Valley Business Collection, 1886/2016

Access and use

Location of collection:
Shenandoah County Library
Shenandoah County Library
514 Stoney Creek Blvd.
Edinburg VA, 22824
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Zachary Hottel
Phone: (540) 984-8200
Restrictions:

This collection is open to the researchers without restrictions. Researchers must register and agree to all copyright laws and archives policies before using the collection. Please contact the Shenandoah County Library before visiting to use this collection.

Preferred citation:

[Identification of item] Valley Business Collection, Truban Archives, Shenandoah County Library, Edinburg, Virginia, USA.

Summary

Extent:
4.5 Linear Feet Two full size, clamshell document boxes, legal size. One oversize print box.
Abstract:
A collection of documents, letters, and records related to businesses in Shenandoah County and the greater Shenandoah Valley.
Language:
English .
Preferred citation:

[Identification of item] Valley Business Collection, Truban Archives, Shenandoah County Library, Edinburg, Virginia, USA.

Background

Scope and content:

The Valley Business Collection consists of approximately 4 linear feet of materials. This includes approximately 65 folders containing an array of documents and business records. There are two physical items.

Series I contains items related to the Edinburg Hatchery dating from 1894-1940 and one of its early owners, J.C. Hutchenson. .

Series II: General Businesses, 1885-1989 includes documents and two physical objects related to a wide array of businesses in Shenandoah County and surrounding communities.

Biographical / historical:

The Edinburg Hatchery Company operated on Creekside Lane in Edinburg from around 1930 until the late 1950s. It was one of the many Shenandoah County businesses that specialized in poultry products during that time period. Chicks were shipped to the hatchery via the mail, raised to a certain age, and then sold to chicken farmers.

J.C. Hutchenson was one of the initial owners of the Edinburg Hatchery. He was born in 1867. From 1890-1903 he operated the railway mail service in Edinburg. He served as county treasurer and a member of the Virginia House of Delegates. Hutchenson died in 1946.

During the late 19th century through the middle of the 20th century the vast majority of county businesses were associated with either agricultural production, travel, or service-based industry.

Acquisition information:
The majority of the items were donated to the Shenandoah County Library's Truban Archives. A select number were transferred from other collections and a few were received in the mail or dropped at the library building.
Processing information:

Items were processed from various smaller accessions related to businesses in the Shenandoah Valley to improve access and storage. When possible folder titles correspond with original filing information.

Ongoing donations continued to be processed into Series II: General Businesses when single items or donations of a small number of business related items are received.

Arrangement:

The collection is arranged into two series.

Items in Series I: Edinburg Hatchery are arranged chronologically. Items in Series II: General Businesses, items are arranged as received due to continued donations.

Folder 2.6 in Series II does not exist.

Physical location:
Shenandoah County Library, Truban Archives