George W. Litton 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], George W. Litton Papers, Ms1981-099, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Summary

Extent:
3.2 Cubic Feet 3 boxes
Creator:
Litton, George W., 1910-1989
Abstract:
The collection contains the papers of George W. Litton (1910-1989), professor of Animal Husbandry at Virginia Polytechnic Institute (V.P.I.) from 1940 to 1970. These papers date from 1927 to 1983 and include poetry, essays, V.P.I.'s Agricultural Extension station reports, notes, lecture material, publications, personal and professional correspondence, photographs from Litton's portrait hanging, and bound compilations like "Foolishness, Poems, and Philosophy" that function similarly to commonplace books.
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], George W. Litton Papers, Ms1981-099, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

The collection contains the papers of George W. Litton, professor of Animal Husbandry at Virginia Polytechnic Institute (V.P.I.) from 1940 to 1973. These papers date from 1927 to 1983 and include poetry, essays, V.P.I.'s Agricultural Extension station reports, notes, lecture material, publications, personal and professional correspondence, photographs from Litton's portrait hanging, and bound compilations like "Foolishness, Poems, and Philosophy" that function similarly to commonplace books. Many of the writings relate to Litton's career in Animal Science and Animal Husbandry and include such topics as animal husbandry (sheep, cattle, pigs), animal nutrition, and the agricultural profession.

The papers in this collection were bound in volumes prior to their donation, presumably by Litton. The materials within each bound volume exhibit no clear chronological or thematic order. Additionally, items from one previously bound book often correspond with the papers in another, with numerous article or publication drafts appearing in multiple volumes within this collection.

Biographical / historical:

George Washington Litton was born in Lee County, Virginia, on February 22, 1910. He married Maria Boren and had two children. From 1927-1931 he studied at Virginia Polytechnic Institute (V.P.I.) and graduated in 1931 with a B.S. in Animal Husbandry. After graduating from V.P.I, Litton worked as a County Agent in Tazewell County from 1933 to 1939. He returned to V.P.I for graduate work and earned his M.S. in 1940, whereupon Litton joined the Animal Husbandry faculty at V.P.I. In 1942, Litton was named V.P.I.'s first Extension Sheep Specialist and held that position until 1952, at which time he became the head of the Department of Animal Husbandry. He stepped down as department head on March 1, 1970, but held the position of Director of Centennial Programs for the V.P.I. Centennial Celebration in 1972. Litton also served as Co-chair of the of the Bicentennial Commission for Montgomery County in 1976. Litton died in 1989.

Throughout his career, Litton received several awards and recognitions for his work at V.P.I. and in the field of Animal Husbandry. These awards include:

- Progressive Farmer magazine's "Man of the Year in Agriculture" (1961)

- Wine Award Winner for Teaching at V.P.I. (1961)

- Cattleman of the Year from the Virginia Beef Cattle Association (1966)

- Kentucky Colonel (1970)

- Distinguished Service Award, Southern Section (1972) and Fellow (1973), American Society of Animal Science (ASAS)

- Member, Board of Directors, Warm Hearth Inc. (1974)

- Distinguished Alumnus of V.P.I. Alumni Association (1979)

- Saddle and Sirloin Hall of Fame, Portrait Presented at North American Livestock International in Louisville, Kentucky (1980)

Acquisition information:
The collection was donated to Special Collections in 1981.
Processing information:

The processing, arrangement, and description of the George W. Litton Papers was completed in May 2013.

Arrangement:

The collection is arranged in the original order in which it was received.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard