John W. Landis 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], John W. Landis Papers, Ms1969-001, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Summary

Extent:
86.8 Cubic Feet 62 boxes
Creator:
Landis, John W. (John William), 1917-2013
Abstract:
The collection contains correspondence, memos, proposals, reports, and other papers relating to Landis' work with nuclear reactor projects and memberships on various committees, including the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors, the Virginia State Chamber of Commerce, and the Virginia Advisory Board on Industrial Development.
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], John W. Landis Papers, Ms1969-001, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

Landis' work at Babcock and Wilcox involved him in a number of nuclear reactor projects both in the United States and abroad. The bulk of the collection is correspondence, memoranda, proposals, studies, and reports surrounding these projects.

Other papers relate to Landis' memberships on the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors (1966-1970); the Advisory Council of Virginia State Technical Services (1966-1969); the Virginia State Advisory Committee on Nuclear Energy (1956-1961); the Virginia State Chamber of Commerce (1954-1968); the Virginia Engineering Foundation of the University of Virginia (1962-1969); and the Virginia Advisory Board on Industrial Development (1962-1969).

In 2013, following Landis' death, an additional 4 boxes of materials were donated to Special Collections. Although not organized beyond the order in which they were received, these boxes generally contain photocopies of original materials: correspondence, reports, presentations and papers, articles by/about Landis, clippings, professional and personal writings, conference programs, notes, and teaching materials. A box-level inventory is at the bottom of the "Contents List" below.

Biographical / historical:

John W. Landis was born in 1917. He was educated at Lafayette College, the University of Rochester, and Princeton University. Landis worked for the U. S. Navy Department as a consultant in guided missiles (1946-1950), the Educational Testing Service (1948-1950), and the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission (1950-1953). For many years, beginning in 1953, he was associated with the Babcock and Wilcox Company in the field of nuclear engineering. He was successively the Head of Customer Relations (1953-1955), Assistant Manager (1955-1962), and Manager (1962-1965) of the Atomic Energy Division, and later, General Manager of their Washington, D.C. operations (1965-1969). Landis died in March 2013.

Acquisition information:
The John W. Landis Papers were donated to Special Collections and University Archives in 1969, 1970, and 2013.
Processing information:

The John W. Landis Papers are in their original order. A non-inclusive, box-level inventory was created after the materials were donated and the inventory was updated several times. It forms the basis of the current finding aid.

Arrangement:

The papers are in their original order. Boxes 1-21 are arranged alphabetically by subject/material type.

Boxes 22-52 contain materials related to nuclear projects. Materials are arranged by subject.

Boxes 53-58 include material relating to committees, boards, and foundations. Materials are arranged by organization.

Boxes 59-62 are unprocessed and remain in original order.

A box-level inventory is available in the "Contents List" below, but please note that descriptions of boxes are general and may be non-inclusive.

Physical location:
Please note: This collection is in off-site storage and requires 2-3 days notice for retrieval. Please contact Special Collections and University Archives for more information.
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard