Washington F. Baum Papers, PC.5076

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Washington F. Baum Papers, PC.5076

Abstract

Washington Franklin Baum (1876-1967) was an influential figure in Dare County during in the early-to-mid-20th century. In 1924, he was elected to the Dare County Board of Commissioners and served a four year term. During that time he led a drive to build the first bridge connecting Roanoke Island to Nags Head. In 1962, a new bridge between Nags Head and Manteo, which replaced the original span, was named in his honor.
The Washington F. Baum Papers, 1956-1967, primarily documents the dedication of the Washington Baum Bridge and includes correspondence, newspaper clippings, a scrapbook, and photographs.

Descriptive Summary

Title
Washington F. Baum Papers
Call Number
PC.5076
Creator
Baum, Washington Franklin, 1876-1967
Date
1956-1967
Extent
0.200 cubic feet
Language
English
Repository
Outer Banks History Center

Series Quick Links

  1. Collection Contents

Restrictions on Access & Use

Access Restrictions

Available for research.

Use Restrictions

Copyright is retained by the authors of these materials, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law (Title 17 US Code). Individual researchers are responsible for using these materials in conformance with copyright law as well as any donor restrictions accompanying the materials.

Preferred Citation

[Identification of item], PC.5076, Washington F. Baum Papers, Outer Banks History Center, Manteo, N.C., U.S.A.

Collection Overview

The Washington F. Baum Papers, 1956-1967, includes correspondence congratulating Baum on the honor of the dedication of the Washington Baum Bridge, newspaper clippings, photographs, and a scrapbook containing additional congratulatory letters, photographs, and a speech most likely made by the ceremony's key speaker, North Carolina Senator Hector McLean.

Biographical Note

Washington Franklin Baum (1876-1967), a native of Wanchese, North Carolina, was the son of Somers and Mary Ann Wright Baum. He married Agnes Jones in 1910. They had three children, Marjorie, Bessie, and Balfour. Baum was an influential figure in Dare County during the early-to-mid-20th century. In 1924, he was elected to the Dare County Board of Commissioners and served a four year term. During that time he led a drive to build the first bridge connecting Roanoke Island to Nags Head. In 1928, Baum was appointed as the Dare County Recorder's Court Judge, a position he held until 1962.

In Baum's earlier years he served in the U.S. Lighthouse Service for seven years and was also involved in the commercial fishing industry, mercantile industry, and oil business. In 1962, the new bridge between Nags Head and Manteo, which replaced the original span, was named in his honor.

Contents of the Collection

Collection Contents
Copy of the 1927 Resolution to Build a Causeway Bridge between Nags Head and Manteo, 1962
Box 1
County Resolutions to Honor Washington F. Baum,1962
Box 1
Correspondence Congratulating Washington Baum on the Bridge Dedication,1962
Box 1
Newspaper Clippings, 1962-1967
Box 1
Photographs of Washington Baum, 1961
Box 1
Certificate of Merit from the "Newspaper National Snapshot Merit Awards," Presented to M. S. Bowles,1956
Box 1
Scrapbook: Washington F. Baum Bridge Dedication Ceremony,1962
Box 1

Subject Headings

  • Baum family
  • Bridges--North Carolina--Dare County
  • Judges--North Carolina--Dare County
  • Washington F. Baum Bridge (Dare County, N.C.)
  • Acquisitions Information

    Donated by Nevin Wescott, Jr. in 2009.

    Processing Information

  • Processed by Kelly R. Grimm, January 2010
  • Encoded by Kelly R. Grimm, January 2010