Duckworth, William Frederick (1899-1972)
By Kevin Geisert, SMC Research Librarian. February 2024
Since Norfolk became a city in 1845, there have been memorable leaders who served in its municipal government. Mayors and city managers have come and gone, but their legacies remain for future generations to debate. When Fred Duckworth was a young man, no one could have foreseen that he would become one of the most controversial figures in the history of Norfolk, Virginia. Serving as mayor of Norfolk for twelve years (1950-1962), his governing style and divisive policies were the source of much acrimony between city council and the many citizens who felt neglected. He became the target of an intense backlash, particularly from the underserved African American community who viewed his tenure as one marked by racially polarizing decisions. Mayor Duckworth did have a large group of supporters though. Norfolk residents praised his agenda, which included some ambitious projects, such as the revitalization of downtown and improving the quality of Norfolk roads.[1] The mayor made more than a few enemies during his career of public service. Is it possible any of his foes would want to cause him harm? One March evening several years after he left office, a killer ambushed Duckworth near his Norfolk home and shot him in cold blood. He died of his wounds in the street where he fell. In an instant, what had been a routine night changed. His unsolved murder remains shrouded in mystery to this day, as residents still ponder the question of “who shot Mayor Duckworth?”[2]
William Frederick Duckworth (aka Fred Duckworth) was born on June 20, 1899 to parents Spann Lamarr and Agnes Watson Duckworth in Brevard, North Carolina. He spent his early years in the Tar Heel State where he embarked on a career in the automotive industry. Following his graduation from a Kernersville, North Carolina high school, Duckworth enrolled at Davidson College to receive a liberal arts education.[3] However, he only studied at Davidson for about eighteen months before World War I hostilities brought an end to his college career.[4] When America declared war on Germany in 1917, Duckworth decided to join the fight and enlisted in the army.[5] He returned to North Carolina in 1920 and began a successful career with the Ford Motor Company in Charlotte.[6]
That same year, Duckworth tied the knot by marrying Gertrude Parks Summers. The wedding ceremony took place in Iredell County, North Carolina.[7] They had two children. Their son tragically died the same day he was born in 1928, but a daughter, Betty King Duckworth Farrand, was born the following year and lived until 2004.[8] Duckworth climbed the ranks at Charlotte’s factory and eventually earned his position as manager by 1931. After spending a couple years at the plant in Memphis, Tennessee, he finally relocated to Norfolk in 1936 and managed the local Ford factory. When the U.S. entered World War II, Duckworth once again volunteered his services by heading the War Production Board in Cleveland, Ohio.[9]
As the war entered its final phase, Duckworth bought a local Ford dealership in Norfolk and decided to make the city his hometown. Under Duckworth’s ownership, the business became known as Cavalier Motor Company.[10] About five years after returning to Norfolk he got involved in local politics. Voters elected him to city council for the first time in 1950 and was promptly chosen to serve as mayor. Duckworth used his powerful position in the local government to transform Norfolk into a city that aligned with his vision of progress. However, there was a tragic cost to the changes Duckworth sought, which had been overlooked for decades. The harm done to some Norfolk residents and their entire families may never fully be known.[11] And throughout his tenure, the mayor subjected African Americans to unequal and unfair treatment. His stance on integrating schools put him on the wrong side of history.[12]
Fred Duckworth and his government embarked on several visionary projects to remake Norfolk into a state-of-the-art city. According to Lewis L. Layton, a colleague on the council, Duckworth deserves much credit for modernizing the area. It was Mayor Duckworth who made Norfolk more accessible by supporting the effort to build several bridges and tunnels, which have become a prominent feature in Hampton Roads. From the project’s inception, Duckworth used his political influence to push for a bridge-tunnel that connected South Hampton Roads with the Eastern Shore. It became known as the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel. Serving as vice president on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel Commission was a great honor for him. He also backed an earlier undertaking that created the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel (HRBT), which linked South Hampton Roads to the Peninsula. Perhaps his greatest accomplishment, and the one for which he garners widespread acclaim, was the MacArthur Memorial. He spearheaded efforts to convert the old City Hall in downtown Norfolk into a lasting monument to General Douglas MacArthur. Visitors today can view the burial places of General Macarthur and his wife Jean. There is also a museum inside the memorial dedicated to General MacArthur’s life and military career.[13] In the 1950s, it was no secret that Norfolk had a need for improved roads. During his administration, Duckworth introduced a plan to revamp traffic patterns in the city. Within a rather short period of time, wider streets had been built to ease congestion concerns. He also envisioned a growing city, which led the municipality to annex land from neighboring Norfolk and Princess Anne Counties. During his time as mayor, Norfolk became the largest city in Virginia. The annexation had a consequence though, as animosity developed between city and county.[14]
By all accounts, the most controversial project of Duckworth’s administration was urban renewal. He believed that a revitalized city was essential for Norfolk’s future, but there was also a sinister undercurrent of this massive undertaking. Duckworth, a long-time segregationist, enacted a plan that blatantly disregarded recent federal court rulings, which required states and localities to begin the process of integrating their schools. On one hand, the administration became committed to making downtown Norfolk a desirable location for businesses and visitors. Bulldozers razed the slums, run-down buildings, and go-go establishments to make room for new office space. Modern buildings replaced out-of-date ones. Main Street notably experienced a huge makeover during this phase of redevelopment. Around the same time, Duckworth’s pet project MacArthur Memorial took shape. A new City Hall and Scope Arena were eventually added to the mix as well. These buildings helped to raise the profile of downtown Norfolk even more. However, Duckworth later expanded his redevelopment plans to include Atlantic City, Broad Creek, and other sections where blacks and whites lived in multi-racial neighborhoods. In defiance of the Supreme Court, he focused on these neighborhoods because black children there would likely have been chosen for integrating schools. Duckworth used the Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority to dismantle all the homes in those areas. All that was left in some city blocks was debris. Estimates indicate that hundreds of homes and businesses were torn down during Norfolk’s effort at redevelopment. Ultimately about 20,000 residents were forced out of their homes with no idea how they might be able to restart their lives. As a result, there were many people who had reason to harbor bitter feelings about Mayor Duckworth.[15]
During the controversy over integration, he epitomized Virginia’s Massive Resistance Campaign, which forced schools across the state to close instead of admitting African Americans. Duckworth chose the side of state-sanctioned apartheid and bigotry in 1958 when the state shuttered Norfolk schools to prevent seventeen black students from enrolling. While meeting with black ministers, he characterized the Norfolk 17 as selfish because of their integration demands. He blamed them for denying an education to white children who remained locked out of their schools. After the Norfolk 17 refused to back down, Duckworth responded in a vindictive manner. With city council’s approval, he decided to slash spending for black schools, which brought more hurt to an already disadvantaged community. Although Duckworth had his fair share of supporters, he alienated a sizable chunk of the population by following through on these controversial policies.[16]
He also offended some people with his public demeanor. Duckworth was stubborn and frequently ignored viewpoints that differed from his own. Sometimes he did not even try to hide his contempt for others. When Duckworth participated in public forums, his surly personality was on display for all to see. He once even belittled a psychiatrist during a debate. This churlish sort of behavior remained a source of friction for many people throughout his tenure as mayor.[17] But Duckworth received plenty of accolades too. The prestigious First Citizen Award, presented annually by Norfolk, went to Mayor Duckworth in 1956. Then as the decade ended, Norfolk along with eleven other cities, claimed the All-America City Award, which was a direct result of Duckworth’s leadership. He retired from public office in 1962 and spent his final years in Norfolk.[18]
It was ten years after leaving city government when Duckworth became the victim of a shocking crime. On Friday, March 3, 1972, the former mayor was gunned down on Major Avenue during an evening walk in his neighborhood. He lived just a short distance away at the Algonquin House on Glenroie Avenue. Since his retirement, Duckworth stuck to his routine of nightly walks until the day he was murdered. This high-profile crime baffled police in 1972 and the individual responsible has yet to be identified over fifty years later. There was no obvious motive. It did not look like it could be a robbery because detectives learned that Duckworth left his wallet at home and valuable jewelry was left untouched at the murder scene. Was it possible the suspect was familiar with Duckworth’s routine?[19] Almost immediately following his death, several theories were postulated about just who might be considered suspects. Police scrutinized his son-in-law, Philip Steevens Farrand, whom Duckworth apparently did not respect, but they ultimately concluded that he was not involved.[20] Since the victim had been a public figure, detectives explored the possibility of a hit man. They sorted through a long list of possible enemies hoping to connect one of them to the shooting.[21] Investigators followed up on lead after lead, but no compelling suspect ever emerged. Who shot Fred Duckworth? The answer to that question will probably never be known.[22]
The funeral service for Mayor Duckworth was held on Monday March 6, 1972 at St. Andrews Episcopal Church in Norfolk. Reverends Roger Snyder, George D. Heath, and Andrew Bird presided at the somber affair. Douglas MacArthur’s widow made an appearance and showed her respects as well. Duckworth is interred at Forest Lawn Cemetery.[23]
Sources:
1. James R. Sweeney and the Dictionary of Virginia Biography, “W. Fred Duckworth (1899-1972),” Encyclopedia Virginia, accessed September 18, 2023,
https://encyclopediavirginia.org/entries/duckworth-w-fred-1899-1972/.
2. Earl Swift, “Sifting the Victim’s Past,” The Virginian-Pilot (Norfolk, Virginia), August 22, 2007, 10
(The Duckworth File Series, Part 4 of 8).
3. Sweeney, Encyclopedia Virginia.
4. “William Frederick Duckworth,” Forest Lawn Cemetery, accessed September 18, 2023, William Fred Duckworth (historicforrest.com).
5. Sweeney, Encyclopedia Virginia.
6. Forest Lawn Cemetery.
7. Sweeney, Encyclopedia Virginia.
8. “William Frederick Duckworth,” Findagrave, accessed September 18, 2023,
William Frederick Duckworth (1899-1972) - Find a Grave Memorial.
9. Sweeney, Encyclopedia Virginia.
10. Gene Owens, “Blunt, Dynamic Mayor Led Norfolk Forward,” Norfolk Ledger-Star (Norfolk, Virginia),
March 4, 1972, B1.
11. Swift, Part 4, Page 11.
12. Earl Swift, “Years of Enemies,” The Virginian-Pilot (Norfolk, Virginia), August 23, 2007, 1
(The Duckworth File Series, Part 5 of 8).
13. Owens, B1.
14. Swift, Part 4, Page 11.
15. Ibid; Sweeney, Encyclopedia.
16. Swift, Part 5, Pages 1 and 10.
17. Ibid, Part 4, Page 11.
18. Sweeney, Encyclopedia Virginia.
19. Mike Hardy, “No Suspects Charged in Duckworth Killing,” The Virginian-Pilot (Norfolk, Virginia),
March 5, 1972, A1.
20. Earl Swift, “Theories and Walls,” The Virginian-Pilot (Norfolk, Virginia), August 24, 2007, 1, 12-13
(The Duckworth File Series, Part 6 of 8).
21. Earl Swift, “Was Shooter a Hit Man,” The Virginian-Pilot (Norfolk, Virginia), August 25, 2007, 1, 14-15
(The Duckworth File Series, Part 7 of 8).
22. Swift, Part 4, Pages 1 and 10-11.
23. Owens, B1.
Full Name: William Frederick Duckworth
Also Known as: Fred Duckworth
Birth Date: June 20, 1899
Birthplace: Brevard, North Carolina
Parents: Spann Lamarr Duckworth and Agnes Watson Duckworth
Ethnicity: American
Race: Caucasian
Spouse: Gertrude Parks Summers
Children: Infant Son and Betty King Duckworth Farrand
Marriage Date: July 10, 1920
Marriage Place: Iredell County, North Carolina
Death Date: March 3, 1972
Death Place: Norfolk, Virginia
Burial Date: March 6, 1972
Burial Place: Forest Lawn Cemetery
Major Keywords/Search Terms: Duckworth, William Fred| Duckworth, Spann Lamarr| Duckworth, Agnes Watson|
Farrand, Betty King Duckworth| Summers, Gertrude Parks| Norfolk, Virginia| Kernersville, North Carolina| Davidson College|
Charlotte, North Carolina| Ford Motor Company| World War I| Iredell County, North Carolina| Cleveland, Ohio|War Production Board| Memphis, Tennessee| Cavalier Motor Company| Layton, Lewis L.| Mayor| Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel| Massive Resistance|
MacArthur Memorial| City Hall| Scope Arena| MacArthur, General Douglas| MacArthur, Jean| Annexation| Norfolk County, Virginia|
Princess Anne County, Virginia| Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel| Atlantic City| Broad Creek| Urban Renewal| School Integration|
Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority| Norfolk 17| All-America City Award| First Citizen Award| Major Avenue| Algonquin House| Glenroie Avenue| Farrand, Philip Steevens| Unsolved Murder| Forest Lawn Cemetery| St. Andrews Episcopal Church| Snyder, Roger, Rev.| Heath, George D., Rev.|Bird, Andrew, Rev.| World War II|
Sources:
1) Primary Sources:
1. Books and Pamphlets:
City Directories (Selected):
▪ 1942 Norfolk City Directory (Norfolk, Virginia), 235.
