Collections : [Washington and Lee University, Leyburn Library]

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
Primary Collecting Areas:
American and Virginia history, regional genealogy, history of propaganda, Southern literature, theater, local and regional portraiture, landscapes and architecture, late 19th-century travel
Description:

The Washington and Lee University Special Collections and Archives Department houses over 1,000 unique manuscript collections including those of the Rockbridge Historical Society, The American Shakespeare Center, and the Mountain Valley Preservation Association. These collections vary greatly in size, format, and scope. Subjects covered within the collections are diverse and include concentrations in American and Virginia history, regional genealogy, history of propaganda, Southern literature, and theater.

It also houses over 10,000 photographs and prints. Beyond our photograph and print collections, which include scrapbooks, images can also be found within the manuscript collections and University Archives described above. Our photographic holdings vary greatly in size and include numerous formats representative of the evolution of the photographic process. Strengths are local and regional portraiture, landscapes and architecture, W&L University history, including athletics, and late 19th-century travel.

POC: SCA Staff
Phone: (540) 458-8649
Phone: (540) 463-8109
Fax: (540) 463-8964
Start Over Repository Washington and Lee University, Leyburn Library Subjects Literature -- Societies, etc.
Washington and Lee University, Leyburn Library

Franklin Society records, 1801/1891

2 Linear Feet

This collection includes membership records, officers' reports, business papers, subscription library records, minutes of the Society's meetings and debates, receipts and letters expressing pleasure at being honored by the Society. One receipt, dated December 2, 1841, was given by Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson while he was a Virginia constable. The receipt was presented to the Franklin Society [Library] by M. W. Johnson.

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Franklin Society records, 1801/1891 2 Linear Feet

Franklin Society and Library Company of Lexington (Lexington, Va.)

This collection includes membership records, officers' reports, business papers, subscription library records, minutes of the Society's meetings and debates, receipts and letters expressing pleasure at being honored by the Society. One receipt, dated December 2, 1841, was given by Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson while he was a Virginia constable. The receipt was presented to the Franklin Society [Library] by M. W. Johnson.

Washington and Lee University, Leyburn Library

Ignorance Club collection, 1908/2024

0.02 Linear Feet 2 folders

This collection consists of the organizational archives and research papers presented by members of Lexington, Virginia's Ignorance Club, a women's club organized 1904 as an educational and social club. The Ignorance Club remains active in 2024. The collection contains club programs, officer and membership lists, club rules, schedules of the year's meetings and member presentations. It also includes what is believed to be the first paper written by a society member for presentation at a meeting, which was R. F. Anderson on March 13, 1908.

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Ignorance Club collection, 1908/2024 0.02 Linear Feet 2 folders

This collection consists of the organizational archives and research papers presented by members of Lexington, Virginia's Ignorance Club, a women's club organized 1904 as an educational and social club. The Ignorance Club remains active in 2024. The collection contains club programs, officer and membership lists, club rules, schedules of the year's meetings and member presentations. It also includes what is believed to be the first paper written by a society member for presentation at a meeting, which was R. F. Anderson on March 13, 1908.

Washington and Lee University, Leyburn Library

James Cole Davis Papers, 1853/1860

3 Item

This collection contains three items: James C. Davis' Washington College undergraduate diploma from June 30, 1853; Washington Literary Society diploma of membership from his years at Washington College; James C. Davis' Virginia state law license dated 1860

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James Cole Davis Papers, 1853/1860 3 Item

Washington College (Lexington, Va.)

This collection contains three items: James C. Davis' Washington College undergraduate diploma from June 30, 1853; Washington Literary Society diploma of membership from his years at Washington College; James C. Davis' Virginia state law license dated 1860

Washington and Lee University, Leyburn Library

Phoenix Literary Society Ledger, 1867/1875

1 Item

This ledger from the Phoenix Literary Society covers the period between 1867-1875. It contains an alphabetical listing of members as well as fees paid by each to the club.

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Phoenix Literary Society Ledger, 1867/1875 1 Item

Phoenix Literary Society

This ledger from the Phoenix Literary Society covers the period between 1867-1875. It contains an alphabetical listing of members as well as fees paid by each to the club.

Washington and Lee University, Leyburn Library

Robert E. Lee Family papers, 1792/1935, bulk 1833/1870

24 Linear Feet

This collection contains primary and secondary resources pertaining to Robert E. Lee and the Lee family. Included are correspondences from, to, and about Lee and various family members; memorabilia, pamphlets, photographs, reminiscences, miscellaneous personal papers, family history and genealogy. The collection includes materials acquired from the Lee family and items donated to and purchased and compiled by W&L University since Lee's tenure as president of Washington College from 1865 - 1870. Adminstrative papers, such as President's Reports, etc..., from Robert E. Lee's presidency of the school may be found within the W&L University Archives. Please contact W&L Special Collections for information regarding the University Archives.

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Content Warning

ARVAS is an aggregator of archival resources. ARVAS does not have control of the descriptive language used in our members’ finding aids.

Finding aids may contain historical terms and phrases, reflecting the shared attitudes and values of the community from which they were collected, but are offensive to modern readers. These include demeaning and dehumanizing references to race, ethnicity, and nationality; enslaved or free status; physical or mental ability; religion; sex; and sexual orientation and gender identity.

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