Collections : [Washington and Lee University, Leyburn Library]

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
Primary Collecting Areas:
American and Virginia history, regional genealogy, history of propaganda, Southern literature, theater, local and regional portraiture, landscapes and architecture, late 19th-century travel
Description:

The Washington and Lee University Special Collections and Archives Department houses over 1,000 unique manuscript collections including those of the Rockbridge Historical Society, The American Shakespeare Center, and the Mountain Valley Preservation Association. These collections vary greatly in size, format, and scope. Subjects covered within the collections are diverse and include concentrations in American and Virginia history, regional genealogy, history of propaganda, Southern literature, and theater.

It also houses over 10,000 photographs and prints. Beyond our photograph and print collections, which include scrapbooks, images can also be found within the manuscript collections and University Archives described above. Our photographic holdings vary greatly in size and include numerous formats representative of the evolution of the photographic process. Strengths are local and regional portraiture, landscapes and architecture, W&L University history, including athletics, and late 19th-century travel.

POC: Tom Camden
Phone: (540) 458-8649
Phone: (540) 463-8109
Fax: (540) 463-8964
Start Over Repository Washington and Lee University, Leyburn Library Date range 1954

Administration records collection, 1776/1976 6.73 Linear Feet 14 boxes, 3 oversize folders

Washington College (Lexington, Va.)

This collection includes early Washington and Lee University papers and miscellaneous materials supplementary to the university's trustee's records, faculty meeting minutes, and treaurer's records. Much of this collection was found over decades from various locations on campus and housed in the Treasurer's Office.

  1. Washington and Lee University, Leyburn Library

African American Family photograph album, 1910/1960 0.01 Linear Feet 1 folder

This collection consists of one photograph album featuring both black and white and sepia toned gelatin silver photographs of an unidentified African American family from circa 1910-1960. There is one colored photograph of a dog sitting on a sofa. From some of the captions, it is possible that the family was from the New Jersey area. The photographs are not in chronological order. Inserted inside the album is an unidentified man's graduation photograph taken by the Sarony studio in Philadelphia.

  1. Washington and Lee University, Leyburn Library

Albert Tardy McCown collection, 1947/1984 19 Item Box 7, Folder 18

File includes a program of retirement from 25 years of service to the Buena Vista City Public Schools, two biographies, and two photographs of Albert McCown, about 1955 and Oct. 1980. Also included an early color Christmas card printed by Albert, before his marriage, while he studied Industrial Arts at VPI. Also a Christmas card printed by Albert at his home in Kerrs Creek, Rockbridge County, VA, about 1970's, when he had his family, and an envelope of Albert's, McCown's Printing Service. Included is his name tag for the Virginia School Boards Association, Rockbridge County, with ribbons, Board Member, Delegate. A newspaper clipping, "McCown New Member of School Board," and photocopy of the News-Gazette clipping featuring Albert's service to the Rockbridge County School Board. Also included a return address envelope, Parry McCluer High School, Athletic Department, Buena Vista, VA 24416, maybe printed by Albert when he was Athletic Director there. A 1973-74 basketball/wrestling Parry McCluer high school card. A photo of Albert and coworker Industrial Arts Teacher, Ward Lockett.

  1. Washington and Lee University, Leyburn Library
  2. Washington and Lee University and Regional Virginia History Research Collection, 1609/2016
  3. Biography, 1700/2018

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