Earl T. Swink 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 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], Earl T. Swink Papers, Ms1989-036, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Summary

Extent:
0.1 Cubic Feet 1 folder
Creator:
Swink, Earl T., 1907-1996
Abstract:
Papers of Earl Thomas Swink, Sr. (1907-1996), professor of agricultural engineering (1935-1970) at Virginia Tech, incuding presentation texts, printed materials, a biographical sketch, and a paper by Chas. E. Seitz entitled "Agricultural Engineering at V.P.I."
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], Earl T. Swink Papers, Ms1989-036, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection contains papers of Earl T. Swink, professor of agricultural engineering at Virginia Tech from 1935 to 1970. The collection contains texts of several presentations by Swink relating to rural electrification, the agricultural engineering profession, and environmental control. Also included are a 1963 editorial by Swink on environmental control, two newsclippings, a program for a Delaware-Maryland-Virginia Congressional dinner at which Swink was honored; a biographical sketch of Swink; and a typescript history, "Agricultural Engineering at V. P. I." by Chas. E. Seitz.

Biographical / historical:

Earl Thomas Swink, Sr., son of Wallace M. and Lucy May Burton Swink, was born in Churchville (Augusta County), Virginia on September 7, 1907. He obtained a B.A. (1930) and M.S. (1939) in agricultural engineering at Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College and Polytechnic Institute (now Virginia Tech). He also held a cerficate in commercial engineering from the Westinghouse Electric and Manufacturing Company (1931). After working as district agricultural engineer for Virginia Electric and Power Company (Suffolk, Virginia) from 1932 to 1935, Swink returned to Virginia Tech as assistant professor of agricultural engineering; he was later named associate professor and, in 1954 became professor and head of the Agricultural Engineering Department. From 1967 until his retirement in 1970, Swink worked as the leader of special programs for Virginia Tech's Extension Division. Swink also held memberships and offices in a number of organizations. Among these were the Agricultural Board, National Academy of Sciences; American Society of Agricultural Engineers; American Society for Engineering Education; Virginia Academy of Science; and Virginia Farm and Home Electrification Council (co-founder). Swink married Louise Presson, and the couple had two children. Earl T. Swink died in Montgomery County, Virginia, on September 10, 1996, and was buried in Union Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Churchville.

Acquisition information:
The Earl T. Swink Papers were donated to Special Collections and University Archives in 1989.
Processing information:

The processing and description of the Earl T. Swink Papers commenced and was completed in January 2022.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard