The collection includes photocopies of eleven letters from Virginian educator William H. Ruffner (1824-1908) to his wife and children and to him from his daughter Anne.

Ledger for a merchant operating in Montgomery County, VA. Entries date from 1881 through 1888. Goods were sold by William G. Sarvay beginning January 1, 1881. The business was sold to Sarvay's step-son, Charles Lyle on March 1, 1883.

The Showacre Family Papers consists of a handwritten copy of a eulogy for Charles Showacre by Reverend William Runyan and given on May 22, 1864, and an acceptance letter dated September 23, 1873, admitting George D. Showarce to the Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College.

Printed postcard from Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College (now Virginia Tech), addressed to G. L. Sively of Bath County, Virginia, announcing the beginning of the second half of the 1876/1877 session, with information on enrollment and expenses.

This collection contains a carbon copy of a 1867 letter written to Captain M. F. Maury from Francis Henney Smith at Virginia Military Institute, describing his time in Richmond and discussing a state agricultural and mechanical arts school.

The Ellison A. Smyth, Sr. collection contains papers including his correspondence with professional and amateur scientists, collectors, dealers and suppliers around the world concerning entomology and zoology, his publications, and field journals from his entomological work.

The collection consists of a timeline and copies of documentation about Robert Creede Taylor, a former student at Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College, and his family during the years 1866 to 1915 gathered by R. C. Taylor's great-grandson.

The Harry Downing Temple, Jr., Papers contains materials related to Temple's personal life, interest in heraldry and insignia, and his research and publications on the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets. Materials date from about 1872 to 2004.

Thirteen letters with their envelopes from VAMC student William Townes to family members L. W. Wimbish and Mrs. L. W. Wimbish in Boydton, Mecklenburg County, Virginia over the period March 15, 1875 to November 2, 1875. Letters concern his expenses and need for funds and his wish for news of home. Also mentioned are boarding in town, opinions of Blacksburg, a masque ball, constant drilling, fellow cadets, and farm matters.

For William J. Lawrence