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Virginia Military Institute Archives

Records of Superintendent Francis H. Smith, 1839-1889

30 Linear Feet

These files constitute the major record series generated by the office of Francis H. Smith, VMI's first Superintendent. He served from 1839-1889. The records, (ca. 30 linear feet) consist of incoming and outgoing correspondence, order books, speeches and publications, annual reports, personal file, and subject files.

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Academic Departments, Annual Reports, 19th century .50 Linear Feet

A chronological file, 1843-1848; 1865-1899, containing examples of academic department annual reports from the 19th century. These reports from the various academic departments were submitted to the Superintendent and help to document the early academic history of the Institute. This file includes early reports by John T. L. Preston (Languages), and Thomas H. Williamson (Engineering), as well as reports by other early faculty members. The series has many gaps; for example, none from the 1850's. The reports reflect some subjects that are no longer taught, e.g., Latin, drawing, mineralogy. 1 box

  1. Superintendent, Subject Files, 1839-1884 (Francis H. Smith)
Virginia Military Institute Archives

Office of Communications and Marketing subject files

10 cubic feet
Top 3 results view all 25
Virginia Military Institute Archives

Chester F. Burgess collection

1 Linear Feet

Chester F. Burgess was a Professor of English at the VMI from 1962 to 1988. This collection consists of edited manuscripts of three of his publications, including:

  • "The Letters of John Gay"
  • "The Beggar's Opera and Companion Pieces"
  • "The Fellowship of the Craft: Conrad on Ships and Seamen and the Sea"

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Chester F. Burgess collection 1 Linear Feet

Burgess, C. F. (Chester Francis)

Chester F. Burgess was a Professor of English at the VMI from 1962 to 1988. This collection consists of edited manuscripts of three of his publications, including:

  • "The Letters of John Gay"
  • "The Beggar's Opera and Companion Pieces"
  • "The Fellowship of the Craft: Conrad on Ships and Seamen and the Sea"

Virginia Military Institute Archives

Office of Communications and Marketing audio and video collections

ongoing items
1 result
Virginia Military Institute Archives

Video Collections

40 c.f. cubic feet

A collection of videos (some amateur, some professional) documenting special events such as matriculation, Ring Figure, graduation, speeches, and other topics relating to VMI activities and cadet life. The bulk of this collection dates from the 1980's forward, although a few date from an earlier period.

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Virginia Military Institute Archives

James H. Waddell papers

4 items

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

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James H. Waddell papers 4 items

Waddell, James H. (James Henry), 1833-1884

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

Virginia Military Institute Archives

John E. Townes collection

1 cubic feet

This collection consists of photograph albums, diplomas, and papers that document the life of John E. Townes. The photos depict both his VMI cadetship and his subsequent career in the United States Army Coast Artillery Corps (1908-1920) and at VMI as a faculty member (1921-1956).

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John E. Townes collection 1 cubic feet

Townes, John E. (John Edward), 1886-1970

This collection consists of photograph albums, diplomas, and papers that document the life of John E. Townes. The photos depict both his VMI cadetship and his subsequent career in the United States Army Coast Artillery Corps (1908-1920) and at VMI as a faculty member (1921-1956).

Virginia Military Institute Archives

Kenneth S. Purdie papers

0.5 Linear Feet approximately 250 items

The Kenneth S. Purdie papers (approximately 250 items) include:

  • Subject files concerning the publication of the 1912 VMI yearbook, of which Purdie was editor
  • Personal correspondence
  • Documents (1916) concerning the Culver Military Academy, Indiana
  • Military service records (photocopies)
  • One photograph album (1911-1913) that includs photos of VMI and Wentworth Military Academy, Missouri

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Kenneth S. Purdie papers 0.5 Linear Feet approximately 250 items

Purdie, Kenneth S. (Kenneth Sinclair), 1892-1983

The Kenneth S. Purdie papers (approximately 250 items) include:

  • Subject files concerning the publication of the 1912 VMI yearbook, of which Purdie was editor
  • Personal correspondence
  • Documents (1916) concerning the Culver Military Academy, Indiana
  • Military service records (photocopies)
  • One photograph album (1911-1913) that includs photos of VMI and Wentworth Military Academy, Missouri

Virginia Military Institute Archives

Lloyd J. Davidson papers

0.5 Linear Feet

This collection consists of the papers of Lloyd J. Davidson, including:

  • Correspondence
  • Examination questions and assignment sheets for his English classes at VMI
  • Copies of speeches presented to the Lexington (Virginia) Fortnightly Club
  • Biographical information

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Lloyd J. Davidson papers 0.5 Linear Feet

Davidson, Lloyd J., 1911-1990

This collection consists of the papers of Lloyd J. Davidson, including:

  • Correspondence
  • Examination questions and assignment sheets for his English classes at VMI
  • Copies of speeches presented to the Lexington (Virginia) Fortnightly Club
  • Biographical information

Virginia Military Institute Archives

Paul Welles papers

1 Linear Feet 2 manuscript boxes and 1 oversized folder

The Paul Welles papers consist of the personal papers (1897-1950) of VMI faculty member Paul Welles. These papers include personal correspondence and diaries (1928-1950), records from his military career (1916-1919), photos, speeches, and certificates (oversized). Little of the collection relates to Welles' career at VMI.

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Paul Welles papers 1 Linear Feet 2 manuscript boxes and 1 oversized folder

Welles, Paul, 1884-1950

The Paul Welles papers consist of the personal papers (1897-1950) of VMI faculty member Paul Welles. These papers include personal correspondence and diaries (1928-1950), records from his military career (1916-1919), photos, speeches, and certificates (oversized). Little of the collection relates to Welles' career at VMI.

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