Collections : [Virginia Military Institute Archives]

This collection contains autobiographical and biographical information about the military service of alumni veterans of World War II through the first Gulf War. The alumni responses range in length from short summaries to longer narrative descriptions detailing their service. Some files contain related photographs and documents.

The "Brother Rat" collection consists of photographs, playbills, clippings, correspondence, and other items documenting the stage and film versions of "Brother Rat."

The Fred F. Finklehoffe papers consist of the personal papers (20 items) of Finklehoffe, including the manuscript of an early version of the play "Brother Rat" ("When the Roll is Called"), which was submitted to VMI Professor of English Raymond E. Dixon by Finklehoffe and John C. Monks, Jr. The papers also include screenplays, clippings, and scrapbooks from Finklehoffe's cadetship and career.

The George L. H. Cooper papers consist of two items. The first is a VMI scrapbook (1928-1932) compiled by Cooper. The scrapbook includes photographs, athletic and dance programs, clippings, and other mementos collected by Cooper during his cadetship.

This collection consists of one VMI scrapbook (1928-1929) compiled by Cadet James B. Guthrie of Birmingham, Alabama. Guthrie was a member of the VMI Class of 1932 and attended for one year. The scrapbook includes photographs of cadet life and buildings, clippings, and other memorabilia. A few items date from Guthrie's attendance at the Gulf Coast Military Academy (Mississippi) prior to his enrollment at VMI.

The James Keith papers consist of the personal papers (22 items) dating from Keith's cadetship, including a scrapbook fragment, three essays written for English and history classes, snapshots (approximately 17 items), and a furlough request.

The John C. Monks, Jr. papers consist of the personal papers of Monks, including:

• Material related to the theatrical production of "Brother Rat," such as a contract, original script, and receipts for services from Garson Kanin
• Items concerning various VMI Class of 1932 reunions
• Photographs
• A typescript manuscript (1944) of the book "A Ribbon and A Star: The Third Marines at Bougainville" (Holt, 1945)

The VMI diplomas collection consists of VMI diplomas from various eras. The oldest is that of Edmund Pendleton, Class of 1842. Contact the VMI Archives for a complete list.

This collection consists of the papers of Joseph D. Neikirk, including:

• A cadet scrapbook
• A cadet account book
• General correspondence and correspondence with VMI alumni
• Photographs
• Military records
• Resolutions and award certificates

This collection (six items) consists items related to Mont Hubbard, Jr., including:

• A letter from Cadet Hubbard to his friend Nina Pruett, in which he mentions various events at VMI
• A VMI postcard "line saver for overworked keydets"
• A VMI Easter card
• A map of France and Germany (1943)
• Two copies of a map titled "Operation Highlights of the Third Armored Division, 23 June 1944 - 25 April 1945"