Camp Okahahwis collection

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:

The collection is open for research use.

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:

[Identification of item], Camp Okahahwis Collection (RHS Coll. 0504), Special Collections and Archives, James G. Leyburn Library, Washington and Lee University, Lexington, VA

Summary

Extent:
13.0 Linear Feet
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Camp Okahahwis Collection (RHS Coll. 0504), Special Collections and Archives, James G. Leyburn Library, Washington and Lee University, Lexington, VA

Background

Scope and content:

This collection includes photographs, printed materials, artifacts, scrapbooks, film, and correspondence created and/or acquired by Camp Okahahwis, former campers, and the Camp Okahahwis Scholarship Fund. Subjects include campers, counselors, buildings, traditions, everyday camp activities, and reunions. Four of the photos in the collection are of particular note because they highlight several African American women who served on the kitchen staff. Also significant is a booklet titled "As We Were," created by two former campers. It details the history of the camp by each decade along with important figures.

Biographical / historical:

Camp Okahahwis was an all-girls camp founded in 1918 by Mrs. Ellie Chesterman. The camp was situated near Rockbridge Baths in Rockbridge County, Virginia. Said to be the oldest camp of its kind in the American South, it was in operation until 1966.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard