Collections

This collection consists of 27 architectural drawings by Alexander Jackson Davis executed for VMI between 1859 and 1870. Included are designs for barracks, the Superintendent's residence, and faculty residences. The bulk of the drawings are ink and wash plans.

The Charles P. Deyerle papers consist of the personal papers (12 items) from the career of Deyerle. Included are documents dating from his medical studies and his service in the United States Army, clippings, books, and notebooks.

This collection consists of two scrapbooks that document the history and dedication of VMI's Cincinnatus Monument. The monument was unveiled and dedicated on November 11, 1983. The scrapbooks were compiled by Monument Committee member Percy M. "Pete" Lincoln, Jr. (VMI Class of 1957).

The collection copperplate etchings of VMI scenes by artist Day Lowry. These were originally sold in sets of four by the VMI Alumni Association ($2.00 per set). They included Jackson Arch, statue, and Barracks; interior of Barracks; Washington Arch; and Dress Parade. A fifth etching shows Preston Library, which was constructed in 1939.

Virginia Military Institute printed circular, signed in ink by Superintendent Francis H. Smith, petitioning alumni for donations of "Curiousities, both literary and natural" to help establish a Museum at VMI. This examples is dated February 27, 1845, and addressed to William S. Beale, a member of the Class of 1843.

This collection consists of plans, photographs and descriptive text documenting selected Lexington and Rockbridge County (Virginia) buildings that were included in the Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS). The Survey was conducted under the auspices of the National Park Service and the original records are located in the Library of Congress.

The James H. Waddell papers consist of four items, including:

• A letter (dated 1855) from Waddell to his sister that contains a detailed description and pencil drawing of his room (#14) in barracks and of his roomates (Barksdale, Penn, Magruder, Shepherd, and Wilson)
• A drawing of a barracks room and roommates
• Pencil map, 8 inches x 10 inches, labeled "Plan of Battle of Bethel Church, June 10, 1861"
• Letter of recommendation (dated 1879) written by VMI's Superintendent Francis H. Smith and endorsed by Board of Visitors President John Letcher

Strange's letter to his sister Anne M. Strange was written just a few months after the Institute's opening day, and is one of the oldest personal cadet letters still in existence. Strange mentions several aspects of cadet life that were common during the pre-Civil War era, including that:

• Final examinations were given orally rather than as written tests, presided over by faculty and the VMI Board of Visitors, and open to the public
• Summer furlough was not automatic, and many cadets stayed at the Institute throughout the year, going into a summer encampment on the Parade Ground from late June until the beginning of the next academic session
• Obtaining extra clothing and other goods from home was a serious matter to most cadets

This collection consists of one VMI scrapbook compiled by Cadet Mark H. Doty. The scrapbook contains photographs of cadet life, classmates, buildings, and athletics. Memorabilia, such as programs and clippings, are also included.

This collection consists of two sketchbooks (dated 1897 and 1914) that contain pencil drawings by Mary Wilson Irwin. No information about the artist is available. Subjects of these drawings include VMI, Washington and Lee University, Lexington, Virginia scenes, and children. Some drawings bear the inscription "MWI" and/or short descriptions.