John Muse Correspondence

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], John Muse Correspondence, 1906-1951 (bulk 1906-1907), Ms2023-010, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Summary

Extent:
1.4 Cubic Feet 1 box
Creator:
Muse, John Alfred
Abstract:
The John Muse Correspondence includes just over 126 letters, most of which are written by John Muse to his future wife, Bessie Brewer, as he travels and works. The materials range from 1906 to 1951, with the bulk of the materials coming from June of 1906 to October of 1907.
Language:
Materials in this collection are in English.
Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], John Muse Correspondence, 1906-1951 (bulk 1906-1907), Ms2023-010, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

The John Muse Correspondence includes just over 126 letters, most of which are written by Muse to his future wife, Bessie Brewer, as he travels and works. He worked for the South and Western Railroad and lived in Bristol, Virginia and Tennessee. His letters range from June of 1906 through October of 1907 and contain personal anecdotes, observations, and details about his and Bessie's developing relationship. The collection also includes letters to Bessie and John from other senders, such as relatives, a dried flower, wedding invitaions, sympathy cards, and a leather post-card holder.

Biographical / historical:

John Alfred Muse was born in Callands, Virginia, and graduated from Virginia Business College in 1898. He worked for the South and Western Railroad and lived in Bristol, Virginia and Tennessee. Muse married Bessie Brewer.

Acquisition information:
The John Muse Correspondence was purchased by Special Collections and University Archives in 2022.
Processing information:

The processing, arrangement, and description of the John Muse Correspondence Collection was completed in August 2022.

Arrangement:

The John Muse Correspondence is arranged in chronological order by author.