The collection is open for research.
The copyright status of this collection is unknown. Copyright restrictions may apply. Contact Special Collections and University Archives for assistance in determining the use of these materials. Reproduction or digitization of materials for personal or research use can be requested using our reproduction/digitization form: http://bit.ly/scuareproduction. Reproduction or digitization of materials for publication or exhibit use can be requested using our publication/exhibition form: http://bit.ly/scuapublication. Please contact Special Collections and University Archives (specref@vt.edu or 540-231-6308) if you need assistance with forms or to submit a completed form.
Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], Page Milling Company Ledgers, Ms1988-050, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.
The Page Milling Company Ledgers were acquired by Virginia Tech prior to 1989.
The processing, arrangement, and description of the Page Milling Company Ledgers commenced and was completed in March, 2018.
Located in Luray, Virginia, the Luray Mill and Elevator Company was built by C. W. Carter in 1895. In 1898, E. C. Harnsberger purchased the mill and renamed it the Page Milling Company. Operating in conjunction with the mill was the Luray Electric Company, a plant converting steam power to operate the mill.
According to at least one source, the product today sold by General Mills under the trade name Bisquick was invented by Robert C. Harnsberger at Page Milling. In its history of Bisquick's development, however, General Mills makes no mention of Harnsberger or Page Milling.
The mill, remodeled in 1929, was capable of producing 300 barrels of flour per day by the 1950s. Page Milling Company continued to operate as late as 1955.
This collection contains ledgers documenting the business transactions of the Page Milling Company of Luray, Virginia. Consisting of a day book, a journal, a cash book, and a sales journal, the ledgers provide details on the company's sales of corn, wheat, and screenings and its operating expenses, including labor.
The collection is arranged by material type.
The guide to the Page Milling Company Ledgers by Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, is licensed under a CC0 (https://creativecommons.org/share-your-work/public-domain/cc0/).