▪ 1944 Norfolk City Directory (Norfolk, Virginia), 231.
▪ 1946 Norfolk City Directory (Norfolk, Virginia), 241.
▪ 1965 Norfolk City Directory (Norfolk, Virginia), 337.
2. Documents/Collections:
▪ City of Norfolk Mayors Portraits, circa 1934-1972, Box 1 Folder 7, MSS 0000-449, Sargeant Memorial Collection,
Norfolk Public Library, Norfolk, Virginia.
▪ Roy B. Martin Collection, Box 1 Folder 1, MSS 0000-031, Sargeant Memorial Collection, Norfolk Public Library,
Norfolk, Virginia.
Census Records
▪ United States Census Bureau. 1930 US Federal Census-Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. Page: 19A. Enumeration District: 0026. FHL Microfilm: 2341440. https://www.ancestrylibrary.com/discoveryuicontent/view/76233068:6224? tid=&pid=&queryId=c049d33ef9e9c23513cf314c1ebbaf68&_phsrc=DzK12&_phstart=successSource.
▪ United States Census Bureau. 1940 US Federal Census-Norfolk City, Virginia. Roll: m-t0627-04314. Page: 12A. Enumeration District: 114-124. https://www.ancestrylibrary.com/discoveryuicontent/view/18999979:2442? tid=&pid=&queryId=b03f330b5aa1d22bfa70 0f7d2c62f970&_phs rc=DzK13&_phstart=successSource.
▪ United States Census Bureau: 1950 US Federal Census-Norfolk City, Virginia. Roll: 3678. Page: 4.
Enumeration District: 115-156.
Military Records
▪ United States Navy Support Books, 1901-1902, 1917-2010
https://www.ancestrylibrary.com/discoveryuicontent/view/2873389:2323?
tid=&pid=&queryId=6307ffb0a099139a412b96ed4332cbe5&_phsrc=DzK19&_phstart=successSource.
▪ United States World War II Draft Cards, 1940-1947. Registration State: Virginia.
https://www.ancestrylibrary.com/discoveryuicontent/view/10590598:2238?
tid=&pid=&queryId=6307ffb0a099139a412b96ed4332cbe5&_phsrc=DzK17&_phstart=successSource.
Resources at Other Institutions
▪ Special Collections and University Archives, Old Dominion University Libraries. W. Fred Duckworth Papers,
Collection ID: MG 45.
Vital Records
▪ North Carolina Registers of Deeds. Raleigh, North Carolina. North Carolina Marriages, 1741-2011. Record Group: 048. Marriage Year: 1920. https://www.ancestrylibrary.com/discoveryui-content/view/4342225:60548.
▪ Virginia Department of Health. Richmond, Virginia. Virginia Deaths, 1912-2014. Certificate Number: 1972007917. Death Year: 1972.
32cbe5&_phsrc= DzK15_phstart=successSource.
3. Maps/Plats/Surveys:
▪ Sanborn Map Company. Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps: Norfolk Independent City, Virginia.” New York:
Sanborn Publishing Co., 1928-Oct. 1950, Vol. 5, Sheet 509.
ProQuest Digital Sanborn Maps ~ Map of Norfolk 1928-Oct. 1950 vol. 5, 1928-Oct. 1950, Sheet 509.
▪ Sanborn Map Company. Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps: Norfolk Independent City, Virginia.” New York:
Sanborn Publishing Co.,
1928-Oct. 1950, Vol. 5, Sheet 513.
