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Virginia Polytechnic Institute. Corps of Cadets (1944-1970)

 Organization

Dates

  • Usage: 1944 - 1970

Administrative History

Two cadet companies were organized in 1872-73, but the Corps of Cadets was not officially established until 1891-92. The first Commandant of Cadets was General J.H. Lane, appointed in 1872. Commandants have been appointed by the Board of Visitors since that time, except for 1880-81 when the Board failed to appoint either a Commandant or a president, so the acting president appointed a senior cadet as acting Commandant. In 1966, this post was put under the Dean of Students (now Vice- President of Student Affairs). From 1908 to 1964, a president of the Corps was elected each year. This individual's primary responsibility was to serve as chairman of the Cadet Senate. The first constitution of the Corps was adopted in 1908. Both civilian and cadet units served under this single constitution until 1916 when a Unified Student Body was formed (now the Student Government Association).

For a chronological list of Corps units, under their original names, as well as lists of Commanders, Commandants, and Presidents of the Corps, see Historical Data Book 1872-1972.

Found in 16 Collections and/or Records:

Robert P. Merchant Collection

 Collection
Identifier: Ms-2023-091
Abstract

This collection contains Virginia Polytechnic Institute (VPI) memorabilia and ephemera.

Dates: 1938 - 1944

Named/Individual Photograph Collections

 Collection — Multiple Containers
Identifier: Photographs-002
Abstract

The Named/Individual Photograph Collections include images from alumni and former faculty and staff, or individuals with ties to campus and the New River Valley. Collections (c.1890-present) depict campus life and events, railroad history, agricultural extension research, Blacksburg and surrounding areas, and some local families.

Dates: 1890s-present

Overcoat with Attached Cape,

 Collection — Box 1
Identifier: Textile-1993-016
Scope and Content Item: overcoat with attached cape Date: [1920] Color: navy [cadet] blue, red on underside of cape, darker blue lining except in sleeves (black) Material: [wool blend], [cotton] lining in coat, [satin] lining in sleeves Manufacturer: Condition: white strings coming through the lining, a few very small worn spots and stains, gold strip coming off right sleeve, small holes near inner pocket Special Markings: silver colored metal chain sewn into the interior back of the collar, 8 gold...
Dates: 1920 - 1920

Harry Downing Temple Jr., Papers

 Collection
Identifier: Ms-1988-039
Abstract

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.

Dates: 1872 - 2004; Majority of material found within 1930 - 2001

VPI Cape,

 Collection — Box 1
Identifier: Textile-1993-014
Scope and Content Item: cape (VPI) Date: 10-23-14 Color: navy blue with red lining Material: wool felt (?) lining - wool Manufacturer: Blacksburg: Virginia Polytechnic Institute, J.H. Kelsey, Supt., Uniform Department Donor: Condition: fair, stains and holes in lining as well as exterior, [frog] on right side is missing Special Markings: label reads: Mr. Byrne Capt. (?), measure 49-38-15, date 10-23-14 (William Hale Byrne, class of 1915, East Falls Church, Fairfax), inside piece of cloth that buttons...
Dates: 1914 - 1914

VPI Cape,

 Collection — Box 1
Identifier: Textile-1993-017
Scope and Content Item: cape (VPI) Date: ? first capes in 1897 Color: navy blue with raspberry liner Material: [wool felt] lining [wool] Manufacturer: Condition: a few small holes and stains appear in the liner Special Markings: black cord [frog] on exterior connecting sides, two metal hooks at collar. Each side has what appears to be a pocket, only after looking closer do you realize the “pockets” are holes to the inside of the cape. Inside on the bottom right-hand corner of the liner was what appears...
Dates: n.d. (not before 1897)