Velma H. Alderman Scrapbook, 1941/1981

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], Velma H. Alderman Scrapbook, 1950-1981, Ms2023-089, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Summary

Extent:
0.3 Cubic Feet 1 box
Abstract:
This collection contains a scrapbook and newspaper clippings created by Velma H. Alderman, mother of former Virginia Tech professor Nancy Orange. Most news clippings are from the 1950s and pertain to Radford, Virginia.
Language:
The material in this collection is in English.
Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], Velma H. Alderman Scrapbook, 1950-1981, Ms2023-089, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection contains a scrapbook of newspaper clippings created by Velma H. Alderman, mother of former Virginia Tech professor Nancy Orange. The scrapbook focuses largely on Radford and the surrounding area during the 1950s, particularly on murders (the Billie Jean Turpin murder foremost among these) and other crimes, as well as fires and fatal accidents. Also included are clippings relating to the Korean War and general clippings about local events, activities, and history, as well as national events and figures. Also in the collection is a folder of loose newspaper clippings and ephemera, including a postcard of George Washington on horseback.

Biographical / historical:

Velma Hartsock, daughter of Jacob H. and Nannie Viola Wade Hartsock, was born in Radford, Virginia on June 6, 1907. She married Harry Bruce Alderman (1904-1966) in Bristol, Tennessee, on February 6, 1926; the couple lived in Radford with their three children, and by 1940 Velma Alderman had taken work at a local textile plant. The Aldermans divorced in 1948, and the 1950 federal census shows her living in Radford with her youngest child while operating a railroad newsstand. By the time of her marriage to Emmett Gammon Staley (1908-1975) in 1956, Velma Alderman was working as a clerk for Roses (likely Roses Department Store). In the decree for her divorce from Emmett in January, 1964, Velma is described as a clerk for the Greyhound Bus Company. Six months after the Staleys divorced, Velma Hartsock Staley married Lewis Jackson Ritter (1908-1981). Velma Hartsock Alderman Staley Ritter died in Radford on September 23, 1990, and was buried in West View Cemetery, Radford.

Nancy Alderman Orange (1932-2013), youngest child of Velma and Harry Alderman, served on the staff of Virginia Tech for 20 years before retiring in 1997.

Acquisition information:
The Velma H. Alderman Scrapbook was donated to Special Collections and University Archives in January 1991.
Processing information:

The processing, arrangement, and description of the Velma H. Alderman Scrapbook was completed in August 2023.

Arrangement:

The materials in this collection are arranged by material type.