Virginia Military Institute -- Class of 1915

Contents Note Collection consists of the original manuscript score of the VMI Spirit (the official song of the Virginia Military Institute), written by Benjamin Bowering while he was as Assistant Professor at VMI in 1916. The manuscript is 10.5" x 12.5", with composition in pencil and annotations by the composer. The collection also includes on typescript letter (March 16, 1935) from Bowering to VMI's Librarian Nellie Gibbs, in which he explains the history of the song.

Scope and Contents The collection (ca. 21 items) includes transcripts of two oral history interviews. The first interview was conducted by J. Addison Hagan on January 20, 1967, concerning the Inchon Operation during the Korean War; the second was conducted by Capt. Thomas F. Fergusson on 25-30 March 1975"Reminscences of a Soldier; An Oral History of Lieutenant General Edward Mallory Almond, United States Army, 1892-1979". Other items include photograph (16 items), 1950-1951; misc. documents.

Scope and Contents VMI scrapbook compiled by Cadet Eli B. Springs. Includes clippings, programs, invitations, and other memorabilia from the academic years 1911-1912 and 1912-1913.

Also one scrapbook page (fragment) dating from Springs's service in France during World War I. Includes an armed forces "newspaper" called The Route Step (vol. 1 no. 1), dated July 15, 1918, "somewhere in France"; ticket stubs for military travel, and clippings.

Scope and Contents Official records from the administration of Richard J. Marshall, including annual reports and biographical file. Chronological correspondence files do not exist for this administration. Major activities of this administration are documented in the Minutes of the Board of Visitors

Contents Note Tangi Meli was a cadet social club organized ca. 1912, one of several such "semi-secret" societies that appeared in the years after fraternities were outlawed at VMI. Scrapbook (1912-1916) contains material about the club and VMI activities.