Carter Perkins, Jr., Papers

Access and use

Location of collection:
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Special Collections, University Libraries (0434)
Newman Library
Virginia Tech
P.O. Box 90001
560 Drillfield Drive
Blacksburg, VA 24062-9001
Contact for questions and access:
Phone: (540) 231-6308
Fax: (540) 231-3694
Restrictions:

The collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

The copyright status of this collection is unknown. Copyright restrictions may apply. Contact Special Collections and University Archives for assistance in determining the use of these materials.

Reproduction or digitization of materials for personal or research use can be requested using our reproduction/digitization form: http://bit.ly/scuareproduction. Reproduction or digitization of materials for publication or exhibit use can be requested using our publication/exhibition form: http://bit.ly/scuapublication. Please contact Special Collections and University Archives (specref@vt.edu or 540-231-6308) if you need assistance with forms or to submit a completed form.

Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], Carter Perkins, Jr., Papers, Ms1960-004, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Summary

Extent:
0.5 Cubic Feet 1 box
Creator:
Perkins, Carter, Jr., 1862-1935
Abstract:
THe collection contains the papers of Carter Perkins, Jr., a student at Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College (now Virginia Tech) in the 1890s and resident of Newport News, Virginia. The collection also contains university catalog of 1894-1895, school annuals (The Bugle) of 1895 and 1898, photographs, and fundraising literature for the construction of War Memorial Hall. The collection also includes two business account books, probably used by Perkins for bookkeeping coursework.
Language:
The materials in the collection are in English.
Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], Carter Perkins, Jr., Papers, Ms1960-004, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection contains the papers of Carter Perkins, Jr., a student at Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College (now Virginia Tech) during the 1890s and a resident of Newport News, Virginia. The collection consists largely of memorabilia relating to Perkins's college years, including the 1894/1895 VAMC catalog, copies of the 1895 and 1898 editions of the school's annual (The Bugle), and a few photographs of campus scenes. A file devoted to the university's War Memorial Hall includes fundraising literature as well as building plans and the building dedication.

The collection also includes a business journal and a daybook, both bearing Perkins's name. The books both contain business transaction entries, and the daybook describes the establishment of the Auburn Bank at Blacksburg in 1894. Rather than detailing actual business transactions, the books were likely used by Perkins for class assignments in bookkeeping. The daybook, for example, includes several pages that are headed "Albany," which contain accounting entries copied verbatim from The New Bryant and Stratton Common School Book-keeping (New York: Ivison, Blakeman, Taylor, 1878). A copy of the November 1904 issue of The Burr McIntosh Monthly completes the collection. The small-format magazine is devoted to photographs of scenery and celebrities of the day.

Biographical / historical:

Carter Perkins, Jr., was born in Virginia on August 12, 1861. The son of Carter and Mary M. Graves Perkins, he was living with his parents in Charles City County, Virginia, in 1870. By 1880, the family had moved to New Kent County, and Perkins is described there as a 17-year-old sawyer, probably working for his father, whose occupation is listed as "sawmill man." In addition to his other activities, the elder Perkins apparently worked as a dentist and had business and banking interests.

Carter Perkins, Jr., of Newport News is listed as a special student in both the 1892/1893 and 1893/1894 catalogs of the Virginia Agricultural & Mechanical College (now Virginia Tech). The 1894/1895 catalog lists him as a sophomore.

By 1900, Perkins was living in Newport News with the family of his sister, Mary M. Lett, and her husband, attorney Ralph M. Lett. At the time, Perkins was employed as a clerk at a furniture company. Perkins seems to have remained a bachelor and continued to live with his sister's family. In the 1920 census, he was described as a self-employed salesman but had retired by 1930. Carter Perkins,Jr., died on December 8, 1935.

Acquisition information:
The Carter Perkins, Jr., Papers were acquired by Newman Library in two accruals in 1960 and 1961.
Processing information:

The processing, arrangement, and description of the Carter Perkins, Jr., Papers commenced and was completed in February, 2011.

Arrangement:

The collection is arranged by document type.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard