Kammerer Family Business Collection
Scope and Content
This collection consists of the family business papers, primarily of John Kammerer and his son, Joseph Kammerer. In addtion, there is material from George W. Jones (likely a business parter or associate) and genearl corresponse relating to the family businesses. Materials date from 1842 to 1914, thought most items are from before 1900. The documents in this collection reflect the operations and management of the Kammerer family land, farm, and businesses, which included, a various points: an inn/tavern, a grain mill, a distillery, and a dry goods store.
Dates
- 1842 - 1914
Creator
- Kammerer, Joseph (Person)
Language of Materials
Materials in this collection are in English.
Conditions Governing Access
The collection is open for research.
Conditions Governing Reproduction and Use
This colletion is in the public domain. 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.
Historical Information
Historical records indicate that John Kammerer was born in Geramny in 1793 and later immigrated to Pennsylvania, south of Pittsburgh. John was originally a miller and millwright, but he later opened a hotel and general merchandise store, which his son, Joseph, inherited after his death. Joseph Kammerer went on to expand family operations to include a dru goods store, a mill, and a distillery (well known in the late 19th century as Kammerer Pure Monongahela Rye Whiskey).
More information: http://pre-prowhiskeymen.blogspot.com/2022/04/how-kammerers-created-pennsylvania-town.html; http://www.pa-roots.org/data/read.php?811,444023
Extent
0.7 Cubic Feet (2 boxes)
Abstract
This collection consists of the family business papers, primarily of John Kammerer and his son, Joseph Kammerer. In addtion, there is material from George W. Jones (likely a business parter or associate) and genearl corresponse relating to the family businesses. Materials date from 1842 to 1914, thought most items are from before 1900.
Arrangement
This collection is separated in to three series: Correspondence, Administrative, and Financial. Materials in each series are further arranged in chronological order or by the person whom they relate to.
Correspondence includes letters to and from John and Joseph Kammerer, as well as George W. Jones and general correspondence relating to the family business.
The administrative series includes documents relating to running the business, such as insurance records, a mill ledger, prescription pads, and advertisements.
The financial series contains materials such as checks, invoices, and receipts relating to the Kammerer family business.
The foreign language materials are in a folder separate from the rest of the collection as they have not been translated at this time.
Source of Acquisition
This collection was purchased by Special Collections in two accruals in April 2018 and April 2019.
Rights Statement for Archival Description
The guide to the Kammerer Family Business Collection 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 Kammerer Family Business Collection was completed in December 2022.
- Title
- Kammerer Family Business Collection ,1842-1914, undated
- Status
- Completed
- Author
- Kat Zinn, Student Assistant, and Kira Dietz, Archivist
- Date
- 2023 (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