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.

Conditions Governing Access

The collection is open to research.

Preferred Citation

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], William Gitt Journal, Ms1964-006, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Source of Acquisition

The William Gitt Journal was donated to Special Collections in 1964.

Processing Information

The processing, arrangement and description of the William Gitt Journal was completed in July 2009.

Biographical Note

William "Uncle Bill " Gitt was born c. 1860 in Newport, Virginia. He attended the Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College from 1877 to 1878. Gitt later lived in the Number 1 Barracks on campus and worked at the college doing various tasks for the cadets. In his journal, Gitt describes getting paid $7.50 a month and doing work like laundry, banking, and post office visits on behalf of the cadets attending the Virginia Polytechnic Institute. In the 1930s, Gitt lived at the City Alms House in Roanoke, Virginia.

Scope and Content

This collection contains the journal kept from September through November 1912 by William "Uncle Bill " Gitt. Gitt was living on the campus of the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and describes interactions with the cadets as well as odd jobs he performed while living on campus. Gitt also mentions sporting events, the Rat Parade, and other events that took place on campus while he lived there.

There is also an advertisement card from "Old Socks " saying that Uncle Bill will take shoes to the hand cobbler on behalf of the cadets.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

• Faculty and staff
• Students and alumni
• University History
• Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College and Polytechnic Institute (1896-1944)

Rights Statement for Archival Description

The guide to the William Gitt Journal by Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, is licensed under a CC0 ( https://creativecommons.org/share-your-work/public-domain/cc0/ ).