John Palmer Fishwick 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 Palmer Fishwick Papers, Ms1987-053, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Summary

Extent:
7 Cubic Feet 5 boxes
Creator:
Fishwick, John Palmer, 1916-2010
Abstract:
The papers include speeches; testimonies for the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, and other federal committees; minutes; memoranda; Legislation-status reports; and reports and other materials from the Organization of American Railroads created or collected by John Palmer Fishwick. Materials date from 1971-1981.
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 Palmer Fishwick Papers, Ms1987-053, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

The papers include speeches; testimonies for the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, and other federal committees; committee/board minutes; memoranda; and reports created or collected by John Palmer Fishwick. Materials date from 1971-1981.

The majority of the collection consists of speeches and talks given by Fishwick between 1971 and 1981 at professional conferences, meetings, schools,graduations, dedications, and other events. The collection also contains testimony before the Senate, reports and minutes from board/committee meetings, newspaper articles and clippings, and professional memos.

Biographical / historical:

John Palmer Fishwich was born in Roanoke, Virginia, in 1916. He graduated from Roanoke College and Harvard Law School. After several years in a private law firm and then in the military, he went to work for Norfolk and Western in 1945. Duriig his long career with the railroad company, he spent a ten year term as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Norfolk and Western Railway Company from 1970-1980. He retired in 1981, but not before aiding in talks that led to the merger and formation of the Norfolk Southern Corporation. He was also a member of the Board of Directors for the Virginia Foundation for the Humanities. Fishwick died in Roanoke in August 2010 at the age of 93.

Acquisition information:
The John Palmer Fishwick Papers were donated to Special Collections and University Archives in 1987.
Processing information:

The processing, arrangement, and description of the John Palmer Fishwick Papers was completed in December 2014.

Arrangement:

The collection is arranged into four series by material type:

  • Series I. Speeches and Talks
  • Series II. Statements and Testimony
  • Series III. Conferences and Board Meetings and Reports
  • Series IV. Memos, Articles, and Clippings
Files within each series are in chronological order, with undated materials at the end.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard