William Gideon Harris Photograph Album

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], William Gideon Harris Photograph Album, Ms2011-005, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Summary

Extent:
0.2 Cubic Feet 1 box
Creator:
Harris, William Gideon
Abstract:
William Gideon Harris's album contains photographs of the Virginia Polytechnic Institute (VPI) campus and surrounding areas, c. 1908-1912, as well as several newsclippings and pieces of poetry. .
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], William Gideon Harris Photograph Album, Ms2011-005, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

William Gideon Harris's album contains photographs and several pieces of ephemera. The images include those depicting student life and campus at Virginia Polytechnic Institute (VPI), sporting events, images of girls (some even dressed in the cadet uniforms), as well as outings in the local area, such as Cascades, a mine, and a mill. There is some newspaper clippings and poetry on some of the pages, and a sentimental love poem with bows and hair attached. The images date from approximately 1908 to 1912. There are also some experiments with film development.

Biographical / historical:

William Gideon Harris, from Alexandria, Virginia, was a member of the 1911 Class at Virginia Polytechnic Institute (VPI). He graduated with a degree in Applied Chemistry. He was a member of the football team (1907-1908), baseball team (1908-1909), and a member of the social club the "Fallen Angels."

The "Fallen Angels," a Pandamonium Club, was a social club created by the senior cadets who had lost their rank. They were around from 1907-1923. When formed, their favorite activity was listed as "Hunting trouble." Little is known beyond that about the club, but there seems to be some connection to Milton.

The 1905 Chapel has several appearances within the album, though little is recorded about it. It was located on the hill where McBryde Hall is now. It was taken down in 1914, replaced by the first McBryde Hall in 1914. It was a limestone church, with a Victorian gothic design. There was also a crenelated tower attached to the church.

The Snowball Fight is a Virginia Tech tradition. On the first big snow of the season, the Corps of Cadets goes out on the drill field and battle it out. This has transformed over the years from being an activity with just the Corps to one setting the Virginia Tech civilians against the Corps of Cadets.

Sources:

  • Temple, Harry Downing, and Floyd Richard Vranian. 1996. The bugle's echo: a chronology of cadet life at the Military College at Blacksburg, Virginia, the Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College and the Virginia Polytechnic Institute. [Blacksburg, Va.]: Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets Alumni.
  • Virginia Polytechnic Institute. 1911. The Bugle

Acquisition information:
William Gideon Harris Photograph Album was transferred to Special Collections and University Archives in 1975.
Processing information:

The processing, arrangement, and description of the William Gideon Harris Photograph Album was completed in January 2011.