Virginia Woman’s Remarkable Napkin Collection Finds a Home

A Virginia woman’s extensive collection of paper napkins is now preserved at the Library of Virginia. Charlotte LaRoy, who began collecting napkins during her childhood in the 1940s, donated over 1,100 pieces that offer a unique glimpse into American history and culture. This remarkable collection includes a variety of designs, from everyday napkins to those reflecting significant political moments.

LaRoy’s fascination with napkins started as a young girl, the daughter of a federal food-safety scientist. She developed an appreciation for their diverse sizes, colors, and designs, noting their practical uses. For decades, she tucked her finds into a blanket box under her bed, unaware of the historical value they would one day represent. In 2017, she approached the Library of Virginia to hand over her collection, which surprised and delighted curators.

Preserving a Piece of History

The collection is now housed alongside significant documents from the Founding Fathers and texts dating back to the 15th century. LaRoy’s napkins span a range of themes, including political commentary and social change. Among them are items from the 1950s Red Scare, featuring humorous yet cautionary messages like “Keep classified information to yourself, pardner!” with a cowboy illustration.

Other pieces reflect the cultural dynamics of their time, such as a cocktail napkin that reads, “Girls with curves are usually surrounded by men with angles,” and a series showcasing Christmas and travel themes. One of the standout items commemorates the inauguration of A. Linwood Holton Jr., Virginia’s first African American governor in 1970, while another celebrates L. Douglas Wilder, the first African American elected as governor in the United States, two decades later.

A Personal Journey Through Ephemera

Dale Neighbours, the visual studies collection coordinator at the Library of Virginia, recognized the significance of LaRoy’s donation. He understands the value of “ephemera,” defined as the transient documents of everyday life. Neighbours previously used similar materials to create authentic sets for films directed by Martin Scorsese, such as “The Age of Innocence” and “Gangs of New York.”

LaRoy’s collection serves as an intimate record of her life and the evolving social landscape over the decades. She often recalls how her father, a Food and Drug Administration official, and her mother, who worked at the Pentagon, influenced her love for collecting. Many of her napkins were acquired during family trips or special occasions, creating a patchwork diary of memories.

At 83 years old, LaRoy reflects on her collection with joy. She chuckles at the absurdity of her pursuit, as she rarely shared her passion with others. “I really didn’t talk about it very much,” she explained. “Unless I had to say, ‘Well, I’d like a napkin.’” Her rule was simple: all napkins had to be unused, and she sought out unique designs to avoid repetition.

As LaRoy revisits her collection, she is struck by the beauty of some pieces, including one featuring intertwined hearts that commemorates her son’s wedding. “Yeah,” she said, her voice trembling with recognition. “That’s our son.”

LaRoy’s napkin collection, now formally titled the Charlotte LaRoy Paper Napkin Collection, stands as a testament to her unique perspective on everyday items and their ability to tell stories across generations. The Library of Virginia ensures that her curated collection will be preserved for future researchers and enthusiasts, providing a fascinating look at the intersection of art, history, and personal memory.