Collections : [Virginia Military Institute Archives]

The collection (approximately 22 items) consists of drawings by Cadet Albert Z. Conner (VMI Class of 1966), including 21 sketches of various VMI scenes and one sketchbook containing illustrations used in the 1966 publication "The VMI Coloring Book."

The Archibald M. Fauntleroy papers consist of one testimonial letter (dated September 2, 1857) written by Superintendent Francis H. Smith on behalf of Fauntleroy, and one drawing by Cadet Fauntleroy that was completed for a class assignment at VMI.

This collection consists of 19th and 20th century cadet drawings (approximately 200 items) completed primarily as assignments for Professor Thomas H. Williamson's architecture, engineering, and drawing courses at VMI. A few of the drawings were completed for a geometry course and other mathematics courses, or were not class assignments.

This collection consists of documents from various eras in VMI's history, reflecting the humourous side of cadet life. The collection includes:

• Three small (3.5 x 5 inches) watercolor sketches (circa 1920) that depict firecracker prank results
• A list titled "Graduated scale of beauty in Lexington" (1856)
• A notice about the Virginia Polytechnic Institute football game posted in a barracks room (1937)

The bulk of the Charles A. Derby papers consists of Derby family correspondence. Approximately twenty-eight letters were written by Charles A. Derby (dated 1844-1862) and cover the period from late boyhood up to his death in battle in 1862. Included are letters (dated 1846-1847) written while he was a cadet at VMI, as well as correspondence dating from his careers as a teacher and Episcopal clergyman. Two items were written during his brief service in the Confederate Army.

This collection consists of four notebooks belonging to Cadet Charles J. Hansrote, Jr. (VMI Class of 1952), which include chemistry notes. The collection also includes two mechanical drawings.

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 one watercolor drawing of the Washington Arch facade of barracks by Cadet Thomas W. Keitt, dated May 15, 1876. Details include the clock and the Virginia and United States flags flying from towers.

The Edward C. Shepherd papers consist of three notebooks, two documents, and an annotated analytical geometry text that belonged to VMI cadet Edward C. Shepherd during his years at VMI (1851-1855).

This collection consists of one original charcoal sketch (circa 1908) by Cadet Frank A. Fickes that was published in the 1911 VMI yearbook. The sketch features a skull, snakes, and ghost, which are symbols of "TKL," a cadet secret society.