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.

At the AUC Robert W. Woodruff Library we are always striving to improve our digital collections. We welcome additional information about people, places, or events depicted in any of the works in this collection. To submit information, please contact us at DSD@auctr.edu.
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  • Subjects = African American men
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 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 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
A Christmas card from Kemper Harreld to Elizabeth McDuffie.
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Correspondence from Kemper Harreld to Elizabeth McDuffie, circa 1955
Date Created
1950/1960
Description
A Christmas card from Kemper Harreld to Elizabeth McDuffie.
Subject
African American musicians, African American men, African American women
Collection
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
A notice of settlement of claim for Irvin McDuffie.
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Notice of Settlement of Claim, August 7, 1946
Date Created
1946-08-07
Description
A notice of settlement of claim for Irvin McDuffie.
Subject
Household employees, African American men, African Americans--Employment
Collection
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
A letter to Elizabeth McDuffie offering condolences on the death of Irvin McDuffie and President Franklin Roosevelt.
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Correspondence from Arthur Turner to Elizabeth McDuffie, March 3, 1946
Date Created
1946-03-03
Description
A letter to Elizabeth McDuffie offering condolences on the death of Irvin McDuffie and President Franklin Roosevelt.
Subject
Household employees, African American women, African American men, Presidents, African Americans--Health and hygiene
Collection
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Photocopy of a newspaper clipping featuring a poem in memoriam of Irvin McDuffie.
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
"In Memoriam", January 30, 1946
Date Created
1946-01-30
Description
Photocopy of a newspaper clipping featuring a poem in memoriam of Irvin McDuffie.
Subject
Household employees, African American men
Collection
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
A group of unidentified people sit and stand around a banquet table.
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Unidentified Group, circa 1950
Date Created
1945/1955
Description
A group of unidentified people sit and stand around a banquet table.
Subject
African American men, African American women
Collection
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
A group of four women and one man stand together outside.
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Unidentified Group, circa 1950
Date Created
1945/1955
Description
A group of four women and one man stand together outside.
Subject
African American men, African American women
Collection
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
A group of two women and one man stand together outside a house.
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Unidentified Group, circa 1950
Date Created
1945/1955
Description
A group of two women and one man stand together outside a house.
Subject
African American men, African American women
Collection
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
An unidentified woman sits and leans against a brick structure while an unidentified man stands next to her.
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Unidentified Couple, circa 1950
Date Created
1945/1955
Description
An unidentified woman sits and leans against a brick structure while an unidentified man stands next to her.
Subject
African American men, African American women
Collection
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
An unidentified family stand in front of a mirror.
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Unidentified Family, circa 1950
Date Created
1945/1955
Description
An unidentified family stand in front of a mirror.
Subject
African American men, African American children, Portraits and people
Collection
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
An unidentified couple stand near a stage at an event.
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Unidentified Couple, circa 1950
Date Created
1945/1955
Description
An unidentified couple stand near a stage at an event.
Subject
African American men, African American women
Collection
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Portrait of a couple on their wedding day.
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Unidentified Bride and Groom, circa 1950
Date Created
1945/1955
Description
Portrait of a couple on their wedding day.
Subject
African American men, African American women, Special events, Portraits and people
Collection
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
A letter regarding Irvin's last days in Washington D.C. before returning to Atlanta.
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Correspondence from Irvin McDuffie to Elizabeth McDuffie, June 26, 1945
Date Created
1945-06-26
Description
A letter regarding Irvin's last days in Washington D.C. before returning to Atlanta.
Subject
Household employees, African American women, African American men
Collection
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Photocopy of a newspaper clipping detailing Irvin McDuffie's career.
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
"Roosevelt 'Wore Him Out,' ex Valet Admits", July 8, 1944
Date Created
1944-07-08
Description
Photocopy of a newspaper clipping detailing Irvin McDuffie's career.
Subject
Household employees, African American men, African Americans--Politics and government, Presidents
Collection
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
A scrapbook containing telegrams and clippings related to the deaths of Irvin McDuffie and Elizabeth McDuffie's mother, Sarah Stanfield. 55 pages.
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Scrapbook, circa 1946
Date Created
1941/1951
Description
A scrapbook containing telegrams and clippings related to the deaths of Irvin McDuffie and Elizabeth McDuffie's mother, Sarah Stanfield. 55 pages.
Subject
Household employees, African American women, African American men, Funeral rites and ceremonies
Collection
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Writings related to Irvin McDuffie's experience working for President Franklin Roosevelt.
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
"Legs", circa 1946
Date Created
1941/1951
Author
McDuffie, Elizabeth S.
Description
Writings related to Irvin McDuffie's experience working for President Franklin Roosevelt.
Subject
African American authors, Household employees, African American men
Collection
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
A couple stand together on steps.
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Unidentified Couple, May 24, 1941
Date Created
1941-05-24
Description
A couple stand together on steps.
Subject
African American men, African American women
Collection
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
A group of people pose for a picture in front of two large trees.
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Unidentified Group, circa 1945
Date Created
1940/1950
Description
A group of people pose for a picture in front of two large trees.
Subject
African American men, African American women
Collection
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Photocopy of a newspaper clipping regarding the McDuffie's plans to write a book about their time in the White House.
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
"Late FDR's Aides Plan to Write Book on Experiences", circa 1945
Date Created
1940/1950
Description
Photocopy of a newspaper clipping regarding the McDuffie's plans to write a book about their time in the White House.
Subject
Household employees, African American women, African American men, African Americans--Politics and government
Collection
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
A group of men stand outside of a house. Written on recto: "Depriest Fifteen" Annual Barbecue July 6 '40.
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
"DePriest Fifteen" Annual Barbeque, July 6, 1940
Date Created
1940-07-06
Description
A group of men stand outside of a house. Written on recto: "Depriest Fifteen" Annual Barbecue July 6 '40.
Subject
African American men, Portraits and people, African American families
Collection
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Photocopy of a newspaper clipping stating that Irvin McDuffie left his position as valet.
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
"McDuffie Out as F.D.R. Valet", December 16, 1939
Date Created
1939-12-16
Description
Photocopy of a newspaper clipping stating that Irvin McDuffie left his position as valet.
Subject
Household employees, African American men, African Americans--Politics and government, Presidents
Collection
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
A letter to Irvin McDuffie discussing President Franklin Roosevelt and the upcoming election.
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Correspondence from William J. Thompkins to Irvin McDuffie, April 4, 1939
Date Created
1939-04-04
Description
A letter to Irvin McDuffie discussing President Franklin Roosevelt and the upcoming election.
Subject
Presidents, African Americans--Politics and government, African American men
Collection
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Portrait of W.C. Handy. Written on recto: To Mr[?] I McDuffy; Best Wishes; W C Handy 2-6-39.
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
W. C. Handy, February 6, 1939
Date Created
1939-02-06
Description
Portrait of W.C. Handy. Written on recto: To Mr[?] I McDuffy; Best Wishes; W C Handy 2-6-39.
Subject
African American men, Portraits and people, African American composers, African American musicians
Collection
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
A fragment of a letter to Elizabeth McDuffie on the occasion of her and Irvin's wedding anniversary.
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Correspondence from Irvin McDuffie to Elizabeth McDuffie, November 6, 1938
Date Created
1938-11-06
Description
A fragment of a letter to Elizabeth McDuffie on the occasion of her and Irvin's wedding anniversary.
Subject
Household employees, African American women, African American men, Special events
Collection
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
A letter to Irvin McDuffie asking if President Franklin Roosevelt could visit the offices of the Improved Order of Good Samaritans on a visit to Athens, Georgia.
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Correspondence from Improved Order of Samaritans to Irvin McDuffie, August 6, 1938
Date Created
1938-08-06
Description
A letter to Irvin McDuffie asking if President Franklin Roosevelt could visit the offices of the Improved Order of Good Samaritans on a visit to Athens, Georgia.
Subject
Household employees, African American men, Presidents, Associations, institutions, etc.
Collection
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Photocopy of newspaper clippings regarding the McDuffie's visit to Elberton, Georgia.
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
"FDR Interested in Masses, Says Irvin McDuffie", April 6, 1938
Date Created
1938-04-06
Description
Photocopy of newspaper clippings regarding the McDuffie's visit to Elberton, Georgia.
