James H. "Fats" Miller, Jr. scrapbook

Access and use

Location of collection:
Washington and Lee University, Leyburn Library
Special Collections and Archives
James G. Leyburn Library
Washington and Lee University
204 W. Washington Street
Lexington, VA 24450
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Tom Camden
Phone: (540) 458-8649
Phone: (540) 463-8109
Fax: (540) 463-8964
Restrictions:

This collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

The materials from Washington and Lee University Special Collections are made available for use in research, teaching, and private study, pursuant to U.S. Copyright law. The user assumes full responsibility for any use of the materials, including but not limited to, infringement of copyright and publication rights of reproduced materials. Any materials used should be fully credited with the source.

Preferred citation:

James H. "Fats" Miller, Jr. Scrapbook (RG 62.0057), Special Collections and Archives, James G. Leyburn Library, Washington and Lee University, Lexington, VA.

Summary

Extent:
1.16 Linear Feet 1 flat box
Creator:
Miller, James H., Jr. and Francis, Charles
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

James H. "Fats" Miller, Jr. Scrapbook (RG 62.0057), Special Collections and Archives, James G. Leyburn Library, Washington and Lee University, Lexington, VA.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection contains a scrapbook compiled by James "Fats" Miller while he attended Washington and Lee University 1911-1914. It includes clippings, ephemera, and photographs. The clippings primarily relate to athletics, specifically football. Miller was a W&L football player, and the scrapbook has telegrams congratulating him and the team on their wins. The ephemera relates to W&L Athletic Association and social events. There is a program for the Annual Interscholastic Track and Field Games dated April 25, 1914, tickets stubs, Finals 1913, dance card book, and W&L receipts. The photograph subjects include campus buildings and people, a Lexington parade, football, baseball, basketball, and a large format print of the crew team rowing in the North River. Of particular note is a photograph labeled "Pride of KA" that shows two young African American boys posed in a boxing stance and wearing boxing gloves. There is also a pencil drawing of Miller. The scrapbook also contained a number of loose sheets of composition paper that appear to have been used to create an autograph book. The individuals signed their names, sometimes drew images such as alcohol bottles or revolvers, and wrote quotes that usually pertain to women or football. A number of these individuals also included the initials "F.L.S." and "KKK" in their entries. Some write out Ku Klux Klan. Based on the entries, it's highly probably these individuals attended Randolph-Macon Academy in Front Royal, Virginia.

Biographical / historical:

James Henry Miller, Jr. was born in Hinton, West Virginia on May 25, 1891. His graduated from Washington and Lee University though the exact year is in question. Alumni records have his graduation year as 1915. However, he isn't listed in the Register of Students past 1914. Miller died at the age of 32 on August 24, 1923.

Acquisition information:
Donated by Charles Francis in 2024.
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard