Collections

Correspondence, speeches, manuscripts, research notes, and other papers of a historian who served on the faculty of West Virginia University from 1932 to 1965 and as chairman of the history department from 1946 to 1962. Included are: his official as well as personal correspondence; notes for speeches; research notes, rough drafts and proofs for his published works on William L. Wilson and Johnson Newlon Camden; exams, outlines, and notes for classes he taught; material relating to the University Senate and committees on which he served; a scrapbook covering Monongalia County and other subjects (1850-1897); and papers relating to West Virginia University. Included is a manuscript history of West Virginia University which Summers worked on during his retirement and which William T. Doherty, Jr. finished and published in 1982 as WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY: SYMBOL OF UNITY IN A SECTIONALIZED STATE. There is also desk plaque given to Summers when he served on the West Virginia Centennial Commission; the plaque is fashioned of wood from the first capitol in Wheeling.

Research papers of Festus P. Summers (1895-1971), a historian who served on the faculty of West Virginia University from 1932 to 1965 and as chairman of the history department from 1946 to 1962. Collection includes photocopied correspondence, articles, and typescripts, as well as manuscript notes. Many of the photocopies appear to have been made from Archives and Manuscript collections at the West Virginia and Regional History Center, including A&M 873, A&M 1661, A&M 1824, and A&M 2141. Topics include the West Virginia coal mine wars (1912-1927); West Virginia tax reform and economy (1900s-1950s); and individuals related to coal mining, labor, and legislation (1902-1971). These individuals include Van A. Bittner, W.E. Chilton, Justus Collins (President of Winding Gulf Colliery Company), Walter S. Hallanan, Henry D. Hatfield, M.M. Neely, C.E. Smith, and Walter R. Thurmond. Also included is a copy of a dissertation titled "Rush Dew Holt: The Boy Senator, 1905-1942," by William Ellis Coffey of WVU (1970), and a typescript copy of a manuscript by Dr. James Morton Callahan titled "History of West Virginia University: Problems and Policies." The Callahan typescript also includes annotations by Summers (ca. 1966).

This collection consists of two typescript copies of books written by Dr. Summers, as sent to the printers: "William L. Wilson and Tariff Reform, a biography, (1953)"; and the Cabinet Diary of William L. Wilson, 1896-1897." (1957).

This collection contains an autographed letter of Jas. F. Strother concerning the Whig campaign of 1852; 15 telegrams of the Civil War era concerning railroads, troop supplies and movements, soldier's pay; copies of three letters relating to the Congressional election of 1900, second district; letters from S. A. Hayes to his father, P. Hayes, 1882-1887; and a letter book of B. S. Jacobs, an official of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, for September 30, 1859 to February 26, 1860. see inventory sheet for detailed listing.

Scrapbook containing newspapers, newspaper clippings, printed pamphlets, programs, broadsides and certificates and a few manuscript items. Most of the material deals with Monongalia county and WVU history and activities. (For a detailed listing see inventory sheet.)

One folder of correspondence, June 25, 1945- July 14, 1949, concerning the will of Burr Smith for the Establishment of an historical park by the W. Va. Historical County, near West Milford, W. Va. The property was later created into the Watters Smith State Park. Correspondents include Charles H. Wachburn, Festus P. Summers, Charles McCamic, and L. J. Priestly.