Elden E. Billings Collection

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 for 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], Elden E. Billings Collection, 1862-1991, Ms1991-036, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Summary

Extent:
25.5 Cubic Feet 22 boxes
Creator:
Billings, Elden E.
Abstract:
This collection contains subject files, clippings, memorabilia, and artifacts related to the American Civil War. There are seven series, five of which predominately contain Civil War materials. The other two series in the collection also contains files on other subjects of Billings' historical interests, including aspects of military and United States history.
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], Elden E. Billings Collection, 1862-1991, Ms1991-036, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection contains subject files, clippings, memorabilia, and artifacts related to the American Civil War. There are seven series, five of which predominately contain Civil War materials. The other two series in the collection also contains files on other subjects of Billings' historical interests, including aspects of military and United States history.

Acquisition information:
The Elden E. Billings Collection was donated to Special Collections in 1991, 2001, and 2004.
Processing information:

The processing, arrangement and description of the Elden E. Billings Collection commenced and was completed in August 2008. Earlier processing of the collection had been done in 1992. Additional description was completed in 2010.

Arrangement:

The collection is arranged into seven series. Files in each series are arranged alphabetically by folder or item title.

Series I: Civil War Files and Prints contains subject files on various American Civil War topics including specific battles, locations, regiments, and historic figures, as well as works of art, maps, and images. Other files include information on railroads, prisons, ethnic or social groups, and branches of the military.

Series II: Other Subject Files contains files on various topics, some tangentially related to the Civil War. Topics include, but are not limited to, figures from US military history, World Wars I and II, the Mexican War, railroads,

Series III: Lincoln Materials contains historical information about aspects of Abraham Lincoln's life and presidency. The series also includes cartoons, newsletters, portraits, and memorabilia.

Series IV: Elden E. Billings - Personal Files contains biographical information and photographs, correspondence to and from Billings, book catalogs, and notes relating to speaking events and writings.

Series V: Publications contains newsletters and journals, mostly from the Civil War period or about the Civil War. Other publications relate to Civil War Roundtables, historical societies, and military history.

Series VI: Primary Documents contains two subseries. Subseries A: Scrapbooks includes several related to Civil War regiments or individuals. Subseries B: Manuscripts includes originals and typed copies of diaries, correspondence, and ephemera from the Civil War and Reconstruction periods.

Series VII: Artifacts contains several portraits, daguerrotypes, and photographs of Civil War figures, including Stonewall Jackson and Robert E. Lee. This series also contains medals, coins, calling cards, stamps, and other memorabilia. There are two non-Civil War related items: a print of an elephant fight from India, and a notebook that belonged to Ulysses S. Grant III.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard