VPI Cape
Scope and Content
This VPI Cape is made of a navy blue wool and red wool lining. There is a single hook clasp on the collar and just below the hook is a black cord loop. Above the hook and under the collar is a separate piece of material which can fasten to buttons on the underside of the right and or left collar. When these are fastened the collar stands straight up. Across the chest is a black frog cord. Stitching is present where it is assumed a label once was, no labels are present. The condition of the cape is fair. There is some minor discoloration on the frog cords, hem coming unsewn where it had been doubled up, right button missing under collar, label missing, stains on lining, and possible moth holes in lining.
Dates
- n.d.
Conditions Governing Access
The collection is open for research.
Conditions Governing Reproduction and Use
The copyright status of this collection is unknown. Copyright restrictions may apply. Contact Special Collections and University Archives for assistance in determining the use of these materials.
Reproduction or digitization of materials for personal or research use can be requested using our reproduction/digitization form: http://bit.ly/scuareproduction.
Reproduction or digitization of materials for publication or exhibit use can be requested using our publication/exhibition form: http://bit.ly/scuapublication.
Please contact Special Collections and University Archives (specref@vt.edu or 540-231-6308) if you need assistance with forms or to submit a completed form.
Administrative Historical Note
This style of cape with the red lining was only worn by VPI seniors, a tradtion that had been common. Similar aspects of this cape can be seen as illustrated on page 42 of "Donning the Blue and Gray" by Harry Downing Temple.
Source:
Temple, Harry Downing, "Donning the Blue and Gray", Richmond, VA: William Byrd Press, 1992.
Extent
3.1 Cubic Feet (1 box)
Language of Materials
No linguistic content; Not applicable
Abstract
This VPI Cape is made of a navy blue wool and red wool lining. There is a single hook clasp on the collar and just below the hook is a black cord loop. Above the hook and under the collar is a separate piece of material which can fasten to buttons on the underside of the right and or left collar. When these are fastened the collar stands straight up. Across the chest is a black frog cord. Stitching is present where it is assumed a label once was, no labels are present.
Source of Acquisition
The collection was acquired by Special Collection and University Archives prior to 1994.
Rights Statement for Archival Description
The guide to the VPI Cape by Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, is licensed under a CC0 (https://creativecommons.org/share-your-work/public-domain/cc0/).
Processing Information
The processing, arrangement, and description of the John S. White VPI Coat and Cape was completed in June 2025. Preliminary description was completed in 2016.
- Title
- VPI Cape, n.d.
- Status
- Completed
- Author
- Aly Diemel, Volunteer, and Special Collections and University Archives Staff
- Date
- 2025 (CC0 1.0)
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Repository Details
Part of the Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech Repository
Special Collections and University Archives, University Libraries (0434)
560 Drillfield Drive
Newman Library, Virginia Tech
Blacksburg Virginia 24061 US
540-231-6308
specref@vt.edu