Office of the Superintendent correspondence

Access and use

Location of collection:
Virginia Military Institute Archives
Preston Library
Virginia Military Institute
345 Letcher Ave.
Lexington, VA 24450-0304
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Jeffrey S. Kozak
Phone: (540) 464-7516
Phone: (540) 464-7566
Fax: (540) 464-7089

Background

Scope and content:

Correspondence, 1840-1918, originating in the Superintendent's office, unrelated to any other records series. Primarily about purchases and business transactions, and miscellaneous file.

Correspondence, 1885-1918, originating in the Superintendent's office, relating to Institute purchases and business operations.

This box contains incoming and outgoing letters that do not fit in the larger correspondence series for the period, including:






Typed letter, signed, from President Roosevelt informing VMI Superintendent John Lejeune that VMI's application for Public Works Administration funds was approved on December 29, 1933.

1. Typed letter, signed, from General Eisenhower to Superintendent Richard J. Marshall, declining invitation to speak at VMI graduation. Dated November 19, 1951. Includes carbon copy of Marshall's letter of invitation dated November 7.

2. Typed letter, signed, from President Eisenhower to Superintendent William H. Milton, thanking him for the performance of the VMI Glee Club. Dated February 14, 1955.

3. File also contains a copy of a clipping from April 1947, documenting Eisenhower's brief visit to VMI.

Typed letter, signed, from President Harry S. Truman to VMI Superintendent Richard J. Marshall, dated May 14, 1951. Discussing the significance of Gen. George C. Marshall on the occasion of the dedication of the George C. Marshall Arch and teh celebration of Marshall Day at VMI.

Typed letter signed, from astronaut John Glenn to Superintendent Shell, thanking him for a letter. The two were both USMC officers and once stationed together at Quantico. Signature block says "John H. Glenn, jr., Lt. Colonel, USMC, Mercury Astronaut"

Telegram sent to VMI Commandant of Cadets Colonel George H. Simpson on November 23, 1963, announcing death of President Kennedy. The telegram was transmitted to various military officials on behalf of the Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara.