Alan R. Shirkey photograph 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
Restrictions:

This collection is open for research use.

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], Alan R. Shirkey Photograph Collection (WLU Coll. 0567), Special Collections and Archives, James G. Leyburn Library, Washington and Lee University, Lexington, Va.

Summary

Extent:
0.02 Linear Feet 2 folders
Creator:
Shirkey, Alan R.
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Alan R. Shirkey Photograph Collection (WLU Coll. 0567), Special Collections and Archives, James G. Leyburn Library, Washington and Lee University, Lexington, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection contains historic photographs collected by Alan R. Shirkey. Subjects include Natural Bridge, Jordan/Rockbridge Alum Springs, Lexington, and Buena Vista. The photographers were local and included Michael Miley.

The women are both holding open umbrellas and were photographed standing next to "Virginia Mourning Her Dead" monument at VMI

The men were photographed with trees behind them. They are wearing suits and three of them are holding a hat. The fourth has a had propped next to him while he is gripping the handle of an umbrella.

Miss Nellie Taylor of Baltimore, Miss Molly Bach of Buffalo, NY, Dr. B. Whitelen[?] of Baltimore, James S. [?] of Baltimore and Thomas Phangdin[?] of Baltimore. The three men and two women were photographed by Michael Miley picnicking. The women are sitting and the men are laying down. There is a gazebo behind them.

Miller's Studio, Buena Vista, Va. photographer. Moore and Brown are seated in a horse-drawn carriage on a road in Buena Vista. There are a few buildings visible behind them including S. R. Duvall & Co.

Miller's Studio, Buena Vista, Va. photographer. The image is of a group of people posed in front of a tree with a wooden structure in the background. A tent is partially visible on the left side of the image. The group includes men, women, and children. Several of the individuals are holding plates. Given how the group is dressed, this image could have captured attendees at a wedding.

Michael Miley photographer, Col. John W. Cameron proprietor, a horse and carriage are visible

Michael Miley photographer, the resort is viewed from a distance

Michael Miley photographer, Col. John W. Cameron proprietor, image is of an unidentified individual sitting on the ground off of a dirt pathway

Possibly either Rockbridge Alum Springs Grand Hotel or Rockbridge Baths Hotel

The South Publishing Company, Fine Engravers and Printers, New York

Corner of Main and Washington Streets looking south on Main

Reverse side of image is an advertisement for the site and includes information such as the feature's size, its location, how to access it, and the existence of the Natural Bridge Hotel. Edward H. Fisher is listed as superintendent.

Albumen print, mounted, copyright by Jeannette M. Appleton, Natrual Bridge Photo Co., the reverse includes historical information about the site

Michael Miley photographer, image is of the water that flows under the Natural Bridge. The reverse includes information about the site.

Michael Miley photographer, the reverse includes information about the site and a list of other available stereoscopic views

Biographical / historical:

Alan Ray Shirkey was born on February 19, 1949 in Lexington, Va to Carl and Marguerite Shirkey. He graduated from Harrisonburg High School in 1967 and taugh at the Fishburne Military School from 1972 until he retired in 2008.

Acquisition information:
Purchased at auction from the estate of Alan R. Shirkey in 2021.
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard