Russell Family 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], Russell Family Correspondence, 1927-1943, Ms2023-121, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Summary

Extent:
2.2 Cubic Feet 5 boxes
Abstract:
The Russell Family Correspondence Collections consists of postcards and letters from 1927-1943 written by Edgar V. "Buck" Russell and Alice Elizabeth Russell Duke. Most letters were written to their mother and father. Throughout the letters, Edgar and Alice discuss their lives and time in college. The letters provide many details into their daily lives and can be viewed as letters and diary entries. Their letters also demonstrate how the family struggled with two children in college during the Great Depression.
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], Russell Family Correspondence, 1927-1943, Ms2023-121, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

The Russell Family Correspondence Collections consists of postcards and letters from 1927-1943 written by Edgar V. "Buck" Russell and Alice Elizabeth Russell Duke. Most letters were written to their mother and father.

Edgar's letters were written during his time as a student and chemistry professor at Virginia Polytechnic Institute. He married Louise Hartness in August 1938. Alice's letters were written during her time as a student at Farmville Normal and after her graduation. Letters and postcard fragments are included in their own series. They may not include sender, recipient, or year. The other senders series includes letters written to the family members from other individuals and are organized by sender. The papers include a list of students at Farmville Normal College, a Sunday church program, and handwritten notes.

Throughout the letters, Edgar and Alice discuss their lives and time in college. The letters provide many details into their daily lives and can be viewed as letters and diary entries. Their letters also demonstrate how the family struggled with two children in college during the Great Depression.

Acquisition information:
The collection was purchased by Special Collections in January 2019.
Processing information:

The processing, arrangement, and description of the Russell Family Correspondence was completed in October 2023.

Arrangement:

The collection is organized by the sender of correspondences. Within the series, the letters are separated by the recepient(s) and by year sent. Some letters do not have a sent year, and they are organized under "year unknown."