ProQuest Digital Sanborn Maps ~ Map of Norfolk 1928-Oct. 1950 vol. 5, 1928-Oct. 1950, Sheet 513.
4. Newspaper/Magazines/Journals (Selected):
1950
▪ “Duckworth Takes Work Seriously.” Norfolk Ledger-Dispatch (Norfolk, Virginia), June 3, 1950, 11.
▪ “George R. Abbott Says No, So Duckworth is Mayor.” Norfolk Ledger-Dispatch (Norfolk, Virginia), September 2, 1950, 11.
1953
▪ “Duckworth Named to Ford Advisors.” Norfolk Ledger-Dispatch (Norfolk, Virginia), September 14, 1953, 21.
1955
▪ Cahill, Carl. Mayor Duckworth’s Day from Morn ‘Til Night Calls for Tight Schedule.” Norfolk Ledger-Dispatch (Norfolk, Virginia), November 8, 1955, 13.
1957
▪ “Ceremony Tonight for First Citizen.” Norfolk Ledger-Dispatch (Norfolk, Virginia), January 24, 1957, 21.
▪ “A First-Citizen Presence of the Future of Norfolk.” The Virginian-Pilot (Norfolk, Virginia), January 26, 1957, 4.
1958
▪ Kelley, George, M. “Duckworth Due to Set New Mayoralty Record." The Virginian-Pilot (Norfolk, Virginia),
June 12, 1958, 56 and 50.
▪ “Official Vote Tally Assures Mayor’s Spot for Duckworth.” The Virginian-Pilot (Norfolk, Virginia), June 13, 1958, 35.
▪ “Duckworth Sees No Chance for Return of 6 Schools.” Norfolk Ledger-Dispatch (Norfolk, Virginia), October 10, 1958, 17.
▪ “Duckworth Offers Data on Negroes.” Norfolk Ledger-Dispatch (Norfolk, Virginia), October 23, 1958, B1.
▪ Kelley, George M. “Real School Sentiment Beclouded-Duckworth." The Virginian-Pilot, October 24, 1958, 1 and 5.
1960
▪ Virginians in the Public Eye.” The Commonwealth, January 1960, Volume 27, Number 1, 20.
▪ “A Six-Year Urban Plan for Urban Renewal.” The Virginian-Pilot (Norfolk, Virginia), May 19, 1960, C1.
▪ “Mayor Duckworth and Durability.” The Virginian-Pilot (Norfolk, Virginia), September 3, 1960, 4.
1962
▪ “Mayors to Discuss Land Loss.” The Virginian-Pilot (Norfolk, Virginia), January 11, 1962, 21.
▪ Bancroft, Raymond L. “600,000 Foreseen in Norfolk.” The Virginian-Pilot (Norfolk, Virginia), January 20, 1962, 13.
▪ Woodlief, Wayne. “Duckworth: I Like to Move Fast.” Norfolk Ledger-Dispatch (Norfolk, Virginia), March 14, 1962, A5.
▪ “Duckworth Decision Ends Era.” The Virginian-Pilot (Norfolk, Virginia), March 15, 1962, 7.
▪ “Duckworth Always Industrious.” The Virginian-Pilot (Norfolk, Virginia), March 19, 1972, C2.
▪ “Duckworth Touted for State Senate.” Norfolk Ledger-Dispatch (Norfolk, Virginia), July 20, 1962, 1.
▪ Kelley, George M. “The Guard is Changing at City Hall.” The Virginian-Pilot (Norfolk, Virginia), August 26, 1962, B1 and B4.
▪ Sauder, Bill. “70 Hail Duckworth as ‘First Citizen.’” Norfolk Ledger-Dispatch (Norfolk, Virginia), September 6, 1962, 1.
▪ “Duckworth Tribute Today.” The Virginian-Pilot (Norfolk, Virginia), September 6, 1962, 29.
▪ “Crowd Praises Duckworth For His ’12 Golden Years.’” The Virginian-Pilot (Norfolk, Virginia), September 7, 1962, 29.
▪ Kelley George M. “The Question.” The Virginian-Pilot (Norfolk, Virginia), September 23, 1962, B7.
1963
▪ “Merged Toll Agency Would Reduce Fees.” The Virginian-Pilot (Norfolk, Virginia), February 23, 1963, 17.
1964
▪ Woodlief, Wayne. “He Fought for Memorial.” Norfolk Ledger-Star (Norfolk, Virginia), April 9, 1964, 17.
1967
▪ “Ex-Mayor Declines I-64 Idea.” The Virginian-Pilot (Norfolk, Virginia), July 20, 1967, 37.
▪ McAllister, Bill. “Holland’s Successor Appointed.” The Virginian-Pilot (Norfolk, Virginia), September 30, 1967, 1 and 5.
▪ “Mr. Duckworth Knows Road Problems.” Norfolk Ledger-Star (Norfolk, Virginia), October 2, 1967, 6.
▪ Henderson. Arthur P. “Duckworth Promises to Push for Better Northampton Blvd.” Norfolk Ledger-Star (Norfolk, Virginia),
December 12, 1967, 29.
1971
▪ Reilly, Tom. “Duckworth Era Remains Alive in Tidewater.” Norfolk Ledger-Star (Norfolk, Virginia), June 21, 1971, A7.
1972
▪ “Reward Offered for Help in Conviction in Murder of Former Norfolk Mayor.” New Norfolk, February-March 1972, 7.
▪ Owens, Gene. “Blunt, Dynamic Mayor Led Norfolk Forward.” Norfolk Ledger-Star (Norfolk, Virginia), March 4, 1972, B1.
▪ “W. Fred Duckworth.” The Virginian-Pilot (Norfolk, Virginia), March 4, 1972, A6.
▪ Hardy, Mike. “No Suspects Charged in Duckworth Killing.” The Virginian-Pilot (Norfolk, Virginia), March 5, 1972, A1 and A6.
▪ Henderson, Jim. “He Led Norfolk With Words and Action.” The Virginian-Pilot (Norfolk, Virginia), March 5, 1972, A1 and A6.
▪ “A Man Respected, Remembered. The Virginian-Pilot (Norfolk, Virginia),
March 5, 1972, A6.
▪ “W. Fred Duckworth.” The Virginian-Pilot (Norfolk, Virginia), March 6, 1972, A18.
▪ “Duckworth Always Industrious.” The Virginian-Pilot (Norfolk, Virginia),
March 19, 1972, C2.
▪ “C. of C. to Honor Duckworth.” The Virginian-Pilot (Norfolk, Virginia),April 16, 1972, B3.
▪ “Deceased Mayor Honored.” The Virginian-Pilot (Norfolk, Virginia), May 11, 1972, C1.
▪ Dorsey, Jack. “Lack of Motive Hinders Duckworth Death Probers." Norfolk Ledger-Star (Norfolk, Virginia), May 19, 1972, A7.
▪ Dorsey, Jack. “Slaying Baffles Police.” Norfolk Ledger-Star (Norfolk, Virginia), August 14, 1972, D1.
▪ Reward Now $17,500 for Duckworth Killer.” The Virginian-Pilot (Norfolk, Virginia), November 1, 1972, C3.
1973
▪ Dorsey, Jack. “Duckworth Murder Probe Frustrating for Police." Norfolk Ledger-Star (Norfolk, Virginia), February 3, 1973, B1.
▪ Kale, Wilford. “Duckworth Murder Remains Baffling.” Richmond Times-Dispatch (Richmond, Virginia), February 4, 1973, 1 and 3.
▪ Henderson, Jim. “Police Doggedly Probe Duckworth Slaying.” The Virginian-Pilot (Norfolk, Virginia), March 25, 1973, B1 and B7.
5. Photographs/Images:
▪ Sargeant Memorial Collection Main Photograph Collection, MSS 0000-MPC. Sargeant Memorial Collection, Norfolk Public Library, Norfolk, Virginia. Folder: People “D”: Duckworth, Mayor W.
▪ The Virginian Pilot Photograph Collection, MSS 0000-187. Search Results - Sargeant Memorial Collection Online Archive (oclc.org).
▪ The Virginian Pilot Photograph Collection, MSS 0000-187. Folders: Duckworth, William Fred I-Duckworth, William Fred III.
Sargeant Memorial Collection, Norfolk Public Library, Norfolk, Virginia.
▪ The Virginian Pilot Photograph Collection, MSS 2021-001. Sargeant Memorial Collection, Norfolk Public Library, Norfolk, Virginia. Negatives-Duckworth, W. Fred.
6. Sound and Video Recordings:
▪ Harrell, Jerry and Peggy Haile McPhillips, producers. Norfolk Voices: the Mayors, 1950-2000. 2001; Norfolk, VA: VHS.
2) Secondary Sources:
1. Books and Pamphlets:
▪ Parramore, Thomas C., Peter C. Stewart and Tommy L. Bogger. Norfolk: The First Four Centuries. Charlottesville, VA:
University Press of Virginia, 1994. Pages 357, 360-361, 366-367, 374-376, 385, and 387.
▪ Shank, Joseph E. Shank’s Raw Materials. Volume VII, 1931-1965. Page 2577.
▪ Tucker, George Holbert. Norfolk Highlights: 1584-1881. Norfolk, VA: The Norfolk Historical Society, 1872. Page 100.
2. Documents/Collections:
▪ Folder: “Norfolk-Biographies-Duckworth, William Fred.” Sargeant Memorial Collection Norfolk Clippings Files, MSS 0000-NCF,
Sargeant Memorial Collection, Norfolk Public Library, Norfolk, Virginia.
▪ Sargeant Memorial Collection Card Catalog. Legacy Biographical: “Duckworth, W. Fred.”
▪ The Virginian-Pilot Index Cards, MSS 2020-005. Biographical: 1947-1984: “W. Fred Duckworth.”
3. Newspapers/Magazines/Journals (Selected):
2002
▪ Clayton, Cindy. “Slaying of Ex-Mayor Remains a Mystery.” The Virginian-Pilot (Norfolk, Virginia), March 3, 2002, B1 and B3.
2007
▪ Swift, Earl. “Who Shot the Mayor?” Part 1 of 8 (The Duckworth File Series), The Virginian-Pilot (Norfolk, Virginia),
August 19, 2007, 1 and 10-11.
▪ Swift, Earl. “Casting for Leads. Part 2 of 8 (The Duckworth File Series), The Virginian-Pilot (Norfolk, Virginia),
August 20, 2007, 1 and 8-9.
▪ Swift, Earl. “Cops Feel the Heat.” Part 3 of 8 (The Duckworth File Series), The Virginian-Pilot (Norfolk, Virginia),
August 21, 2007, 1 and 12-13.
▪ Swift, Earl. “Sifting the Victim’s Past.” Part 4 of 8 (The Duckworth File Series),Virginian-Pilot (Norfolk, Virginia),
August 22, 2007, 1 and 10-11.
▪ Swift, Earl. “Years of Enemies.” Part 5 of 8 (The Duckworth File Series), The Virginian-Pilot (Norfolk, Virginia),
August 23, 2007, 1 and 10-11.
▪ Swift, Earl. “Theories and Walls.” Part 6 of 8 (The Duckworth File Series), The Virginian-Pilot (Norfolk, Virginia),
August 24, 2007, 1 and 12-13.
▪ Swift, Earl. “Was Shooter a Hit Man.” Part 7 of 8 (The Duckworth File Series), The Virginian-Pilot (Norfolk, Virginia),
August 25, 2007, 1 and 14-15.
▪ Swift, Earl. “A Lead Among Faded Hope.” Part 8 of 8 (The Duckworth File Series), The Virginian-Pilot (Norfolk, Virginia),
August 26, 2007, 1 and 10-11.
4. Websites:
▪ Smith, Robert C. Commentary Magazine. “Desegregation’s Tortuous Course: Breakthrough in Norfolk.”
Accessed September 18, 2023.
▪ Sweeney, James R. and the Dictionary of Virginia Biography. Encyclopedia of Virginia. “W. Fred Duckworth (1899-1972).”
Accessed September 18, 2023. W. Fred Duckworth (1899–1972) - Encyclopedia Virginia.
▪ Findagrave. “William Frederick Duckworth.” Accessed September 18, 2023.
William Frederick Duckworth (1899-1972) - Find a Grave Memorial.
▪ Forest Lawn Cemetery. “William Frederick Duckworth.” Accessed September 18, 2023.