James Oscar Willard Collection, 1918/1965

Access and use

Location of collection:
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Special Collections, University Libraries (0434)
560 Drillfield Dr.
Newman Library, Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA 26041-9001
Contact for questions and access:
Phone: (540) 231-6308
Restrictions:

The collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

Suggested Note:

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], [collection title, collection dates, Ms####-### or RG#/#], Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Summary

Extent:
1 Cubic Feet
Language:
English
Abstract:
The James Oscar Willard Collection consists of receipts, notebooks, correspondence, photographs, and other papers during Willard's employment at Virginia Polytechnic Institute's (now Virginia Tech) Agriculture Experiment Station and Mountain View Farm between 1918 and 1965.
Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], [collection title, collection dates, Ms####-### or RG#/#], Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

The James Oscar Willard Collection includes receipts, notebooks, timebooks, correspondence, photographs, World War II ration coupons, a daybook, and other miscellaneous papers. These materials are from 1918 to 1965 when James Oscar Willard was employed by both Virginia Polytechnic Institute's Agriculture Experiment Station and Mountain View Farm.

Biographical / historical:

James Oscar Willard was born on November 3, 1893, in Carroll County, Virginia. He worked at the Agriculture Experiment Station at Virginia Polytechnic Institute (now Virginia Tech) and at Mountain View Farm around 1918 to 1965. Willard lived and worked around Montgomery County for most of his life. James Oscar Willard passed away at age 86 in Blacksburg, Virginia, on June 10, 1980.

Sources: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/74335960/james_oscar-willard

Acquisition information:
The James Oscar Willard Collection was gifted to Special Collections and Univeristy Archives at Virginia Tech in August 2025.
Processing information:

The processing, arrangement, and description of the James Oscar Willard Collection was completed in December 2025.

Arrangement:

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