William Smith Account Book

Access and use

Location of collection:
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Special Collections, University Libraries (0434)
Newman Library
Virginia Tech
P.O. Box 90001
560 Drillfield Drive
Blacksburg, VA 24062-9001
Contact for questions and access:
Phone: (540) 231-6308
Fax: (540) 231-3694
Restrictions:

The collection is open to research.

Terms of access:

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.

Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], William Smith Account Book, Ms1988-103, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Summary

Extent:
0.1 Cubic Feet 1 folder
Creator:
Smith, William
Abstract:
Account book maintained by William Smith, of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, documenting purchases of groceries and other household goods.
Language:
The materials in the collection are in English.
Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], William Smith Account Book, Ms1988-103, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection consists of a single, small account book maintained by William Smith, a resident of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, in the early twentieth century. The structure and contents of the book suggest that it may have been the cash book of a grocery merchant. The entries, in chronological order, list names and prices of goods sold. The items consist overwhelmingly of foodstuffs (frequently listed items are bread, fruit, pretzels, salt, butter, and cheese), though household items are occasionally listed.

Biographical / historical:

The front cover of this account book bears the name of William Smith. The front cover verso bears, in a latter-day hand, the words "Lancaster Co. Pa." The 1900 census lists a 55-year-old grocer named William M. Smith living in the Lancaster County, Pennsylvania home of Milton Wenges, his brother-in-law. William M. Smith, son of William and Elizabeth Ringwalt Smith, was born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, on May 29, 1845. He died in Lancaster County on December 2, 1917, and was buried in Saint Stephen United Church of Christ Cemetery, Lancaster County.

Acquisition information:
The William Smith Account Book was purchased by Special Collections and University Archives in 1988.
Processing information:

The processing and description of the William Smith Account Book commenced and was completed in May, 2021.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Indexed terms

Subjects:
Account books