• Rare ca. 1938 invitation card from a female optometrist based in Newport News, Virginia.
• The card reads: “To our customers and friends we extend a cordial invitation to visit our new optical office, 121 Thirtieth Street, Newport News, Va. Dr. Alma H. Wilcox. Hull & Hull, established 1899.”
• A review of Newport News city directories, lists the 1937 location of Hull & Hull as 130 Twenty Sixth Street. The 1939 directory lists the 121 Thirtieth Street address, indicating that the new offices were opened in 1938 or 1939.
• Dr. Alma H. Wilcox was born Wilhelmina Alma Hull in New Jersey in 1893. Newspaper ads from the 1930s and 1940s state that Hull & Hull was established in 1899. The 1920 census of the Hull household indicates that Alma, then 25 years old, has married John M. Wilcox and was living with her parents Louise M. and William E. Hull. All four of these individuals are listed as optometrists or opticians. The parents are likely the original Hull & Hull established in 1899. By 1920 the business had expanded to include their daughter and son-in-law. By the time of the 1930 census Wilma had divorced John, and John had apparently left the business. At the time this invitation was issued (ca. 1938), Alma was the sole optometrist listed on the card. In 1944, Alma served as president of the Virginia Optometric Association.
• This artifact documents the role of female medical professionals in Newport News during the first half of the 20th century.
• The card is approximately 4 ½" by 3 ½".
• The card is in good condition, with some light stains and age-related toning.