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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 17 Collections and/or Records:

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
Found in: Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech / Named/Individual Photograph Collections

Rust-Colored Sabre

 Collection
Identifier: Artifact-055
Abstract

Rust-colored sabre with no ID markings. The sabre is mostly made of metal, handle is wooden.

Dates: n.d.
Found in: Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech / Rust-Colored Sabre

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
Found in: Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech / Harry Downing Temple Jr., Papers

VPI Cadet Cape

 Collection
Identifier: Textile-1993-017
Abstract The VPI Cadet Cape is navy blue with a red lining, made of wool felt and a wool lining. It has a black cord frog on exterior that connects on both sides. There is also two metal hooks on the 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 to be the receiving side of a hook. It was safety pinned in, perhaps upside-down. The...
Dates: n.d. (not before 1897)
Found in: Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech / VPI Cadet Cape

VTCC Squadron A Guidon

 Collection
Identifier: Artifact-028
Abstract

Guidon for the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets Squadron A. The top is orange with "VTCC" in maroon, and the bottom is maroon with "A in gold or light orange. The guidon is in poor condition, with tears along the corners.

Dates: n.d.
Found in: Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech / VTCC Squadron A Guidon

William G. Wharton VPI Cadet Uniform

 Collection
Identifier: Textile-1993-015
Abstract The William G. Wharton VPI Cadet Uniform consists of three parts: a uniform coat, two pairs of trousers, and a overcoat with attached cape. The uniform coat is navy blue with black lining and is made of a wool blend with a satin lining. There is a black outline down the center, around the collar, along the bottom, and around the sleeve at the bottom. The sleeves also have a single thin stripe above the black strip on each sleeve. There is a "US ROTC" shield shaped patch on the...
Dates: 1920
Found in: Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech / William G. Wharton VPI Cadet Uniform

William H. Byrne VPI Cadet Cape

 Collection
Identifier: Textile-1993-014
Abstract The Cadet cape is navy blue with a red lining, made of wool and possibly wool felt. It is a long standard cape for the time, with a black cord closure that is missing a frog on the right side. There is a label on the inside that reads "Mr. Byrne Capt. (?), measure 49-38-15, date 10-23-14 (William Hale Byrne, class of 1915, East Falls Church, Fairfax)." An additional label states the manufacturer as " Blacksburg: Virginia Polytechnic Institute, J.H. Kelsey, Supt., Uniform Department." There...
Dates: 1914
Found in: Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech / William H. Byrne VPI Cadet Cape

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