Opal Martin Diary

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], Opal Martin Diary, 1945-1946, Ms2025-028, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Summary

Extent:
0.1 Cubic Feet 1 folder
Abstract:
This collection contains Opal Martin's diary, written between 1945-1946. The diary includes paragraph-long entries on each page about her daily activties, such as going to the movies and visiting friends. Opal Martin lived from 1928 to 2018, and lived in Tannersville, Virginia for the majority of her life.
Language:
The material in this collection is in English.
Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], Opal Martin Diary, 1945-1946, Ms2025-028, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection contains Opal Martin's diary, written between 1945-1946. The diary includes paragraph-long entries on each page about her daily activties, such as going to the movies and visiting friends, while living in Bassetts, Virginia. There are two handwritten notes at the end of the diary.

Biographical / historical:

Opal Katherine Prince Martin was born in Lookout Mountain, Georgia, on August 12, 1928. Her diary was written 1945-1946 and she moved to Tannersville, Virginia, in 1946. She was married to Roy C. Martin for 40 years and worked at a Deskins supermarket until leaving to work with the elderly. She died on October 21, 2018.

External source:

Obituary for Opal Martin, D.R. Henderson Funeral Home

Acquisition information:
The Opal Martin Diary was purchased by Special Collections and University Archives in September 2023.
Processing information:

The processing, arrangement, and description of the Opal Martin Diary was completed in May 2025.