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 Names Bosworth, Elam Withrow, 1921-2008
Washington and Lee University, Leyburn Library

E. W. Bosworth letter to his Nephew

0.01 Linear Feet 1 folder

This collection consists of a letter written by E. W. Bosworth of Brownsburg, Va. to his nephew and namesake, E. W. Bosworth. Both men were known as "Tom" to their friends and family. The letter begins by updating the younger Tom on property news and how the younger Tom's mother has been granted his power of attorney. The elder Tom then mentions attending the funeral of a local African American man named Sam Franklin (1855-1945). He wrote, "A good many white people were there, but not many colored people. The fact is there are not many left here." The elder Tom continues to describe the weather (snow on the ground) and shares family news. He mentions that Billy Sterrett has been missing for 3 weeks and that he belonged to the air service on the Western Front. Says he hasn't heard anything from the "old McGuire boys for a long time." He continues the letter by commenting about the Russians on the Eastern Front and says "Those Nazi heads will hold out as long as they can find troops to die for them." Tom finishes his letter by mentioning the girls he's teaching, "The girls are scared, but I'd rather have them that way than over confident," and noting the location of the Big and Little Dipper and other stars. The letter is dated January 21, 1945.

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E. W. Bosworth letter to his Nephew 0.01 Linear Feet 1 folder

Bosworth, Elam Withrow, 1867-1955

This collection consists of a letter written by E. W. Bosworth of Brownsburg, Va. to his nephew and namesake, E. W. Bosworth. Both men were known as "Tom" to their friends and family. The letter begins by updating the younger Tom on property news and how the younger Tom's mother has been granted his power of attorney. The elder Tom then mentions attending the funeral of a local African American man named Sam Franklin (1855-1945). He wrote, "A good many white people were there, but not many colored people. The fact is there are not many left here." The elder Tom continues to describe the weather (snow on the ground) and shares family news. He mentions that Billy Sterrett has been missing for 3 weeks and that he belonged to the air service on the Western Front. Says he hasn't heard anything from the "old McGuire boys for a long time." He continues the letter by commenting about the Russians on the Eastern Front and says "Those Nazi heads will hold out as long as they can find troops to die for them." Tom finishes his letter by mentioning the girls he's teaching, "The girls are scared, but I'd rather have them that way than over confident," and noting the location of the Big and Little Dipper and other stars. The letter is dated January 21, 1945.

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