Collections

The Benjamin Bowering papers consist of the original manuscript score of "The VMI Spirit" (the official song of VMI), written by Benjamin Bowering while he was as Assistant Professor at VMI in 1916. The manuscript is 10.5 inches x 12.5 inches, with composition in pencil and annotations by the composer. The collection also includes one typescript letter (dated March 16, 1935) from Bowering to VMI's Librarian Nellie T. Gibbs, in which he explains the history of the song.

This collection consists of letters written to and from VMI Cadet C. Rodes Hood, Jr. (VMI Class of 1920) and his parents. The bulk of the correspondence is between father and son. Topics includes VMI cadet life (1916-1917), and details about the family's cotton business and life on Magenta Plantation, Washington County, Mississippi. These details describe economic matters, politics, race relations, and family news.

This collection consists of one VMI scrapbook compiled by Eli B. Springs. The scrapbook includes clippings, programs, invitations, and other memorabilia from 1911 to 1913.

This collection consists of documents and photographs held by the Gaillard brothers, Fredrick V. E. Gaillard and Charles C. Gaillard. The material pertaining to Charles C. Gaillard includes a letter written while at Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) training at Plattsburg Barracks, New York. Material relating to Fredrick V. E. Gaillard includes his cadet photograph album, approximately 12 original photographs dating from his service as commanding officer of the 377th infantry Regiment, and related World War II documents.

The collection consists of the personal papers of George L. Barton, including:

• Diaries for the period 1909 to 1936
• One volume of lecture notes (1933-1935) used for a history course at VMI
• A photograph album (1917-1927) containing images of cadet life, VMI buildings, and family members

This collection consists of one scrapbook compiled by Cadet Gordon Hammond (VMI Class of 1919) and covers the academic year 1915 to 1916. The scrapbook includes snapshots, dance programs, clippings, and other VMI memorabilia. Topics of the photographs include classmates and friends, cadet life, athletics, and VMI buildings.

This collection consists of one scrapbook (1917-1921) compiled by Cadet John B. Payne, VMI Class of 1921. The scrapbook includes photographs of cadet life, athletics, classmates, and buildings, newspaper clippings, and memorabilia.

This collection (20 items) consists of items related to John C. Haskell, including letters (dated 1916) written to his mother from VMI, military service documents, and photographs.

This collection consists of items realted to John C. Nelson, including a VMI scrapbook, and papers and photographs that date from his service as First Lieutenant, 119th Infantry, 30th Division, American Expeditionary Forces.

This collection consists of three notebooks created by John C. Paker. The notebooks contain experiments and lab notes for VMI chemistry and physics classes from 1912 to 1914.