Created
1961-10-24
Description
A letter to Elizabeth McDuffie from Mabel Staupers describing her trip to Atlanta.
Subject
Nursing, African American women, World War (1939-1945), African Americans--Employment
Collection
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
A stub receipt for a money order.
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Money Order Sender's Stub, October 3, 1961
Date Created
1961-10-03
Description
A stub receipt for a money order.
Subject
Household employees, African American women
Collection
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Magazine published by Moral Re-Armament describing the groups initiatives and current events.
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
"MRA Information Service", August 7, 1961
Date Created
1961-08-07
Description
Magazine published by Moral Re-Armament describing the groups initiatives and current events.
Subject
Associations, institutions, etc., International relations, Political science
Collection
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
A postcard to Elizabeth McDuffie about a vacation.
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Postcard from Bill and Sophia to Elizabeth McDuffie, July 7, 1961
Date Created
1961-07-07
Description
A postcard to Elizabeth McDuffie about a vacation.
Subject
Travel, African American women, Household employees
Collection
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Magazine published by Moral Re-Armament describing the groups initiatives and current events.
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
"MRA Information Service", June 5, 1961
Date Created
1961-06-05
Description
Magazine published by Moral Re-Armament describing the groups initiatives and current events.
Subject
Associations, institutions, etc., International relations, Political science
Collection
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
A program for a Sunday service at Liberty Baptist Church.
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Liberty Baptist Church Program, March 12, 1961
Date Created
1961-03-12
Description
A program for a Sunday service at Liberty Baptist Church.
Subject
African American churches, African Americans--Religion
Collection
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
A letter to Elizabeth McDuffie recounting a family gathering at Christmas.
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Correspondence from Billy to Elizabeth McDuffie, December 27, 1960
Date Created
1960-12-27
Description
A letter to Elizabeth McDuffie recounting a family gathering at Christmas.
Subject
African American women, Household employees
Collection
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
A letter to Elizabeth McDuffie regarding her health.
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Correspondence from Billy to Elizabeth McDuffie, December 5, 1960
Date Created
1960-12-05
Description
A letter to Elizabeth McDuffie regarding her health.
Subject
African Americans--Health and hygiene, African American women, Household employees
Collection
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Letter from Eleanor Roosevelt to Elizabeth McDuffie wishing her good health.
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Letter from Eleanor Roosevelt to Elizabeth McDuffie, October 24, 1960
Date Created
1960-10-24
Description
Letter from Eleanor Roosevelt to Elizabeth McDuffie wishing her good health.
Subject
African American women
Collection
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
An envelope for tithes and weekly offerings for Liberty Baptist Church.
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Tithes and Weekly Offerings Envelope, September 4, 1960
Date Created
1960-09-04
Description
An envelope for tithes and weekly offerings for Liberty Baptist Church.
Subject
African Americans--Religion
Collection
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
A receipt from the Atlanta Water Works.
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Atlanta Water Works Receipt, May 11, 1960
Date Created
1960-05-11
Description
A receipt from the Atlanta Water Works.
Subject
City planning
Collection
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Magazine published by Moral Re-Armament describing the groups initiatives and current events.
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
"MRA Information Service", May 7, 1960
Date Created
1960-05-07
Description
Magazine published by Moral Re-Armament describing the groups initiatives and current events.
Subject
Associations, institutions, etc., International relations, Political science
Collection
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
A receipt from the Atlanta Water Works.
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Atlanta Water Works Receipt, April 11, 1960
Date Created
1960-04-11
Description
A receipt from the Atlanta Water Works.
Subject
City planning
Collection
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Photocopy of a newspaper clipping discussing moral re-armament.
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
"There Is An Answer", October 11, 1959
Date Created
1959-10-11
Description
Photocopy of a newspaper clipping discussing moral re-armament.
Subject
International relations, World War (1939-1945), Associations, institutions, etc.
Collection
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Photocopy of a newspaper clipping describing eulogies of Eleanor Roosevelt.
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
"Congress Eulogizes Mrs. FDR", circa 1963
Date Created
1958/1968
Description
Photocopy of a newspaper clipping describing eulogies of Eleanor Roosevelt.
Subject
Presidents' spouses, Political science, Political participation
Collection
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
A letter to Elizabeth McDuffie regarding a donation she made.
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Correspondence from the National Council of Negro Women to Elizabeth McDuffie, December 31, 1958
Date Created
1958-12-31
Description
A letter to Elizabeth McDuffie regarding a donation she made.
Subject
Associations, institutions, etc., Household employees, African American women
Collection
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
A picture of George Wallace presenting a plaque to John Edison Sloane with an image caption and brief note to Elizabeth McDuffie.
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Correspondence from George H. Wallace to Elizabeth McDuffie, September 9, 1958
Date Created
1958-09-09
Description
A picture of George Wallace presenting a plaque to John Edison Sloane with an image caption and brief note to Elizabeth McDuffie.
Subject
Associations, institutions, etc., African American men, Special events
Collection
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
A funeral program for Lauvinia Franklin Berry.
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Funeral Program for Lauvinia Franklin Berry, July 15, 1958
Date Created
1958-07-15
Description
A funeral program for Lauvinia Franklin Berry.
Subject
Funeral rites and ceremonies, African American women
Collection
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Photocopy of a newspaper clipping describing Moral Re-Armament plays.
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
"MRA Stage Plays Hailed In National Theatre, Wash'ton", July 8, 1958
Date Created
1958-07-08
Description
Photocopy of a newspaper clipping describing Moral Re-Armament plays.
Subject
Associations, institutions, etc., African American entertainers
Collection
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
A postcard to Elizabeth McDuffie replying to an earlier correspondence.
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Correspondence from Doris to Elizabeth McDuffie, June 18, 1958
Date Created
1958-06-18
Description
A postcard to Elizabeth McDuffie replying to an earlier correspondence.
Subject
African American women, Household employees
Collection
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
A group of unidentified people eat at a table.
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Unidentified Group, March 1958
Date Created
1958-03
Description
A group of unidentified people eat at a table.
Subject
African American men, African American women
Collection
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
A letter from Louis Byles wishing Elizabeth McDuffie a happy Christmas.
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Correspondence from Louis Byles to Elizabeth McDuffie, 1958
Date Created
1958
Description
A letter from Louis Byles wishing Elizabeth McDuffie a happy Christmas.
Subject
African American women, Household employees
Collection
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
A flier announcing the arrival and speaking engagements for Reverend Howard Jones.
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Rev. Howard Jones Announcement, November 1957
Date Created
1957-11
Description
A flier announcing the arrival and speaking engagements for Reverend Howard Jones.
Subject
African American clergy, African American men
Collection
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
An envelope addressed to Elizabeth McDuffie sent from Eleanor Roosevelt.
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Envelope from Eleanor Roosevelt, December 12, 1956
Date Created
1956-12-12
Description
An envelope addressed to Elizabeth McDuffie sent from Eleanor Roosevelt.
Subject
Presidents' spouses, Household employees, African American women
Collection
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
A letter to Elizabeth McDuffie updating her on the birth of Sisty Seagraves' daughter.
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Correspondence from Sisty Seagraves to Elizabeth McDuffie, December 1956
Date Created
1956-12
Description
A letter to Elizabeth McDuffie updating her on the birth of Sisty Seagraves' daughter.
Subject
Children, Teachers, Household employees, African American women
Collection
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Photocopy of newspaper clippings announcing the debut performance of Mattiwilda Dobbs at the Metropolitan opera.
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
"Mattiwilda Dobbs, First Negro Lead at Met, Scores in 'Rigoletto,'" November 10, 1956
Date Created
1956-11-10
Description
Photocopy of newspaper clippings announcing the debut performance of Mattiwilda Dobbs at the Metropolitan opera.
Subject
African American singers, African American women, African American pioneers
Collection
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
A program for a service at Richard's Chapel Methodist Church.
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Richard's Chapel Methodist Church Program, July 15, 1956
Date Created
1956-07-15
Description
A program for a service at Richard's Chapel Methodist Church.
Subject
African American churches, African Americans--Religion
Collection
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Portrait of Loretta Clotilde holding Clinton Bernard. Written on verso: To Grandma Duffy from Loretta Clotilde (3) and Clinton Bernard (1), 1956.
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Loretta Clotilde and Clinton Bernard, 1956
Date Created
1956
Description
Portrait of Loretta Clotilde holding Clinton Bernard. Written on verso: To Grandma Duffy from Loretta Clotilde (3) and Clinton Bernard (1), 1956.
Subject
African American children, African American families
Collection
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Elizabeth McDuffie sits at a desk.
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Elizabeth McDuffie Seated at a Desk, circa 1960
Date Created
1955/1965
Description
Elizabeth McDuffie sits at a desk.
Subject
African American women
Collection
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Portrait of an unidentified woman, possibly Elizabeth McDuffie in a coffin with flowers.
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Woman in Coffin, circa 1960
Date Created
1955/1965
Description
Portrait of an unidentified woman, possibly Elizabeth McDuffie in a coffin with flowers.
Subject
African American women, Portraits and people, Funeral rites and ceremonies
Collection
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Portrait of an unidentified woman in a coffin, possibly Elizabeth McDuffie.
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Woman in Coffin, circa 1960
Date Created
1955/1965
Description
Portrait of an unidentified woman in a coffin, possibly Elizabeth McDuffie.
Subject
African American women, Portraits and people, Funeral rites and ceremonies
Collection
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
A blank Christmas card.
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Christmas Card, circa 1960
Date Created
1955/1965
Description
A blank Christmas card.
Subject
Special events
Collection
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
A blank Christmas card.
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Christmas Card, circa 1960
Date Created
1955/1965
Description
A blank Christmas card.
Subject
Special events
Collection
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
A blank Christmas card.
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Christmas Card, circa 1960
Date Created
1955/1965
Description
A blank Christmas card.
Subject
Special events
Collection
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
A letter to Elizabeth McDuffie regarding a trip to Africa and Europe.
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Correspondence from Marguerite to Elizabeth McDuffie, circa 1960
Date Created
1955/1965
Description
A letter to Elizabeth McDuffie regarding a trip to Africa and Europe.
Subject
Travel, Household employees, African American women
Collection
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
A Christmas card sent to Elizabeth McDuffie.
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Correspondence from Essie Martin to Elizabeth McDuffie, circa 1960
Date Created
1955/1965
Description
A Christmas card sent to Elizabeth McDuffie.
Subject
Household employees, African American women
Collection
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Writing related to Paul and the city of Corinth.
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Writings by Elizabeth McDuffie, circa 1960
Date Created
1955/1965
Author
McDuffie, Elizabeth S.
Description
Writing related to Paul and the city of Corinth.
Subject
Philosophy and religion, African American authors, Household employees, African American women
Collection
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
A poem about sorrow and strength.
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Poem by Elizabeth McDuffie, circa 1960
Date Created
1955/1965
Author
McDuffie, Elizabeth S.
Description
A poem about sorrow and strength.
Subject
African American authors, Philosophy and religion, Household employees, African American women
Collection
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Letter from Eleanor Roosevelt to Elizabeth McDuffie thanking her for a sympathy letter.
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Letter from Eleanor Roosevelt to Elizabeth McDuffie, circa 1957
Date Created
1955/1960
Description
Letter from Eleanor Roosevelt to Elizabeth McDuffie thanking her for a sympathy letter.
Subject
African American women
Collection
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers