Stephens Mink Ranch Collection

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], Stephens Mink Ranch Collection, 1927, undated, Ms2024-005, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Summary

Extent:
0.1 Cubic Feet 1 folder
Creator:
Stephens Mink Ranch (Wytheville, VA) and Stephens, G. S. (Garland Sanders), 1904-1998
Abstract:
The Stephens Mink Ranch Collection contains an informational pamphlet titled "Pen Raising the Mink" by G.S. Stephens alomg with a 1927 postcard containing information about purchasing a mink from Stephens Mink Farm.
Language:
The 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], Stephens Mink Ranch Collection, 1927, undated, Ms2024-005, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

The Stephens Mink Ranch Collection contains an informational pamphlet titled "Pen Raising the Mink" by G.S. Stephens alomg with a 1927 postcard containing information about purchasing a mink from Stephens Mink Farm.

Biographical / historical:

The Stephens Mink Ranch was operated in Wytheville, Virginia, by G.S. Stephens, the general manager. At one point, the ranch claimed to be the "World's Largest Mink Farm".

The general manager of the Stephens Mink Ranch was G. S. Stephens. He is likely Garland Sanders Stephens, who is listed as a superintendent of a fur farm in Wytheville, Virginia, on the 1930 U.S. Census.

Stephens was born to Stephen Sanders and Mary Swepson (Pritchard) Stephens on March 8, 1904, in Wythe County. He married Francis Morehead (1908-1977), and they had three daughters: Mary, Helen, and Mildred.

In the 1930 and 1940 censuses, Stephens is listed as operating a farm, presumably the Stephens Mink Ranch. During World War II, he worked at the New River Ordinance Works in Pulaski, which was operating under the U.S. War Department. By the 1950 census, both Garland and Francis were dealing in antiques.

Stephens died on November 13, 1998, and is buried alongside his wife in the Saint Johns Lutheran Church Cemetery Sauers in Wytheville.

External Sources:

U.S. Federal Census, 1910-1950

"Garland Sanders Stephens" in the U.S., World War II Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947, Ancestry.com, https://www.ancestrylibrary.com/discoveryui-content/view/10854863:2238, accessed January 24, 2024.

"Garland Sanders Stephens" in the Virginia, U.S., Birth Records, 1912-2015, Delayed Birth Records, 1721-1920, Ancestry.com, https://www.ancestrylibrary.com/discoveryui-content/view/8092128:9277, accessed January 24, 2024.

"Garland Sanders Stephens", Findagrave.com, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/38567435/garland-sanders-stephens, accessed January 24, 2024.

Acquisition information:
The Stephens Mink Ranch Collection was purchased by Special Collections and University Archives in December of 2016.
Processing information:

The processing, arrangement, and description of the Stephens Mink Ranch Collection was completed in January 2024.