Thorns Craven 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], Thorns Craven Collection (RG 62.0077), Special Collections and Archives, James G. Leyburn Library, Washington and Lee University, Lexington, Va.

Summary

Extent:
2.71 Linear Feet
Creator:
Craven, Thorns
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Thorns Craven Collection (RG 62.0077), Special Collections and Archives, James G. Leyburn Library, Washington and Lee University, Lexington, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection contains letters written by Washington and Lee student Thorns Craven to his family, letters he received while at school from family and friends, as well as other materials associated with his time at Washington and Lee as a student and as an alumnus. Subjects include fraternity rushing, Sigma Nu fraternity, student life, and social activities.

The January 14, 1959 letter also included a letter to Thorns from his brother Allen.

Fancy Dress

Washington and Lee newsletters, Lee Chapel brochure, commencement and baccalaureate programs, invitations, WLU booklet "The Freshman Year," WLU booklet "The Big-Little Date Book," "To Parents and Teachers" brochures, Parents' Weekend brochure, Art, Music, Drama Seminars in Literature booklet

One chalk drawing of Thorns Craven titled "Thornication." One chalk drawing of Anne Gibbs of Hollins University and it titled "God-Squad Annie." They were made at the fraternity house.

Biographical / historical:

Frederick Thorns Craven, Jr. was born on October 15, 1940 in Concord, North Carolina. While a student at Washington and Lee University, he wrote for the Ring-tum Phi and was member of Sigma Nu fraternity, the Mongolian Minks, the White Friars, the Liberty Hall Society, and the Graham-Lee Society. Craven graduated in 1962.

Acquisition information:
Donated by Thorns Craven in February 2026
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard