Dr. Vernal Cave photograph and memorial program
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Abstract
One 11 by 14 inch black and white portrait photograph of Dr. Vernal Cave (circa 1940s-50s) and one 1997 memorial program including a full obituary.
Biographical note
Adapted from the memorial program included in the collection.
Vernal Gordon Cave, M.D., D.Sc., F.A.A.D., F.A.C.P., was born to Joseph and Selina Small Cave in Colon, Republic of Panama in 1918. He graduated from City College of New York in 1941 and earned his M.D. at Howard University in 1944. He served as a U.S. Air Force doctor from 1947-52 and practiced medicine in Brooklyn from his discharge until his death in 1997. He was a pioneering physician, community activist, author, lecturer, and officer of numerous organizations as well as a mentor to many students.
Dr. Cave was the first African-American Board Certified Dermatologist and the first to become a Diplomat of the American Board of Dermatology and Syphilogy. He was also the first African-American President of the Medical Society of the County of Kings and the first to serve as President of the First District Branch of the New York State Medical Society. He was the 73rd President of the National Medical Association.
Dr. Cave chaired the National Medical Association's Board of Trustees, the Bedford-Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation, the Black Community Council of Crown Heights and the New York State Commission on Minority Enrollment in Medical Schools. He was also involved with the Arthur Ashe Institute for Urban Health, New York Urban League, Howard University Medical Alumni Association, Crown Heights Lions Club, Comus Club, Bedford Syuyvesant Health Center, Provident Clinical Society and Alpha Sigma Boule of the Sigma Pi Phi fraternity.
His honors and awards included the Distinguished Service Award from Howard University, recognition by the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society, an Honorary Doctorate from Medgar Evers College, and Man of the Year at Janes United Methodist Church.
He was survived by his wife, Natalie Helene Jacobs Cave. His memorial services were conducted at Concord Baptist Church of Christ and he was buried at the Cemetery of the Evergreens.
Arrangement
The two items in this collection are housed in a single folder with no particular arrangement.
Scope and Contents
One 11 by 14 inch black and white portrait photograph of Dr. Vernal Cave (circa 1940s-50s) and one 1997 memorial program including a full obituary.
Subjects
Organizations
People
Topics
Donors
Conditions Governing Access
Open to researchers without restriction.
Conditions Governing Use
While many items at the Center for Brooklyn History are unrestricted, we do not own reproduction rights to all materials. Be aware of the several kinds of rights that might apply: copyright, licensing and trademarks. The researcher assumes all responsibility for copyright questions.
Preferred Citation
Identification of item, date (if known); Dr. Vernal Cave photograph and memorial program, 2025.008; Brooklyn Public Library, Center for Brooklyn History.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Hilaria Stubbs, 2025.
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
If digital surrogates exist, they should be used in place of the originals whenever possible.
About this Guide
Processing Information
Photograph was received in a wooden frame. It had been framed along with its original cardstock folder from the photography studio, which was discolored and damaged. The archivist removed the photograph and folder from the frame and discarded the frame and folder.
