Collections

The Allan Blank Papers consist primarily of scores (mainly in manuscript and facsimile formats) and materials related directly to his significant compositions and published materials, including programs, reviews and recordings. His compositions encompass a wide range of instrumentation and format. His works include pieces for a solo instrument, full orchestra, chamber ensemble, voice, music for children, and opera. Materials in this collection also document some of Mr. Blank's personal and professional interests.

The collection contains material related to Allison Kenneth (A.K.) Scribner's tenure on the Old Dominion College Board of Visitors, his work with civic organizations, and his professional career in manufacturing.

This collection includes a variety of materials, including scrapbooks from 1933-2011, composites from 1949-2018, photographs, VHS tapes, memorabilia and membership records.

This collection contains two minute books of the Alpha Tau Chapter of the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity at Bluefield State College, an H.B.C.U. in Bluefield, West Virginia. Each grey cloth-bound book has "Records" printed on its cover, with "Kappa Alpha Psi" handwritten on one and "KAΨ" handwritten on the other. The minute books document meetings of the fraternity held over a decade, between 1951 and 1964. The first book dates from 1951 to 1956, and the second book is dated from 1956 to 1964. The entries chronicle the fraternity's pledging process, parties, hazing, initiation, charity events, finances, and the maintenance of the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity house. Entries discuss the "laxity" of Scroller Club (prospective members), or impose sanctions on pledges failing to meet expectations: "Bro. Chesly made a motion that in the event that the prospective neophytes do not finish the painting tonight they will be left on pro until after Christmas (Dec. 11, 1952). Mention of trouble with the alumni committee for their hazing practices: "The Polemarch informed us that the alumni chapter said that we would have to drop some of the pranks played on probates such as kissing the Kotex, fake penis and slap jar drinking because it leads to homosexuality" (May 7, 1953). Lists of pledges are present in the books, alongside actual vote tallies by their elders accepting or rejecting them for membership; so too are vote tallies for women seeking to become "Kappa Queen." From time to time, problem pledges come up for discussion, for instance those too poor to pay the membership fee: "Bro Cousin mention that little bro Witten would have a conflict when he goes on probation because he works in the mines at night ... little bro. Witten may not be able to pay his money by the deadline." (Nov. 13, 1952). Other entries discuss their charity work and involvement with the local community including giving out scholarships, putting on plays in local schools, purchasing Christmas Seals from the N.A.A.C.P. and a "Guide Right" mentorship program. The brothers selected a topic of "The Challenge of Integration" as a topic for the program (April 13,1959).

This collection consists of certificates, citations, commissions, and similar documentation associated with VMI alumni, faculty, staff, or VMI as a whole. The collection does not include VMI diplomas or literary society certificates, which are filed separately.