Subject
Household employees, African American men, African American women, African Americans--Politics and government
Collection
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Photocopy of a newspaper clipping regarding Irvin McDuffie visiting and speaking in Elberton, Georgia.
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
"Roosevelt's Valet to Visit Old Home Here", April 1938
Date Created
1938-04
Description
Photocopy of a newspaper clipping regarding Irvin McDuffie visiting and speaking in Elberton, Georgia.
Subject
Household employees, African American men, African Americans--Politics and government
Collection
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Photocopy of a newspaper clipping about an award given to Irvin McDuffie from the Washington Herald.
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
"Is Given Award by Newspaper as 'Key Cog,'" March 19, 1938
Date Created
1938-03-19
Description
Photocopy of a newspaper clipping about an award given to Irvin McDuffie from the Washington Herald.
Subject
Household employees, African American men, African Americans--Politics and government, Presidents
Collection
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Photocopy of a newspaper clipping describing a visit by Ras Desta Damtew.
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
"Prince Demtu As He Appeared in Washington", March 6, 1937
Date Created
1937-03-06
Description
Photocopy of a newspaper clipping describing a visit by Ras Desta Damtew.
Subject
International relations, Presidents, African Americans--Politics and government, African American men
Collection
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
A letter from Irvin McDuffie in which he recounts his travels aboard the U.S.S. Indianapolis with President Franklin Roosevelt. Of note is McDuffie's account of being left at the port in Rio de Janiero as well as the ceremony marking the crossing of the equator and the subsequent "visit" by Neptunus Rex.
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Correspondence from Irvin McDuffie to Elizabeth McDuffie, 1936
Date Created
1936
Description
A letter from Irvin McDuffie in which he recounts his travels aboard the U.S.S. Indianapolis with President Franklin Roosevelt. Of note is McDuffie's account of being left at the port in Rio de Janiero as well as the ceremony marking the crossing of the equator and the subsequent "visit" by Neptunus Rex.
Subject
Household employees, African American men, Presidents, Travel
Collection
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Edgar G. Brown sits at his desk holding a sheet of paper. Written on recto: To Irvin Henry McDuffie; A True Friend; with sincere esteem Edgar G. Brown.
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Edgar G. Brown, circa 1940
Date Created
1935/1945
Description
Edgar G. Brown sits at his desk holding a sheet of paper. Written on recto: To Irvin Henry McDuffie; A True Friend; with sincere esteem Edgar G. Brown.
Subject
African American men, African Americans--Employment, African Americans--Politics and government
Collection
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Portrait of Irvin McDuffie in a suit with a blue patterned tie.
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Irvin McDuffie, circa 1940
Date Created
1935/1945
Description
Portrait of Irvin McDuffie in a suit with a blue patterned tie.
Subject
African American men, Portraits and people
Collection
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
William Thompkins sits at his desk holding a pen while an unidentified man stands behind him. Written on recto: To my friends; Mr. and Mrs. Irvin H. McDuffie. From William J. Thompkins.
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
William J. Thompkins, circa 1940
Date Created
1935/1945
Description
William Thompkins sits at his desk holding a pen while an unidentified man stands behind him. Written on recto: To my friends; Mr. and Mrs. Irvin H. McDuffie. From William J. Thompkins.
Subject
African American men, African Americans--Health and hygiene, African Americans--Politics and government
Collection
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Three women and a man stand outside together at the bottom of a set of stairs.
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Unidentified Group, circa 1940
Date Created
1935/1945
Description
Three women and a man stand outside together at the bottom of a set of stairs.
Subject
African American men, African American women
Collection
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
An unidentified group of people stand around a table.
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Unidentified Group, circa 1940
Date Created
1935/1945
Description
An unidentified group of people stand around a table.
Subject
African American men, African American women
Collection
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
An unidentified woman stands on a stair while an unidentified man stands behind her.
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Unidentified Couple, circa 1940
Date Created
1935/1945
Description
An unidentified woman stands on a stair while an unidentified man stands behind her.
Subject
African American men, African American women
Collection
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Men, women, and children stand and sit together for a picture at a wedding. An unidentified woman sits in Elizabeth McDuffie's lap (middle row, left) while Irvin McDuffie can be seen on the far right.
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Wedding Portrait, circa 1940
Date Created
1935/1945
Description
Men, women, and children stand and sit together for a picture at a wedding. An unidentified woman sits in Elizabeth McDuffie's lap (middle row, left) while Irvin McDuffie can be seen on the far right.
Subject
African American men, African American women, Special events, Portraits and people
Collection
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Irvin McDuffie stands in a garden. Written on recto: Mac - In the garden at Hyde Park.
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Irvin McDuffie, circa 1939
Date Created
1934/1944
Description
Irvin McDuffie stands in a garden. Written on recto: Mac - In the garden at Hyde Park.
Subject
African American men
Collection
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
A card with a poem that would accompany a bouquet sent from George D. Riley.
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Blackistone Bouquet Card, circa 1938
Date Created
1933/1943
Description
A card with a poem that would accompany a bouquet sent from George D. Riley.
Subject
Household employees, African American men
Collection
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
A birthday card sent to Elizabeth McDuffie.
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Correspondence from Irvin McDuffie to Elizabeth McDuffie, September 13, 1933
Date Created
1933-09-13
Description
A birthday card sent to Elizabeth McDuffie.
Subject
Household employees, African American women, African American men
Collection
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Photocopy of a newspaper clipping detailing Irvin McDuffie's career with President Franklin Roosevelt. Written on recto: discrepancies.
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
"The President's Valet", 1933
Date Created
1933
Description
Photocopy of a newspaper clipping detailing Irvin McDuffie's career with President Franklin Roosevelt. Written on recto: discrepancies.
Subject
Household employees, African American men, African Americans--Politics and government, Presidents
Collection
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Photocopy of a newspaper clipping describing the life and job of Alonzo Fields, chief butler at the White House.
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
"What It Means to be The White House Butler", circa 1937
Date Created
1932/1942
Description
Photocopy of a newspaper clipping describing the life and job of Alonzo Fields, chief butler at the White House.
Subject
Household employees, African American men, Presidents
Collection
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Photocopy of two newspaper clippings. The first, from 1932, explains that Irvin McDuffie will go to the White House as President Franklin Roosevelt's valet while the other, from 1936, details a visit by McDuffie and Roosevelt to the tomb of Abraham Lincoln.
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
"Roosevelt Hero to his Negro Valet", December 30, 1932
Date Created
1932-12-30
Description
Photocopy of two newspaper clippings. The first, from 1932, explains that Irvin McDuffie will go to the White House as President Franklin Roosevelt's valet while the other, from 1936, details a visit by McDuffie and Roosevelt to the tomb of Abraham Lincoln.
Subject
Household employees, African American men, African Americans--Politics and government, Presidents
Collection
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Photocopy of newspaper clippings stating that Irvin McDuffie is the valet of the newly elected President Franklin Roosevelt and that Elizabeth McDuffie will join him in Washington.
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
"Atlanta Negro to Serve as Valet for New President at White House", December 28, 1932
Date Created
1932-12-28
Description
Photocopy of newspaper clippings stating that Irvin McDuffie is the valet of the newly elected President Franklin Roosevelt and that Elizabeth McDuffie will join him in Washington.
Subject
Household employees, African American men, African Americans--Politics and government, Presidents
Collection
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Photocopy of a newspaper clipping of a picture of the McDuffies.
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
"White House Employees", circa 1936
Date Created
1931/1941
Description
Photocopy of a newspaper clipping of a picture of the McDuffies.
Subject
African Americans--Politics and government, Household employees, African American women, African American men
Collection
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Irvin and Elizabeth in a garden.
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Irvin and Elizabeth McDuffie, July 1931
Date Created
1931-07
Description
Irvin and Elizabeth in a garden.
Subject
African American women, African American men
Collection
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Portrait of Irvin McDuffie.
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Irvin McDuffie, circa 1935
Date Created
1930/1940
Description
Portrait of Irvin McDuffie.
Subject
African American men
Collection
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Portrait of Charles L. Harper. Written on recto: C. L. Harper.
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
C. L. Harper circa 1935
Date Created
1930/1940
Description
Portrait of Charles L. Harper. Written on recto: C. L. Harper.
Subject
African American men, Portraits and people, African American educators
Collection
Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers