Appomattox Iron Works and Supply Company Records

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], Appomattox Iron Works and Supply Company Records, Ms1988-040, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Summary

Extent:
0.5 Cubic Feet 1 box
Creator:
Appomattox Iron Works and Supply Company
Abstract:
This collection includes the business correspondence and other records of Appomattox Iron Works and Supply Company, a Petersburg, Virginia manufacturer.
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], Appomattox Iron Works and Supply Company Records, Ms1988-040, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection contains business records of the Appomattox Iron Works and Supply Company, a Petersburg, Virginia manufacturer of machinery for the peanut, tobacco, and lumber industries. The collection contains correspondence, notes, and other records of the company's operations. The majority of the collection consists of correspondence regarding the credit risk of potential customers. These files contain both the company's inquiries to references supplied by customers and the responses of those references. The collection also contains files of correspondence and other papers relating in other ways to its customers. Many of the letters concern purchase authorizations and other routine matters relating to customer accounts. A file of general business papers completes the collection and includes account collection lists, notations, and forms. Also included is a letter providing a very brief history of the company to 1933.

Biographical / historical:

Appomattox Iron Works was founded by Esek Steere and E. J. Armstrong in Petersburg, Virginia in 1872. The company operated an iron foundry, specializing in the manufacture of machinery for the peanut and tobacco industries. The company's products were sold throughout the United States, and its peanut shelling machines were sold in several foreign countries. Later, Appomattox Iron Works added sawmills to its list of products and also opened a machine shop for general repair work. In 1876, Steere and his son Albert bought out Armstrong's interest in the company. In 1910, the company added a mill supply department, and in 1916, it was incorporated as the Appomattox Iron Works and Supply Company. The company ceased operations in 1972.

Acquisition information:
The Appomattox Iron Works and Supply Company Records were purchased by Special Collections in 1988.
Processing information:

The processing, arrangement, and description of the Appomattox Iron Works and Supply Company Records commenced and was completed in May 2013.

Arrangement:

The collection is arranged by record type, then alphabetically by first initial.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard