Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech
Special Collections and University Archives, University Libraries (0434)560 Drillfield Drive
Newman Library, Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, Virginia 24061
Business Number: 540-231-6308
specref@vt.edu
URL: http://spec.lib.vt.edu
Adrienne Glenney, Student Assistant, and Kira A. Dietz, Archivist
Administrative Information
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 for research.
Preferred Citation
Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], Benjamin Cottrell Papers, Ms1994-035, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.
Source of Acquisition
This collection was dontated to Special Collections in October 1993.
Processing Information
The processing, arrangement, and description of the Benjamin Cottrell Papers was completed in September 2013.
Biographical Note
Benjamin Cottrell graduated from Virginia Polytechnic Institute in 1916 with a bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering. He spent most of his life working in railroad and highway development in South America. He was a member of the VPI Alumni Century Club. Cottrell died in 1972.
Scope and Content
This collection contains the papers, photographs, diplomas, certificates, correspondence, and scrapbooks of Benjamin Cottrell. Cottrell graduated from VPI in 1916 and spent his career working as a highway and railroad engineer in Costa Rica and Bolivia. Much of the newspapers, scrapbooks, photographs, and other papers in the collection relate to his work abroad. Other materials relate to his activities as a VPI alumnus.
Arrangement
The collection is organized by material type.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
- Students and alumni
- University History
- Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College and Polytechnic Institute (1896-1944)
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute (1944-1970)
Rights Statement for Archival Description
The guide to the Benjamin Cottrell Papers by Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, is licensed under a CC0 ( https://creativecommons.org/share-your-work/public-domain/cc0/ ).
Container List
- box-folder 1 folder: 1
Address Books
- box-folder 1 folder: 2
Blank Postcards
- box-folder 1 folder: 3
Certificates and Awards
- box-folder 1 folder: 4
Correspondence
- box-folder 1 folder: 5
Watercolor Print of South American Church
- box 2
Century Club Member Brass Plaques1975-1983
- box 3
VPI Alumni Century Club Framed Award of Appreciationn.d.
- box 7
Carved Wooden Name Plaque
- box 7
Commemorative Medal
- folder 3
Awards1951-1954
- box 7
American Legion Philippines Cap
- box 7
Fez Freemason Cap
- box 7
"Last Spike Ceremony" Commemorative Railroad PegDecember 1960