William Gitt Journal

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 to 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], William Gitt Journal, Ms1964-006, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Summary

Extent:
0.1 Cubic Feet 1 folder
Creator:
Gitt, W. W. (William "Uncle Bill" W.), c.1860-?
Abstract:
This collection contains a journal kept from September through November 1912 by William "Uncle Bill" Gitt. Gitt was born in Newport, Virginia, and attended the Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College from 1877 to 1878. Gitt later lived in the Number 1 Barracks on campus and worked at the college doing various tasks for the cadets.
Language:
The materials of the collection are in English.
Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], William Gitt Journal, Ms1964-006, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection contains the journal kept from September through November 1912 by William "Uncle Bill" Gitt. Gitt was living on the campus of the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and describes interactions with the cadets as well as odd jobs he performed while living on campus. Gitt also mentions sporting events, the Rat Parade, and other events that took place on campus while he lived there.

There is also an advertisement card from "Old Socks" saying that Uncle Bill will take shoes to the hand cobbler on behalf of the cadets.

Biographical / historical:

William "Uncle Bill" Gitt was born c. 1860 in Newport, Virginia. He attended the Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College from 1877 to 1878. Gitt later lived in the Number 1 Barracks on campus and worked at the college doing various tasks for the cadets. In his journal, Gitt describes getting paid $7.50 a month and doing work like laundry, banking, and post office visits on behalf of the cadets attending the Virginia Polytechnic Institute. In the 1930s, Gitt lived at the City Alms House in Roanoke, Virginia.

Acquisition information:
The William Gitt Journal was donated to Special Collections in 1964.
Processing information:

The processing, arrangement and description of the William Gitt Journal was completed in July 2009.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard