Rotunda Engraved Window

Access and use

Location of collection:
Longwood University
Archives and Special Collections
Greenwood Library
Longwood University
401 Redford Street
Farmville, VA 23909
Contact for questions and access:
Phone: (434) 395-2432
Fax: (434) 395-2453
Restrictions:

This item is on permanent display in the Greenwood Library Learning Commons.

Summary

Extent:
1 Object Window hangs in a custom case made of wood
Language:
English .

Background

Scope and content:

This collection consists of the window hanging in a custom display case.

Biographical / historical:

In 1990, Jesse Grant discovered three signatures etched into a first-floor window of the western wing of the Rotunda while doing window repairs. He then told Dr. James Jordan about the signatures. Dr. Jordan interested in learning more about the three girls, Fanny, Estelle, and Lucy, started researching who they were and when they had attended the school. Through research with the help of Dr. Carolyn Wells and others they determined that the engraving was likely made with a diamond, and that Fannie's name was not etched as deep as the others. In addition, the handwriting was common of the time period. They also narrowed down the girls using alumni records and determined that Fannie was likely Fannie Jeffress who graduated in 1887, Estelle was likely Estelle Ransone also who graduated in 1887, and Lucy was likely Lucy Boswell who graduated in 1889.

Custodial history:

The window was originally located in the western wing of the Rotunda until the early 1990s, it was then removed and placed on permanent display in the library, it is unknown exactually when it was acquired by the library.