Robert V. Ignico collection

Access and use

Location of collection:
Washington and Lee University, Leyburn Library
Special Collections and Archives
James G. Leyburn Library
Washington and Lee University
204 W. Washington Street
Lexington, VA 24450
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Tom Camden
Phone: (540) 458-8649
Phone: (540) 463-8109
Fax: (540) 463-8964
Terms of access:

The materials from Washington and Lee University Special Collections are made available for use in research, teaching, and private study, pursuant to U.S. Copyright law. The user assumes full responsibility for any use of the materials, including but not limited to, infringement of copyright and publication rights of reproduced materials. Any materials used should be fully credited with the source.

Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Robert V. Ignico Collection (WLU RG 62.0076), Special Collections and Archives, James G. Leyburn Library, Washington and Lee University, Lexington, Va.

Summary

Extent:
1 Box
Creator:
Ignico, Robert V.
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Robert V. Ignico Collection (WLU RG 62.0076), Special Collections and Archives, James G. Leyburn Library, Washington and Lee University, Lexington, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection includes a number of items created and/or collected by Robert Ignico or his family. The scrapbook was created while Ignico attended Washington and Lee University. Inside the front cover are two matriculation forms. One is dated September 17, 1915 and acknowledges that Ignico "has authority" to matriculate in the schools of French, Politics, English, and Math. The other is dated September 14, 1916 and acknowledges that he "has authority" to matriculate in the School of Law. A ten pesos bill from the State of Chihuahua is glued to one page. The first several pages contain the names, hometown, and "happy thoughts" from schoolmates. Tucked between two of these pages is a white ribbon with blue writting on it that says "Elcock for 1916." Otherwise, the scrapbook primarily contains photographs of Washington and Lee football and clippings related to school athletics. Images include a team picture of the "1915 Southern Champs," posed photographs in football uniform and regular suits, and candid shots. There is a photograph labeled "the Cross County Leaders at the first lap November 6, 1915." There are several images of puppies, buildings, and Natural Bridge. Of particular note is an image looking from campus at the athletic field where there are people on the grounds. The railroad track that ran through campus is visible and there are people walking along it. In addition to the photographs and clippings, the scrapbook includes a program for the December 5, 1916 Annual White Friar Show and an undated invitation to an Alumni Ball. There is also a small document that says "My dear sir: How long was your fun after the blocked kick against Roanoke?" sent by the Rules Committee. The penciled reply says "Recovered fumble on 1 ft line and dove over fora touchdown."

In addition the the scrapbook, the collection includes clippings about Ignico, his wife's Davidson family, correspondence, photographs, and printed material. The photographs are primarily from 1915-1916 and are of WLU football including game shots. There is a portrait photograph taken at Robins Air Force Base of Ignico in uniform. The correspondence includes letters written to Ignico from Fred Cole and Frank Gilliam. Ignico's Athletic Council certificates from WLU are also in the collection.

The greeting card features a 1858 print of the WLU front campus

The "1749-1949 Washington and Lee University Student Bicentennial Publication" includes text and images but also a special journalism section that features a collection of pictorial and editorial tributes to the university by leading American journalists from the time as well as cartoons and comic drawings from notable artists.

Biographical / historical:

Robert V. Ignico was born in Boston, Massachusetts on October 14, 1894. In 1917, he married Lovie Arlene Davidson of Rockbridge County, Va. and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He served in both World War I and World War II and was a career military man. He attended Washington and Lee University from 1915-1917 and per the alumni directory graduated from Law in 1918. He played football and was a member of Phi Kappa Sigma. Ignico died on November 15, 1982 and is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.

Acquisition information:
Donated in May 2013
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard