Carolyn Mollette, The David L. and Sally Foley Political Memorabilia Collection
The David L. and Sally Foley Political Memorabilia Collection was put together over the course of David Foley's life. David became a resident of Calloway County in the early 1970s and taught at Calloway County Middle School for 30 years. Mr. Foley served as a medic in the Special Forces during the Vietnam War. He was also very active in the community: Mr. Foley volunteered at Spring Creek Health Care, served on the Kentucky Retired Teachers Association executive board, helped deliver food for Need Line, and much more. David Foley passed away on Friday, July 16th, 2021. David L. Foley's obituary.
I was given the special opportunity to interview Mr. Foley's wife, Sally Duford-Foley, and their daughter, Carrie Griffith, about the significance of the collection. Below is the transcript of the interview.
How did your husband start this collection? What was your husband's interest in collecting all of this presidential and military memorabilia?
Sally: David was a collector of many things. The political memorabilia was a favorite of his. I am not sure where David sought out to find things available, but this collection was personal to him. Every time he learned memorabilia was available he went for it. He made the collection from this.
Do you remember how the collection ended up here at Pogue Library? What made it stick out as something to donate?
Sally: When David passed away, and Carrie started going through his items, and she was finding political items, she talked to me about where they could keep this history going for generations. And I said Wrather Museum. We contacted Jeff (Dr. Sean J. McLaughlin, Special Collections and Exhibits Director) and he saw only a small amount of the total collection. When he came back to see it again, he realized it was not actually a small collection. Carrie did not want history to be lost. We wanted to make it available for people doing research or even had interest in any of the items David assembled. We discussed where we would donate items and I thought about the local Wrather Museum to display items for people who are interested. Carrie found so much that it would be difficult to display it all. We believe we found a way that his materials will be available for research and we are excited that the digital exhibit will lead researchers from online into Pogue Library to see all of what David has accomplished.
Is there anything in the collection that stuck out to you or that you liked? Is there anything you’d specifically like to be featured in the digital exhibit?
Sally: One of the things I like is that there is so much humor. Different items are involved in the collection that are meant to be funny. I believe that researchers will find enjoyment in the collection.
Do you feel excited that this collection is becoming a digital exhibit?
Carrie: Yes! Now, will this be available to several communities or researchers throughout the U.S. or is it just locally?
Jeff: When we publish, anyone with an internet connection will be able to access it worldwide.
Carrie: How will it become available?
Jeff: The collection is currently housed at Pogue Library, and the box list is available online to anyone. The collection is available to be pulled and looked at by anyone.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Sally: We appreciate all of your hard work in categorizing all of the information. It was a horrendous task, I know. I am grateful David’s treasures will be for use, so thank you. Our one request is that this collection and exhibit is known FOR David and it is important that everyone knows that it was his long life journey of collecting and researching to keep this part of history. Everyone should know that it was his passion.
This digital exhibit is a small selection of the items in the collection David created. We invite you to visit Pogue Special Collections Library on Murray State University's campus to see more.
