Records of the Office of the President, Joseph Dupuy Eggleston

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], Records of the Office of the President, Joseph Dupuy Eggleston, RG 2/7, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Summary

Extent:
9.8 Cubic Feet 7 boxes
Creator:
Eggleston, J. D. (Joseph Dupuy), 1867-1953
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], Records of the Office of the President, Joseph Dupuy Eggleston, RG 2/7, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

The bulk of the collection consists of correspondence (1913-1919) including letters to and from state and national political figures; correspondence signed by Eggleston as Acting Director of the Extension Division (1913-1916); correspondence between Eggleston and principals, board members and others of various agricultural high schools relating to financial requests, personnel, etc. (1916-1919); correspondence with county agents and state and national personnel connected with agricultural programs; correspondence with Carneal and Johnston, architects, concerning construction of Shop building, Gymnasium, Professor Vawter's residence, VPI Chapel, McBryde building, Athletic building, and Field House. Other material in the collection includes: Sophomore Court matters (1913-1914); reports of annual meetings of agents (1913-1916); Agricultural Experiment Station reports (1914); U.S.D.A. Weekly Demonstration Work Reports (1914); financial forecasts (1914-1915); annual reports (1915); Smith-Lever salary vouchers, 1915; reports of demonstration agents (1916); departmental needs (1917); telegrams (1917-1919); resolution creating Athletic Director position (1918); Houston property deeds and contracts; speeches and articles. Education for women and African American extension and Y. M. C. A. work are among the issues addressed in the correspondence.

Biographical / historical:

Joseph D. Eggleston was born in Prince Edward County, Virginia, in 1867. He attended college at Hampden-Sydney College, completing his degree in 1886. He taught at schools in several southern states before becoming the superintendent in Asheville, North Carolina in 1891 and later superintendent of schools in Farmville, Virginia. During his tenure as state Superintendent of Public Instruction (1906-1912), he worked hard for improvements in rural schools. In January of 1913, he began work with the Field Service in Rural Education in the US Office of Education. The same year, he resigned to take the post of VPI President (1913-1919).

Eggleston became the seventh president of Virginia Polytechnic Institute (VPI) in 1913. His six-year administration was most notably marked by the development of the agricultural extension program at VPI. In 1914, the Agricultural Extension Division was established. The Virginia General Assembly transferred control of agricultural demonstration work to VPI, so the Home Demonstration program began in 1915. Much of Eggleston's presidential tenure was during the years of World War I. The college became a training school for both the army and navy during this time. A Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program was established at VPI in 1916. In January 1919, the college was designated by the War Department as one of twelve "Distinguished Colleges" in the nation for its contribution to the war effort. In the spring of 1919, Eggleston resigned to become president of Hampden-Sydney College, his alma mater. He served there from 1919 to 1939. Eggleston died in Farmville, Virginia, in 1953.

Acquisition information:
The Records of the Office of the President, Joseph Dupuy Egglestonl were transferred to Special Collections and University Archives in March-June 1973 and June 1978.
Appraisal information:

The headings on the original folders were retained in the inventory even though the language at times is archaic, such as the use of the word "colored."

Processing information:

The processing, arrangement, and description of Records of the Office of the President, Joseph Dupuy Eggleston was completed prior to 1979. Additional processing, arrangement, and description was completed prior to 2000.

Arrangement:

This collection has been divided into three separate series. The collection has been kept in the original order in which it was received even though this order in not consistently alphabetical or chronological.

Physical location:
Please note: This collection is in off-site storage and requires 2-3 days notice for retrieval. Please contact Special Collections and University Archives for more information.