Philadelphia & Reading Railroad Receipts

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], Philadelphia & Reading Railroad Receipts, Ms2009-038, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Summary

Extent:
0.1 Cubic Feet 1 folder
Creator:
Philadelphia & Reading Railroad Co.
Abstract:
The collection contains two receipts issued to the Philadelphia & Reading Railroad Company.
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], Philadelphia & Reading Railroad Receipts, Ms2009-038, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection contains two receipts issued to the Philadelphia & Reading Railroad. The first receipt, issued by the Catawissa, Williamsport & Erie Railroad and dated 1855, is for freight charges; the second is for springs and draws purchased of N. & A. Middleton of Philadelphia in 1865.

Biographical / historical:

Founded in 1833 as one of the first railroads in the United States, the Philadelphia & Reading Railroad served eastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware, transporting coal over a line that initially spanned 94 miles. The company soon expanded into subsidiary interests, including coal mining, iron making, water transportation and shipbuilding. By the 1870s, the conglomerate had become the largest corporation in the world. Anti-trust laws, however, eventually forced the various entities to separate, and the railroad's operating name became the Reading Company. The company entered bankruptcy in 1971, and its lines became part of the Conrail system in 1976.

Acquisition information:
The Philadelphia Reading Railroad Receipts were purchased by Special Collections in 2009. The documents had been part of a larger group of railroad-related materials compiled by a collector, then sold to a dealer (see "separated material" section).
Processing information:

The processing, arrangement, and description of the Philadelphia & Reading Railroad Receipts commenced and was completed in March 2009.

Arrangement:

The collection is arranged chronologically.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Indexed terms

Subjects:
Railroad