Samuel Leyens Switzer Papers, 1910/1985

Access and use

Location of collection:
Old Dominion University
3023 Patricia W. and J. Douglas Perry Library
Old Dominion University
4427 Hampton Blvd
Norfolk, VA 23529
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Jessica Ritchie
Phone: (757) 683-4483
Fax: (757) 683-5954
Restrictions:

Open to researchers without restrictions.

Terms of access:

Before publishing quotations or excerpts from any materials, permission must be obtained from Special Collections and University Archives, and the holder of the copyright, if not Old Dominion University Libraries.

Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Box [insert number], Folder [insert number and title], Samuel Leyens Switzer Papers, Special Collections and University Archives, Old Dominion University Libraries.

Summary

Extent:
13.2 Linear Feet and Five hollinger document cases and three oversize boxes. boxes
Creator:
Switzer, Samuel Leyens (1896-1960)
Abstract:
Department store owner in Vicksburg, Mississippi. Includes correspondence, literary productions, legal documents, newspaper and magazine clippings, maps, memorabilia and photographs. Collection documents his service as an artillery officer in World War I. Of note are maps of Europe detailing battle positions and troop movements in World War I.
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Box [insert number], Folder [insert number and title], Samuel Leyens Switzer Papers, Special Collections and University Archives, Old Dominion University Libraries.

Background

Scope and content:

The collection contains the correspondence, publications, photographs, maps, and memorability of Samuel Leyens Switzer, a soldier who fought in World War I as well as a merchant in Vicksburg, Mississippi. The bulk of the material details Switzer's time as a Lieutenant in World War I. Some of the highlights of the collector include letters chronically the daily life of soldiers, photographs of Switzer and fellow officers, and maps containing detailed battle positions and troop movements.

Biographical / historical:

Samuel Leyens Switzer was born in Vicksburg, Mississippi, on November 26, 1896. He was a son of Simon and Flora Leyens Switzer. In 1902, Sam's father died, leaving his widow Flora with four children: Louis, Minette, Barbara and Samuel. Samuel Switzer's correspondence begins when he journeyed North in 1911 to complete his secondary education at Phillips Exeter Academy in Exeter, New Hampshire. After Exeter, Sam entered Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, as a member of the class of 1918. Sam's letters home during this period reveal that he was a typical college student interested in fashions, football, girls and grades.

While attending college Samuel Switzer joined Harvard University's Military Reserve Unit. After his sophomore year, in the summer of 1916, Sam attended and successfully completed a United States Army training camp in Plattsburgh, New York. Sam returned to Harvard University in the fall of 1916. When the United States entered World War I in 1917, he spent time training from then until 1918. Switzer eventually rose to the rank of lieutenant.

After the Armistice was signed on November 11, 1918, Lieutenant Switzer traveled through Luxembourg and into Germany. He remained in Kretz and Kruft, Germany, with the American Army of Occupation.At Beaune University he studied French, political science and business law. In May 1919, while still in France, Sam Switzer was awarded his A.B. degree in absentia from Harvard University. He was awarded this degree as a student who had completed three-fourths of the requirements but was unable to complete the entire course due to military service.

On June 15, 1919, Sam Switzer sailed for home with the St. Aignan Special (Beaune University) Casual Company Number 6438. After his arrival in New York City, Lieutenant Switzer proceeded to Fort Shelby, Mississippi, where he was formally discharged from the United States Army on July 29, 1919.

As a civilian, Sam Switzer entered the family business in Vicksburg, Mississippi. The Switzer family owned The Valley Dry Goods Company, the largest department store in the Mississippi Valley. As president of The Valley, Samuel Switzer remained one of Vicksburg's most eminent businessmen. He was active in all phases of civic life and was a devoted member of Anshe Chesed congregation, having served as congregation president and for a number of years as president of the Young Men's Hebrew Association. He was former chairman of the Jewish Welfare Federation and was a member of B'nai B'rith. Samuel Leyens Switzer died on April 14, 1960, in Vicksburg, Mississippi. His family remembered him as being " fervently American as a nationality and Jewish as a religion. "

Acquisition information:

Mrs. Bettie Minette Cooper

Loan. Accession #A80-19

Arrangement:

The collection is divided into six series: Series I: Correspondence; Series II: Literary Productions; Series III: Printed Material; Series IV: Maps; Series V: Photographic Material; and Series VI: Memorabilia.

Accruals:

Last accession August 15, 2005.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard